Evaluating the Properties of Cementitious Panels Incorporating Micro-Encapsulated Phase Change Materials with Smart Curing Implementation

The high demand for fast, reliable, and economical construction components pursued researchers to examine various potentials to improve energy efficiency for construction materials. Among various potentials, the application of micro-encapsulated phase change materials (MPCMs) demonstrated a high ability to modulate the inside temperature of the buildings. These materials have the capacity to absorb and release heat within a defined temperature range. Few studies enlighten the high potential of the inclusion of these materials with cementitious mixtures. Nevertheless, the chemical stability and thermal responsiveness of MPCMs under various curing conditions to be used in cementitious mixtures remain uncertain. Very limited research has explored the application of MPCMs in the inclusion of cementitious materials in the heat-curing process. Hence, this study evaluates the performance of MPCMs in inclusion with cementitious materials through various curing regimes with the aim of optimizing the process for using most of the energy capability of these materials for energy-saving purposes. In this research, an innovative curing method by utilizing MPCMs in cementitious mixtures as sawtooth curing was introduced. There was a possibility of producing a low energy-intensive cementitious mixture incorporating MPCMs in the heat curing while maintaining mechanical strength. It is anticipated that the findings of the thesis will help the in-situ engineers choose the proper mixture for producing construction panels with the inclusion of MPCMs to ensure outstanding mechanical performance with less energy usage

Performance of Eco-Friendly Zero-Cement Particle Board under Harsh Environment

The increasing scarcity of virgin natural resources and the need for sustainable waste management in densely populated urban areas have heightened the importance of developing new recycling technologies. One promising approach involves recycling agricultural waste in construction applications and transforming it into secondary products. This is anticipated to reduce the demand for new resources and lower the environmental impact, aligning with industrial ecology principles. Combined with a low carbon emission binder (i.e., alkali-activated), utilizing agro-waste to produce zero-cement particle boards is a promising method for green construction. Traditionally, particle boards are engineered from wood or agricultural waste products that are pressed and bonded with a binder, such as cement or synthetic resins. However, alternative binders replace cement in zero-cement particle boards to address environmental concerns, such as the carbon dioxide emissions associated with cement production. This study investigated the effects of accelerated aging on the performance of alkali-activated agro-waste particle boards. Accelerated aging conditions simulate natural aging phenomena. Repeated wetting–drying and freezing–thawing cycles increased water absorption and thickness swelling and reduced flexural strength. The thermal performance of the alkali-activated particle boards did not exhibit significant changes. Hence, it was confirmed that agro-waste has a high potential for utilization in producing particle boards provided that the working environment is carefully selected to optimize performance