As heat waves become more intense around the world, scientists are looking for simple ways to help people stay cool without relying on air conditioning or electricity.
A new fabric developed by researchers at the University of South Australia, in collaboration with Zhengzhou University in China, could offer an effective solution.
The lightweight, breathable material reflects an impressive 96 percent of the sun’s rays, helping to reduces the heat that reaches the skin.
In outdoor testing, the fabric lowered skin temperature by about 2 degrees Celsius under direct sunlight.
At night, when heat normally gets trapped near the body, it reduced skin temperature by up to 3.8 degrees compared with bare skin.
These may seem like small differences, but they can make a big impact on comfort and safety, especially in extreme conditions.
Unlike regular cotton, which tends to soak up sweat and trap warmth, the new material is designed to stay dry and release heat.
It is made from polylactic acid, a biodegradable plastic derived from plant sources, combined with tiny particles called boron nitride nanosheets.
These particles are extremely good at conducting heat away from the skin while also reflecting sunlight. Together, they form a fabric that cools the wearer in a natural, passive way.
Professor Jun Ma from the University of South Australia explains that the goal was to help people cope with rising heat stress without using extra energy.
This is particularly important for those who work outside, such as construction workers, farmers, miners, athletes, and emergency responders. For people in hot regions without access to air conditioning, the fabric could also make daily life more comfortable and safer.
The team used a technique called electrospinning to create the fabric. This process produces ultra-thin fibers and allows the special cooling particles to be evenly distributed throughout the material.
The result is a soft, white textile that is highly breathable—about five times more breathable than regular cotton—and comfortable to wear for long periods.
According to Associate Professor Yamin Pan, the lead researcher from Zhengzhou University, working with the Australian team was key to testing how well the fabric transfers heat and reflects solar energy. Their partnership helped confirm the material’s strong cooling performance and potential for real-world use.
In addition to being effective, the fabric is also environmentally friendly. Because it is made mainly from biodegradable plant-based material, it aligns with efforts to reduce plastic waste and develop more sustainable products.
The researchers believe this technology could be used in a wide range of clothing, including sportswear, work uniforms, outdoor gear, and protective clothing for high-heat environments.
The manufacturing process is relatively simple and affordable, meaning the fabric could be produced on a large scale in the future.
With further development, this sun-reflecting, heat-releasing textile could play an important role in helping people stay cooler as the planet continues to warm.
