Abstract
Ambient comfort maintenance accompanied by excessive energy consumption is hugely criticized concerning the limited sustainability of the building sector in the long-term. In this sense, the energy reduction strategies based on the employment of passive air-control techniques are viewed as a prospective solution for improved energy performance. In order to contribute to this significant issue, this paper is aimed at the design and material characterization of novel plaster with an improved thermal and humidity control performance. For this purpose, a form-stable diatomite/dodecanol-based phase change material together with superabsorbent polymer are used as admixtures for the passive moderation of indoor air quality by newly designed modified plasters. The experimental assessment of the functional properties by means of mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and hygric properties is performed. Considering the goal of the paper, particular attention is paid to the characterization of water vapor storage and moisture buffering according to the Nordtest method. Differential scanning calorimetry is employed for the description of phase change intervals as well as the specific enthalpy of phase change. The obtained results point to significant improvements in the hygroscopic performance and increased thermal energy storage that can be used for passive moderation of the indoor temperature and reduction of the relative humidity swings.
Highlights
The energy consumption of the building sector still represents a substantial issue considering the population boom and increased thermal comfort requirements [1]
As one can see (Table 2), the obtained results point to the substantial effect of the superabsorbent polymers (SAP) and phase change materials (PCMs) admixtures applied in terms of basic material properties
The consequent slow liberation of the water contained in the SAP particles may result in the internal curing of the mixtures, which could promote the pozzolanic reaction of the applied PCM composite
Summary
The energy consumption of the building sector still represents a substantial issue considering the population boom and increased thermal comfort requirements [1]. The energy efficiency of buildings depends substantially on the hygrothermal parameters of materials applied in building envelopes [3]. In this sense, a detailed characterization of heat and moisture transport, including the storage parameters of building materials, plays a crucial role within the optimization and design of energy-efficient building envelopes [4,5,6]. The potential improvements in the ambient thermal comfort were studied in detail, predominantly via the optimization of the building envelope layers, including the application of advanced insulation materials such as vacuum-insulation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
