Thermal and mechanical properties of bricks with integrated phase change and thermal insulation materials

Abstract The need for energy efficiency and sustainable building materials is increasing today. In this context, new material integrations that aim to improve the thermal and mechanical performance of building elements are being investigated. This study experimentally investigated the effects of two phase change materials (PCM-1(CACI 2 .6H 2 O), PCM-2(NEXTEK24D)) and a thermal insulation material (polyurethane) on the thermal conductivity and compressive strength of hollow bricks. The internal voids of the bricks were filled with polyurethane and two different PCMs to evaluate the contributions of these additives to the mechanical and thermal behavior of the building elements. The findings indicate that adding PCM increases the bricks’ thermal resistance values and reduces internal temperature fluctuations. Bricks filled with polyurethane and FDM showed increased compressive strength, up to 28 % vertically and 74 % horizontally, compared to reference specimens. This emonstrates that filling bricks with such materials improves their compressive strength and thermal insulation. In conclusion, bricks with PCM and polyurethane additives offer significant potential for energy-efficient building solutions, particularly in terms of thermal comfort and insulation. However, given the impact of these additions on mechanical performance, further research is needed to optimize material ratios and enhance applicability without compromising structural safety.