Smart Materials and Phase Change Material (PCM). Potential applications to architectural design

The evidence of climate change and the serious consequences associated with it impose a radical rethinking of urban settlements, buildings, and construction materials. The goal to develop buildings more and more sustainable is clear and could be achieved also thanks to the technological evolution of production systems and to the nanotechnologies, that have made it possible to develop innovative smart materials. Among these, Phase Change Materials (PCM) are a recent innovation. Mixed with other material (i.e. concrete) or integrated into the building envelope, PCM could improve the building's performances, contributing to a reduction in consumption, improving energy performance, favoring processes for reducing climate-related gas emissions. This work presents the contribution that smart materials - such as PCMs - can give in order to develop sustainable building and their capacity for adaptation. In particular, the paper is structured in two parts. In the first part, a general picture characterized by recent PCM case studies will be described, analyzing available products and their applications to architectural design. The second part will focus on an innovative product composed of two different mixes of concrete and PCM (3% - 8%), describing its mechanical performance and possible innovative applications in the construction field, such as high-performance blocks or new smart façade components.