Information magazine of the Department of Industrial Engineering
Università di Trento
Information magazine of the Department of Industrial Engineering
Università di Trento
The future of sustainable construction lies in material innovation. A team of researchers from our department is developing a revolutionary technology that could transform walls, floors, and panels into thermal energy storage units, improving both energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
This project, winner of the 13th call for proposals by the Trentino Research Valorization Foundation (VRT), combines cutting-edge research with local resources. Leading the initiative are Mattia Biesuz and Giulia Fredi, alongside Prof. Sandra Dirè, Daniele Rigotti, and Silvia Santagiuliana, with the support of Tassullo, a leading company in construction materials.
The goal? To create smart materials capable of storing and releasing heat through an innovative technique called cold sintering.
Traditionally, ceramic materials are produced at extremely high temperatures, requiring significant energy consumption. Cold sintering completely changes the process, allowing materials to be processed at temperatures below 250°C. This means lower energy consumption (up to 80% less) and the ability to integrate thermally sensitive fillers, which would otherwise not withstand the high temperatures of traditional production.
The project focuses particularly on polymeric phase change materials (PCMs), such as paraffins, which absorb and release heat as the temperature varies. Their transition point ranges between 20 and 24°C—precisely the ideal temperature for human comfort. When the temperature rises, the PCMs melt and store heat; when it drops, they crystallize, releasing the stored energy.
Thanks to cold sintering, these materials can be microencapsulated and integrated into ceramic matrices, creating a combination that would be impossible with traditional technologies.
Imagine a building panel that absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night. That’s exactly what the new composite does: when the temperature rises, the PCMs within the ceramic matrix melt and absorb heat; when the temperature drops, they crystallize, releasing the stored energy—a true thermal battery.
The result? More stable indoor temperatures, reducing the need for heating or cooling.
The material will be created by combining microencapsulated polymeric PCMs with locally sourced ceramic waste, such as marls and carbonates. This not only enhances energy efficiency but also promotes the use of local and recycled materials.
The potential of this project is vast: for construction companies in Trentino, it opens new frontiers of innovation; for the community, it promises reduced heating costs for over 125,000 residential buildings; for the environment, it significantly lowers the ecological impact.
The team is working on developing a prototype with a storage capacity of at least 30 J/cm³ and a mechanical strength exceeding 5 MPa. This ensures the material is not only thermally efficient but also durable and suitable for construction use.
This project demonstrates how innovation can revolutionize the construction industry, making it more efficient and environmentally conscious.
In the coming months, the team will explore the possibility of patenting the material or process and will seek European funding to advance the research. The goal? To make Trentino a benchmark for sustainable construction materials.
A small step for architecture, but a giant leap toward a future where buildings are no longer passive structures but active players in energy management and residential well-being.
