Comparative Impact of Melamine Formaldehyde and Polyurethane Microencapsulated PCMs on the Compressive Strength of Concrete

Abstract:

The escalating global demand for energy efficient infrastructure has intensified interest in Phase Change Materials (PCMs) for thermal regulation in buildings. PCMs, owing to their high latent heat storage capacity, can significantly reduce operational energy demands when integrated into construction materials. However, for structural applications, the mechanical integrity of concrete remains paramount, requiring careful evaluation of how PCM incorporation affects its strength characteristics over time. In concrete technology, the introduction of secondary functional materials often alters the internal microstructure, influencing both load bearing capacity and durability. For PCMs, this balance between thermal enhancement and mechanical performance remains a pertinent research frontier in sustainable construction. However, in recent past, focus of the research in construction sector has not brought this aspect to the limelight for practical integration of these materials into concrete especially in Pakistan. Therefore, this study has attempted to instroduce this technology in construction sector of Pakistan by investigating the influence of two distinct microencapsulation shell materials, Melamine Formaldehyde (MF) and Polyurethane (PU), on the compressive strength of PCM modified concrete. Fine aggregates were partially substituted with microencapsulated n-octadecane paraffin PCMs by mass to observe performance trends. Experimental results demonstrated a consistent and progressive reduction in compressive strength with increasing PCM content, with MFPCM mixtures exhibiting comparatively lower strength loss than PUPCM mixtures throughout the curing period. The observed deviations ranged from 7.73% at the lowest replacement level to a maximum of 24% at the highest level, emphasizing the decisive role of shell material stiffness and composition in preserving structural performance while enabling thermal benefits. Through these results, this research has paved a way for construction sector in Pakistan to incorporate the PCM technology in concrete by conducting more research on PCM properties.

• Periodical: Construction Technologies and Architecture (Volume 23)
• Pages: 3-10
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-KWNu8G
• Online since: May 2026
• Authors: Farah Naz*, Zain Ul Hassan, Shiraz Baloch, Umer Shahzad
• Keywords: Compressive Strength, Melamine Formaldehyde, Microencapsulation Shells, Phase Change Materials, Polyurethane

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