Filipino ingenuity truly knows no bounds. Inspired by technology developed by NASA, Naga City’s Engr. Dexter de Castro has invented a product that cools down homes and other structures.
His thermal insulation powder invention, developed in 2019 and now patent-pending, is meant to be mixed into paint and other materials such as concrete. When the mixture is applied to roofs and walls, the substance causes a significant 30% to 60% reduction in indoor temperatures.
Global Inspiration, Local Application
De Castro drew inspiration for his product from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the U.S. civil space program. The space shuttles made by the global leader in space exploration are coated with pre-cracked ceramic tiles with high silica content, alumina, and nano ceramic particles.
The Filipino engineer replicated this technology using locally sourced soil and silica clay or white clay to come up with a remarkable mixture that combats heat and improves energy efficiency in homes.
Engineer-Tested
The heat-resistant powder was tested in 2023 by another engineer. Mr. Junval Parco applied it to his own home’s walls, which were directly exposed to the sun’s heat. He observed a drop in temperature after just two coatings of paint mixed with de Castro’s product.
He said, “Dati kapag nagsandal ako sa wall ko kapag maturog ako mainiton. After na mai-apply ko ito [na powder], at least mga two coatings lang nani, okay na, bako na gayo mainit.” (It used to be that when I’d lean on my wall during sleep, I’d feel intense heat. After I applied only 2 coatings of this powder, the heat had already lessened.)
Engr. Parco now uses de Castro’s thermal insulating powder in his residential projects. So far, his clients have given him positive feedback.
The thermal insulating powder is sold for Php 1,620 per bucket and Php 330 per kilo. It is available in leading local online shopping platforms.
Patent-Protected
De Castro is now obtaining a patent for his innovative product, which typically takes 48 months to process when the product has unique characteristics.
“Ang filing for patent registration [ay] nagpo-protect kang intellectual property kang sarong tao. Ibig sabihon, kapag ika, nag-rent ning patent, tatawan ka ning proteksyon na itong imbensyong mo, dae magagamit kang iba. Ika, sa sadiri mo, nagkakaigwa ka ning security sa imbensiyon mo,” (Filing for patent registration protects the intellectual property of a person. What this means is, if you rent a patent, it will give you protection for your invention, no one will be able to use it. You yourself will have security in your invention,) Angelyn Otilla, a Senior Science Research Specialist from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Camarines Sur, said.
Source: Bicolano engineer develops thermal insulating powder