Shrinkage strains development in ultralight cementitious foams with embedded MPCM

Abstract

An innovative material composed of cementitious foam and microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCMs) offers a promising alternative to commonly used insulation materials. The high shrinkage, which is the main drawback of this material is poorly recognized, although it may cause problems in the production process. This paper presents the findings of a comprehensive study on the shrinkage development in cementitious foams with a density range of 240–320 kg/m3, enriched by MPCMs. Through the measurements of shrinkage strains and water loss, an understanding of shrinkage behaviour was better recognized. The results confirmed no plastic shrinkage in the material and the expansion strains instead of typical autogenous contraction. It was also found that a substantial portion (approximately 60%) of the foam-based water is discharged without causing drying shrinkage but further water release induced high shrinkage strains. MPCM was found to reduce shrinkage strains as its content increases.