China Just Upgraded Vantablack So It Can Actually Be Used On Cars
Chinese researchers developed an ultra-black automotive coating combining nanoscale carbon black and carbon nanotubes that absorbs over 99.90% of light, withstands high humidity, and survived 10-day water submersion without visible degradation. The coating demonstrates a scalable production method for carbon nanotube-based finishes with improved adhesion, though long-term scratch, abrasion, and UV durability remain untested.
Researchers in China have developed a new ultra-black coating for vehicles that utilizes carbon nanotubes and nanoscale carbon black. This innovation offers a finish nearly as dark as Vantablack, which absorbs 99.97% of light, but is more practical for automotive use. The original Vantablack, made from carbon nanotubes, was not suitable for cars due to its fragility.
The new coating combines carbon nanotubes with carbon black, which are more readily available materials. This combination allows for better sourcing and supply, as the carbon black settles on and within the nanotubes. The finish scatters light across the surfaces of the carbon black particles, creating microscopic peaks and valleys that absorb over 99.90% of light. Although slightly less effective than Vantablack, it remains exceptionally dark.
This new formula is designed to withstand environmental conditions. It can endure 95% humidity at 104°F and has shown no visible deterioration after being submerged in water for 10 days. The research emphasizes the importance of adhesion for automotive applications, a decisive factor in the coating's development.
While the coating has been tested for humidity and submersion, its long-term durability on vehicles, including resistance to scratches, abrasions, and UV exposure, remains unexamined. The study, published in Matter & Light, indicates that carbon black alone absorbs 99.8% of light, with nanotubes enhancing this by 0.05%. This small difference is significant when achieving an ultra-black finish.
Ultra-black coatings offer a unique aesthetic, making vehicles stand out during the day by hiding their 3D design elements. However, they pose challenges at night, as the vehicles can blend into the darkness. This development caters to a niche market of car buyers seeking distinctiveness, similar to custom paint jobs and vinyl wraps.
Source: Carbon Nanotubes Feed