Pennsylvania State University scientists said their research into the electrically induced heat effects of ferroelectric polymers might lead to solid state cooling and heating.

"For the future, we can envision a flat panel refrigerator," said Professor Qiming Zhang. "No more coils, no more compressors, just solid polymer with appropriate heat exchangers."

Conventional refrigerators and air conditioners rely on the properties of gases to cool. Zhang said his approach involves ferroelectric polymers that exhibit temperature changes at room temperature under an electrical field, producing heated or cool air under various conditions.

Other possible applications for the ferroelectric polymers include cooling of protective gear or heating of gloves and socks for firefighters, athletes, sportsmen and law enforcement officers.

The study that also included graduate students Bret Neese and Yong Wang, research associate Eugene Furman, and postdoctoral fellows Baojin Chu and Sheng-Guo Lu is reported in the journal Science.