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Hydration and thermal regulation performance of thermochromic fiber-reinforced cement composites

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  • Khan, Muhammad Hanif
  • Qiuhong, Zhao
  • Sikandar, Muhammad Ali
  • Zhu, Han

Abstract

The performance of thermochromic coating in cement environment is challenged by high alkalinity. This study investigates the thermal regulation behavior of natural and synthetic fibers coated with thermochromic pigment employing the dip-coating method and assesses their long-term performance in cement composites. SEM/EDX analysis revealed a denser thermochromic coating on thermochromic jute (TJT) fibers than thermochromic polypropylene (TPP) fibers, enhancing solar reflectance and thermal regulation. Thermogravimetric results confirmed improved thermal stability and fire resistance in coated fibers, extended by 10 and 7 s for TJT and TPP, respectively. TJT and TPP-based cement composites (TJCP and TPCP) exhibited lower water demand (30.70 and 28.88 %) and reduced water ingress through capillary suction (3.26 and 3.18 mm/√hr) due to the hydrophobic characteristics of thermochromic fibers and extended setting times. The hydration mechanism was hindered by thermochromic fiber, which isolates cement particles and reduces the formation of hydration products. Consequently, a slight reduction in 90-day compressive strength was observed: 51.89 MPa (TJCP) and 56.66 MPa (TPCP), compared to 55.15 MPa (JCP) and 59.59 MPa (PCP). FTIR, XRD, and TGA analyses supported these findings by indicating reduced hydration product, consistent with an inhibited hydration process. SEM/EDX confirmed the functionality of the thermochromic coating, with no ruptures, highlighting the effectiveness of the polymer-adhesive. Microstructural insights revealed consistent fiber-matrix bonding, voids, and hydration products. Solar reflectance and thermal emittance measurements demonstrated the cement composite's ability to regulate surface temperature, which promotes a thermally efficient building environment. This research emphasizes the durability and thermal responsiveness of thermochromic-coated fiber within the cement matrix, affirming their suitability for passive thermal regulation in sustainable, energy-efficient construction.

Suggested Citation

  • Khan, Muhammad Hanif & Qiuhong, Zhao & Sikandar, Muhammad Ali & Zhu, Han, 2025. "Hydration and thermal regulation performance of thermochromic fiber-reinforced cement composites," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 330(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:330:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225025708
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.136928
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kong, Xiangfei & Zhao, Caimeng & Deng, Yuzhu & Dai, Huageng & Xu, Bowen & Yuan, Jianjuan, 2026. "A synergistic angle-material-season strategy enabling thermochromic spectrally-selective envelopes for building year-round passive thermal regulation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 342(C).

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