In a groundbreaking study published in ‘Heliyon’, researchers have delved into the potential of expanded perlite mortars enhanced with recycled cement and microencapsulated phase change materials (m-PCM) to revolutionize sustainable construction practices. The lead author, Nastasia Saca from the Technical University of Civil Engineering in Romania, emphasizes the importance of integrating recycled materials into construction to foster energy efficiency and sustainable development.
The research investigates how substituting traditional Portland cement with thermally treated concrete waste—processed at 550 °C—affects the properties of expanded perlite mortars. The study explores various substitution levels of recycled cement, specifically at 10%, 30%, and 50%, alongside the incorporation of m-PCM at 2% and 5% by weight.
Saca’s team conducted a comprehensive analysis, measuring mechanical strength, water absorption, thermal properties, and microstructure of the mortars. “Our findings indicate that while the mechanical strength diminishes with increased recycled cement, the water absorption rates improve significantly, particularly at the 30% substitution level,” Saca noted. This balance between strength and absorption highlights a critical trade-off for builders seeking to enhance material performance while adhering to sustainable practices.
One of the standout results was the thermal conductivity of the mortars. The reference mortar demonstrated higher thermal conductivity than the 30% recycled cement variant, which exhibited significantly lower values across a range of temperatures. This suggests that the mortar with recycled content could provide better insulation, a crucial factor for energy-efficient building designs. Saca pointed out, “The lower thermal conductivity of the recycled cement mortar indicates its potential as a better insulator, which can lead to reduced energy costs in buildings.”
Moreover, the addition of m-PCM notably increased the thermal storage capacity of the mortars, which is essential for improving energy efficiency in construction. However, this enhancement came at the cost of mechanical strength, which decreased with the addition of m-PCM. Despite this, all mortars tested met the SR EN 998–1 standard for interior plaster applications, affirming their viability in real-world construction scenarios.
The implications of this research extend beyond mere academic interest; they present a tangible pathway for the construction industry to embrace sustainable materials. As the sector increasingly faces pressures to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency, the findings from Saca’s study could inform future developments in material science and construction methodologies.
In a world where sustainability is becoming a key driver of innovation, this research offers a glimpse into how integrating recycled materials and advanced technologies can lead to more efficient and eco-friendly building practices. For more details on this research and its implications, you can visit the Technical University of Civil Engineering’s website at lead_author_affiliation.