Now Reading: Purdue team develops paint reflecting 98.1% of sunlight
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Purdue team develops paint reflecting 98.1% of sunlight
Engineers at Purdue University have developed a barium sulfate-based white paint that laboratory tests found reflects about 98.1% of sunlight. The coating is designed to reduce heat absorbed by roofs and walls,…
The Story in Brief
Engineers at Purdue University have developed a barium sulfate-based white paint that laboratory tests found reflects about 98.1% of sunlight. The coating is designed to reduce heat absorbed by roofs and walls, lowering reliance on air conditioning. Published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, the research reports that painted samples stayed about 4.5°C below surrounding air temperatures in daytime tests and around 10.5°C lower after sunset.
The team used particles of different sizes to scatter a wider range of sunlight while balancing reflectivity against cracking and peeling. Researchers estimate that applying the coating to a 1,000-square-foot roof could provide a cooling effect equivalent to roughly 10 kilowatts under favourable conditions. Actual results will depend on climate, roof design and weather.
The Indian Opinion
Claims that one paint can replace air conditioning are premature, while dismissing the work as a laboratory curiosity is equally lazy. The reported results suggest a useful passive cooling tool, but the test figures come with clear conditions and do not establish durability, cost or performance across Indian cities. The practical test is whether the coating remains intact and delivers lower indoor cooling demand through a full hot season, not just on an exposed sample.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
