Science· 2019Q1
A radiative cooling structural material
- 1,572citations
- Q1SCImago
- 2019year
Short summary
Researchers engineered a structural material from wood that achieves continuous subambient cooling by reflecting solar radiation and emitting infrared wavelengths, boasting a mechanical strength over eight times that of natural wood.
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Key points
- Developed a wood-based structural material with 404.3 MPa mechanical strength, 8x stronger than natural wood.
- Material achieves continuous radiative cooling by backscattering solar radiation and emitting mid-infrared wavelengths.
- Potential energy savings for cooling estimated between 20% and 60%, especially in hot, dry climates.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Reducing human reliance on energy-inefficient cooling methods such as air conditioning would have a large impact on the global energy landscape. By a process of complete delignification and densification of wood, we developed a structural material with a mechanical strength of 404.3 megapascals, more than eight times that of natural wood. The cellulose nanofibers in our engineered material backscatter solar radiation and emit strongly in mid-infrared wavelengths, resulting in continuous subambient cooling during both day and night. We model the potential impact of our cooling wood and find energy savings between 20 and 60%, which is most pronounced in hot and dry climates.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Science, 2019 · DOI ↗
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Field: Civil and Structural Engineering
Civil and Structural EngineeringEngineering