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Assessment of setting characteristics, water absorption, thermal performance and compressive strength of energy-efficient phase change material (PCM)–ashcrete blocks

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Abstract

The present study explores the feasibility of microencapsulated phase change material (PCM) admixed high-volume fly ash (HVFA)–bottom ash (BA)–cement mixes for manufacture of masonry bricks. The cementitious mixes investigated in the present study are cement–HVFA–PCM pastes and cement–HVFA–PCM–sand (S)/ BA mixes, both with two different types and percentages of PCM. Experimental techniques based on packing density method are presented for determination of optimal mix proportions from workability and thermal performance viewpoint. Thermal, mechanical and durability-related properties of these mixes are analyzed through experimental investigations. The results of the study reveal that the developed mixes possess compressive strengths as high as 15 MPa, which is high enough for them to be used as masonry blocks. The PCM mixes are found to yield temperature reductions of 5°C over and above the control mixes, which is a significant improvement. PCM admixed HVFA–BA -cement mixes are found to be most congenial of all the mixes from thermal performance viewpoint due to their low thermal conductivities and high porosities. It is also found that PCM–HVFA–BA–cement mixes are lesser energy intensive, emit lesser carbon dioxide and are lighter in weight compared with conventional clay bricks.

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Abbreviations

B:

Binder (cement + fly ash)

BA:

Bottom ash

C:

Cement

FA:

Fly ash

HVFA:

High-volume fly ash

LWA:

Light weight aggregate

P:

MPCM37D (microencapsulated PCM product having 37°C melting temperature)

Q:

MPCM43D (microencapsulated PCM product having 43°C melting temperature)

PCM:

Phase change material

S:

Sand

SCC:

Self-compacting concrete

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Shriram Institute for Industrial Research for carrying out the thermal conductivity measurements.

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  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India

    Suresh Kumar Padala, Shraddha Jayant Deshpande & Bishwajit Bhattacharjee

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  1. Suresh Kumar Padala
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Correspondence to Suresh Kumar Padala.

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Padala, S.K., Deshpande, S.J. & Bhattacharjee, B. Assessment of setting characteristics, water absorption, thermal performance and compressive strength of energy-efficient phase change material (PCM)–ashcrete blocks. Sādhanā 46, 103 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12046-021-01628-x

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