New material protects during heat waves

When the hot weather hits, people tend to reach for baggy, white and weather-friendly clothes.

Engineers from China's Zhengzhou University and the University of South Australia (UniSA) have something more specific in mind for future heatwave clothing: a fabric that can actually lower the ambient temperature.

The research team says this fabric could be incorporated into clothing, hats, shoes and even building surfaces, helping to counteract the heat island effect in cities. Euronews.

"The fabric's ability to passively reduce temperatures offers a sustainable alternative to conventional air conditioning, saving energy and reducing the strain on electricity networks during heatwaves," said UniSA scientist Yangzhe Hou, one of the authors of the new study.

What is the cooling fabric made of?

The wearable fabric is designed to reflect sunlight and allow heat to escape, while blocking the sun's rays and lowering the temperature.

Howe says he uses the principle of radiative cooling, a natural process in which materials radiate heat into the atmosphere and ultimately into space.

"Unlike conventional fabrics that retain heat, these textiles are made of three layers that are designed to optimize cooling," he explains.

The top layer is made of fibers that allow heat to radiate efficiently.

This is followed by a middle layer composed of silver threads, which improves the reflectivity of the fabric, preventing extra heat from reaching the body.

Meanwhile, the bottom layer made of wool directs heat away from the skin, ensuring people stay cool even in the hottest urban environments.

"In our experiment, when placed vertically, the fabric was found to be 2,3°C cooler than traditional textiles and up to 6,2°C cooler than the environment when used as a horizontal surface covering" , says Howe.

Other applications

It may sound far-fetched to suggest that this prototype could soon reduce the need for greenhouse gas-emitting air conditioners in cities. But the researchers see a wide application for their design.

They hope the technology will find its way into building materials, outdoor furniture and urban planning.

Current obstacles include an expensive manufacturing process. And the researchers say the textile's long-term durability needs further study, as well as government support, before it can be commercialized.

"Whether consumers are willing to pay more for the revolutionary fabric depends on the cooling effect, durability, comfort and their environmental awareness," added the authors of the project.