Revolutionary new paint technology could have a drastic effect on a Formula 1 car
In this technology driven era, F1 cars might gain advantage with the new paint innovations.
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Various elements contribute to the performance of a Formula 1 car. One significant aspect is the paint. The Formula 1 team shifted from glossy to matte finish paint to reduce the car’s weight. This gives them an advantage on the track. By eliminating the shiny element, they can save a few grams. Though it might not sound like much, in Formula 1, it is.
For the 2023 season, Mercedes and the other teams have exposed carbon fiber on their cars instead of paint. This was to help them shed extra weight and gain performance. While the teams calculate very minute detail to help them gain an advantage over the others, a revolutionary new paint technology has been created by researcher Debashis Chanda from the University of Central Florida. This could be a game-changer in Formula 1.
In the words of F1 car expert Vincenzo Landino, “Inspired by nature’s structural colour, this ultra-light, cooling paint offers compelling benefits like reduced weight and improved fuel efficiency, which could significantly impact race track performance. The team at UCF developed a paint consisting of tiny aluminum flakes embedded with even smaller aluminum nanoparticles. This means a thicker, more vivid colour with minimal material. The benefits don’t end there: unlike conventional paint, this new paint reflects infrared radiation, keeping surfaces cooler by 20-30°F.”
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“Because structural colour can blanket an entire surface with just an ultralight layer, Chanda thinks this will be a game changer for airlines. A Boeing 747 needs about 500kg of paint. It’s estimated that this paint could cover the same area with 1.3 kilograms.” However, Landino added that there is a long way from being adopted. He believes the potential benefits are enormous.
Formula 1 has given more importance to sustainability over the years. This new paint technology focuses on sustainability and innovation. Ultralight cooling paint could be the next big thing in racing technology, according to Landino. In warm tracks like the Bahrain International Circuit, this paint could keep the surface cooler. This could be a massive addition to Formula 1. Not to forget, it also helps with weight reduction.
This is an alternative way to produce colored paint that is natural. It is environmentally friendly and lightweight. This could also bring back the vibrant colors in a Formula 1 car and less carbon fiber. This has not been applied yet and is in theory. But this could be a game-changing breakthrough if applied correctly. Formula 1 is welcoming of various innovations, there is no reason for them not to give this energy-saving paint, inspired by butterflies a shot.
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Sugantha Meena
(493 Articles Published)