Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Mortar Incorporated with Phase Change Materials (PCMs)

Abstract

Phase change materials (PCMs) integration into cement mortar is among the new studies of interest regarding modern energy-saving techniques and developing the thermal properties in buildings. This study aims to integrate microencapsulated-PCMs (micro-PCMs) with cement mortar at 0, 5, 10, and 15% to replace natural sand for thermal properties improvement of the building envelope. In addition, the effect of using micro-PCMs on mechanical, thermal properties, and PCMs leakage problems were studied. The cement mortars incorporated with micro-PCMs were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal conductivity, and mechanical properties as (compressive, flexural, and tensile). The results indicate a decreasing trend of thermal conductivity values with the increase in PCMs content in the cementitious system with the percentages of 11, 21, and 30% for 5, 10, and 15% PCMs, respectively. Similarly, mechanical properties results also confirmed that integrating incorporating mortars with PCMs resulted in the reduction in the compressive strength by 22, 31, and 46%, respectively. Therefore, using the PCMs with cement mortar can build envelope applications to store thermal energy, provide the indoor temperature at a comfortable range, and reduce the consumption energy in buildings.