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. 2025 Feb 18;18(4):891.
doi: 10.3390/ma18040891.

Innovative Hemp Shive-Based Bio-Composites, Part II: The Effect of the Phase Change Material (PCM) Additive on Characteristics of Modified Potato Starch Binders

Laura Vitola  1 , Ina Pundiene  2 , Jolanta Pranckevičienė  2 , Diana Bajare  1
Affiliations

Innovative Hemp Shive-Based Bio-Composites, Part II: The Effect of the Phase Change Material (PCM) Additive on Characteristics of Modified Potato Starch Binders

Laura Vitola et al. Materials (Basel). .

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of phase change materials (PCM) on the properties of modified potato starch binders and hemp shive-based bio-composites, emphasizing their potential for sustainable construction applications. PCM-modified binders have shown reduced viscosity during gelatinization, enhancing their workability and uniformity during processing. A microstructural analysis reveals that PCM addition results in a denser and more cohesive binder network, leading to improved adhesion and reduced porosity. A thermal analysis demonstrates a shift to higher decomposition temperatures and a linear increase in specific heat capacity within the PCM phase-change range (20-30 °C), significantly enhancing the thermal storage capacity of the bio-composites. PCM addition improves compressive strength by up to twice, with optimal performance achieved at 8% PCM additive content. The prolonged cooling time, up to three times longer in bio-composites with PCM additive, highlights their effectiveness in thermal regulation. Additionally, bio-composites with a PCM additive exhibits increased bulk density and reduced water swelling, improving dimensional stability. These findings underline the dual benefits of enhanced thermal and mechanical performance in bio-composites with a PCM additive, making them a viable alternative to conventional building materials.

Keywords: bio-composite; bio-composites; hemp shives; phase change materials; potato starch binder; sustainable building materials.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Preparation scheme of studied binders and bio-composites.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Viscosity of obtained potato starch binder.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Micro-structure of B-0 and B-32.
Figure 4
Figure 4
FTIR of obtained potato starch binders.
Figure 5
Figure 5
TGA/DSC of obtained potato starch binder.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Obtained bio-composites.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Microstructure of BC-0 and BC-32.
Figure 8
Figure 8
The index of the material density of the obtained bio-composites depending on the PCM amount in the composition.
Figure 9
Figure 9
The index of swelling of the obtained bio-composites depending on the PCM amount in the composition (pale purple area—region indicating improved swelling performance compared to the reference sample BC-0).
Figure 10
Figure 10
The index of the compressive strength of the bio-composite samples depending on the PCM amount in the composition (pale purple area—region indicating improved compressive strength performance compared to the reference sample BC-0).
Figure 11
Figure 11
Heat capacity and thermal conductivity of obtained bio-composites.
Figure 12
Figure 12
The cool-down time of the obtained bio-composites.
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