Investigation of Incorporating Polyethylene Glycol 600 (PEG600) into Sustainable Concrete to Evaluate Its Impact on Mechanical Strength and Thermal Behaviour

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of incorporating Phase Change Material (PCM), specifically Polyethylene Glycol 600 (PEG600), into sustainable concrete to evaluate its impact on mechanical strength and thermal behavior. The balance between mechanical performance and thermal benefits depends on the PCM dosage, with lower percentages (up to 4%) providing an optimal trade-off. Durability tests suggest that PEG600-modified concrete maintains adequate resistance to environmental factors, although microstructural analysis highlights the need for improved bonding techniques to minimize porosity.