NIR reflective lanthanum zirconate (La2Zr2O7) ceramic colorant and its solar heat reflective glaze coatings

Pyrochlore-type rare earth ceramics are ideal for high-temperature coatings due to their exceptionally low thermal conductivity, high-temperature stability, and chemical inertness. To reduce the impact of urban heat island effect, ceramic colorants and coatings made of such materials are now required. The impact of iron oxide chromophore is investigated in this study on pyrochlore type lanthanum zirconate (La2Zr2O7) to make solar heat reflecting ceramic yellow colorant, and the same is then used for creating multifunctional glaze coatings. Using appropriate methods, the impact of iron oxide on the morphological, optical, and solar heat reflection properties of the yellow colorant is examined. The pyrochlore crystal structure and 93% NIR reflectivity of lanthanum zirconate were not impacted by the doping of iron oxide. Additionally, the glaze coating developed from the yellow colorant, surface non-wettability, NIR reflectivity, and tinting behavior were comprehensively examined and presented for the first time. The findings strongly indicated that pyrochlore La2Zr2O7 is a candidate to produce ceramic functional materials and coatings with sustained energy savings. This work opens up fresh possibilities for functional glaze coating applications using the pyrochlore type ceramic materials.