Phase change materials (PCMs) have been widely used to improve the thermal energy storage capacity of building materials. In this study, the n-octadecane (OD)/expanded perlite (EP) composite PCM, which was prepared by incorporation of liquid noctadecane into EP using the vacuum impregnation method, was used to fabricate the gypsum board. e microscopic, thermal, and mechanical properties were studied. e SEM results showed that OD could be absorbed into the pores of EP uniformly. e FI-IR results showed that OD and EP have good chemical stability. It was found that the gypsum board has best heat transfer delay when the volume fraction of OD/EP was 20% (v/v). e mechanical property of the gypsum board with OD/EP decreased. To deal with the problem, the effect of nano-Al 2 O 3 on the gypsum board was also studied. e results showed that the mechanical properties of the gypsum board were effectively increased when the dosage of nano-Al 2 O 3 was 0.5 wt.%, and the gypsum board had the best thermal insulation effect when the nano-Al 2 O 3 content was 0.3 wt.%. Considering the cost and the comprehensive property, it was suggested that the optimal addition content of nano-Al 2 O 3 was 0.3 wt.%.
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