Experimental evaluation of the performances of cement based plasters manufactured by using phase change materials

The paper focuses on the evaluation of the rheological and mechanical performances of cement-based plasters manufactured with phase change materials (PCM) in form of microencapsulated paraffin for innovative and eco-friendly residential buildings. In the specific, cement-based renders were manufactured by incorporating different amount of paraffin microcapsules – ranging from 5% to 20% by weight respect to binder. Specific mass, entrained or entrapped air and setting time were evaluated on fresh mortars. Compressive strength was measured over time to evaluate the effect of the PCM addition on the hydration kinetics of cement. Drying shrinkage was also evaluated according to EN 12617-4. Experimental results confirmed that the compressive strength decreases as the amount of PCM increases. Furthermore, the higher the PCM content, the higher the drying shrinkage. The results confirm the possibility to manufacture cement plasters containing up to 30% by weight of PCM microcapsules respect to binder.