Physical Properties of an Eco-Sustainable, Form-Stable Phase Change Material Included in Aerial-Lime-Based Mortar Intended for Different Climates.

The aim of this experimental investigation was to produce a form-stable phase change material (PCM) able to reduce the need for nonrenewable energy resources required for the heating/cooling of buildings located in regions characterized by different climatic conditions. The innovative PCM must also be sustainable and must be produced according to the principles of the circular economy. To achieve such ambitious goals, a form-stable, sustainable PCM was produced through vacuum impregnation. The form-stable PCM was produced starting from a low-toxicity, low-flammability polyethylene glycol of medium molecular weight (PEG 800), which was included in porous stone granules obtained as waste products of the cutting/processing of local (Lecce) stone. The thermal properties and thermal stability of PEG 800 and of its PCM-composite were evaluated by employing differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The appropriate parameters to perform the impregnation procedure were identified through rheological and calorimetric analyses. A simple leakage test was performed to assess if the PEG polymer can leak from the stone flakes. Finally, the new PCM was added as an aggregate in aerial-lime-based mortars, and the mortar's properties were analyzed in fresh (workability) and hardened (flexural and compressive strength and thermal characteristics) states for potential applications, particularly in ancient buildings.

Innovative Materials for Construction.

Academic and industrial efforts around the world are continuously engaged to develop new smart materials that can provide efficient alternatives to conventional construction materials and improve the energy-efficiency in buildings or are able to upgrade, repair, and protect existing infrastructures [...].

Thermal Performance of Mortars Based on Different Binders and Containing a Novel Sustainable Phase Change Material (PCM).

Increasing concerns about climate change and global warming bring about technical steps for the development of several energy-efficient technologies. Since the building sector is one of the largest energy users for cooling and heating necessities, the incorporation of a proper energy-efficient material into the building envelopes could be an interesting solution for saving energy. Phase change material (PCM)-based thermal energy storage (TES) seems suitable to provide efficient energy redistribution. This is possible because the PCM is able to store and release its latent heat during the phase change processes that occurs according to the environmental temperature. The purpose of this paper was the characterization of the thermal properties of a composite PCM (i.e., Lecce stone/poly-ethylene glycol, previously developed) incorporated into mortar compositions based on different binders (i.e., hydraulic lime and cement). The study was carried out using an experimental set up through which it was possible to simulate the different seasons of the years. It was observed that the addition of PCM in mortars leads to a decrease of the maximum temperatures and increase of the minimum temperatures. Furthermore, the results shown a reduction of the heating and cooling needs, thus confirming the capability of this material to save energy.