Effect of Moisture on Thermal Conductivity of Lime-Based Composites

Abstract

The effect of moisture content on the thermal conductivity of lime-based composites is investigated both experimentally and theoretically. Experimental measurements of thermal conductivity as a function of moisture content from a dry state to a fully water saturated state are performed using an impulse technique. The obtained experimental data are analyzed at first with fundamental theoretical models, and it is found that they conform to both Wiener’s and Hashin–Shtrikman’s bounds. The thermal conductivity of wet lime-based composites is then analyzed using several homogenization techniques, among them, Lichtenecker’s, Polder and van Santen’s, and Dobson’s formulas. The validity of applied effective-media treatments is assessed comparing the measured and calculated data. Lichtenecker’s equation is found to achieve the best agreement with experimental measurements.