Black 3.0 and Vantablack are two of the blackest materials known to humankind. Both claim to be the “blackest black” with unique properties that absorb up to 99% of visible light. But which one is truly the blackest?
What is Black 3.0?
Black 3.0 is an ultra-black acrylic paint developed by artist Stuart Semple in 2019. It was created as the “blackest black” in response to Vantablack, which was exclusively licensed to artist Anish Kapoor. Black 3.0 absorbs up to 99% of visible light by using high concentrations of pigments, leaving almost no light to bounce off the surface.
Some key facts about Black 3.0:
– Developed by Stuart Semple in 2019
– Acrylic-based paint
– Absorbs up to 99% of visible light
– Appears to be a flat, matte black with no shine
– Available to purchase by anyone online
Black 3.0 has been used by artists and creative professionals who want access to an extremely dark black pigment. It’s especially popular for art, projects, and coatings that require ultra-low reflectance.
What is Vantablack?
Vantablack is a material developed by the company Surrey NanoSystems in the UK. It was first introduced in 2014. Vantablack is composed of vertically aligned nanotube arrays and is one of the darkest substances known, absorbing up to 99.965% of visible light.
Some key facts about Vantablack:
– Developed by Surrey NanoSystems in 2014
– Made of aligned carbon nanotubes
– Absorbs up to 99.965% of visible light
– Appears to be a flat, matte black with no shine
– Exclusively licensed to artist Anish Kapoor
Vantablack is primarily used in scientific and engineering applications. It’s been used in fields like aerospace, optics, and astronomy. It remains relatively exclusive due to its complex production process.
Comparison of Light Absorption
The key metric for comparing the two is visible light absorption. Here is how Black 3.0 and Vantablack compare:
| Material | Light Absorption |
|---|---|
| Black 3.0 | 99% |
| Vantablack | 99.965% |
According to their specifications, Vantablack absorbs slightly more visible light than Black 3.0 – about 99.965% versus 99%. However, the difference is very small and likely not detectable to the human eye. From a visual perspective, they appear equally black.
Appearance
Both Vantablack and Black 3.0 appear to be completely flat black with almost no discernible surface features. There is no visible shine or reflection.
When applied to a 3D object, Vantablack and Black 3.0 visually flatten it and erase dimensions, depriving the viewer of cues for depth and shape. A Vantablack or Black 3.0 coated object appears to be a flat void.
This makes both materials unique in how they appear optically “flat” even when applied to complex 3D forms. The ultra-low reflectance means almost no light is bouncing off the surface, creating an illusion of infinite depth rather than shape.
Availability and Cost
One major difference between the two is availability and cost.
Black 3.0 can be purchased by anyone online for around $30 per 150mL bottle. It’s an acrylic paint that can be readily applied to different materials and 3D objects with normal painting techniques.
Vantablack remains relatively exclusive and is not available to purchase by the public. It requires specialized equipment and processes to apply the aligned carbon nanotube arrays. Access is restricted to scientific institutions, with limited commercial applications by licensed partners. It is estimated to cost thousands of dollars per square inch to apply.
So Black 3.0 provides an ultra-black material that is more accessible and affordable for a range of creative uses. Vantablack remains restricted for niche scientific and engineering applications that justify its complex fabrication methods.
Toxicity and Safety
Black 3.0 is an acrylic paint and considered non-toxic when dry. It presents a low safety risk with standard handling precautions for paints.
Vantablack contains carbon nanotubes, which may have adverse health effects if inhaled. Strict safety protocols are required for handling and application to avoid exposure. Long-term toxicity is still being evaluated.
For general artistic and creative uses, Black 3.0 has the advantage of being a safer alternative while still providing an extremely dark black coloration. Professional PPE should still be used to minimize any solvent vapors.
Permanence and Durability
Black 3.0 exhibits moderate permanence and durability when properly applied to surfaces. Like other acrylic paints, it adheres well to materials including metal, plastic, wood, canvas, and masonry. It provides a matte black finish that is highly light absorbent.
However, Black 3.0 may gradually fade, scratch or wear over time with exposure to abrasion, weathering, or UV light. Touch-ups may be required on surfaces that experience heavy use. It also remains soluble in water.
Vantablack has higher permanence when bonded to materials at the molecular level. The mechanically robust carbon nanotube arrays are chemically and thermally stable. Vantablack coatings are designed to withstand temperature, friction, and degradation over time. It also cannot be removed with solvents after application.
For long-lasting applications in demanding conditions, Vantablack may better maintain its ultra-black properties over extended time periods.
Creative and Artistic Uses
Black 3.0 has become popular for a range of creative uses among artists, designers, architects, and even hobbyists. Its acrylic formulation allows it to be readily applied to different materials and surfaces like a normal paint.
Some creative uses of Black 3.0 include:
– Painting canvases and sculptures
– Coating 3D printed objects
– Painting automotive and motorcycle parts
– Creating ultra-black backdrops for photography
– Refinishing furniture and décor pieces
– Coating guitar bodies and musical equipment
Vantablack remains restricted primarily for scientific and engineering applications. But some artists like Anish Kapoor have been granted exclusive access to use Vantablack for artistic works and installations.
For most public and commercial creative uses, Black 3.0 provides an ultra-black option without the exclusivity restrictions of Vantablack.
Conclusion
While Vantablack has a slightly higher technical rating of visible light absorption, Black 3.0 comes remarkably close at a fraction of the cost and accessibility restrictions. For most practical purposes, the two materials appear equally black to the human eye.
Black 3.0 provides an affordable and usable ultra-black paint option to the public. But Vantablack remains the champion for niche applications that require permanent bondability to substrates and the utmost light absorption over time.
Both represent cutting-edge materials pushing the boundaries of perceived blackness. Ongoing advances and new technologies will continue this race toward the elusive “perfect” black. But for now, Black 3.0 satisfies the need for an ultra-black material available to the masses.