Abstract The incorporation of Phase Change Materials (PCM) in Radiant Floor Systems (RFS) is experiencing a growth of interest, given the potential to improve buildings’ thermal and energy performance. Often employed in the mortar medium embedding the water pipes, the effectiveness of the PCM is highly dependent not only on the composition’s constituents, but also on the properties of the mixtures in the fresh state, which consequently affects the characteristics of the hardened material. In this work, the role of the incorporated PCM was evaluated in terms of the mortars’ fresh and hardened state properties. The dispersion of PCM particles within the mortar matrix was evaluated based on rheological analysis. Mixing time and speed were adjusted to improve workability of the mixtures to facilitate its handling and application in RFS. Curing time and conditions were adapted to avoid cracking formation during the drying and hardening process. Thermal and mechanical properties of the PCM-containing mortars were improved.
Paiva et al. (Fri,) studied this question.