Context:
Researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, have developed a pioneering paint leveraging radiative cooling technology. In response to rising global temperatures and the demand for sustainable cooling solutions, this cost-effective and eco-friendly paint offers a promising and effective cooling solution.
Relevance:
GS III: Science and Technology
Dimensions of the Article:
- Radiative Cooling Technology: A Cooling Innovation
- Radiative Cooling Paint: Advancing Cooling Technology
Radiative Cooling Technology: A Cooling Innovation
- Radiative cooling technology aims to dissipate heat from an object by releasing thermal radiation into the atmosphere, resulting in a cooler object.
- This process achieves cool surfaces by emitting thermal radiation directly into the extremely cold universe (around 3 Kelvin) through the atmospheric transmission window (8 – 13 µm), operating without electricity.
Significance:
- In response to escalating global warming and the urban heat island effect, there is a growing demand for efficient cooling solutions.
- Traditional active cooling devices such as air-conditioners and refrigerators consume significant electrical energy, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and heightened surface temperatures.
- Radiative cooling technology offers a sustainable alternative by emitting thermal radiation without electricity usage, utilizing the atmospheric transmission window.
Radiative Cooling Paint: Advancing Cooling Technology
Composition:
- Formulated from a groundbreaking magnesium oxide (MgO)-polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer nanocomposite.
- Utilizes materials that are abundantly available, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, ensuring non-toxicity.
Performance:
- Exhibits exceptional cooling capabilities, featuring high solar reflectivity and infrared thermal emissivity.
- Integration of dielectric nanoparticles in MgO-PVDF results in remarkable solar reflectance (96.3%) and outstanding thermal emission (98.5%).
Applications:
- Specifically designed to combat rising heat impact on buildings, providing efficient cooling and reducing reliance on electricity during hot summer days.
- Demonstrates superior optical characteristics, reducing surface temperatures by approximately 10°C under intense sunlight, surpassing the effectiveness of standard white paints.
User-Friendly:
- Boasts a water-resistant and hydrophobic nature, facilitating easy application on diverse surfaces.
- Ensures consistent coverage and robust adhesion, enhancing its versatility for various applications.
