New Pigment Free Paint is Inspired by Butterflies
Pigment-free paint is a new type of paint that is inspired by nature and could have a positive impact on the environment. It was developed by a researcher at the university of Florida who was inspired by his childhood fascination with butterflies.
What is Pigment Free Paint?
Pigment free paint is informed by the “natural technology” in the wings of the butterflies that produce the beautiful hues found there. Instead of creating color through synthetic pigments, it produces what is known as “structural color.” This is different from the way traditional paint absorbs, reflects and scatters light.
Traditional paint is produced by the electronic properties of the pigment molecules. Structural color is created by the geometric arrangement of nanoscale structures. The difference between the two materials has big implications for the environmental impact of paint.
To make traditional paint, new molecules have to be synthesized for each of the pigments that go into a paint hue, which are then mixed into paint that absorbs and reflects light to produce the overall color we see. Pigment free paint technology is designed using already existing metals that don’t have to be synthesized, instead arranged in certain formations that reflect or absorb light to create a particular color. This reduces toxic byproduct and toxic degradation of paint. Pigment free external paint may last for centuries, compared to traditional paint, which degrades. It is also more light-weight and covers a greater area, reducing the amount of paint that needs to be used.
Another positive benefit of pigment-free paint is that it can absorb heat. Because it absorbs most of the infrared spectrum it could have a substantial cooling effect on buildings that could be beneficial for managing the effects of climate change.
Is it Available in Stores?
No, not yet. As it is expensive to produce in a lab, the technology will need to scale up before it can be available commercially.
Innovative paint technology is an emerging area of green interior design, exterior design, biophilic design and biomimicry, which are design practices that reduce harm to the biosphere. Traditional exterior and interior paint often contains toxic chemicals that can be harmful for the environment during production and harmful for health when the paint is applied. There are alternatives to traditional paint that contain less of the harmful chemical solvents, known as volatile organic compounds.
What is Biophilic design?
Biophilic design is design inspired by nature that aims to achieve a harmonious balance with the nature and reduce harm to animals, plants and humans. Biomimicry describes innovation and design that mimics the natural “technology” and mechanisms of biological organisms. Pigment-free paint is an example of researchers looking to nature to design technology that is more efficient and low impact because it mimics the harmonious design already present in the environment.
There are many innovative technologies and design strategies that can help bring biophilic design, green interior and exterior design and biomimicry into our homes. Since there is so much to learn, it can be overwhelming starting out on these projects. If you are embarking on a home design project or redesign project and you need support with your biophilic design vision, our green interior design and biophilic design consultants have been researching the science of green design and biophilic design for ten years. We have the design knowledge and design connections that can help you develop your green interior or exterior design visions and find the right professionals to make it a reality. We can consult with you remotely or sit down with you at our offices in Brooklyn, NYC, San Diego, CA and Paris, Francis. Please contact us to learn more about how we can help with your green interior design or biophilic design project.
