An ancient bright blue pigment first used 5,000 years ago is giving modern scientists clues toward the development of new nanomaterials that could be the basis for futuristic gadgets.
Egyptian blue, one of the first pigments known to man, has potential uses in state-of-the-art medical imaging devices, television remote controls and other telecommunications technology, new research claims.
Regarded as humanity’s first synthetic pigment, it was used in paintings on tombs, statues, papyrii and other objects throughout the ancient Mediterranean world.
However, after the end of the Roman era, Egyptian blue fell into disuse and the secrets of its creation were forgotten.
But now researchers from the University of Georgia have found that Egyptian blue can be rolled into nanosheets so thin that thousands would fit across the width of a human hair.
Not only that, but the sheets produce invisible infra-red radiation similar to the beams that communicate between remote controls and TVs, car door locks and other telecommunications devices.