A sustainable method of cooling without using energy has been developed by University of Massachusetts researchers who have developed a chalk-based coating for textiles that can lower air temperatures beneath the cloth by up to 8°F.
The minerals used to create this novel coating include barium sulfate and calcium carbonate, which both efficiently reflect UV and near-infrared light, improving comfort in hot weather. The longevity of this coating has been validated by simulation testing, indicating that it is a viable choice for areas experiencing high temperatures.
Current fabrics that dissipate heat or reflect sunlight frequently call for specialized fibers or intricate production techniques. But the recently created coating made of chalk offers an easier, more approachable answer. It converts almost any commercially available cloth into a material that aids in maintaining a person’s temperature.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst graduate student Evan D. Patamia states, “Our coating offers a significant cooling effect, which could be a valuable resource for people struggling to stay cool in extremely hot environments.”
The physics of the invention is explained by Trisha L. Andrew, a chemist and materials scientist who works with Patamia: “When you walk in the sun, ultraviolet and near-infrared light are absorbed by your body and clothing, which causes you to heat up. With our method, practically any cloth may be transformed into a cooling textile without the need for power.”
