Amid rising temperatures, Filipino ingenuity shines with an innovative product that promises to slash indoor heat temperatures by 30-60%, offering a revolutionary solution inspired by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) spacecraft technology.
The groundbreaking thermal insulating powder developed by Engineer Dexter De Castro from Naga City, Camarines Sur, vows to transform how people combat indoor heat while offering an effective and affordable solution.
The thermal insulating powder, marketed as Dexpro TIP, can be used to paint or coat buildings for residential, commercial, or industrial use.
This innovation has the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, making it not only important within local contexts but also globally relevant.
Engr. De Castro said the inspiration came from NASA space shuttles.
“Itong space shuttle kang NASA, hali siya sa space kapag naglalaog siya sa Earth. Ang pig-coating ninda duman sa surface kang space shuttles is pre-cracked na ceramic tiles nganing dae masulo si tao sa laog kang space shuttle kapag naglalaog sa atmosphere kang Earth. Mas halangkaw ang silica content, alumina, asin nanoceramic particles [kaito],” the 46-year-old engineer told Balitang Bicolandia.
(“When a NASA space shuttle returns to Earth from outer space, the coated pre-cracked ceramic tiles on its surface prevent the people inside from getting burned as the space shuttle enters the Earth’s atmosphere. It has a higher content of silica, alumina, and nanoceramic particles.”)
The paint’s composition is known for its thermal stability, hardness, and resistance to high temperatures. This combination ensures the paint provides superior thermal insulation, much like the pre-cracked ceramic tiles used on NASA’s shuttles.
A Filipino engineer invented an insulating powder that can lessen indoor heat by up to 60%. Sounds exciting, especially in tropical countries like the Philippines!
Read about this invention at https://t.co/aWAMwJnV0s https://t.co/kOMa1MqF5o
— Judith Mariano (@duediiespicable) July 3, 2024
De Castro shared how his invention has been made affordable. “Ginawa natin ‘yong technology na ‘yon in powder form para magamit ng bawat Pilipino sa murang halaga na kapag hinalo mo sa pintura sa bubong o pintura sa wall, o kahit sa skin coat o sa plastering ng cement, merong option ang bawat isa na gamitin sya sa maraming paraan,” the Bicolano inventor said in a Facebook video posted by the University of Nueva Caceres.
(“We developed the technology in powder form so that every Filipino can afford the price. It can be used in various ways, whether mixed into roof or wall paint, or even in skin coat or cement plastering.”)
Engr. Junval Parco tested Dexpro TIP in real-world conditions and attests to its effectiveness. Parco had observed the surge in demand for the powder, driven by clients seeking its rooftop application.
“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 ngani, okay na, bako na gayo mainit,” Parco said in an interview with Balitang Bicolandia.
(“Before, when I leaned against my wall to sleep – it was hot. But after I applied this [powder], with just two coatings, it was okay and no longer hot.”)
Engr. De Castro’s Dexpro TIP is priced at PHP1,620 per bucket or PHP330 per kilogram, making its advanced cooling benefits affordable and accessible to a wider audience.
De Castro says he aims to patent his invention, which typically takes 48 months due to its unique characteristics. This period is allotted to fully protect and validate his invention.
Senior Science Research Specialist Angelyn Otilla from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) emphasized the importance of patents. “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 imbensyon mo, dae magagamit kang iba,” Otilla told Balitang Bicolandia.
(“Filing for patent registration protects the intellectual property of an individual. This means that when you obtain a patent, you are given protection for your invention, preventing others from using it.”)
Dexpro TIP has gone beyond use for residential origins, earning the trust of the Department of Health’s Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (DOH-RITM) for the renovation of its FE-TM Laboratory.
RITM sought the most effective thermal insulation solution to safeguard their specialized laboratory equipment for infectious disease research, diagnosis, training, and biological production,
The endorsement underscores the paint’s exceptional capability to maintain optimal conditions for highly sensitive equipment, showcasing its reliability and superior performance in critical environments.
As Filipinos face escalating temperatures and energy demands, the promise of Dexpro TIP represents a stride towards sustainable urban development and climate resilience.
With endorsements from engineers and plans for broader distribution, Dexpro TIP stands poised to revolutionize the building and construction industry. It offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for thermal insulation, poised to become a game-changer in sustainable construction practices.
Another Filipino invention that eases lives was made by Engineering professor Aisa Mijeno who invented an alternative lighting system using salt and water.
Filipino chemists from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute developed an abaca-based non-woven fabric that can help save the environment from toxic pollutants and contaminants introduced by Filipino chemist
Their narratives underscore the ingenuity of Filipinos in addressing critical environmental issues, showcasing their ability to contribute impactful solutions that resonate beyond national borders.
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