# Development of passive cooling materials

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/development-of-passive-cooling-materials
> Updated: 2026-08-23T23:56:20.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Researchers from Zhengzhou University and Australian institutions have developed new materials designed for passive cooling through solar reflection and infrared radiation emission.

Initial developments included a bioplastic meta-film made from polylactic acid (PLA). This material features a porous structure with microspheres that reflects 98.7% of solar light and emits internal heat into space via an infrared band, potentially reducing building temperatures by up to 9.2 degrees Celsius without electricity.

Subsequent research led to the creation of a purple cooling fabric utilizing metal-organic frameworks (MOF) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. This fabric reflects 87.6% of solar radiation and emits 96.4% of mid-infrared radiation. In testing, the material's surface temperature remained 4.2°C cooler than white cotton and 6.2°C cooler than conventional purple cotton, with the potential to reduce perceived skin temperature by 8°C.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Researchers develop purple cooling fabric that outperforms white cotton

Scientists from China and Australia have developed a purple fabric using MOFs and zinc oxide that stays cooler than white cotton under direct sunlight, offering a high-performance alternative for heatwave wear.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/researchers-develop-purple-cooling-fabric-that-outperforms-white-cotton

### 2026-08-15: Scientists develop bioplastic film for passive cooling

Researchers in China and Australia have developed a bioplastic film that reflects 98.7% of sunlight, potentially lowering building temperatures by over 9 degrees Celsius without electricity.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/scientists-develop-bioplastic-film-for-passive-cooling

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Cite as: Development of passive cooling materials. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/development-of-passive-cooling-materials