New PFAS-free Chalk-based fabric coating cools by upto 8°F
A team of scientists from the University of Massachusetts Amherst has developed a novel chalk-based fabric coating that can cool the air underneath by up to 8°F. This innovative solution, created by Professor Trisha L. Andrew, graduate student Evan D. Patamia, and undergraduate Megan K. Yee, offers a sustainable alternative to existing cooling fabrics, which often rely on synthetic particles or expensive polymers.
The fabric coating uses calcium carbonate, the main component in chalk and limestone, combined with biocompatible barium sulfate. This unique combination, integrated through a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, effectively deflects sunlight and pushes out natural body heat—a method known as radiative cooling.
Tested on a scorching summer day with temperatures exceeding 90°F, the coated fabric proved to be significantly cooler than untreated fabric. The air beneath the treated cloth was 8°F cooler than the ambient temperature and up to 15°F cooler compared to untreated fabric. This innovative approach not only enhances comfort in hot environments but also does so without any power input, making it an eco-friendly solution for those in extreme heat.
The team is optimistic about scaling this technology for broader application. This breakthrough in fabric technology could provide a crucial resource in regions where staying cool is a challenge.
Read more: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240821124457.htm
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