Materials for Sustainable Building – Page 6

Life cycle considerations for engineered nanomaterials: A case study for nano-enabled coatings on drywall

Sayes C.M., Rothrock G.D., Norton C.A., West C.S., RTI International, US

Engineered nanomaterials are being incorporated into elements of the building industry. Advantages such as increased resistance to ultraviolet damage, wear and fouling of construction materials are relevant to coatings. Particles engineered at the nanometer size [...]

Using Proton Exchange Membranes (PEMs) to Revolutionize Refrigeration

Bahar B., Xergy Inc, US

Xergy utilizes proprietary technology to create the most efficient and greenest compressor system for refrigeration applications. Kuel-Cell(TM) technology has it’s roots in fuel cell technology and biomimicry and utilizes the greenest possible refrigerant, water. With [...]

High Efficiency Nanofiber Reflectors for Lighting Applications

Lynn Davis J., RTI International, US

Nanofibers are an advanced optical media that can deliver extremely high reflectance values over large areas. The materials are made in high volumes in a roll-to-roll process using known spinning technologies. Nanofiber reflectors are particularly [...]

Technology Prioritization: Transforming the U.S. Building Stock to Embrace Energy Efficiency

Abdelaziz O., Abramson A., Phelan P., U.S. Department of Energy, US

The U.S. Buildings sector is responsible for about 40% of the national energy expenditures. This is mainly due to wasteful use of resources and practices lacking energy efficiency consideration. This paper discusses the role of [...]

Life Cycle Assessment of a Nano TiO2 Coating Self-Cleaning Float Glass

Pini M., University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, IT

Ecodesign of nanoTiO2 self-cleaning float glasses with the LCA (life Cycle Assessment) methodology.

Minimize Thermal Edge Losses with Stainless Steel Envelopes for Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs)

Feinerman A.D., Gupta P., Foster C., Yarbrough D.W., Kosny J., Thermal Conservation Technologies, US

Traditional Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs) have either a polymer/aluminum film or metallized polymer film exterior. In either case the VIPs are too fragile to be directly attached to a building’s envelope without a superstructure. The [...]

Evaluation of PCM-cardboard composite materials in dynamic thermal conditions

Musitelli M., Garbagnoli P., Diamanti M.V., Del Curto B., Pedeferri M., Politecnico di Milano, IT

In recent years, the use of smart materials to resolve environmental problems in building applications has been increasingly widespread. In particular, Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are used to improve thermal performance of air conditioning system [...]

Self-cleaning ability and cooling effect of TiO2-containing mortars

Diamanti M.V., Paolini R., Zinzi M., Ormellese M., Fiori M., Pedeferri MP., Politecnico di Milano, IT

This work focuses on the characterization of a self-cleaning and photocatalytic system for building façades, aimed at improving urban surfaces and the surrounding air quality, and decreasing energy consumption. Mortars containing anatase TiO2 nanopowders were [...]

Development of Innovative Packaging Characterized by Active Thermal Insulation Properties

Garbagnoli P., Altomare L., Del Curto B., De Nardo L., Del Curto B., Cigada A., Politecnico di Milano, IT

An innovative composite material based on cellulose matrix has been developed. Active thermal insulation properties have been conferred to the material through the integration of Phase Change Materials (PCM) into the matrix. Processing techniques of [...]

Topic: Materials for Sustainable Building