Light scattering coatings: Theory and solar applications

We report on the recent theoretical advances in the field of light scattering by coatings or foils. Methods for computing all the parameters in the four-flux and two-flux radiative transfer theories have been devised. The four-flux theory is applied to the optical properties of white paints and pigmented polymer foils. Nocturnal dew collection by pigmented foils has been investigated in Dodoma, Tanzania, over a period of five months.