Green way of improving the thermal efficiency of mortars by the addition of biobased phase change materials

Abstract

The thermal efficiency of air lime-based mortars was improved by directly integrating varying amounts (5 wt. %, 10 wt. %, and 20 wt. %) of a microencapsulated biobased phase change material (PCM) into the fresh mortars. This PCM is made of vegetable oils and other organic wastes from the agri-food sector. The mortar formulation was optimized by adding different chemical additives and mineral admixtures. The mortar formulation was meticulously designed to produce rendering mortars that are easily workable, crack-free, and fully adherent for use in building envelopes. Positive outcomes in thermal efficiency tests have demonstrated the ability of these materials to store thermal latent energy, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to enhance the thermal comfort of building inhabitants.