ZEMCH 2015 - International Conference Proceedings | Page 579

innovative materials with high energetic properties, in relation to the solar radiation, and environmental sustainability qualities. These materials are highly regarded for their excellent physical, mechanical and thermal properties. Concerning the new insulating material proposed by the project, called AAM - Alkali Activated Materials, the most relevant innovation consists in the use of ceramic waste as row material, instead of metakaolin, normally obtained by calcined natural kaolin, in order to obtain sustainable final products. Furthermore, one of the primary conditions for the successful outcome was to ensure that the alkali activation process will occur at T-room temperature, thus limiting energy consumption and reducing environmental impact (Fusco 2013). Different formulations have been designed by modifying the molar ratio of the most important oxides (SiO2, Al2O3, Na2O) directly involved in the alkali-activation process and varying the foaming agent solutions, thus controlling workability and density of the final product. In this way, the investigated material could be implemented for a large array of uses: spread on wall surfaces, applied as traditional cement based mortar and concrete or cast in special moulds for prefabricated panels (e.g. solution proposed herein). The versatility of the investigated geopolymeric paste serves to introduce an innovative family group of materials with the potential for great sustainable qualities. Future research will be focused on the chemical, thermal and mechanical study of the façade components, by using recycled materials with high thermal resistance properties, according to research paradigms. A thermal model of the insulation system, whose morphology has been previously designed with parametric computational tools, was created in order to simulate and study the thermal behaviour of the innovative façade system by using energetic analysis software. The research project demonstrates the efficacy of the application of this solution to a traditional recent building (1960-80) in reinforced concrete: the installation of a second skin, composed by panels of 10 cm of AAM (λ = 0,045 W.m-1.K-1), could confer good U-values and high energetic properties in terms of thermal insulation and indoor comfort, according to the range imposed by the actual regulations. Relating to the innovative material used for the external finishing system, a new thermochromic coating for outdoor use is proposed for the optimization of the adaptability and flexibility of the efficient and sustainable façade components. Figure 2: Axonometric exploded view of the prefabricated panel proposed by the project (image by Cecilia Mazzoli) Towards nZEBs: innovative materials and technologies for new sustainable envelope 577