Low-Cost Synthesis of CaCO3 Microspheres for High Performance Radiative Cooling Paint: A Facile Approach Using Household Chemicals

International Journal of Material Science and Engineering

© 2025 by SSRG - IJMSE Journal

Volume 11 Issue 3

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Piyu Nargund

10.14445/23948884/IJMSE-V11I3P102

How to Cite?

Piyu Nargund, "Low-Cost Synthesis of CaCO3 Microspheres for High Performance Radiative Cooling Paint: A Facile Approach Using Household Chemicals," SSRG International Journal of Material Science and Engineering, vol. 11,  no. 3, pp. 5-10, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23948884/IJMSE-V11I3P102

Abstract:

This study presents a facile synthesis method for calcium carbonate (CaCO3) microspheres using readily available household chemicals and their application in radiative cooling paints, achieving significant sub-ambient cooling. At room temperature, the microspheres are synthesized through controlled precipitation using sodium carbonate, calcium chloride, and citric acid. Two paint formulations are developed using acetone-based dispersions with either acrylic or hot glue binders. Field-testing under direct sunlight at 35°C ambient temperature demonstrates remarkable cooling performance, with the acrylic-based paint achieving 4°C below ambient temperature and the hot glue-based formulation reaching 3°C below ambient, compared to a control showing 0.5°C above ambient. The synthesis method employs multiple reaction times (1, 5, and 8-10 minutes) to generate varied particle morphologies. The optimal formulation combines 7g of CaCO3 pigment per 12ml of acetone-water-acrylic base. This work demonstrates that high-performance radiative cooling paints can be produced using low-cost, accessible materials, offering potential for widespread adoption in passive cooling applications. The achieved cooling performance compares favorably with commercial formulations while maintaining significantly lower production costs.

Keywords:

Calcium carbonate, Microspheres, Passive cooling, Radiative cooling, Synthesis.

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