We know that certain substance absorb most of the heat incident on them while the some others reflect it. However, a new coating for roofs, made using waste cooking oil might make it possible for the roof to do both, absorb and reflect heat depending on the temperature. This innovation came as a result of a research carried out by United Environment & Energy. This coating is developed by processing waste cooking oil into a liquid polymer that hardens into plastic. The ‘smart’ roof-coating promises to substantially reduce energy consumption, as preliminary tests show that it can reduce the temperature of a roof by 80% in warm weather and increase it by the same amount in cold weather. It will also help the environment by curbing the use of petroleum-based roofing products.
This is one of the few examples of feasible green technology, which if properly implemented could prove to be of great help to the environment. This coating is expected to be commercially available after three years.
[tgdaily]