What is it about?

This study looks at a new building material made by mixing clay and plaster, which can help keep homes cooler in hot weather by insulating better. When sand was added to the mix, it made the material conduct heat a little more, but it still works better than traditional brick. This research shows that these new materials could be an affordable and energy-efficient option for construction, especially in places where insulation is important for comfort and saving energy.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

What makes this work unique is the focus on locally sourced materials, such as pottery clay, plaster, and sand from Morocco, to create a cost-effective and energy-efficient construction material. The use of these traditional materials, which are readily available in many regions, offers a sustainable alternative to more common building materials. This study is timely because of the increasing global demand for energy-efficient buildings and sustainable construction practices. As climate change and energy costs rise, finding innovative ways to improve building insulation using affordable, local materials can make a significant difference in reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainable development. This research could inspire similar initiatives in other regions, increasing its relevance and appeal to a broad audience interested in sustainability, energy efficiency, and construction innovation.

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: The influence of adding sand to a composite material based on gypsum plaster and pottery clay on thermal conductivity, January 2024, American Institute of Physics,
DOI: 10.1063/5.0247011.
You can read the full text:

Read

Contributors

The following have contributed to this page