this post was submitted on 02 Aug 2025
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Fei et al. designed a cement-based paint that cools both radiatively and through evaporation and that appears to keep buildings relatively cool even in humid environments. Although radiative cooling is effective at reducing temperature, it requires the material to be sky-facing. Designing a paint that also cools through evaporation allows the material to be effective when applied to the sides of the buildings as well.

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[–] DarkCloud@lemmy.world 19 points 2 days ago (2 children)
[–] artifex@piefed.social 18 points 2 days ago

I live in South Florida, which has a climate not too different from Singapore. We normally have to scrub down north facing walls and windowsills every years anyway, since the mildew growth is real. it doesn’t really cause any harm though.

[–] plantfanatic@sh.itjust.works 19 points 2 days ago (1 children)
[–] acosmichippo@lemmy.world 26 points 2 days ago (1 children)

it also says they tested it for two years in singapore and was still white. i'm guessing if they didn't get mold in that time it's probably not an issue.

[–] wreckedcarzz@lemmy.world 11 points 2 days ago

The invisible mold: "I'm in"

[–] jordanlund@lemmy.world 8 points 2 days ago

I guess it's better than... painting your windows with yogurt? 🤔

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg4rg3nqq7go

[–] XeroxCool@lemmy.world 5 points 2 days ago

I think the "radiative cooling" (article link) and "atmospheric window" (publication link) refers to the gap in the atmosphere's radiation spectrum. It's an infrared frequency neither emitted by the air/deep space nor is it absorbed by the atmosphere, so the energy is literally beamed into space - passively. Nighthawkinlight (or hawkinlight?) did a video on it and managed to get some test panels to work, cooling to below ambient air temp both in shade and in direct sunlight. All they need is a clear view of the sky. Durability is still an issue as noted by the abstract and his video. I don't know what molecule emits on the frequency, but the panels were white. Pretty exciting. I hope we get something useful soon. Makes it look doubly silly to have dark gray shingles on houses here.