Could houses in J&K regulate their temperatues?
Well, maximizing natural light in buildings is popular and can save on energy costs. However, traditional glass roofs and walls also present problems such as glare, lack of privacy, and overheating. Alternative solutions, such as coatings and light-diffusing materials, have not yet provided a comprehensive remedy.
New Material Combines Multiple Functions
Researchers at the Institute for Microstructure Technology (IMT) and the Light Technology Institute (LTI) at KIT have now developed a novel polymer-based metamaterial that combines various properties and could replace glass components in construction in the future.
This Polymer-based Micro-Photonic Multi-Functional Metamaterial (PMMM) consists of microscopic pyramids made of silicone.
These micro-pyramids measure about ten micrometers, which is about one-tenth the diameter of a hair.
This design gives the PMMM film several functions: light diffusion, self-cleaning, and radiative cooling while maintaining a high level of transparency.
The results: The tests achieved cooling of 6 °C compared to the ambient temperature.
Additionally, the material showed a high spectral transmittance, or transparency, of 95 percent.
While it is early to predict commercial scale production of these materials, when produced they could help make houses in J&K, faced with major energy shortfalls and inefficiencies, more energy efficient.
Story Source:
Materials provided by Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT).
