They create a revolutionary fabric that reduces temperatures by up to 8.9 degrees

Climate change is intensifying Heat waves in cities are creating dangerous environments for their inhabitants. But a team of researchers from the University of Chicago has developed a new fabric that could offer an innovative solution.

This cloth, published in the prestigious magazine ‘Science’, Designed by the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME), It is able to stay cooler than traditional materials, even in the scorching heat of cities.

Tests in Arizona showed the fabric stayed 2.3 degrees Celsius cooler It is 8.9°C cooler than the broadband fabric used in endurance sports, and 8.9°C cooler than the silk commonly used in summer clothing. This thermal difference could make a difference for urban residents, preventing heat-related hospitalisations and deaths. which has increased in recent years.

Existing cooling fabrics, commonly used in outdoor sports, are based on the reflection of sunlight in a diffused pattern. However, In hot urban environments, thermal radiation emitted from buildings and pavements creates a hostile environment From all angles.

“Sun is not the only problem in cities,” explains Ronghui Wu, co-lead author and postdoctoral researcher in PME. “Thermal radiation from the urban environment heats people from all sides. Our clothing is designed to solve this specific problem, And their results are amazing.

The University of Chicago’s fabric uses innovative technology that allows for efficient cooling even in conditions of intense thermal radiation. This advancement represents hope for combating heat waves in cities, especially in regions such as Arizona, Nevada, California, Southeast Asia and China. Where extreme temperatures above 50°C are predicted.

The application of the fabric is not limited to clothing. A thicker version, protected by an invisible layer of polyethylene, It can be used in the construction of buildings and automobiles, lowering interior temperatures and reducing dependence on air conditioning. the resulting environmental and economic impacts.

“The material can also be used to transport and store heat-sensitive foods, such as milk,” says Chenxi Sui, co-senior author and PhD candidate in PME. “This can help reduce food waste and the need for refrigeration, which has a positive impact on sustainability,” he concludes.