Radiative Paint reduces electricity consumption for cooling buildings
Paint

Radiative Paint reduces electricity consumption for cooling buildings

A new affordable, eco-friendly radiative cooling paint, specifically engineered to effectively cool structures like buildings, pavers, and tiles in hot weather conditions can diminish electricity consumption and offer essential relief during sweltering summer days.

Cooling technologies are an integral part of human life due to the increased global warming and urban heat island effects. Active cooling devices such as air-conditioners (AC), electric fans, and refrigerators consume enormous electrical energy. Along with this vast energy demand, active cooling devices also emit a large proportion of greenhouse gases, leading to an increase in the earth's surface temperature. To circumvent these challenges, radiative cooling technology has been developed that provides cool surfaces by emitting thermal radiation directly to the cold universe (around 3K) through the atmospheric transmission window (8 - 13 ?m) without electricity consumption. As a result, passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) has drawn much interest recently for many applications such as pavers, tiles, building and automobile cooling, solar cell, and personal thermal management.

At the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru, researchers, led by Professor Bivas Saha in collaboration with Prasanna Das, Sourav Rudra, Krishna Chand Maurya, have introduced a groundbreaking radiative cooling paint. Developed from a novel MgO-PVDF polymer nanocomposite, this low-cost, solution-processed paint demonstrates significant cooling capabilities with an high solar reflectivity and infrared thermal emissivity. The experimental findings by scientists of JNCASR, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, have shown that the surface temperature of a treated paver decreases by approximately 10?C under intense sunlight-- almost double of the reduction that conventional white paints give.

The researchers developed polymer nanocomposite paint by using a simple solution-processed technique. They used ultra-white and ultra-emissive magnesium oxide (MgO)-polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nano-composite prepared from materials that are earth abundant, cheap, non-toxic and non-harmful. Initially, polymer powders were transformed into a solution using solvent and then, dielectric nanoparticles are dispersed inside the polymer matrix. After preparation, different spectroscopic techniques were used to characterise the optical properties of the prepared polymer nanocomposite paint. By measuring the temperature of the paint using a thermocouple, excellent cooling performance was demonstrated under hot sunlight.

The optimised MgO-PVDF with a dielectric nanoparticles resulted in large solar reflectance of 96.3% and a record high thermal emission of 98.5% due to Mg?O bond vibrations, and other stretching/bonding vibrations from the polymer. The nanocomposite paint exhibited water-resistant hydrophobic properties and can be easily coated on pavers, wood sticks and so on with high uniformity and good adhesion.

?Our innovative research has led to the development of a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable paint capable of reducing surface temperatures (including buildings, tiles, pavers, etc.) by over 10?C during hot summer days. With the straightforward application of this paint, we envision it offering significant respite during scorching summer days, benefiting both urban and rural areas alike.? said Prof Bivas Saha, Associate Professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research.

The work published in Advanced Material Technologies, a Wiley publication, can motivate industries to implement the radiative cooling paint for building cooling applications. These findings indicate that the adoption of MgO-PVDF cooling paint in construction can significantly curtail the reliance on air conditioning, thus contributing to a reduction in associated environmental impacts.

A new affordable, eco-friendly radiative cooling paint, specifically engineered to effectively cool structures like buildings, pavers, and tiles in hot weather conditions can diminish electricity consumption and offer essential relief during sweltering summer days. Cooling technologies are an integral part of human life due to the increased global warming and urban heat island effects. Active cooling devices such as air-conditioners (AC), electric fans, and refrigerators consume enormous electrical energy. Along with this vast energy demand, active cooling devices also emit a large proportion of greenhouse gases, leading to an increase in the earth's surface temperature. To circumvent these challenges, radiative cooling technology has been developed that provides cool surfaces by emitting thermal radiation directly to the cold universe (around 3K) through the atmospheric transmission window (8 - 13 ?m) without electricity consumption. As a result, passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) has drawn much interest recently for many applications such as pavers, tiles, building and automobile cooling, solar cell, and personal thermal management. At the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru, researchers, led by Professor Bivas Saha in collaboration with Prasanna Das, Sourav Rudra, Krishna Chand Maurya, have introduced a groundbreaking radiative cooling paint. Developed from a novel MgO-PVDF polymer nanocomposite, this low-cost, solution-processed paint demonstrates significant cooling capabilities with an high solar reflectivity and infrared thermal emissivity. The experimental findings by scientists of JNCASR, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, have shown that the surface temperature of a treated paver decreases by approximately 10?C under intense sunlight-- almost double of the reduction that conventional white paints give. The researchers developed polymer nanocomposite paint by using a simple solution-processed technique. They used ultra-white and ultra-emissive magnesium oxide (MgO)-polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nano-composite prepared from materials that are earth abundant, cheap, non-toxic and non-harmful. Initially, polymer powders were transformed into a solution using solvent and then, dielectric nanoparticles are dispersed inside the polymer matrix. After preparation, different spectroscopic techniques were used to characterise the optical properties of the prepared polymer nanocomposite paint. By measuring the temperature of the paint using a thermocouple, excellent cooling performance was demonstrated under hot sunlight. The optimised MgO-PVDF with a dielectric nanoparticles resulted in large solar reflectance of 96.3% and a record high thermal emission of 98.5% due to Mg?O bond vibrations, and other stretching/bonding vibrations from the polymer. The nanocomposite paint exhibited water-resistant hydrophobic properties and can be easily coated on pavers, wood sticks and so on with high uniformity and good adhesion. ?Our innovative research has led to the development of a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable paint capable of reducing surface temperatures (including buildings, tiles, pavers, etc.) by over 10?C during hot summer days. With the straightforward application of this paint, we envision it offering significant respite during scorching summer days, benefiting both urban and rural areas alike.? said Prof Bivas Saha, Associate Professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research. The work published in Advanced Material Technologies, a Wiley publication, can motivate industries to implement the radiative cooling paint for building cooling applications. These findings indicate that the adoption of MgO-PVDF cooling paint in construction can significantly curtail the reliance on air conditioning, thus contributing to a reduction in associated environmental impacts.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

Next Story
Resources

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?