Elaboration of a composite material based on plaster reinforced with phase change material/Oakum Fiber: physical, thermal and mechanical properties.

Clay mineral is an important material available in nature. Montmorillonite (MMT) is widely used in a variety of materials because of its natural sources, physical and chemical properties, chemical structure, and functional utilization. In this paper a novel stable composite phase change material (PCMs) is prepared by the encapsulation of Capric Acid (CA) and Lauric Acid (LA) in alginate sodium biopolymer and their integration with oakum fiber in a plaster matrix. The SEM and FTIR analyses showed the existence of homogenous confinement of PCMs with the additive materials and good compatibility among its constituents. After a thermal cycling, DSC test of composite material exhibits a good thermal and chemical stability with suitable phase change temperature of 16.54 degrees C and latent heat capacity of 35.18 J/g The TGA analysis demonstrates the thermal stability of the capsules, all capsules show good stability up to 210 degrees C. The bending tests show that beads addition enhances the composites ductility. Due to the high latent heat, low cost and its melting temperature, the composite material can be considered as potential for energy storage in the building sector.