Achieving Over 80% Near-Infrared Reflectance in Collaboration with a Domestic Paint Manufacturer
New Technology for Full Application to Next-Generation Naval Vessels
Enhanced Stealth Performance and Energy Efficiency
Hanwha Ocean (CEO Kim Heecheol) has succeeded in developing a coating with the industry's highest performance that can be applied to naval vessels.
This achievement is expected to significantly enhance operational capability and survivability in the operation of the next-generation naval vessels for the Republic of Korea Navy.
Hanwha Ocean, in collaboration with a domestic paint manufacturer, has developed a highly weather-resistant thermal insulation coating for naval vessels and has internally completed the related performance evaluation.
The highly weather-resistant thermal insulation coating refers to a paint that enables optimal performance under extreme climatic and marine conditions such as ultraviolet rays, wind, heat, and cold during vessel operation.
Expected Effects of Applying Heat-Resistant Coating to KDDX by Hanwha Ocean. Provided by Hanwha Ocean
Currently, major global defense industry leaders have adopted highly weather-resistant thermal insulation coatings as a standard to reduce infrared signals emitted from the hull, thereby improving the stealth performance of vessels in operation.
Hanwha Ocean's thermal insulation coating reflects over 80% of near-infrared rays, which are the main cause of temperature rise. This is up to 60% superior compared to the industry's average near-infrared reflectance rate. In addition, it has been shown to reduce the increase in internal temperature by up to 40%, making it recognized as the industry's top-level technology.
This thermal insulation coating is expected to play a decisive role in effectively suppressing the temperature rise of the vessel's hull and interior, thereby reducing the operation rate of cooling systems and improving the vessel's energy efficiency by up to 14%. Cooling systems are used to maintain the temperature inside existing vessels.
Hanwha Ocean's thermal insulation coating also greatly contributes to enhancing the stealth capabilities of vessels. As the hull temperature decreases, the infrared signals emitted externally are reduced, which in turn decreases the likelihood of detection by enemy ships.
In particular, the newly developed coating boasts higher durability than conventional coatings applied to ship exteriors by utilizing polysiloxane resin, a high-performance polymer resin.
Polysiloxane resin is a silicon-based polymer material that is resistant to heat, salinity, and acidity.
A Hanwha Ocean representative stated, "The newly developed coating is a new technology that will be fully applied to next-generation vessels and is considered one of the core elements of evolutionary design," adding, "Based on this, Hanwha Ocean will continue to enhance its competitiveness in securing orders in the naval vessel sector."
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