Use of phase change material to improve thermal properties of lightweight geopolymer panel

In this study, the properties of wall panels made of geopolymer containing highly porous aggregate impregnated with phase change material (PCM) were investigated. The coarse aggregate used in this study was a waste lightweight aerated block. The experimental series consisted of 2 parts. Part 1 was the investigation on PCM impregnation technique using heat and pressure. This part investigated the effect of temperature and pressure on PCM impregnation level to determine the optimum temperature and pressure. Part 2 was the study on the properties of geopolymers containing non-PCM and PCM aggregates. The density, compressive strength and thermal storage of geopolymers were tested. Results showed that the density of geopolymer increased with the increasing PCM aggregate content. The increase in density also led to the improvement of compressive strength. The incorporation of PCM aggregate also improved the thermal storage and heat insulation of geopolymer panel. With a high level of impregnation of 65 %, the heat insulation improved significantly as indicated by the delay of time needed to reach the peak temperature. The thermal storage was also improved as reflected by the ability of panel to maintain high temperature after the end of heating. Since geopolymer is considered a green construction material, this material is thus green and sustainable in terms of energy saving.