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that the materials used on exterior façades can have a significant impact on the temperature inside a building.When infrared radiation from the sun strikes the surface of a building, some of it is reflected and some is absorbed in the form of heat. This causes the exterior wall of the building to increase in temperature, and this heat is subsequently transmitted to the interior of the building. Thanks to innovative technology and smart formulation modelling software, our researchers have developed strategies to increase the solar reflectivity of our coatings. We have carefully managed the pigments we use in our paints to create striking colours while at the same time significantly increasing the amount of infrared radiation which is reflected by building façades. The result is a difference of up to 5°C between a façade coated with a normal exterior paint and one coated with our Dulux Weathershield Keep Cool products. Computer simulation modelling has also demonstrated energy cost savings of up to 10 to 15 per cent, depending on the type of building. And this is achieved simply as a result of less energy being required to cool the inside of the building. This type of cooling effect is available in a variety of decorative and performance coatings within the AkzoNobel portfolio. CLEAN AIRAir pollution is another challenging urbanization issue, especially in growing cities in emerging markets. Harmful air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) are recognised health and environmental issues being faced by urban communities. NOx (NO, NO2) are predominantly generated by the combustion of nitrogen in vehicle engines. NOx pollution is flagged as a contributory factor in respiratory diseases and can react with many other chemicals to create further, harmful pollutants. Photoactive Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) is a well-established technology for depollution and self-cleaning. When UV radiation strikes a photoactive TiO2 molecule, highly reactive free radicals are formed. These radicals react with organic materials and can decompose air pollutants into less harmful materials. This reactivity can also decompose other unwanted material, such as dirt, helping to maintain cleaner façades for longer. Incorporating photoactive TiO2 into coatings is not an easy task, because its reactivity is so high that it can even degrade the paint film itself. Our researchers are working on technologies to stabilize depollution paints without compromising general coatings properties, particularly with high durability in harsh climatic conditions such as tropical areas. The ultimate aim is to offer customers around the world a technical solution for covering millions of square meters of façade with depollution solutions, with the potential to help clean millions of cubic meters of air. One of our clear commitments as a company is to help create more Human Cities around the world. We are using our three key strengths – essential ingredients, essential protection and essential colour – to energize communities and make them more liveable and inspiring. Our researchers and scientists will therefore continue to search for new and innovative ways in which coatings can increasingly play a more significant role in addressing the great urbanization challenges that lie ahead. ■Contact Details:AkzoNobel Research Development & Innovation, Director, Global Exterior Wall Paint Expertise & Research GroupAkzoNobel Research Development & Innovation, Director, South East South Asia Middle East Pamela PhuaTel : +65 9027 9663E-mail : pamela.phua@akzonobel.comFor media enquiries, please contact:AkzoNobel CommunicationsSouth East & South Asia, Middle East, Australasia & AfricaAngela TanTel: +65 9879 3166E-mail: angela.tan@akzonobel.com