Study of self-synthesised phase change composite materials (PCCM) in porous cement concrete (PCC) for sustainable urban pavement

This study explored the phase change composite material (PCCM) to regulate the temperature of porous cement concrete (PCC), thus preventing PCC pavement from freeze-thaw (FT) deterioration. White carbon black was used to absorb tetradecane to synthesize the PCCM. The thermal stability, chemical stability and anti-leakage capacity of PCCM were evaluated. PCCM with varying dosages were incorporated into PCC to prepare phase change porous cement concrete (PCPCC). The internal temperature of PCPCC subjected to freezing and thawing was measured to evaluate the temperature regulation capacity. Results indicate that the designated PCCM has satisfying thermal and chemical stability. 3% PCCM is suggested as an optimal dosage to balance the PCPCC strength and temperature regulation. Compared with PCC, PCPCC shows superior temperature regulation capacity with a maximum temperature increasing of 6.7℃ in freezing process. The incorporation of PCCM is also able to make the frozen PCC thawing earlier and faster.