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Benzylcyanocoumarin-based NIR reflective coatings enhance LiDAR detection and thermal management for autonomous vehicles
A bilayered black coating system using benzylcyanocoumarin dyes achieves high near-infrared reflectance for automotive LiDAR detection while reducing heat accumulation. The innovative coatings offer improved durability and optical performance compared to traditional carbon black solutions.
The optical properties of exterior vehicle coatings play a crucial role in the LiDAR detection performance of autonomous vehicles. Researchers have developed a novel bilayered black coating system that combines benzylcyanocoumarin derivative dyes with highly durable PB15 pigments, achieving superior near-infrared (NIR) reflectance and thermal management while maintaining a visually black appearance.
The innovative coatings demonstrated reflectance below 5 % in the visible range, paired with reflectance values of 67.8 % at 905 nm and 48.8 % at 1550 nm, the primary LiDAR wavelengths. This represents up to an eightfold improvement in LiDAR detection compared to conventional carbon black coatings. Additionally, the NIR photothermal blocking effect significantly reduces surface heating, lowering temperatures by at least 30 °C, which contributes to enhanced energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
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Robust durability and colour stability
The coatings’ photophysical properties were optimised by tuning the amine substituents in benzylcyanocoumarin dyes, verified through UV–Vis spectroscopy and time-dependent density functional theory calculations. The Dm-Black and De-Black coating variants maintained exceptional photostability, with a colour-difference below 1 after 216 hours of UV irradiation and thermal aging at 120 °C.
These results underline the potential of dye-based black coatings for autonomous vehicle applications, combining improved LiDAR detection, long-term durability, and reduced heat accumulation. The technology offers promising advancements in both optical and thermal management for modern automotive designs.
Source: Jang, S. H., Ko, J., Seong, J., Choi, W. J., Lee, D. J., Kim, S. H., et al. (2025). Evaluation of optical and thermal properties of benzylcyanocoumarin and its application in NIR reflective black coatings for automotive LiDAR detection. Progress in Organic Coatings, 109776. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.porgcoat.2025.109776
