Thermal insulating cementitious composite containing aerogel and phosphate-based binder

Abstract

Thermal conductivity is an important material property in the energy design process of the buildings. While cement-based materials are the most consumed materials in the construction industry, thermal properties of these materials can play a significant role in energy efficiency of the buildings. Cementitious materials with low thermal conductivity can be desirable for using as a part of heat insulation or for thermal bridge calculations. They may be used in different forms such as cast concrete, o n-site 3D printing or surface finishes. In this study, aerogel granules was used as aggregate and combination of phosphate based cement and fly ash was considered as binder in order to achieve a fast setting material with low thermal conductivity. Furthermore, the calcination process was eliminated for the phosphate cement, which led to a material with lower environmental impact. Thermal conductivity as low as 0.04 W/mK was measured using the proposed material composition.