Abstract

Effects of accelerated ageing on the long-term thermal conductivity of thermal insulating mortars

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Abstract

Thermal insulating mortars have been widely used in building facades, thus improving the thermal performance of the building envelope. However, reliable data on their long-term thermal performance is still lacking. The aim of this work is to evaluate the long-term thermal conductivity of industrially produced and experimentally designed thermal mortars with EPS, cork and silica aerogel aggregates. The long-term performance of the mortars was assessed prior, during and after exposure to three accelerated ageing tests including elevated temperature, freeze-thaw and high humidity levels. For each test, an empirical model was used to compute the acceleration factor, correlating accelerated and natural ageing. The results show that a maximum increase of thermal conductivity up to 30% can be obtained after ageing.

Keywords: Thermal insulation materials, Durability assessment, Thermal performance

How to Cite:

Parracha, J., Pinchard, L., Matias, L. & Veiga, R., (2025) “Effects of accelerated ageing on the long-term thermal conductivity of thermal insulating mortars”, UCL Open Environment 7(S1). doi: https://doi.org/10.14324/111.444/ucloe.icmb25.a9

Rights: Author, [2025]