Ultra-dark automotive coating blends carbon black and nanotubes to trap 99.9% of light

Researchers have developed a new ultrablack coating for cars by combining carbon black pigment with carbon nanotubes in a structure that traps light, achieving absorption of more than 99.9% of visible light while meeting humidity, water-resistance, and adhesion tests and compatible with standard spray-coating processes. This approach aims to overcome manufacturability and durability limits of nanotube-only coatings like Vantablack, potentially enabling luxury, deeply black finishes in automotive and other applications.