Description
New construction materials for architectural applications need to face environmental and energy efficiency. Self-modulating materials are promising solutions to optimize the energy performance of buildings, by compensating hygrothermal changes of the climate. Among bio-based components for self-modulating mortars, Phase-change materials (PCM) and Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) highlight. PCM can storage and release thermal energy, modulating heat flow and reducing heating and cooling energy demand. SAP can help to achieve suitable indoor conditions as they level air humidity and contribute to an evaporative cooling effect. In addition, these polymers can be made from renewable bio-resources.
This paper presents a study reporting materials selection, mortar composition design and experimental tests and procedures used to assess thermal and moisture self-modulating properties of PCM and SAP modified mortars for architectural applications as buffer layers. A pervious cement-lime mixture was designed and different amounts and combinations of two types of SAP and a microencapsulated PCM were evaluated. Mortars’ fresh Workability and setting and hardened physical and mechanical properties, microstructure, thermal (heat conductivity and storage properties) and hygric parameters (water and vapor transport and storage) and carbonation process were studied.
The preliminary results of self-modulating mortars showed that SAP and PCM can increase moisture and thermal properties, enhancing buffer capacities of architectural mortars.
