A comparative study of four different species bamboo culms as a carrier for thermal energy storage through phase change material impregnation

Abstract

Bamboo’s mechanical strength make it an ideal renewable material for sustainable construction, while its natural porosity make it a potentially suitable carrier for phase change materials (PCMs). This study explored the use of bamboo culms from four different species (Bambusa tuldoides, Dendrocalamus giganteus, Guadua augustifolia, and Phyllostachys aurea) as temperature regulation materials in buildings through the impregnation of PCMs. Three types of bamboo samples were prepared: raw culms, culms coated with polyurethane resin (PU), and culms impregnated with PCM and coated with PU to prevent PCM leakage. Thermal performance tests demonstrated that PCM-impregnated bamboo effectively stabilized temperature fluctuations, with Dendrocalamus giganteus showing the highest PCM impregnation (14.88%) and the most significant temperature regulation efficiency due to its larger culm dimensions and lower density. Microscopy, thermal, and chemical analyses confirmed the structural integrity of the bamboo after PCM impregnation and the inert chemical interaction between PCM and bamboo. These findings suggest that PCM-impregnated bamboo culms can serve as effective, sustainable materials for energy-efficient building applications, reducing the reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems.