Energy Efficient Building Materials Research Articles

Achieving Dual Objectives of Maximizing Transmitted Solar Energy and Minimizing UV Transmission at Vertical Incidence

Abstract. In northern China, exterior window glass significantly impacts heating energy consumption during winter by collecting heat and providing insulation. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in shading by attenuating ultraviolet rays. This paper presents an intelligent optimization algorithm based on genetic algorithms for optimizing the thickness of three-layer insulating glass to maximize solar radiation transmission and minimize ultraviolet radiation below 400nm wavelength, thereby enhancing the glass's heat collection and shading capabilities. The study utilizes MATLAB's genetic algorithm function, running 20 iterations to overcome local optima, achieving an optimal glass thickness configuration of 12mm for each layer. This configuration allows maximum solar energy transmission while substantially reducing UV radiation, balancing energy efficiency with health protection. Future research directions include examining different glass materials' effects on UV blocking, considering climate change impacts on glass performance, and scaling the optimization method for large-scale architectural applications to assess its practical and economic viability. The findings contribute to the development of energy-efficient and health-protective building materials.

Quantum Genetic Algorithm-Driven Optimization of Triple-Glazed Window Thickness for Enhanced Light Reduction

Abstract. Glass, a common construction material, generally lacks significant thermal properties. As technology rapidly advances, the demand for glass materials with superior heat preservation and thermal insulation capabilities increases, driven by the need to reduce building energy consumption. Multi-objective optimization problems, particularly in complex multilayered systems, require advanced numerical optimization algorithms. The quantum-inspired genetic algorithm (QIGA) offers advantages such as fast solving speed and high precision, utilizing quantum coding, variation, rotation gates, and crossing techniques. This study focuses on designing the optimal thickness of triple-layer glass to minimize sunlight penetration through windows, using QIGA to achieve this goal. The results demonstrate that triple glazing effectively reduces solar radiation entering a room, though different layer combinations lead to significant variations in total energy reduction. The study also emphasizes the importance of concurrent research in glass layer splicing technology, coating film techniques, and new glass materials to enhance overall performance. These findings contribute to the development of energy-efficient building materials that meet modern standards for thermal insulation and light control.

The Regulation of Temperature Fluctuations and Energy Consumption in Buildings Using Phase Change Material–Gypsum Boards in Summer

This study examined the thermal performance of Comfortboard23, a commercial gypsum board from Knauf infused with phase change material (PCM). Structural characterization using XRD and SEM confirmed the presence of microencapsulated PCM within the gypsum matrix. The study does not provide a direct comparison between Comfortboard23 and other PCM-integrated gypsum boards on the market. This is a limitation of the research. A comprehensive comparison would involve testing multiple products under identical conditions, and evaluating factors such as thermal performance, cost-effectiveness, durability, and ease of installation. Thermal characterization involved a novel low-scale thermal chamber to measure U-value, thermal conductivity, heat storage capacity, and dynamic thermal response. Results showed incorporating PCM decreased the U-value by 2% compared to standard gypsum boards. Additionally, PCM inclusion increased heat storage capacity by around 45% and improved dynamic thermal characteristics by decreasing thermal stability coefficient from 0.92 to 0.76 and increasing thermal lag from 0.27 to 0.49 h. The 45% increase in heat storage capacity of Comfortboard23 could lead to a 10–20% reduction in heating and cooling energy consumption, improved thermal comfort, and potential HVAC downsizing. Exact benefits depend on climate, building design, and occupancy patterns, necessitating further research in diverse real-world settings. The findings demonstrate Comfortboard23’s potential for enhancing thermal energy storage in buildings, contributing to energy savings, improved thermal comfort, and reduced temperature fluctuations across varying daily temperatures. Overall, the study highlights the promise of Comfortboard23 as an energy-efficient PCM-integrated building material.

Synthesis of highly transparent and fast-responding photochromic coating by template method with space-limited domains

The persistent global high-temperature weather warns us that improving energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions are urgent. Controlling the solar energy input in buildings using photochromic smart coating can effectively reduce the energy consumption required for cooling. However, it remains a challenge to achieve high transparency and fast photoresponse in organic–inorganic hybrid photochromic smart coating. Herein, we utilize space-limited domains to design a template polymer that facilitates the formation of amorphous WO3 nanodots, thereby enhancing the polymer network structure through hydrogen bonding and dipole–dipole interactions, which endow the smart coating with excellent adhesion strength up to 13 MPa. Notably, the photochromic smart coating with amorphous WO3 nanodots exhibits higher transparency (96.8 %) than conventional glass (91 %), and a wide visible light modulation range of 96.8 %-4.8 %. Based on this, the cooling efficacy of the smart photochromic coating was assessed within a model residence under actual environmental conditions. The inner temperature of the model house was reduced by up to 13 °C, which decreased indoor heat absorption by 25.8 %, significantly improving energy efficiency. This work provides an important and attractive strategy for achieving energy-efficient building materials and addressing global climate warming.

Characterization and optimization of desulfurized construction gypsum modified with functionalized nanocellulose

This study focuses on the development and characterization of a novel composite material based on flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum modified with functionalized nanocellulose. The incorporation of 0.1 wt% nanocellulose into the FGD gypsum matrix resulted in significant improvements in mechanical strength, water resistance, and thermal insulation properties. The flexural and compressive strength of the optimized composite increased by 32 % and 27 %, respectively, compared to the control sample. The water absorption decreased by 22 %, and the softening coefficient increased from 0.72 to 0.85, indicating enhanced water resistance. The thermal conductivity of the composite was reduced by 31 %, showcasing its potential as an energy-efficient building material. SEM analysis revealed a refined microstructure with improved interfacial bonding between the nanocellulose and gypsum matrix, while FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of chemical interactions between the components. The moisture buffering capacity of the composite was also superior, with a 38 % higher moisture buffering value than the control sample. These findings highlight the potential of functionalized nanocellulose as a reinforcing agent in FGD gypsum-based composites, offering a promising solution for the development of high-performance, eco-friendly building materials.

Thermal, mechanical property and flame retardant analysis of bio-based rigid polyurethane foam modified with expandable graphite

As an energy-efficient building material, rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) has attracted attention. However, there are still great challenges in how to easily prepare RPUF materials with good mechanical properties, flame retardant properties, thermal insulation and other properties. In the current work, expandable graphite (EG)-modified lignin-based polyol (RPUF) was prepared by a one-step method. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to study the pyrolysis of modified foams under nitrogen conditions. It was found that the RPUF-4 with an EG of 10 wt% had the highest the apparent activation energy (E), integral procedural decomposition temperature (IPDT), initial temperature and residue rate. And RPUF-4 also had excellent thermal insulation properties. In addition, RPUF-4 exhibited excellent flame retardancy and smoke suppression properties (peak heat release rate (RHRR), total heat release rate (THR) and Ds were 65.46 %, 23.92 % and 45.94 % lower than those of the unadded RPUF, respectively). At the same time, RPUF-4 also had good mechanical properties and energy absorption properties. These results will lay the foundation for the development and application of RPUF in the field of building insulation.

Green building material with superior thermal insulation and energy storage properties fabricated by Paraffin and foam cement composite

In the field of architecture and construction, foam cement has been gradually gaining popularity due to its outstanding attributes of reduced weight, carbon footprint, and potential thermal insulation effects. However, relying solely on the thermal insulation provided by the foam in foam cement lacks the capability to store and release heat. In this paper, a novel approach is proposed by directly incorporating paraffin into foam cement with non-continuous pores, creating a phase change foam cement. The addition of paraffin to foam cement, facilitated by the presence of surfactants in foam, allows the paraffin to disperse. In contrast, if paraffin is directly added to cement without the foam, it tends to aggregate. The internal pore structure, thermal performance, phase change temperature, and relaxation distributions were investigated through equipment such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermal conductivity meter, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and H1 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Results indicate that paraffin/foam cement plays a dual function, effectively storing and releasing energy, significantly enhancing its thermal insulation performance. Particularly, the incorporation of 10 vol% paraffin content results in a notable 21.8 % reduction in the thermal conductivity, for foam cement with a density of 600 kg/m3. This is attributed to the heat storage capability of the phase-change paraffin, which absorbs heat as the surrounding temperature rises, synergistically collaborating with the foam. This presents a novel perspective for the development of green and energy-efficient building materials, contributing to the realization of sustainable energy utilization in the construction industry.

Mineralogical, Geotechnical, Thermal and Mechanical Characterizations of an Energy-Efficient Building Material: Clay Stabilized by Wood Ashes or Crushed Waste from Traditional Pottery

Mineralogical, Geotechnical, Thermal and Mechanical Characterizations of an Energy-Efficient Building Material: Clay Stabilized by Wood Ashes or Crushed Waste from Traditional Pottery

CEMENT COMPOSITES WITH THE ADDITION OF PHASE-CHANGE MATERIALS AS INNOVATIVE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FOR MAINTAINING A PLEASANT LIVING ENVIRONMENT

The aim of this work was to investigate the possibility of the addition of phase-change material (PCM) to mortar mixtures and its effect on the material’s mechanical and thermal properties. This work included the preparation of mortar mixtures with two different water-to-cement (w/c) ratios as well as various PCM volume-fraction additions. The main objectives were to determine the effect of the w/c ratio as well as the PCM addition on the mechanical properties of the mortars after (3, 7, and 28) d of curing. Additionally, we examined the microstructure of the prepared mortar composites and evaluated their thermal behaviour. Microstructural analysis revealed the uniform distribution of PCM microcapsules throughout the mortar matrix, which contributes to the efficient storage and release of thermal energy. Thermal properties were analysed by repeated heating and cooling cycles of the mortar composites. The repeatability of the cyclic testing results showed a reversible melting and solidification phase change of the PCM and indicated the potential use of such composites as an energy-efficient building material. The study highlighted the potential incorporation of the PCM into mortar mixtures to improve their thermal properties while maintaining the mechanical integrity. The research findings provide valuable insight into the development of sustainable building materials with greater energy efficiency and structural reliability.

Thermo-Regulated Cotton: Enhanced Insulation through PVA Nanofiber-Coated PCM Microcapsules

The innovative integration of phase change materials (PCMs) into textiles through microencapsulation presents a transformative approach to developing thermally regulated fabrics. This study explores the synthesis and characterization of microcapsules containing a coconut oil core and an ethylcellulose shell, and their application on cotton fabrics coated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers. The dual-layer system involving microcapsules and nanofibers is designed to enhance the thermal insulation properties of textiles by regulating heat through the absorption and release of thermal energy. The microencapsulation of PCMs allows for the effective incorporation of these materials into textiles without altering the fabric’s inherent properties. In this study, the coconut oil serves as the PCM, known for its suitable phase change temperature range, while ethylcellulose provides a robust shell, enhancing the microcapsules’ structural integrity. The application of a PVA nanofibers layer not only strengthens the thermal regulation properties but also protects the microcapsules from release while the fabric is manipulated, thereby prolonging the functional life of the fabric. Comprehensive testing, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirms the successful application and durability of the microcapsules on the textiles. Thermal imaging studies demonstrate the fabric’s enhanced capability to maintain a consistent temperature, highlighting the potential of this technology in applications ranging from smart clothing to energy-efficient building materials or automotive isolation. The integration of PCMs in textiles via microencapsulation and nanofiber technology marks a significant advancement in textile engineering, offering new opportunities for the development of smart and sustainable materials. The study demonstrates the promising potential of integrating PCMs into textiles using microencapsulation and nanofiber technologies. Despite the initially modest insulation improvements, the methodology provides a robust foundation for further research and development.

Experimental Study to Replace Conventional Bricks with Papercrete Bricks Incorporating Various Admixtures

The study focuses on identifying suitable admixtures that can positively impact the workability, strength, and insulation capabilities of papercrete. Various types and concentrations of admixtures, such as fly ash, glass fiber, and glass powder, silica fumes, iron powder, jute fibre etc are introduced to the papercrete mix to assess their influence on the material's overall performance. The results of this study contribute to the broader goal of promoting sustainable construction practices by improving the performance and versatility of papercrete. By identifying effective admixtures, this study offers practical guidance for architects, engineers, and builders seeking environmentally friendly alternatives in the pursuit of more resilient and energy-efficient building materials.

Enhancing the Thermal and Energy Performance of Clay Bricks with Recycled Cultivated Pleurotus florida Waste

The development of energy-efficient and sustainable building materials is imperative to reduce energy consumption in the construction sector. This study addresses both the applied problem of increased solar heat gain and decreased indoor thermal comfort, as well as the scientific problem of reducing the thermal conductivity of clay bricks. It investigates the incorporation of recycled spent mushroom materials, consisting of Pleurotus florida mycelia and rice husk waste, as a novel additive in the production of fired clay bricks (FCBs) to enhance thermal insulation properties. The developed bricks were utilized in an optimized wall design for a residential building in New Cairo, Egypt. The wall design is created using energy modeling software, including Honeybee, Ladybug, Climate Studio, and Galapagos. The results demonstrate that an optimal waste content of 15% and a firing temperature of 900 °C yield the best thermal performance. Compared to traditional FCB walls, the new design incorporating the florida waste additive significantly improves thermal comfort, as indicated by a lower predicted mean vote and predicted percentage of dissatisfaction. Furthermore, the developed walls contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions of 6% and a decrease in total energy consumption of 38.8%. The incorporation of recycled florida waste offers a sustainable approach to enhancing standard brick fabrication processes. This work highlights the promise of agricultural waste valuation for the development of eco-friendly and energy-efficient building materials. Future research should explore the mechanical strength, acoustics, cost–benefit analysis, and field implementation of the developed walls, thereby addressing both the scientific and applied aspects of the problem.

Novel integration of recycled-hemihydrate phosphogypsum and ethyl palmitate in composite phase change material for building thermal regulation

This study investigates the properties of novel heat storage gypsum composites composed of waste Hemihydrate phosphogypsum (HP) incorporated with Ethyl Palmitate (EP) Phase Change Material (PCM) at varying concentrations of 25 wt %, 50 wt %, and 75 wt %. The focus of the research revolves around evaluating key characteristics, including leakage properties, chemical stability, microstructural analysis, heat storage characteristics, mechanical properties, and the thermal regulation performance of these novel composites. The investigation of leakage properties aimed to find the optimum EP ratio within the composite structure without causing any potential EP leakage, and it was determined to be 25 wt %. Furthermore, thermal regulation tests are conducted to assess the heat storage and release capabilities of the composites with varying HP/EP content. The latent heat storage of the HP/EP composite was determined as 46.12 J/g, even after the 750th cycle, the value only decreased to 46.03 J/g. With the porosity filling effect of EP additive in HP, as the EP additive increased, the amount of porosity decreased, and the compressive strength values increased by almost 10 %. In hot weather conditions, the EP additive provided a cooler environment between 2 and 4 °C according to thermoregulation results. This study not only holds promise in the context of developing novel heat storage composites for applications in energy-efficient building materials, thermal energy storage systems, and related sustainable technologies but also in harnessing industrial waste byproducts. It particularly highlights the value of HP as a waste material, which has a high potential for evaluation in the production of gypsum and other building materials.

Perceptions and Reuse of Concrete Building Structures

Concrete has gone through significant changes in popularity in the United Kingdom. This paper explores factors associated with shifts in the perception, and reuse of concrete buildings. and how these changes have influenced the use of concrete in Architecture and Design in the UK. The popularity of concrete has fluctuated over the past few decades. This is driven by a combination of cultural, aesthetic and sustainability factors. In the 1980’s and 90’s fairfaced, textured, bush-hammered concrete acquired a reputation which took some three decades to reverse. UK public opinion on concrete ‘Brutalist’ buildings of these decades is mixed, but tends to often be negative, where terms used include ‘Depressing’, ‘Hideous’, ‘Monstrosities’, ‘Eyesores’. There is currently a growing appreciation for the history and cultural significance of concrete and specifically ‘Brutalist’ architecture. Although these buildings were previously despised, they are now recognised as part of the UK’s architectural heritage and efforts are made to preserve them for future generations. Buildings and complexes, which were once run-down urban environments, are now changed into more desirable housing complexes often leading to drastic social changes in the area. Concrete has been generally seen as a material that has significant environmental impact, especially in terms of carbon emissions. Concrete’s durability, thermal mass and fire protection properties paired with advances in technology that can improve the appearance and consistency of finishes, have all improved the popularity of concrete. Strides are also being made to improve the sustainability of concrete constituent materials. The positioning of concrete as a sustainable, energy efficient building material that can also have an aesthetic appeal, combined with its versatility and durability, make concrete once again a popular choice for contemporary architecture and Interior design.

Thermo-physical characterizations and simulation study of an energy-efficient building material: Clay stabilized by wood ashes or crushed waste from traditional pottery

Thermo-physical characterizations and simulation study of an energy-efficient building material: Clay stabilized by wood ashes or crushed waste from traditional pottery

Оцінка енергоефективності в життєвому циклі об’єктів житлового будівництва

Buildings consume significant amounts of energy and resources at all stages of their life cycle, causing a huge impact on the environment. Life cycle energy analysis is a holistic approach to assessing the design energy efficiency of buildings. Although new construction involves the energy-efficient, sustainable buildings, the energy demand in the construction sector will increase due to the ever-increasing demand for housing. Therefore, housing construction has significant potential for energy saving and potential for further research. The aim of the article is an energy analysis of the life cycle of buildings to formulate a strategic framework for reducing the energy footprint of the construction sector. The article examines energy-efficient solutions at the stage of selection of building systems for the construction of external wall structures. The evaluation criteria were the indicators of heat transfer resistance, embodied energy and carbon dioxide emissions from the production of building materials. It is shown that in terms of thermal and technical indicators, structures with facade thermal insulation meet the requirements of the current legislation. Comparison of embodied energy indicators showed that for a wall structure made of solid bricks, this figure is 2.0–2.7 times higher than for walls using energy-efficient building materials, which is due to the high density of ceramic bricks and significant energy consumption for their firing. For aerated concrete walls, the value of embodied energy is 769 and 1019 MJ, and the embodied carbon dioxide value is 54 and 69 kg/m2 when using expanded polystyrene and mineral wool, respectively. Life cycle energy assessment provides a strategic framework for reducing energy demand in the construction sector for practical implementation by developers. Prospects for further research in this direction are to determine the embodied energy of the proposed solutions, taking into account the durability of building materials.

Green innovations in construction: how environmental technologies shape the economy of sustainable cities

The article examines current trends in the use of green technologies in construction in order to create sustainable and environmentally friendly cities. The authors highlight various aspects of green innovation, such as energy-efficient building materials, waste management systems, sustainable infrastructure and energy efficiency of buildings. The paper also condemns the benefits of green innovation, including reducing environmental impacts, improving the energy efficiency of buildings, improving air and water quality in urban environments, and examines examples of successful implementation of green technologies in various countries and cities. The researchers call for the active introduction of green innovations in construction in order to create sustainable cities that can combine modern amenities with minimal impact on natural resources. The article emphasizes that green innovations in construction not only contribute to reducing the negative impact on the environment, but can also significantly save resources and costs for the operation of buildings in the long term. The authors draw attention to the fact that the support and development of green technologies in construction can lead to job creation, stimulate innovation and improve the quality of life in cities. The role of state and municipal authorities in promoting green initiatives, implementing sustainable construction standards, as well as providing financial incentives for enterprises actively involved in creating environmentally sustainable urban environments is also highlighted. In general, the paper notes the need to understand the importance of the transition to green innovations in construction in order to ensure the sustainability of cities, improve the quality of life of citizens, and, what is especially important in the modern world, to cope with the challenges of climate change.

ПРОМИСЛОВІСТЬ БУДІВЕЛЬНИХ МАТЕРІАЛІВ: ПРОБЛЕМИ ТА ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ РОЗВИТКУ

The article summarises the main challenges faced by the construction materials industry during the COVID-19 pandemic and the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion against Ukraine. The paper outlines the main trends in the development of the construction materials industry in the global and national contexts. In particular, the global trends in the production of construction materials are as follows: growing demand for construction materials for residential construction due to the intensification of the urbanisation process; use of AI and IoT technologies; production of environmentally friendly and energy efficient materials; sale of construction materials on online markets, etc. The main trends in the development of the domestic building materials industry are the following: focusing of building materials producers on the domestic market; stimulation of demand by the State, expansion of State programmes; production of reliable building structures; production of energy-efficient building materials; use of alternative energy sources. It is concluded that in order to solve the problems, it is necessary to provide systematic support to the construction materials industry from the State to stimulate demand, and to increase production capacity by enterprises in view of the needs of reconstruction and restoration and taking into account existing trends. The construction materials industry systematically develops new and improves existing building materials and applies the latest production technologies. The main trends in the production of construction materials relate to the use of environmentally friendly materials, which has a number of advantages: the use of environmentally friendly materials has a positive impact on both the environment and human health; the use of local raw materials in the production of construction materials helps to reduce operating costs and, consequently, the cost of a construction project; the use of local raw materials in the production of construction materials creates additional workplaces in related areas. Given the new macroeconomic trends in the construction sector, the opportunity for further transformation of the construction materials industry is high.

Study of Moulding Sands to Create Three-Layer Magnesium Concrete

Abstract The article is devoted to the problem of creating energy-efficient building materials for enclosing structures. The aim of the research is to develop a recipe and a method for moulding sands placing to create heat-insulating concrete of a multilayer structure. The three-layer magnesium concrete containing layers of different densities is an object of a scientific research. Compositions of moulding sands for concrete’s central and surface layers have been developed and studied. Materials specially developed were used as raw materials for moulding sands; they are as follows: composite magnesial binder and porous filler obtained by low-temperature firing of a granular mixture based on sodium liquid glass and thermal energy waste (fly ash from thermal power plants, aluminosilicate microsphere). Possibility of regulating moulding sand’s properties for concrete’s central layer by varying the content and fractional composition of porous granules has been shown. There has been proposed the moulding sand for surface layers of three-layer magnesium concrete containing crushed porous sand. The related composition of moulding sands favours with adhesion of concrete’s different layers. Various technological methods for producing magnesium concrete of a complex structure have been studied. The research reveals technological and operational characteristics of three-layer magnesium concrete obtained by horizontal and vertical deposition of moulding sands.

Towards a better living environment-compressive strength and water absorption testing of mini compressed stabilized earth blocks and fired bricks

The escalating demand for eco-friendly and energy-efficient building materials underscores a pivotal shift towards sustainable development catalyzed by heightened public consciousness. Leveraging community production optimizes local resources and curtails transportation overheads, fostering broader access to superior housing solutions. Emphasizing less-intensive construction techniques enhances material strength, insulation, and thermal attributes while significantly shrinking carbon footprints and waste generation. Particularly vital during crises, these methods invigorate local employment and champion environmental conservation. This study juxtaposes the performance metrics of Mini Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (MCSEB) and fire-burned clay bricks, focusing primarily on their compressive strength. The conventional production of fire-burned clay bricks poses notable challenges, especially regarding energy consumption and pollution. Their manufacturing, anchored in coal utilization, directly exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions. Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEBs) emerge as a promising alternative in this context. Crafted by pressure on soil, their production eschews the need for coal or other combustibles, resulting in a significantly reduced carbon and energy footprint. When benchmarked against traditional fire-burned bricks, CSEBs, if demonstrating analogous compressive strengths, emerge as a viable replacement. A pivotal element in assessing compressive strength lies in factoring in the specimen’s dimensions, with platen restraint effects as a crucial metric. This research harnesses the platen test to comprehensively compare the compressive strengths of Fire Burnt Clay Bricks and Mini Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks. This correlation suggests that Mini Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks, when adjusted for size, can be deemed comparable in strength to Fire fire-burnt clay Bricks, making them a promising sustainable alternative in construction.