Date of Award
12-2011
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Legacy Department
Polymer and Fiber Science
Committee Chair/Advisor
Blouin, Vincent
Committee Member
Kennedy , Marian
Committee Member
Luo , Jian
Abstract
Phase change materials (PCM) are generally used in building construction materials for their ability to absorb and release large amounts of energy when their phase change happens at their specific melting temperature. This results in a significant increase in thermal mass of the building, a reduction in temperature fluctuations and therefore a reduction in heating and cooling loads. However, in order to properly select a PCM and optimize its integration in a specific building, the properties of building construction materials enhanced with PCM must be known. This research focuses on studying the effects of the concentration of a micro-encapsulated PCM on the physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of plaster mixtures. A series of gypsum wallboard samples with integrated Microtek 18D of varying concentration up to 40% in weight were prepared and analyzed using macro-scale analysis methods (i.e., thermal pile and flash method for measuring thermal conductivity, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, and three-point bending test) and micro-scale analysis methods (i.e., Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy) to evaluate the effect of PCM on the properties of gypsum wallboards, and the effect of the curing process on the properties of gypsum wallboards. The results suggest that the curing process has an impact on the effect of the PCM concentration on material properties.
Recommended Citation
Cui, Rong, "EFFECT OF SELECTED PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS CONCENTRATION AND MANUFACTURING PROCESS ON THE PROPERTIES OF PLASTER MIXTURE SYSTEMS" (2011). All Theses. 1271.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses/1271