Radiative Cooling Coating by Using Porous PE with PDMS Nanoparticles

Abstract

Passive radiative cooling coating, PolyCool, has been developed with a solar reflectance of 97.4% and emissivity at the atmospheric window of 91%. This coating utilizes porous polyethylene, characterized by a broad pore size for enhanced solar reflectance, and incorporates PDMS nanoparticles to augment emissivity at the atmospheric window. A method that enables the scalable and size-controlled synthesis of PDMS nanoparticles has been established. Additionally, a technique for creating a porous structure coating using low-density polyethylene has also been developed. The microstructure and coating thickness can be precisely controlled throughout the coating process. In comparison to traditional methods for manufacturing superhydrophobic surfaces, our approach allows for the rapid preparation of a pure polyethylene-based surface with minimal equipment and material costs. The coating could also be deposited flexibly on various substrates, including metal.