In Japan, where scorching summer temperatures have been breaking records every year, various measures are being taken to reduce summer air-conditioning electricity consumption. Among such measures, thermal barrier coating technologies utilizing highly-reflective or heat-insulating paints have recently been drawing attention. For example, as a countermeasure against the urban heat island effect, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) has been subsidizing coating buildings with highly-reflective paints since 2005 under its Cool-Roof Project.

"Para-Thermo" is one of the thermal barrier paints approved by TMG. Developed by Nihon Tokushu Toryo Co., a major Japanese paint manufacturer, it uses coating technologies developed for next-generation supersonic transport aircraft. Combining special heat-reflecting pigment and special ceramics, "Para-Thermo" reflects sunlight and throws off heat very effectively; good results are obtained when it is applied to metallic or other inorganic materials. It is mainly used for roofs, and helps decrease attic temperatures by 15 to 20 degrees Celsius compared to conventional roof paints.

Originally, thermal barrier paints were intended exclusively for engines and mechanical appliances. However, their isothermal effectiveness on building walls and roofs is now attracting attention, and many paint manufacturers are competing with each other to develop better thermal barrier paints.


- Tokyo Government Announces 2006 Cool-Roof Projects (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/db/1453-e

Posted: 2008/01/24 10:47:53 PM
Japanese version

TAG Eco-product/Business , Global warming , Local government , Manufacturing industry