Impact of microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) on the thermal and mechanical performance of cement mortar

This study investigates the integration of Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials (MPCM) into cement mortar to enhance its thermal performance while assessing its mechanical and physical properties. MPCMs, known for their high thermal energy storage capacity, help stabilize indoor temperatures by absorbing and releasing heat during phase transitions. Cement mortars with varying cement-to-sand ratios and volumetric fractions (VF) of MPCM were tested for workability, density, compressive strength, water absorption, and thermal conductivity. Microstructural analysis using X-ray CT imaging was also conducted. Results show that incorporating MPCMs reduces workability (with a maximum water-to-cement ratio increase to 0.68), density (up to 18.3%), and compressive strength (up to 46.3%), highlighting the trade-offs between thermal performance and structural integrity. • MPCMs improved thermal efficiency by reducing conductivity and increasing heat storage. • MPCMs reduced compressive strength (46.3%) and density (18.3%). • X-ray CT imaging showed increased porosity and heterogeneity. • Regression analyses predicted thermal properties based on mix composition.