Revolutionary Chalk-Based Cooling Coating Could Be Coming To Your Lab Coat
In a significant breakthrough, researchers have developed a durable chalk-based coating that cools the air beneath fabric by up to 8°F, promising practical applications for lab workers in hot environments.
A new study “Functional reflective textile coatings for personal cooling” from the University of Massachusetts Amherst has unveiled a groundbreaking approach to cooling fabrics, which could have significant implications for laboratory workers, particularly those in high-temperature environments. Evan D. Patamia, a graduate student, and his team, led by chemist and materials scientist Trisha L. Andrew, introduced a chalk-based coating that cools treated fabrics by up to 8°F, a development that could revolutionise the comfort of clothing, including lab coats.
Presented at the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) Fall 2024 meeting, this innovation addresses a long-standing challenge in fabric technology: creating cooling textiles that do not rely on complex and unsustainable manufacturing processes. Existing cooling fabrics often involve boutique fibres or require the incorporation of synthetic materials like titanium dioxide or aluminium oxide, or the use of PFAS, which are associated with environmental concerns.
The new coating, inspired by traditional limestone-based plasters, utilises calcium carbonate and barium sulfate to reflect sunlight and radiate body heat away from the fabric. These naturally derived materials are applied to fabrics using a chemical vapour deposition (CVD) technique previously developed by Andrew’s team. This method is not only more environmentally friendly, but also allows the coating to be uniformly applied to commercially available textiles, transforming them into cooling fabrics suitable for widespread use.
For laboratory environments, where maintaining comfort and safety is paramount, this innovation could offer a practical solution. Lab workers typically wear protective clothing, which can be uncomfortable in hot settings (or labs with faulty air conditioning). The application of this chalk-based coating could significantly reduce the temperature beneath lab garments, potentially improving worker comfort and reducing the risk of heat-related stress.
The researchers demonstrated the coating’s effectiveness by treating fabric samples and testing them under the harsh conditions of a 90°F sunny day. They observed that the air temperature beneath the treated fabrics was consistently cooler than that under untreated fabrics, with a maximum difference of 15°F. Even after simulating the wear and tear of multiple laundry cycles, the coating remained intact and continued to provide cooling benefits.
Looking ahead, Andrew’s startup company is working on scaling the CVD process to accommodate large bolts of fabric, signalling the potential for commercial production. This scaling effort is critical for transitioning the lab-scale innovation to industrial applications, including the production of specialised laboratory apparel that could help scientists and technicians maintain comfort and focus, even in hot and humid environments.
“What makes our technique unique is that we can do this on nearly any commercially available fabric and turn it into something that can keep people cool,” Patamia stated. As the development progresses, this innovation could become a valuable tool in improving workplace conditions in laboratories around the world.
This breakthrough not only offers immediate benefits for those in laboratory settings but also underscores the broader potential of environmentally friendly materials in developing next-generation textiles. As the technology evolves, it may extend beyond laboratories, offering cooling solutions for various professional environments and even everyday clothing.
