IR reflective performance of ZnO: Dy pigment on glass surface

•IR reflective ZnO: Dy3+ pigment.•Synthesis techniques.•DRS spectral analysis.•Performance of the reflective paint. In this paper, we have discussed the heat reflective properties of ZnO: Dy3+ pigment synthesized by the combustion method and co-precipitation method. The phase purity and crystalline nature of the prepared pigment have been studied using XRD and SEM. The IR-reflective properties of the pigment DRS have been measured. A paint formulation of the ZnO: Dy3+ pigment was prepared in alkyd resin. The performance of the heat-reflective paint has been investigated by coating the glass surface. From the present investigation, it is seen that the prepared ZnO: Dy3+ pigment is well suited to increase the IR reflectance to cool the surface.