Global efforts to address the climate crisis and reduce energy consumption have intensified, leading to growing interest in construction materials that provide thermal energy storage capabilities. Phase change materials (PCMs) can store and release si...
Global efforts to address the climate crisis and reduce energy consumption have intensified, leading to growing interest in construction materials that provide thermal energy storage capabilities. Phase change materials (PCMs) can store and release significant amounts of thermal energy via latent heat during phase transitions; however, their liquid state at ambient temperatures causes leakage, limiting direct application in cementitious systems. Recent studies have attempted to stabilize PCMs by impregnating them into porous carriers, yet the use of such carriers often results in reduced mechanical strength of the composite.
To overcome these limitations, this study developed a novel CNT–Sol–Gel composite aggregate (C-SG) by vacuum-impregnating PCM into the micropores of activated carbon and applying a silica-based Sol–Gel coating that incorporates acid-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)acid-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). MWCNTs were functionalized via acid treatment and ultrasonication to introduce oxygen-containing functional groups and mitigate agglomeration. Raman spectroscopy and SEM–EDS analyses confirmed successful functionalization and removal of metallic catalyst residues. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the C-SG aggregates delayed PCM degradation compared to SG aggregates without MWCNTs, while differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) demonstrated partial recovery of thermal transition peaks in C-SG, attirubuted to CNT-enhanced heat transfer within the coating layer.
In the second phase of the study, SG and C-SG aggregates were incorporated into cement composites as partial volume replacements for fine aggregate. Although SG replacement caused significant reductions in compressive strength, C-SG incorporation substantially mititgated this strength losswhich was attributed to improved hydration product formation as verified through TG–DTG analysis. Electrical resistance measurements demonstrated the significant increase in electrical conductivity in the C-SG mixtures, confirming the formation of effective conductive pathways.
Overall, the proposed C-SG composite aggregate provides improved thermal stability, electrical functionality, and mechanical performance, demonstrating its potential as an advanced thermal energy storage material within cement-based systems.