Eco-efficient mortars with simultaneous incorporation of phase change material and fly ash

ABSTRACT Nowadays, the construction industry is the one of the main European sector responsible for the higher levels of energy consumption, raw materials extraction and waste production. Increasingly the consumption of energy from renewable sources and reusing industrial wastes is the only way to minimize this problem for the environment and society. The simultaneous incorporation of phase change materials (PCM) and fly ash (FA) in mortars allow increase the energy efficiency in buildings and decrease the amount of the raw materials extraction and waste materials landfilled. The development of mortars with incorporation of PCM and fly ash contributes to a significant improvement of the comfort parameters inside buildings and in the environment. The PCM allow regulating the temperature inside buildings using only solar energy as a resource, decreasing the air conditioning needs. The PCM has the capability to absorb and release energy for the environment. The main purpose of this study was the physical, mechanical and thermal characterization of mortars with incorporation of PCM and FA. It was concluded that the simultaneous incorporation of PCM and FA leads to homogenous and suitable mortars, with good physical and mechanical properties and an increased thermal behavior when compared to the mortars without incorporation of PCM and only with incorporation of PCM.