In the quest for sustainable building materials, a groundbreaking study led by Benjamin Durakovic has shed new light on the potential of biomass-based composites enhanced with Phase Change Materials (PCM). Published in the journal ‘Heritage and Sustainable Development’ (which translates to ‘Heritage and Sustainable Development’), the research delves into the thermal performance of these innovative materials, offering promising insights for the energy sector.
Durakovic and his team fabricated four samples of PCM-biomass-based composites using encapsulated PCM, straw, and mortar as a binding material. Four additional samples were created without PCM to serve as a reference. The study, conducted under lab-controlled conditions, aimed to understand how PCM integration affects the thermal behavior of these composites.
The findings are intriguing. The effective thermal conductivity of each sample was measured using the guarded hot plate method under steady-state conditions. Surprisingly, the incorporation of PCM did not significantly alter the thermal conductivity of the composite. However, it dramatically enhanced the material’s ability to store thermal energy. This discovery could revolutionize the way we think about energy-efficient building materials.
“What we found is that while the thermal conductivity remains relatively unchanged, the PCM-enhanced composites show a remarkable capacity to store thermal energy,” Durakovic explained. “This means that these materials can help regulate indoor temperatures more effectively, reducing the need for active heating and cooling systems.”
The implications for the energy sector are profound. Buildings account for a significant portion of global energy consumption, and any reduction in their energy demand can have a substantial impact on overall energy usage. By optimizing the concentration and distribution of PCM within these composites, builders and architects could create passive energy-saving solutions that are both sustainable and cost-effective.
The study also highlights the superior thermal insulation properties of both the reference and PCM-enhanced samples compared to conventional construction materials. This makes them promising candidates for sustainable building applications, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly construction solutions.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, the integration of PCM-enhanced biomass-based composites could pave the way for more energy-efficient and sustainable buildings. The research by Durakovic and his team opens up new avenues for innovation, encouraging further exploration into the optimization of PCM concentration and distribution. The potential for these materials to contribute to passive energy-saving solutions is immense, and their commercial impact could be transformative for the energy sector.