Thermal, structural, and chemical characteristics evaluation of wood/phase change material composites for applying as a finishing material in floor radiant heating systems

Abstract

Application of wood to floor finishing materials is increasing. Phase change materials (PCMs) was utilized to improve thermal performance of wood. Appropriateness of PCM impregnation was evaluated by analyzing morphological properties of composites. Compatibility as flooring material was evaluated by analyzing structural and chemical properties of composites. Their thermal performances were verified by measuring latent heat, surface temperature, thermal conductivity, and dynamic heat transfer test. Composite showed a latent heat of 86.20 J/g, which was 32.53% of thermal performance of PCM. Consequently, composites have prospective applications as finishing materials for floor radiant heating systems.Application of wood to building materials is increasing. In this study, phase change materials (PCMs) which possess latent heat was utilized to improve thermal performance of wood. Appropriateness of PCM impregnation was evaluated by analyzing morphological properties of composites. Compatibility as flooring material was evaluated by analyzing structural and chemical properties of composites. Their thermal performances were verified by measuring latent heat, surface temperature, and thermal conductivity. Moreover, dynamic heat transfer test demonstrates potential of composites for stabilizing the indoor temperature. Consequently, composites manufactured in this study have prospective applications as finishing materials for floor radiant heating systems.