Bioplastic film invention could help reduce global energy consumption

This material can reflect nearly 99% of solar radiation and allow heat inside the building to escape directly, so the building can be cooler than the outside air temperature, even in sunlight.

On June 25, scientists from the University of South Australia (UniSA) and Zhengzhou University (China) published a new research result in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science on a type of cooling "super membrane" that can significantly reduce global energy consumption.

The research team said this is a type of bioplastic film that can passively cool surfaces by up to 9.2 degrees Celsius in hot sunlight, while reflecting nearly 99% of solar radiation.

The membrane is made from plant-based polylactic acid (PLA), is completely biodegradable and requires no electricity, making it an alternative to traditional air conditioning and petrochemical cooling systems.

According to Hou Yangzhe, a PhD candidate at UniSA and Zhengzhou University, the material not only reflects almost all of the sun’s radiation, but also allows the heat inside the building to escape directly into space. As a result, the building can be cooler than the outside air temperature, even in direct sunlight.

Field testing in China and Australia showed that the membrane remained effective after long-term exposure to acid and UV light, outperforming previous biodegradable materials.

Simulations show that the membrane could reduce the energy consumption of buildings in hot cities by up to 20%, by reducing the need for air conditioning.

Researchers are now looking to scale up production and wider applications in areas such as transportation, agriculture , electronics, and medicine.

According to Professor Ma Jun of UniSA, co-author of the study, this type of membrane is very durable and can be mass produced./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/sang-che-mang-nhu-bi-hoc-co-the-giup-giam-tieu-thu-nang-luong-toan-cau-post1046583.vnp