Enhancing sustainable energy storage through PCM-hemp concrete formulations: Environmental advancements in building materials

Innovative PCM-hemp concrete formulations integrate Phase Change Materials (PCMs) with natural hemp fibers, boosting building thermal energy storage efficiency. By harnessing the thermal properties of PCM and the renewable benefits of hemp, these advanced materials pave the way for greener, energy-efficient infrastructure. This study aims to enhance the thermal conductivity and dispersion of Methyl hexadecanoate PCM in hemp-lime concrete by integrating nano-scale additives like graphene oxide and enzymatic modification techniques. The objective is to improve thermal performance while minimizing any potential impact on mechanical strength. This study also employs advanced computational methods, including Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), to optimize the thermal properties and behavior of the PCM. This study investigates the enzymatic modification of Methyl hexadecanoate PCM to enhance its thermal properties for integration into hempcrete. The modified PCM demonstrated a 10 % increase in latent heat capacity and an 8.6 % improvement in thermal conductivity, contributing to more stable indoor temperatures and a potential 25 % reduction in energy consumption. However, the PCM integration led to a 55 % decrease in Compressive Strength (CS), highlighting a trade-off between thermal enhancement and mechanical performance. Future research should optimize mechanical properties and ensure long-term durability in various environmental conditions.