Characterisation of commercial phase change materials with potential application in gypsum boards for buildings

Currently, there is an expanded utilisation of lightweight construction structures in buildings, which results a low structure's thermal storage capacity the envelope due to application thermally unsuitable materials. PCMs incorporated into building components are potential alternatives manage inadequate energy structures. To provide guide for selecting and applying commercial construction, nine organic inorganic bulk materials were selected, their thermophysical properties characterised. Thus, enthalpy melting/crystallisation, melting/crystallisation temperature, stability 50 cycles, verification presence subcooling phenomenon by DSC T-history method evaluated. Since adequate methods incorporate gypsum suspension vacuum impregnation, properties, together with density viscosity, need be considered, that not typically reported datasheets PCMs. Furthermore, temperature dependence viscosity solid/liquid measured rheometer densimeter/pycnometer, respectively. Based on liquid solid values, volumetric expansion during melting process was calculated. Finally, characterisation parameters compared those provided suppliers different companies. The characterisation's indicate both PCMs, fusion (21°C-26°C) values (0.777-1.515 g/cm3 state 0.895-1.860 state) consistent datasheet from suppliers'. Viscosity found higher than expected, lower (19%-30%) when technical manufacturers'. cycling study only samples, without displaying phase segregation or problems. characterisation, it possible establish three RT-21, RT-21(TA), RT-25, SP-21E, PCM 21C, HS-24P would suitable products inclusion boards under conditions analysed. These findings new insights regarding applicability development strategies passive active heating/cooling applications buildings.