Effective cooling strategies are critical for cultivating high-quality ornamental plants during the summer. The fan-and-pad cooling system reduces greenhouse temperatures by drawing air through wet pads, which humidify and cool the air, aided by fans on the opposite side. However, the paper-based pads (corrugated cellulose) used in this system have limited durability and degrade with prolonged use. Nanocomposite hydrogels, with their polymer-based structure, can absorb and retain moisture through swelling, presenting a promising alternative. This study examines the application of nanocomposite hydrogels, focusing on their hygroscopic properties and cooling efficiency under various temperatures and wind speeds. When treated with lithium chloride solutions at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% saturation, higher LiCl concentrations reduced weight but increased swelling capacity. Optimal cooling effects were achieved with wind speeds of 1.0 m/s at 25°C and 1.5 m/s at 35°C, with greater efficiency observed at lower wind speeds. These findings suggest that integrating nanocomposite hydrogels into cooling pads could enhance durability and reduce maintenance compared with conventional paper pads.

Introduction
Materials and Methods
    Preparation of Nanocomposite Hydrogel
    Cooling Effects of Nanocomposite Hydrogel
Results and Discussion
    Preparation of Nanocomposite Hydrogel
    Cooling Effects of Nanocomposite Hydrogel
Acknowledgments
References

• Young Hyun Kwon(Agriculture and Life Science Research Institute, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea)
• Young Bae Han(Department of Mechanical and System Engineering, Korea Military Academy, Seoul 01805, Korea)
• Yang Ho Na(Department of Advanced Materials, Hannam University, Daejeon 34054, Korea) Corresponding author
• Yong Ha Rhie(Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Smart Agriculture, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea, Department of Horticulture, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea) Corresponding author