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Description
This paper presents a finite element modelling (FEM)-based approach to simulate the thermal performance and latent heat behaviour of sustainable cementitious mortars incorporating Phase Change Material–Vermiculite Aggregates (PCM-VAs). These advanced composites are designed to enhance thermal energy storage capabilities within building materials using porous vermiculite as a carrier medium for bio-based PCMs. An enthalpy-porosity formulation was adopted to solve the Stefan problem within the framework of coupled transient heat transfer, allowing for phase-change phenomena to be accurately captured across multi-scale domains. The FEM model was calibrated and validated using experimental data from an in-house testing program focused on optimized PCM impregnation techniques for vermiculite. The simulation results demonstrated good agreement with experimental measurements, effectively capturing the temperature evolution and storage-release cycles. This work supports the potential of PCM-VAs as a functional aggregate for low-carbon thermal regulation in cement-based construction systems.