Effect of Shell Cover Color on Solar Absorptance and Environmental Heating of Cricket Helmets: A Pilot Study

The objective of this pilot study was to quantify and describe the effect of shell cover color on solar absorptance, a1 (%; mean ± SD) and the temperature of the cricket helmet shell covers, Thsc (°C; mean ± SD) during exposure to a hot outdoor environment (WBGT 32.5 ± 1.9 °C; ACSM Heat Index Black; Extreme Danger STOP). We measured and recorded a1 in yellow, red and black cricket helmets using a micro-solarimeter. Thermographic imaging was used to quantify differential Thsc . Variations in shell cover color had a statistically significant (p<0.0002) 2-fold effect on a1 . At the end of 30-minute trials, variations in color and a1 resulted in 3.6 to 6.0 °C difference in Thsc between helmets. Although speculative, the color of cricket helmet shell covers may have a functionally significant effect of exertional heat illnesses, EHIs (ranging from dehydration to heat stroke). Incorporating reflective nanocomposites particles into the material used in the construction of the Lycra® shell covers and XENOY™ shells may facilitate passive cooling of cricket helmets and ultimately reduce EHIs.