Investigating Thermal Performance of Building Materials for Improved Comfort and Energy Efficiency

Sana ElAzzeh, Hanai Al Shammari, Shahad Hajy, Aisha Al Kandari, Dhuha Al Mutairi — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0800

This research investigates the mixed proportions of cement, sand, water, superplasticizer, and waste materials, like recycled concrete, recycled rubber, recycled wood, tea-leaf residue, and recycled plastic, with their replacement levels clearly reported for reliability. Eight mixes were manufactured and tested at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR). The samples were then cured for 28 days, and compressive strength and thermal conductivity were measured. The control mix (Mix 1) showed a thermal conductivity of 0.788 W/m·K, while the wood and plastic mix (Mix 7) showed the lowest value of 0.266 W/m·K, which is equivalent to good insulation performance. Thermal conductivity (k) and thermal resistance (R) were reported together to provide a complementary insulation assessment for 50 mm (R = 0.05/k). Relative to the control (k = 0.788 W/m·K, R = 0.063 m²·K/W), Mix 7 (wood + plastic) achieved the best insulation (k = 0.266 W/m·K, R = 0.188 m²·K/W), representing a 66.27% reduction in k and a 196.45% increase in R. Mix 2 also showed strong insulation gains (k = 0.316 W/m·K, R = 0.158 m²·K/W, −59.95% k, +149.67% R), whereas strength results indicate these highly insulating mixes are most suitable for non-load-bearing applications. Compressive strength varied significantly across mixes, ranging from 0.38 MPa in wood-plastic composites to 19.30 MPa in the control, highlighting the trade-off between strength and insulation. The outcomes of this research are the demonstration of the capacity of the recycled and organic additive options to create energy-efficient, eco-friendly building materials fit for Kuwait's hot climate.

Studies on Calcium Sulfoaluminate-Belite (CSAB) Cement Using Industrial Wastes

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Researchers and engineers have been looking at novel approaches to develop cementitious materials with decreased environmental impact without sacrificing performance and durability in response to these difficulties. Calcium Sulfoaluminate-Belite cement (CSAB) is a value-added binder that has gained popularity for its unique qualities and benefits. The CSAB cement system is regarded as an innovative and promising sustainable construction material that helps to mitigate the environmental consequences of regular Portland cement. CSAB cement has been developed as a more sustainable alternative to Portland cement because of its lower energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. The presented study examines the modern research to develop newly produced cement known as CSAB cement. Also, ongoing research activities at the author institute to synthesize CSAB binders using different kinds of low-graded industrial waste materials such as low-grade limestone and phosphogypsum has been presented, which makes it innovative. Physico-mechanical parameters such as setting time and compressive strength were compared in various investigations. CSAB cement quick setting periods and early strength development allow for a greater amount of work to be accomplished within the project timeline. In the various investigations the compressive strength data revealed impressive results ranging from 39.0 to 45.10 MPa, demonstrating the material robust structural capabilities. The mineralogical composition of CSAB cement primarily consists of ye'elimite (C₄A₃S), belite (C₂S), ferrite (C₄AF), and anhydrite (CS), contributes to both the rapid setting characteristics and the development of substantial compressive strength. It has been observed that CSAB cement manufacturing can provide up to 30% reduction in carbon footprint as its manufacturing process requires lower kiln temperatures which results in lower energy consumption and associated emissions from fuel combustion.

Journal of Building Material Science

Investigating Thermal Performance of Building Materials for Improved Comfort and Energy Efficiency

Studies on Calcium Sulfoaluminate-Belite (CSAB) Cement Using Industrial Wastes