Innovative cementitious mortar incorporated with sepiolite based shape-stable phase change material for thermal controlling of buildings

In light of the urgent demand for enhanced temperature control within the realm of construction and building applications, this research presents an innovative shape-stabilized phase change material (PCM). Effective thermal energy storage has been made possible by combining myristic acid (MA) and lauric acid (LA) with sepiolite in cement mortars. These innovative PCM-incorporated mortars present promising solutions for reducing daytime cooling loads and enhancing thermal comfort in buildings. The research thoroughly examines the influence of Sepiolite infused with PCM on the thermoregulatory efficiency of cement mortar in specially designed test chambers simulating real ambient conditions. The research findings underscore the material's remarkable thermal stability, reliability, and capacity to efficiently absorb and release substantial latent heat. The study discloses the latent heat storage properties of the SEP/LA-MA composite, with 79.01 J/g absorbed during melting and 78.67 J/g released during solidification. Thermal durability, evaluated through 500 consecutive cycles, demonstrates consistent phase transition characteristics. Post-cycling, the composite maintains an impressive 78.68 J/g latent heat of fusion, retaining 99.5% of its original capacity. The TGA results emphasize the exceptional thermal stability of Sepiolite, LA-MA, and the composite, underscoring their ability to withstand typical operating conditions effectively. The introduction of these innovative cement-based composites with shape-stable PCM holds significant potential for enhancing various building components, aiming to elevate both energy efficiency and comfort levels in buildings.