Design of composites and blends based on geopolymers for heat storage. Tests on materials for thermal responses

In order to develop innovative materials, technologies and systems for reducing CO 2 emissions in industrial applications, new geopolymeric materials, based on natural or wasted materials, with the best properties to build solid-state heat storage for medium temperatures, have been investigated. Heat could be recovered in industrial processes and re-used for other end-uses. Another possible use is storing heat in CSP plants with working fluid with temperatures up to 300 K, achieving performance better than cement-based concrete storage and easier than molten salts. The aim is to increase the durability of the materials for cyclic operation and high temperatures, increase conductivity and/or thermal capacity, optimal diffusivity values and environmental performance of solid-state storage systems in geopolymer concrete, exploiting recycled or waste raw materials, using local geomaterials.