Disappointed to discover that existing super-blacks on the market either aren’t very black or aren’t even available to the public, the Horizon Black team has spent years in research and development to create a better alternative.
The new black is created by growing a nanoscale array of inorganic molecules on a specially etched aluminum substrate using a chemical deposition process. The shape and arrangement of molecules within these arrays allow them to trap the vast majority of incoming photons and then radiate that energy out in the form of heat rather than reflecting it as light.
Pieces are available in three sizes (45mm, 100mm, and 200mm), and each one comes fixed in a lucite acrylic display case with a removable transparent lid. It’s also possible to get the 200mm size without the display case for artwork or experimentation. Prices range from £59 to £259.
The Horizon Black team is currently leveraging the support of the Kickstarter community to fund the first full-scale production run of the new black.
Disturbingly Dark Objects
Horizon Black's New Nanotech Objects Absorb >99.9% of Visible Light
Trend Themes
1. Super-black Materials - Development of nanoscale arrays of inorganic molecules that trap the vast majority of incoming photons can revolutionize the manufacturing of super-black materials.
2. Heat-radiating Surfaces - The design of shapes and arrangements of molecules that radiate energy out in the form of heat could lead to the creation of heat-radiating surfaces for various electronic devices, reducing overheating and improving performance.
3. Crowdfunding for Deep-tech Innovation - The Horizon Black team's Kickstarter campaign could pave the way for deep-tech innovators to use crowdfunding as a means of funding full-scale production runs, eliminating the need for traditional investors.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Construction - Super-black materials can have significant implications in the construction of buildings, solar panels, and space applications, reflecting less heat and improving energy efficiency.
2. Electronics Manufacturing - Heat-radiating surfaces can be used in the manufacturing of various electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and gaming systems, improving performance and reducing overheating.
3. Materials Science - The development of nanoscale arrays of inorganic molecules that trap the vast majority of incoming photons can lead to the creation of other super-black materials, such as coatings for stealth technology, black paints, and textiles.