Rheological Behaviour of Cementitious Materials Incorporating Solid–Solid Phase Change Materials

Abstract

Nowadays, thermal regulation of the indoor environment is mandatory to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The incorporation of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) and especially solid–solid PCMs (s/s PCMs) into building materials can be a major step forward in reducing energy consumption. Such materials are used for their high latent heat to save and release heat during phase change. To integrate these products in the fabrication of cementitious materials, it is essential to predict their influence on the rheological behaviour of construction materials. In this work, rheological measurements were carried out on composite suspensions made of cement or mortar plus s/s PCMs. Results showed that the fitting of the Herschel–Bulkley model with a constant value of flow exponent was reliable. The s/s PCMs influenced the consistency and the yield strength values, with the yield strength value being only slightly affected. The adaptation of an existing viscosity model is proposed to predict the consistency value of suspensions. Finally, an innovative approach to predict the flow behaviour is proposed and we highlight the research needs to mainstream the use of s/s PCMs in construction materials.

Properties and Durability of Cementitious Composites Incorporating Solid-Solid Phase Change Materials

“…That is to say, the SS-PCM added to the fresh mortar increased its workability by fluidifying the mixture. The results obtained in the present work are in good agreement of those of Plancher et al [24]. The noticed fluidification is induced both by the solubility of SS-PCM and by the non-cohesive granular effect which contributes to reduce the energy needed to shear the fresh suspensions.…”

“…The detail of the chemical composition is provided in the Table 1. The SS-PCM PUX1520 is an innovative poly (ether urethane) based SS-PCM developed by Harlé et al [23,24]. Such home made SS-PCM is characterized by a high heat storage capacity of 89 J.g −1 with a low phase change temperature of 22.3 • C. Thanks to its high hardness (30 shore D), the SS-PCM seems to be suitable for cementitious materials applications.…”

“…The SS-PCM has a molar mass of 1500 g.mol −1 , a bulk density of 1200 kg.m −3 and a true density of 450 kg.m −3 . The SS-PCM PUX1520 is an innovative poly (ether urethane) based SS-PCM developed by Harlé et al [23,24]. Such home made SS-PCM is characterized by a high heat storage capacity of 89 J.g −1 with a low phase change temperature of 22.3 °C.…”

“…The innovative poly (ether urethane) based SS-PCM PUX1520 has interesting physical and thermal properties that are relevant for building applications [23,24]. Its integration in plaster has been the subject of preliminary studies [23], which have highlighted the interest and advantages of this technology SS-PCM compared with SL-MCP.…”

“…They showed the high thermal inertia of Plaster/SS-PCM composites. The rheological properties in mortars are studied [24].…”