Integrated gypsum composite material for energy storage and thermal insulation: Assessment of mechanical performance, thermal properties and environmental impact

The development of gypsum-based construction materials with energy storage and thermal insulation functions is crucial for regulating indoor temperatures, reducing building energy consumption, and mitigating CO 2 emissions. In this study, graphene and expanded vermiculite (EV) were used as paraffin carriers to prepare a novel dual-carrier composite energy storage material called P/G-EV, which was developed through ultrasound, a constant-temperature water bath, and vacuum adsorption. In addition, a novel energy storage -thermal insulation integrated -gypsum (ESTIIG) composite material was developed using P/G-EV as the energy storage layer (ESL) and EV as the thermal insulation layer (TIL) compounded with phosphorus building gypsum. The thermal properties, mechanics, apparent density, temperature control performance in a real environment and environmental impact of ESTIIG were evaluated, and the temperature control mechanism was analyzed. The results reveal superior thermal stability and thermal conductivity of the P/G-EV carrier.P/G-EV overcomes the low thermal conductivity and leakage problems associated with paraffin, exhibiting a phase change temperature and latent heat of 21.7 degrees C and 101 J/g, respectively, during the heat absorption stage. In ESTIIG, P/G-EV and EV are compounded with phosphorus building gypsum to form an ESL and a TIL. The overall mechanical performance of ESTIIG meets the requirements of construction applications. Among the variants of ESTIIG, ESTIIG-1, with an ESL/TIL thickness ratio of 3:1, exhibits the best real-world temperature control performance and environmental benefits, providing a more stable and comfortable indoor temperature. Furthermore, this study provides data and theoretical references for the design of ESTIIG through real-world temperature control monitoring and analysis of the temperature control mechanism.