Thermochromic and self-cleaning tiles: an adaptive and resilient roof

• Grant number: 22/14074-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: November 01, 2023
• End date: March 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Architecture and Town Planning - Architecture and Urbanism Technology
• Principal Investigator: Kelen Almeida Dornelles
• Grantee: Ana Carolina Hidalgo Araujo
• Host Institution: Instituto de Arquitetura e Urbanismo de São Carlos (IAU). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/00850-9 - Characterization and thermo-energetic simulation of multifunctional tiles, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

The use of coatings with high solar reflectance in the building envelope is an efficient solution for reducing the thermal gains resulting from the direct incidence of solar radiation on buildings. Known as cold materials, these coatings have great potential to optimize the thermoenergetic performance of buildings and improve the comfort conditions inside. However, exposure to the weather over time promotes the degradation of their surfaces and, consequently, of the optical and thermal properties of these coatings, with direct effects on their potential to reduce the absorption of solar radiation. In this context, the general objective of this research project is to develop, characterize and evaluate a multifunctional film to be applied on ceramic and fiber cement tiles, which combines thermochromic and self-cleaning functions and presents adequate cost-effectiveness for use in Brazil. It starts from the hypothesis that the use of tiles with multifunctional films with thermochromic and self-cleaning properties is an adaptive alternative capable of delaying changes in the initial optical properties over time, and modifying their solar reflectance in a reversible way, according to the thermal variations that occur. in your surroundings. The research will include the development of the multifunctional film and its incorporation into cold and conventional ceramic and fiber cement tiles; optical, thermal and physical characterization of the film + tile system; analysis of natural aging (in the field) and accelerated aging (in the laboratory) of the samples; simulation of the thermoenergetic performance of a model building for different Brazilian climates; and economic viability analysis for the national context. It is expected to contribute to future studies on multifunctional coatings and encourage the development of new materials for the national scenario.

Scientific publications

(4)

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

HIDALGO-ARAUJO, ANA CAROLINA; SALOMAO, RAFAEL; BERARDI, UMBERTO; DORNELLES, KELEN ALMEIDA. Thermochromic materials for building Applications: Overview through a bibliometric analysis. Solar Energy, v. 293, p. 13-pg., 2025-06-01. (24/00850-9, 24/10060-5, 22/03655-7, 22/14074-5)

HIDALGO-ARAUJO, ANA CAROLINA; SALOMAO, RAFAEL; DORNELLES, KELEN ALMEIDA. Application of Thermochromic and Self-cleaning Materials in Buildings: A Bibliometric Analysis. MULTIPHYSICS AND MULTISCALE BUILDING PHYSICS, IBPC 2024, VOL 1, v. 552, p. 6-pg., 2025-01-01. (22/03655-7, 22/14074-5)

HIDALGO-ARAUJO, ANA CAROLINA; SALOMAO, RAFAEL; BERARDI, UMBERTO; DORNELLES, KELEN ALMEIDA. Design and characterization of a SiO2-TiO2 coating containing organic and inorganic thermochromic pigments and optimized with TiO2-P25 for improved long-term performance in energy-efficient roofing. SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS, v. 289, p. 15-pg., 2025-04-21. (10/19274-5, 22/03655-7, 24/00850-9, 22/14074-5, 24/10060-5)

HIDALGO-ARAUJO, ANA CAROLINA; SALOMAO, RAFAEL; BERARDI, UMBERTO; DORNELLES, KELEN ALMEIDA. TiO2-P25 Enhanced Thermochromic Coatings for Energy Efficient Roofing: Evaluating Long-Term Performance through Accelerated Aging Tests. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT, v. 281, p. 13-pg., 2025-08-01. (24/00850-9, 22/03655-7, 24/10060-5, 22/14074-5)