Innovative Materials for Climate-Resilient Cities

To combat threats from climate change (such as an increase in the number and duration of wild fires, heatwaves, and floods) researchers are working to develop innovative materials which will help create more climate-resilient cities. A special report in C&EN highlights companies working to cool pavements and roofs, and develop next generation building materials, flood barriers, and fireproofing. Spotlights include:

• Reflective pavements made by companies such as GuardTop and ePave that can be more than 50 °F cooler than a traditional asphalt.

• Cypris, a start-up company in Berkeley, California, has developed a paintable, transparent coating can be applied to rooftops to aid in cooling buildings. A similar innovative polymer paint made by Columbia University spinoff MetaRE is being tested in Mexico as a part of the Million Cool Roofs Challenge.

• Scientists with the University of Maryland have created a strong “nanowood” insulation by removing lignin and compressing wood.

• ILC Dover has developed a strong flood barrier made of waterproof polyvinyl chloride-coated nylon on a Kevlar-and-polyester sheet which is easy and quick to install.