BRDF measurements of a new IR black coating with lower reflectance

A new coating, whose specular reflectance at far-infrared wavelengths is considerably less than that of either Ames 24E2 or Martin Infrablack and whose diffuse IR reflectance is less than that of Ames 24E2, has been developed through cooperation of NASA-Ames Research Center and Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corporation. The new coating is called Ball IR Black. This new coating is harder and more robust than Ames 24E2 and has a lower tendency to shed particles. It is also rougher and thicker than Ames 24E2. At least two lines of evidence point toward multiple scatter among the huge surface facets of this coating as the principal mechanism behind its lower IR reflectance. A special technique to permit spray application of the coating (which contains SiC grinding compound) has been developed at Ball ATC and may be responsible for the unusually large surface facets.