Effects of phase-change material on performance of cement mortar at varying temperatures

Recent thermal effect reports have shown a widespread increase in temperature associated with global warming. The need to preserve building interiors at a steady, comfortable temperature has become a major task for engineers. This has resulted in the development of phase-change materials (PCMs), which can be positioned in the interior of building components to absorb heat from the surroundings. The main aim of this study was to examine the physical, mechanical and thermal properties of cement mortar incorporating encapsulated PCMs at different temperature phases. The materials required for the PCMs and encapsulation were selected based on economy, availability and temperature tolerance. The results were compared with a control specimen and improved behaviour in thermal resistance was noted. The compressive strength was reduced with an increased percentage of PCM; the reduction in strength could be compensated with the addition of micro-silica. Temperature phases did not have much influence on the strength and durability properties. Based on thermal resistance and strength properties, 5% PCM incorporation showed the best performance. An analytical model was developed using Comsol Multiphysics software to assess the thermal comfort in a building made of PCM-incorporated mortar block walls in comparison with conventional brick walls.