Investigation and properties of a novel composite bio-PCM to reduce summer energy consumptions in buildings of hot and dry climates

The use of bio-based Phase Change Materials (bio-PCM) is an effective mean to enhance the building’s Thermal Energy Storage (TES) capacity with low-cost and eco-friendly materials. present study encompasses results thermal, physico-chemical mechanical characterizations a novel composite bio-PCM developed in laboratory improve thermal comfort indoor environments. We tested non-cocoa Vegetable Fat (VF) recovered from confectionery manufacturing industry. VF incorporated into mineral board prepared Natural Clay (NC) Cellulose Fibers (CF). change temperatures TES at melting freezing cycles are measured Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) be 34.83 °C, 22.34 °C 60.41 J/g, 62.39 J/g respectively. Electron Microcopy (SEM) showed that was evenly distributed microstructure board. Results stability tests (more than 2000 cycles) confirmed thermally chemically stable. compressive strength supporting material slightly reduced after incorporation bio-PCM, but it remains within accepted limits for non-structural building applications. This research on properties has revealed this homemade PCM panel could potential candidate application buildings hot dry climates.