Abstract
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.
Highlights
The world is increasingly concerned about excess energy consumption leading to serious consequences for the environment
polyethylene glycol (PEG) 1000 was an effective phase change material (PCM) in the warmer seasons in a climate typical of the Mediterranean area; polyethylene glycol 800 (PEG 800) is expected to be effective in the same Mediterranean regions but during colder seasons or in regions located in colder climates
The results of these analyses provided information on the thermal degradation process and on the amount of PEG 800 absorbed by the Lecce stone granules during the vacuum impregnation process
Summary
The world is increasingly concerned about excess energy consumption leading to serious consequences for the environment. Aerial lime is frequently used in restoration and conservation applications of architectural heritage and historic buildings as it responds to important functional requirements, such as high chemical–physical compatibility with pre-existing substrates [46] It was used very often as binder for mortars containing a microcapsule PCM, and their mechanical and thermal properties were investigated [45,47]; their durability has been studied [48,49]. The sustainable and low-cost product was added to mortars based on different binders (aerial lime, hydraulic lime, gypsum, or concrete) [31,51], which were demonstrated to be efficient in reducing indoor temperature fluctuations, especially in warm seasons and in buildings located in Mediterranean regions It was, found that PEG 1000 does not undergo its phase change at “low” temperatures, which means during the winter season [52]. PEG 1000 was an effective PCM in the warmer seasons in a climate typical of the Mediterranean area; PEG 800 is expected to be effective in the same Mediterranean regions but during colder seasons or in regions located in colder (continental) climates
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