A group of global researchers has created an innovative fabric aimed at helping city residents cope with the increasing temperatures brought about by urban infrastructure like buildings, asphalt, and concrete.
A group of global researchers has created an innovative fabric aimed at helping city residents cope with the increasing temperatures brought about by urban infrastructure like buildings, asphalt, and concrete.
As heatwaves become more frequent, textiles designed for cooling purposes could be integrated into clothing, hats, footwear, and even building surfaces, offering a sustainable alternative to the environmentally damaging air conditioning systems that cities currently rely on.
Engineers from Zhengzhou University and the University of South Australia have developed this fabric to reflect sunlight, enable heat dissipation, and block harmful rays, effectively lowering temperatures. Their findings are detailed in the latest edition of Science Bulletin.
This fabric is expected to relieve millions of urban residents from the discomfort associated with rising temperatures linked to climate change and a lack of green spaces.
Yangzhe Hou, a researcher visiting UniSA, explains that the fabric utilizes the concept of radiative cooling, a natural mechanism where materials release heat into the atmosphere and subsequently into space.
“Unlike traditional fabrics that hold onto heat, this textile is composed of three specially designed layers that maximize its cooling properties,” Hou explains.
The top layer, made from polymethyl pentene fibers, allows for efficient heat radiation. The middle layer, featuring silver nanowires, boosts the fabric’s ability to reflect heat, keeping the body cooler. The bottom layer, crafted from wool, channels heat away from the skin, ensuring wearers remain cool even in the hottest urban areas.
“In our tests, when positioned vertically, the fabric was found to be 2.3°C cooler than standard textiles, and as much as 6.2°C cooler than the surrounding environment when used horizontally.”
“The fabric’s capacity to naturally lower temperatures presents a viable alternative to traditional air conditioning systems, yielding energy savings and lessening the load on power resources during heatwaves.”
Researchers Jingna Zhang and Professor Xianhu Liu from Zhengzhou University note that this technology not only addresses the urgent challenge of urban heat islands but also supports broader initiatives aimed at climate change mitigation and fostering sustainable urban living.
There is optimism that this technology could be adapted for a wider range of uses, including in construction materials, outdoor furniture, and urban design.
Although the fabric shows substantial promise, the researchers point out that the current manufacturing process is expensive, and further studies on the longevity of the textiles and government backing are essential before commercialization can occur.
“The willingness of consumers to pay a premium for these cooling fabrics will depend on their effectiveness, durability, comfort, and environmental considerations,” the scientists conclude.
