The University of Massachusetts develops new technology that can be coated on various types of fabrics and give them cooling capabilities
Taking inspiration from traditional architectural stucco coatings, the University of Massachusetts has developed a practical and environmentally friendly method that can be applied to most fabric materials to impart cooling capabilities. Previously developed fibers can improve outdoor comfort by reflecting sunlight from ultraviolet to near-infrared rays, such as embedding aluminum oxide and titanium dioxide particles into fibers, or using polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride to reflect light. However, these fibers Mass production for commercial purposes is not a sustainable approach.
In view of this, the University of Massachusetts took inspiration from plaster, which is traditionally used in areas with strong sunlight to keep buildings cool, and developed a material made of the natural material calcium carbonate combined with biocompatible barium sulfate. Calcium carbonate particles reflect visible and near-infrared light, while barium sulfate reflects ultraviolet light. The research team used chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to coat the new material on cloth. Compared with other methods, it can coat a thin layer of polymer on commercially available fibers with fewer processes.
The research team coated a small square piece of cloth with a durable polymer "Poly(2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate)" with a thickness of 5 μm, and repeatedly immersed it in water containing calcium ions and barium ions. , carbonate ions, sulfate ions in the solution. Depending on the number of immersions, the particles become larger and more uniform, and can be adjusted to the ideal size of 1 to 10 μm that can reflect ultraviolet and near-infrared radiation.
Outdoor tests were also conducted on sunny days exceeding 32°C. Compared with unprocessed fabrics, fabrics treated with this method showed a cooling effect of up to 8°C. Furthermore, no deterioration in performance was observed after durability tests involving washing and drying. The new technology can be applied to almost all fabric materials on the market. In addition to not requiring the use of electricity for cooling, it is also a practical and environmentally friendly technology. In the future, the University of Massachusetts will aim at commercialization and be committed to promoting the large-scale development of new technologies.
