A review on surface control of thermal radiation by paints and coatings for new energy applications

Emission of thermal radiation from a surface can be controlled spectrally and spatially, and the polarization and coherence of the radiation field can be modified. Of the various methods available for altering the radiation properties from a surface, paint and coatings possess a clear advantage regarding the cost, ease of application and simplicity. In this paper, we comprehensively review the capabilities of paint and coating technologies for emission control and for possible new energy-related applications. We also present an overview of the involved theories, common design and fabrication methods and possible future research opportunities to optimize these paints and coatings for spectral selectivity for specific applications. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.