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Abstract
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This paper aims to study the influence of novel macro encapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) on the mechanical and
thermal properties of concretes. Thermal energy storage aggregates (TESAs) were prepared using vacuum impregnation. The PCMs were
a lauric-myristic acid (LA-MA) eutectic mixture and coconut oil, pure or mixed, and are impregnated in diatomite as a supporting material.
Thermal energy storage concrete (TESC) was made by replacing gravel in ordinary concrete with TESAs. Thermal and mechanical properties
of prepared TESC were studied using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,
compressive strength, and thermal performance analysis. The results showed that the melting temperature of coconut oil and the eutectic
mixture of LA-MAwere 25.2°C and 34.5°C, respectively. TESC with 80 wt.% of gravel replaced with TESA had a compressive strength of
higher than 17 MPa, which indicates its usability as structural concrete. The results of thermal performance analysis also revealed that
prepared TESC had the capability of storing thermal energy and can reduce energy consumption by damping temperature fluctuations caused
by the outside environment.
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