Radiative Cooling Face Mask

Radiative cooling is a zero energyconsumption surface coolingtechnology, which appears to be a viable option for the developmentof radiative cooling face masks. After the COVID-19 pandemic, facemasks have become crucial protective equipment in our daily lives,protecting from inhalation of fine particulate matter (PM) and alsoviruses. However, wearing conventional face masks for a long timeis very unpleasant due to swelter on the face, especially in the outdoorsunlight environment. In this study, a radiative cooling polymer-basedcomposite material (PCM) face mask has been designed and demonstratedexperimentally to enhance the wearing comfort of the users includingprotection from PM and viruses. With a single layer of the silvernanoparticle coating, a PCM face mask has high efficiency to blocksunlight by reducing solar transmittance and emit radiation by higherIR emissivity. Additionally, outdoor measurements with a simulatedskin under the sun was carried out, and the PCM face mask showed anotable 4 & DEG;C cooling impact in comparison to the bare mask.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the design and experimental verification of a radiative cooling polymer-based composite material (PCM) face mask to enhance user comfort and protection, particularly in outdoor sunlight environments. With a single layer of silver nanoparticle coating, the PCM face mask has high efficiency in blocking sunlight and emitting radiation through higher IR emissivity. Outdoor measurements with simulated solar exposure showed a significant 4°C cooling impact compared to a bare mask.