Fire-retardant and Spectrally Robust Melamine Formaldehyde Photonic Bulk for Efficient Daytime Radiative Cooling

INV-21082

Background:

Advances in cooling technologies are essential due to rising global energy consumption driven by the need for comfortable indoor environments. Sub-ambient passive daytime radiative cooling offers a promising solution by radiating heat into space while reflecting most sunlight. However, current materials like porous polymer films and bleached wood have significant drawbacks. They are often flammable, degrade in harsh conditions, and are too costly for large-scale use. They also struggle to maintain consistent cooling performance. A more versatile and durable cooling material is needed to address these issues and provide a sustainable alternative to traditional cooling systems.

Description:

Northeastern researchers have developed an advanced daytime radiative cooling material that helps regulate building temperatures by effectively radiating heat to outer space and reflecting most sunlight. This material is made through a two-step process of hydraulic pressing melamine-formaldehyde (MF) particles and thermal annealing to create a robust cooling bulk. It reduces temperatures by 3.6°C under direct sunlight, outperforming materials like concrete and wood. The cooling material is durable, fire-retardant, self-extinguishing, and withstands harsh conditions, including acidic and alkaline exposure. This innovation offers a scalable, energy-efficient solution that maintains consistent performance, making it an excellent choice for reducing energy consumption in buildings.

Benefits:

Durable and reliable: Maintains performance in harsh environments.
Fire-retardant: Self-extinguishing properties enhance safety.
Efficient thermal regulation: Effectively controls building temperatures.
Energy savings: Reduces energy consumption significantly.
Scalable production: Cost-effective manufacturing for large-scale use.
Temperature reduction: Achieves sub-ambient cooling under direct sunlight.
Solar reflector and thermal emitter: Reflects sunlight and emits infrared radiation efficiently.

Applications:

Temperature regulation for green buildings
Fire-Retardant construction materials
Energy-efficient cooling systems in buildings, warehouses, and transportation vehicles
Industrial manufacturing

Opportunity