According to Science, researchers at the University of Maryland and the University of Colorado, USA, have developed a new wood construction material , capable of cooling rooms by 10 ° C.

In terms of energy consumption, air conditioning is not effective. Heating and cooling rooms make up about 48% of energy consumption and cooling much more expensive than heating. When the weather is hot, most of the material radiates heat in the form of near infrared light photons (IR), absorbed by the molecules, which use air to keep heat in the room.

In wood, lignin materials, polymers are deposited by wood cells and cellulose fibers are tightly attached, contributing primarily to near infrared light re-radiation. Many lignin aromatic rings absorb ultraviolet light and convert it into thermal motion and near infrared photons.

In the process of stratification, scientists use a hydrogen peroxide solution as a grinding substance for long-term lignin compounds into small pieces. Lignin is washed away from the wood and the remaining cellulose is pressed and compressed, thereby, scientists have developed a structural wood material with mechanical strength 404.3 megapascals, 8 times longer than natural wood. .

The new cellulose nanofibers in this material scatter solar radiation and emit strong radiation at medium wave infrared (MWIR), leading to continuous cooling of the environment day and night.

Through testing the model of potential impact of cooling wood , the scientists obtained an energy savings of 20 to 60%, depending on the sunlight. The biggest result is obtained in hot and dry climates. However, new wood materials for widespread use in construction also need to be treated against corrosion and increased durability.