Increasing Emissivity

The surface characteristics of a material determine its emissivity. To increase a material’s emissivity, it is necessary to increase the emissivity of its surface. Following are several methods of altering a material’s surface to increase its emissivity. For a given material, one or more of these approaches may be effective. Choose the method that is easiest to apply/remove and that has minimum effect on the temperature of the material. Apply coatings, treatments, liquids, tapes, or powders as thin as possible to prevent altering the thermal behavior of the original material.

• Apply thin masking tape
• Apply thin polyimide tape with silicone adhesive
• Apply a thin layer of paint
• Apply a permanent surface treatment such as anodizing