Comparison of thermal conductivity of foamed geopolymers containing phase change materials

Abstract The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of Phase Change Materials on the insulation properties - thermal conductivity coefficient [λ], of fabricated foamed geopolymer panels. Phase Change Materials have been widely reported in the public literature, making them increasingly popular in recent times. PCMs have the ability to accumulate heat, which they can absorb or release due to thermal transformation, which contributes to energy efficiency. This paper presents the results of research on geopolymers based on fly ash with the addition of microencapsulated and macroencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs). Geopolymer composites were prepared by adding 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% PCM and the curing process was carried out at 60°C. Three different phase change materials with melting points of 28°C (MicroCapsPCM28 (Slovenia)) and 25°C and 42°C (PX25 and GR42 (Germany), respectively) were used. All the phase change materials used belong to the paraffin group. The obtained composite sheets were subjected to thermal conductivity tests in 3 temperature ranges (0-20°C; 20-40°C; 30-50°C). The paper also presents the density results of the foamed composites investigated, as well as the visual evaluation and the morphology of the porous structure using scanning electron microscopy. As a result of the study, it was found that foamed geopolymer composites without PCM addition have lambda coefficient values of 0.06 - 0.07 [W/m*K], while with the addition of phase change materials 0.07 - 0.085 [W/m*K]. The obtained test results give the potential to use these materials in construction as insulating materials. The use of these substances in building partitions results in the decrease of daily temperature amplitudes inside the building, as well as in the phase shift of the time of release of stored heat.