Researchers from the University of Kobe in Japan have created a new “Structural Colorful Colorfuls Ink” that displays bright colors at a wide angle of view and does not fade. The ink has a thickness of only 100-200 nanometers and weighs less than 0.5 g per square meter. The team achieved this by using microscopic crystalline spheres of silicon, which reflect certain wavelengths of light much stronger than others.
Conventional paints and pigments absorb and reflect light, leading to fading over time. In contrast, structural colors, such as those found in butterfly wings and peacock feathers, rely on nanostructures to reflect a full range of light without absorption. This gives them a magnificent shimmering effect but can also cause dazzling overflows at different viewing angles.
One layer of the newly developed structured ink demonstrates bright colors and weighs less than 0.5 g per square meter, making it one of the lightest color coatings in the world. This lightweight property makes it particularly suitable for the aviation industry, where reducing weight can lead to fuel savings. Currently, aircraft require a significant amount of paint, but using the structured ink could reduce the weight to less than 10% of the current amount while also eliminating the need for repainting due to its non-fading properties.
The University of Kobe has shared a video showcasing the properties and applications of the structural colorful ink:
The development of such a lightweight and non-fading ink can have significant benefits for the aviation industry, especially considering the long-term economy and maintenance of aircraft that have been in operation for several decades.