Nissan Tests New Metamaterial Thermal Coating

Nissan has been at the forefront of automotive innovation, recently unveiling a groundbreaking paint technology that could revolutionize the way we think about cooling systems in vehicles. Teaming up with Radi-Cool, a specialist in radiative cooling products, Nissan has developed a paint that incorporates a metamaterial, a synthetic composite material with unique properties not typically found in nature.

The metamaterial paint utilizes two microstructure particles that react to light in innovative ways. One particle reflects near-infrared rays from sunlight, which would normally generate heat within the resin of traditional paint. The second particle is the real game-changer, as it creates electromagnetic waves that counteract the sun's rays, redirecting energy away from the vehicle and into the atmosphere. Together, these particles significantly reduce heat transfer into surfaces like the roof, hood, doors, and panels.

As part of a 12-month feasibility trial conducted at Tokyo International Air Terminal at Haneda, Nissan tested the paint on a Nissan NV100 service vehicle operated by All Nippon Airways (ANA) airport services. The open tarmac at Haneda airport provided the perfect setting for real-world evaluation of the paint's performance in a high-temperature environment. Results showed a remarkable up to 12°C reduction in exterior surface temperatures and up to 5°C cooler interior temperatures compared to vehicles with traditional paint when parked under the sun.

The benefits of this innovative paint technology are not just limited to temperature reduction. By lowering the interior temperature of the vehicle, the need for air-conditioning is reduced, resulting in lower energy consumption and less strain on the battery of electric vehicles. Dr. Susumu Miura, senior manager at the Advanced Materials and Processing Laboratory, Nissan Research Center, expressed his vision of creating cooler cars without consuming excess energy, especially crucial in the era of electric vehicles.

Metamaterials have traditionally been used in the RF field, presenting unique challenges when adapting them for automotive applications. Dr. Miura and his team have conducted extensive testing on over 100 samples since 2021 to ensure the paint meets Nissan's stringent quality standards. The paint, currently evaluated at a thickness of 120 microns, has shown resistance to salt, chipping, peeling, scratches, and chemical reactions, while maintaining color consistency and repairability. Ongoing research aims to explore thinner options that offer the same level of cooling performance.