Plant-based ethyl cellulose coating lowers surface temperature up to 9°C
Scientists have come up with a cool new paint, literally.
A fresh ethyl cellulose coating, just published in Nature Energy, can lower surfaces by up to 9 degrees Celsius under sunlight, even if you pick bold colors instead of plain white.
Made from plant-based materials in a simple process, this paint uses two clever layers to keep things cooler without sacrificing style.
Two-layer paint reflects 97% of sunlight
The top layer creates color without soaking up heat, while the bottom porous layer reflects 97% of sunlight and releases heat as infrared energy.
Tests in Hong Kong showed it beats regular colored paints, especially in hot and humid conditions.
For cities like Mumbai or Miami that struggle with sweltering weather, this could help buildings stay cooler and cut down on air conditioning use, a smart step toward fighting urban heat and climate change.