A new type of automotive paint that can change color or glow at twilight or in fog is currently being developed in laboratories in Germany.
However, it will take another 10-15 years before this color-changing paint appears on regular vehicles, said Philipp Oechsner, the executive director of the FPL Color Research Institute in Stuttgart. This innovation aims to enhance vehicle safety, making cars more visible in low light or unsuitable weather conditions.
This color-changing paint is just one of a series of high-tech ideas unveiled by German scientists yesterday. The days of paint being used solely for protection against rust and aesthetics are long gone. Another proposed idea involves applying a rough coating to cars, ships, and airplanes, resembling shark skin.
Research has shown that shark skin enables it to glide better in water, and if the creature could fly, it would have superior aerodynamic properties compared to smooth skin. This raises hopes that vehicles with a textured paint could require less energy and, consequently, save fuel.
Another future technology is conductive paint. If any metallic part of an aircraft cracks, the paint will also develop cracks. A paint control device will emit a warning light to alert the cockpit.
While this paint remains a distant prospect, the industry has already begun producing ultra-tough automotive coatings that can resist scratches from keys or razors.
Another innovation for cars is self-cleaning paint, which is particularly useful in hospitals—microbes adhering to the paint will self-destruct.
Researchers also hope to introduce a wall paint that can neutralize cigarette smoke instead of turning yellow within the next 2-5 years. This paint will contain pigments that react to cigarette ash. A similar paint for restaurants will also include pigments that neutralize food odors.
The industry is also on track to create anti-graffiti paint. With just a wipe, the sprayed colors will vanish.