Thermal conductivity of gypsum with incorporated phase change material ( PCM ) for building applications

The paper presents the results of thermal conductivity measurement of gypsum-based composites incorporating microencapsulated phase change material (PCM). Samples of different concentration of PCM were analyzed in the temperature range typical for building indoor conditions. The investigation showed the major impact of both PCM content and temperature on thermal conductivity. The materials under investigation are used in manufacturing structure elements for building applications. Gypsum wallboards, thanks to the contribution of PCM, have substantially increased thermal capacity (thermal inertia); properly incorporated in the building envelope such materials can stabilize indoor temperature (thereby improving thermal comfort) and, as they operate as thermal energy storage elements, reduce energy requirements of buildings.