Evaluation of Asphalt Coatings’ Impact on Urban Heat in Philadelphia

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Interdisciplinary Centers, Units and Projects::Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF)::Fall Research Expo
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Materials Engineering
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Climate
Urban
Heat
Philadelphia
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2025-09-05
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Nafisa Bangura
Angelica Dadda
Zhan Shi
Russell Composto
Dorit Aviv
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Abstract

Philadelphia experiences temperature inequities of up to 20°F due to a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect, where tall buildings, extensive asphalt and pavement, and limited vegetation contribute to higher heat retention in cities compared to rural areas. Hunting Park, a neighborhood in North Philadelphia, ranks high on the city’s Department of Health’s heat vulnerability list, placing residents at increased risk of heat-related illness and, in extreme cases, death. This study evaluates a highly reflective asphalt coating, CoolSeal, as a potential strategy to mitigate these conditions. Fieldwork included three separate site visits to Hunting Park during summer days with ambient temperatures above 85°F, with data collection time periods occurring from 9-10 AM, 12-1 PM, and 4-5 PM. Measurements included surface temperature collected by an infrared (IR) sensor, air temperature and relative humidity recorded using HOBO air sensors, and mean radiant temperature (MRT), recorded with the CHAOS Six Direction Comfort Cube. Results indicate that CoolSeal consistently lowered asphalt surface temperatures throughout the day, with temperature differences between CoolSeal-coated and uncoated asphalt being 9.2°F on average. Air temperature measurements showed little difference between CoolSeal and untreated asphalt. CoolSeal’s MRT is significantly higher in the 4-5 PM period; however, the other time periods’ MRT data portrays inconclusive data. Ongoing studies include testing a double-layer CoolSeal application at a second Hunting Park pilot site.

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2025-09-15
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We specially thank the Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring (PURM) program at CURF and the Environmental Innovations Initiative Grant for funding this project.
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