Encapsulated Phase Change Material on Performance of Cement Mortar at Varied Temperature

Abstract

Recent thermal effect reports have shown a widespread increase in temperature associated with global warming. The need to preserve building indoors at a temperature steady with a comfortable state has become a major task for engineers. This results in development of new materials, Phase Change Material (PCM), which can be positioned in the interior of the building components to absorb the heat from the surroundings. The main aim of this work is to examine the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of cement mortar incorporated with encapsulated PCM at different temperature phases. The materials required for PCM and encapsulation were selected based on the economy, availability, and temperature tolerance levels. Results were compared with the control specimen and showed improved behavior in thermal resistance. Compressive strength was reduced with an increased percentage of PCM, and the reduction in strength can be compensated by the addition of admixture, micro-silica. Temperature phases do not have much influence on strength and durability properties. Based on thermal resistance and strength properties 5% PCM incorporation showed best performance. Analytical model using COMSOL Multiphysics was developed to assess the thermal comfort in a building made of PCM incorporated mortar block walls and compared with conventional brick wall.