Evaluating the Performance of Alkali-Activated Materials Containing Phase Change Materials: A Review

Nowadays, many researchers are investigating the behavior of phase change materials (PCMs) in construction materials. They are trying to utilize their ability of heat storage to reduce the energy usage for maintaining comfort conditions in buildings. Although there has been extensive research during the past decades on PCMs’ application in ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete, limited studies were done on alkali-activated materials (AAMs). This paper reviewed and identified the effects of PCMs addition to AAMs. Moreover, a comparison between the effect of PCMs in OPC and AAMs has been done. Results showed similarity for the effect of PCMs on OPC and AAMs including lowering the mechanical strength while increasing the thermal capacity. The heat storage of the PCMs inside the AAMs sample can also help the curing process. This paper can help the in-situ engineers which have a better perspective for selecting the proper mix design when using these materials.