China Develops Super-Black Coating Absorbing 99.90% of Light, Potentially Turning Cars into "Moving Shadows"

Ekhbary News Agency

Cairo — In a development that could redefine automotive paint, Chinese researchers have unveiled a novel super-black coating that absorbs more than 99.90% of light. This breakthrough opens the possibility of transforming vehicles into what could be described as "moving shadows," inspired by BMW's earlier Vantablack technology.

New Technology with a Chinese Touch

The Chinese approach differs from the original Vantablack by integrating carbon nanoparticles with carbon nanotubes in a simpler, more cost-effective formulation. This microscopic structure traps and absorbs light almost entirely, creating an illusion of minimal surface detail.

Durability and Environmental Resilience

Beyond its extreme darkness, the new coating has undergone rigorous durability testing. It has proven capable of withstanding high humidity levels of 95% at 40°C and even survived complete submersion in water for ten consecutive days without significant degradation. While these results are promising for future commercial applications, further testing is still required.

For what it's worth, this advancement might signal an end to the limited use of ultra-light-absorbing paints, paving the way for new frontiers in automotive design and advanced materials.