Ferro Corporation

Gary L Nuccetelli

Daniel Russell Swiler

George E Sakoske

Enos Ayres Axtell, Iii

Terry J Detrie

Martin Baumann

Richard A Pipoly

Sean T Weir

Lei Wang

Michael J Hensel

David J Matalka

Raymond E Barnes

Jacqueline C Livingston

A pigment additive and resulting pigment are described that when incorporated in paints for example, significantly increases total solar reflectance. Also described are compositions utilizing the noted pigments, and related methods. The pigments are formed from iron oxide and/or chromium oxide and utilize as an additive, one or more phosphate compounds.

Pigment additive for improving solar reflectance

The present invention provides mixed metal oxide based special effect pigments that can be incorporated into optically thin binder systems to produce a 'metal flake' appearance that is superior to the 'metal flake' appearance presently achievable using conventional special effect pigments. Special effect pigments according to the invention comprise at least 10 wt % of mixed metal oxides that exhibit the McConnellite (CuCrO) crystal structure. Other metallic elements can be incorporated into the crystal lattice structure to alter the appearance effect of the pigments.

Special effect pigments

The present invention involves growing diatoms on a surface for the purpose of forming nanoscale-sized siliceous structures on the surface. In accordance with the invention, diatom films are grown on various substrates, which are then fired to remove all organic material from the diatoms and produce a surface coated with intricate, nanoscale-sized structures. The nanoscale-sized structured surface is subsequently treated with a hydrophobic film-forming agent to form a structured self-cleaning surface.

Structured self-cleaning surfaces and method of forming same

Growing community of inventors

Scenery Hill, PA, United States of America

Gary L Nuccetelli