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Innovation & Technologie Angebot

Thermochromic mortar coating for a more sustainable construction

Country of Origin: Spain
Reference Number: TOES20180302002
Publication Date: 2 March 2018

Summary

A Spanish Research Institution has developed a thermochromic mortar coating with optical properties in the solar radiation range that reversively vary according to temperature in a reversible way. It is especially interesting for energy efficiency in buildings. Its absorption at low temperatures is high (it maintains indoor heating), while its reflectance increases during the summer (reduction over-warming of the envelope). Industrial partners from the construction industry are being sought.

Description

The surface temperature in materials exposed to solar radiation depends on their optical response, increasing for higher absorption of radiation. The optical properties of thermochromic materials change according to temperature. This fact makes them interesting, from an energetic point of view, for building coating since they grant a dark-coloured opaque material (heat absorption) in winter-time and a light-coloured (solar radiation reflection) in summer-time.

The developed technology is a mortar coating with reversible thermochromic properties, based on a light-coloured cement that may be a conventional white Portland cement. However, an alternative proposal is an eco-efficient cement manufactured by hydrothermal synthesis from residues (flying ashes from thermal power plants). In order to achieve its thermochromic functionality, microencapsulated organic pigments are added to the mortar. These substances change colour from dark to light when they are heated over their activation temperature and they recover their original tone when cooled.

Therefore, industrial partners who work in related topics, such as construction materials, thermocromic materials, coatings for buildings and different applications are being sought for patent licensing, technology development and commercialization.

Advantages and Innovations

- Thermochromic façade finish without an additional paint layer.

- Use of solar energy to reduce energy demand in buildings.

- In compliance with UNE-EN 998-1:2010 for mortar coatings.

- Different colours and transition temperatures available.

- Reuse of industrial residues, lower energetic consumption and CO2 emission during cement synthesis, reducing manufacturing costs.

Stage Of Development

Available for demonstration

Requested partner

Partners from the construction industry are sought. Specially companies working on coatings for buildings, energy efficiency, thermochromic materials...

The partner would develop the technology and commercialise it. The collaboration would involve a patent license agreement.