Experimental study on the mechanical properties and thermal performance of foamed concrete incorporating shape-stabilized phase change materials (SSPCMs)

• Foamed concrete was produced using PEG600 as a phase change material with 0, 10, and 20 percent of cement weight. • Addition of PCM to foamed concrete, significantly reduced the water absorption rate by up to 60 percent. • Incorporation of PCM into foamed concrete significantly reduces the early-age compressive strength. • Higher PCM content leads to greater reductions in both instantaneous and final temperatures, while increasing panel thickness helps control temperature fluctuations. • Thermal energy storage capability after adding PCM to foamed concrete, make it an ideal choice for flooring or wall blocks in buildings. This helps control interior temperature fluctuations, reduce instantaneous temperatures, and ultimately save energy. Thermal energy storage (TES) and the use of innovative materials and systems in the construction industry significantly contribute to building energy efficiency and sustainable construction. One of the latest approaches involves incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) into construction materials and components for latent heat storage. In this study, a novel thermal insulation panel using foamed concrete as a new host was developed in two thicknesses (70 mm and 150 mm), incorporating 10 and 20 percent by weight of polyethylene glycol 600 (PEG600) as the PCM for non-structural applications like roof sloping, floor screeding, and wall blocks. The PCM was form-stabilized using 50 percent by weight of either silica fume or rice husk ash (as a novel stabilizer from agricultural waste) relative to cement, effectively preventing leakage up to 100 °C. The thermal performance of the panels was evaluated under a simulated summer daily temperature profile representing three cities with different climatic conditions. The results demonstrated that the 150 mm thick panels exhibited superior thermal performance compared to the 70 mm ones, enhancing thermal comfort and energy saving. Moreover, increasing the PCM content reduced temperature fluctuations and achieved the highest temperature reductions. The findings also revealed that a higher PCM content led to reduced water absorption and a decrease in early-age compressive strength, although this reduction was compensated at later ages.