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Research Article | Open Access
Volume 11 | Issue 3 | Year 2025 | Article Id. IJMSE-V11I3P102 | DOI : https://doi.org/10.14445/23948884/IJMSE-V11I3P102

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

Piyu Nargund

Citation :

Piyu Nargund, "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, 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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