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Interfacial Scattering Engineering in PDMS-Modified Waterborne Polyurethane Composite Films for Passive Daytime
Zhong-Zui Wang1,2, Yi-Liang Zou1, Rui Han2
1Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Chemistry, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|June 25, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a durable, waterborne radiative cooling film using polyurethane and silica/titania fillers. The novel material significantly reduces building cooling energy demand and combats urban heat.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Sustainable Energy
Background:
- Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) offers energy-free building cooling but faces limitations in durable, waterborne film technology.
- Existing waterborne polymer films often lack sufficient solar reflectance and long-term environmental stability for effective PDRC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a high-performance, environmentally durable waterborne radiative cooling film platform.
- To enhance solar reflectance and mid-infrared thermal emittance for efficient passive cooling applications.
Main Methods:
- Covalent incorporation of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) into a waterborne polyurethane (WPU) backbone.
- Integration of micron-sized SiO2/TiO2 scatterers into the WPU-PDMS matrix.
- Characterization of optical properties, thermal emittance, mechanical robustness, and UV durability.
Main Results:
- The WPU-PDMS matrix achieved 44-45% solar reflectance and 93-95% atmospheric window emissivity.
- Optimized films (S30-ST40) reached 90% solar reflectance and 94% emissivity, with a 2.3 °C cooling effect below ambient.
- Films demonstrated mechanical robustness, low water absorption, and excellent UV durability with minimal reflectance loss.
Conclusions:
- Matrix-filler co-engineering is a viable strategy for creating durable waterborne PDRC films.
- The developed films show significant potential for reducing building cooling energy consumption (16-49% predicted).
- This technology offers a sustainable solution for mitigating urban heat island effects and lowering building energy use.
