Thermo-mechanical analysis of microencapsulated phase change material incorporated in concrete pavement

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of enhancing thermal performance in pavement concrete by integrating microencapsulated phase change materials (PCM@SiO2) using a Sol-gel process for encapsulation. With a concentration range from 0% to 20% in 5% increments, the effects of PCM@SiO2 on both the mechanical strength and thermal performance of concrete were evaluated. Although the addition of PCM@SiO2 resulted in a compromise in mechanical strength, significant improvements in thermal performance were observed, demonstrating a promising approach to mitigating temperature stresses and the urban heat island effect in pavement construction. This balance between mechanical and thermal properties underscores the potential of PCM incorporation as a strategic material choice for innovative urban development.