Purple Fabric Reflects 87.6% of Sunlight, Cools Skin by 8°C
A new purple cooling fabric developed by Chinese and Australian researchers reflects 87.6% of sunlight and cools simulated skin by up to 8°C, offering a breakthrough in thermal management clothing.
A new purple fabric developed by researchers from Zhengzhou University and Adelaide University has demonstrated the ability to reflect 87.6% of solar radiation and cool simulated skin by up to 8°C. The fabric, which uses metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles, maintains its cooling performance even after 50 washing cycles and retains breathability and water repellency.
Unlike traditional dark-colored fabrics that absorb heat, this material reflects most of the sun's energy and efficiently emits heat through mid-infrared radiation. In testing, the fabric was 6.2°C cooler than conventional purple cotton and outperformed white cotton by 3.4°C in cooling effectiveness. The researchers say the technology could be adapted to other colors using different MOFs, expanding the range of aesthetically appealing cooling fabrics.
The fabric is lightweight, flexible, and allows water vapor to pass through, making it suitable for use in hot environments. The team believes the development could lead to a new generation of clothing that combines color, comfort, and cooling performance without relying on white materials.
This innovation advances additive manufacturing and textile engineering by integrating advanced materials for passive cooling. The use of MOFs and nanoparticles demonstrates how material science can enhance thermal performance while maintaining aesthetic appeal, with potential applications in extreme environments and everyday wear.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.