Biocomposite foams consisting of microencapsulated phase change materials for enhanced climatic regulation with reduced carbon dioxide emissions in buildings


Gencel O., Aydoğmuş E., Güler O., Ustaoğlu A., Sarı A., Hekimoğlu G., ...More

Construction and Building Materials, vol.448, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 448
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.138214
  • Journal Name: Construction and Building Materials
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aerospace Database, CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, INSPEC, Metadex, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: Biocomposite, Carbon emission reduction, Energy and energy efficiency, Microencapsulated phase change material, renewable energy, Polyurethane foam
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Using polyurethane foam (PUF) matrix-based phase change material-enhanced composites is crucial for improving energy efficiency, enhancing thermal regulation, and reducing environmental impact in buildings. Integrating bio-components into PUF production and using these bio-composite foams (BPUFs) as the matrix offers environmentally friendly and structurally advanced solutions. Microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM) further enhances these foams, creating innovative, high-performance, eco-friendly composites for building applications. In this context, the biocomponent castor oil (CO) to be used in BPUF production has been modified with epoxy. BPUF-MPCM biocomposites with different compositions were produced using MPCM in the range of 0–90 wt% and modified castor oil (MCO) in the range of 0.75–7.50 wt% in BPUF production. The addition of 90 wt% MPCM content in BPUF-MPCM biocomposites has facilitated the attainment of a melting enthalpy value of 176.8 J/g (at 25.4 °C) while providing a solidification enthalpy value of 175.7 J/g (at 20.8 °C). The advancements in the microstructure of BPUF-MPCM composites contribute to physical improvements, such as a more homogeneous cell structure and enhancements in thermal transformation properties, thereby contributing to their thermoregulatory characteristics. BPUF-MPCM 90 wt% composites have achieved 100 % energy savings and zero CO2 emission values by varying material thicknesses across all climate conditions.