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Journal article
Nature inspired vascular self-thermal responsive cementitious composites with phase change materials
Journal of Building Engineering, v 108, 112878
15 Aug 2025
Featured in Collection : Research Supported by Drexel Libraries' OA Programs
Abstract
This study introduces a pioneering concept of bio-inspired vascularized composite for thermal energy management in buildings. Thermoregulating strategies available in nature were utilized in this study as: (i) architected vascularization and (ii) perspiration phase change thermoregulation. To engineer vascular networks within cementitious composites, a sacrificial polymeric method was explored, where a material dissolving upon exposure to synthesized concrete pore solution. The effective creation of vascular networks was evaluated using 3D X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Direct tensile and compressive tests were conducted to understand the effect of integrating vascular channels (as voids) on mechanical response. It was found that the mechanical response can be tuned by vascular network architecture, channel diameter, and inclusion of aggregates. Incorporation of vascular channels with diameters less than maximum size of aggregate and with inclined architectures to the perpendicular direction of loading were found to help mitigate strength reductions due to vascular void inclusions. Phase change materials (PCMs) were employed to promote thermal energy storage and regulations. The system adaptability was evaluated through real-time monitoring of sample temperatures using infrared thermography under controlled cyclic thermal conditions. During PCM phase changes, an autonomous and gradual heat release was observed, elevating the temperature around the vasculature during cooling cycles. Conversely, during heating cycle, an effective heat storage was observed to cool the composite. This work concluded that the integration of bio-inspired vascularized systems with PCMs for thermoregulation presents a promising paradigm in sustainable energy efficient building design.
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Details
- Title
- Nature inspired vascular self-thermal responsive cementitious composites with phase change materials
- Creators
- Rhythm Osan - Drexel University, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental EngineeringRobin Deb - Drexel University, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental EngineeringMohammad Houshmand Khaneghahi (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental EngineeringParsa Namakiaraghi - Drexel University, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental EngineeringMohammad Irfan Iqbal - Drexel University, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental EngineeringYaghoob “Amir” Farnam - Drexel University, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering
- Publication Details
- Journal of Building Engineering, v 108, 112878
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 20
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001493743500004
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105004662853
- Other Identifier
- 991022052539604721
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Web of Science research areas
- Construction & Building Technology
- Engineering, Civil
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