Abstract

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.