Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cement Mortar Containing Phase Change Materials

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation of the characterization of cement mortar containing phase change materials (PCMs) in order to control the development of hydration heat. The study examined microstructural characteristics and properties of cement mortar with PCMs such as flow, compressive strength, and flexural strength. This research involved two types of PCM and up to 15% cement added to cement mortar mixtures. The two types of PCM used in this study are PCM with barium (PCM-Ba) and PCM with strontium (PCM-Sr). The experimental results indicate that both the incremental temperature rise and the maximum temperature release time of PCM up to 5% addition are delayed. Both PCM-Ba and PCM-Sr are effective in reducing the development of hydration heat. The microstructural analysis results show that the crystalloid content of cement mortar without PCMs is about 3% more from cement mortar with PCMs, regardless of the type of PCMs used, and that no significant difference is evident in the formation of crystals between cement mortar with and without PCMs.

Keywords

• phase change material (PCM)
• hydration heat
• mechanical properties
• microstructure
• crystalloid