Acktar Black vs. Vantablack – what is the difference?
To fully appreciate the light absorption properties of Acktar black and Vantablack, it’s crucial to recognize that despite their similar ability to absorb visible light.
Acktar black excels at absorbing light in the far infrared light through the visible and all the way to the far ultraviolet, giving it an advantage in a broader range of applications whole Vantablack is optimized for visible light absorption only.
Acktar black is superior over Vantablack in the ability to absorb light at extreme angles makes it an effective solution for blocking or absorbing light from various directions.
Acktar black is considered to be more environmentally friendly than Vantablack due to its inorganic composition and extremely low outgassing properties.
In contrast, Vantablack is made of carbon nanotubes, which may have some outgassing and potential environmental concerns. Additionally, Acktar black is REACH/RoHS compliant, indicating that it meets the requirements of European regulations for the safe use of chemicals.
Overall, while both coatings offer unique advantages, Acktar black may be the more environmentally friendly option.
Acktar black and Vantablack are used in space projects for their low reflectance and high emissivity properties.
Acktar black is a more popular choice due to its inorganic composition and low outgassing properties, while Vantablack’s carbon nanotube composition may have outgassing and environmental concerns.
Another significant advantage of Acktar black is its wider temperature range compared to Vantablack. Acktar black can withstand a wider range of temperatures spanning -269°C to +450°C, while Vantablack spans -196°C to +400°C. This makes Acktar black a better option for very high or very low-temperature applications, where other coatings may fail.
When it comes to adhesion, Acktar black also comes out on top. It has excellent adhesion to metals, glass, ceramics, and polymers, making it a versatile and easy-to-use option for various surfaces. In contrast, Vantablack requires a special substrate to achieve its full absorption potential.
Thickness is another area where Acktar black outperforms Vantablack. Acktar black is a thin coating that can conform to sharp edges and complex geometries, while Vantablack requires a relatively thick coating to achieve its full absorption potential.
Electric conductivity is another advantage of Acktar black. It is available in both conductive and non-conductive options, while Vantablack is not conductive. This makes Acktar black a more versatile option for various applications.
There are a few reasons why Acktar black is generally considered to be a more affordable option than Vantablack:
- Firstly, Acktar black is made from inorganic materials, which tend to be less expensive than carbon nanotubes, the primary material used in Vantablack. Carbon nanotubes are known to be expensive to produce, and this cost is likely reflected in the price of Vantablack.
- Secondly, Acktar black can be applied using methods which can be less expensive and more flexible than the specialized application methods required for Vantablack. Vantablack requires a highly controlled manufacturing process, and its application is typically performed by a select few companies with specialized equipment and expertise.
- Finally, the relative affordability of Acktar black may also be due to the fact that it has been on the market for a longer period of time and has a larger customer base, allowing for economies of scale in production and distribution.
In conclusion, Acktar black offers numerous advantages over Vantablack and other coatings on the market. Its high absorption, inorganic composition, thermal stability, adhesion, thickness, electric conductivity options, re-workability, and affordability make it the perfect one-stop-shop for your black coating needs. Whether you’re looking for a coating for high-temperature applications, complex geometries, or various surfaces, Acktar black has got you covered.
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The use of Acktar coatings yield major improvements in a wide range of products and applications.
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