Breakthrough Roof Coating Cools Homes and Harvests Water
Researchers have created a nano-engineered polymer roof coating that tackles two major challenges: extreme heat and water scarcity. The innovation reflects 97% of sunlight, reducing indoor temperatures by up to 6°C (11°F), while passively harvesting 390 mL of water per square meter daily from air moisture.
How the Dual-Action Coating Works
- Ultra-Reflective Surface
- The polymer’s nanostructure bounces back 97% of solar radiation, drastically cutting heat absorption.
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Ideal for cities like Delhi and Chennai, where temperatures exceed 40°C (104°F).
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Passive Water Harvesting
- Nanoscale grooves condense atmospheric vapor into drinkable water—enough to fill a bottle daily per m².
- A game-changer for arid regions like Rajasthan.
Why This Matters Globally
- Energy Savings: Slashes AC dependency, reducing strain on power grids.
- Water Security: Offers off-grid water sourcing in drought-prone areas.
- Sustainability: Low-carbon solution for urban heat islands.
Potential Uses
- Homes: Affordable cooling and water for slums and rural areas.
- Agriculture: Greenhouses with self-cooling and irrigation.
- Commercial Spaces: Offices/malls cutting energy costs sustainably.
Challenges to Overcome
- Cost: Scaling nano-engineered materials affordably.
- Durability: Testing under monsoon dust and UV exposure.
- Adoption: Government incentives needed for widespread use.
The Future of Sustainable Cities
This coating could redefine urban resilience. If commercialized, it may become a cornerstone of climate adaptation—cooling homes, conserving water, and cutting emissions without complex infrastructure.
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