To cope with extreme outdoor heat, researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed a chalk-based coating that could change the way people experience summer. This new material, capable of cooling the air beneath a treated fabric by up to 8 degrees Fahrenheit, was presented at the recent American Chemical Society (ACS) meeting.
This textile coating can cool people down to 15°F without using additional energy. Source: American Chemical Society via YouTube
Chalk coating creation process
The researchers began by applying a thin layer of poly (2-hydroxyethyl acrylate), a polymer, to small fabric samples. Then, the samples treated with polymer were repeatedly immersed in solutions containing calcium or barium ions, followed by immersion in solutions containing carbonate or sulfate ions.
Each immersion cycle allowed the calcium carbonate or barium sulfate crystals to grow and become evenly distributed on the surface of the fabric.
In addition, outdoor tests were conducted to measure the effectiveness of the coating on sunny days with temperatures above 90 °F. The tests showed that the air beneath the treated fabric was up to 8°F cooler than ambient temperature. The inspiration for this coating was based on the ancient coatings based plaster coatings made of crushed limestone, which were used in buildings in very sunny areas to keep interiors cool.
Efficient cooling for any fabric guaranteed
This innovative coating, as mentioned above, is based on calcium carbonate and barium sulfate, natural components that, when applied to the fabric, reflect both ultraviolet light and near-infrared heat. The technique used to integrate these materials, known as chemical vapor depositionis both efficient and sustainable, allowing its application to a wide variety of commercial fabrics.
What makes our technique unique is that we can apply it to almost any fabric available on the market and turn it into something that can keep people cool.
Evan D. Patamia, one of the project’s principal investigators, explained.
This innovation is efficient and resistant, withstanding the typical wear and tear of daily use and washing.
The ACS, organizer of the event where this technology was presented, is a non-profit institution that promotes the advancement of chemistry worldwide. With more than 10,000 submissions at its fall meeting, the ACS is positioned as a leader in the dissemination of scientific innovations that have the potential to improve people’s lives.
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Source and photo: American Chemical Society