In the context of energy economy and thermal comfort, phase change materials (PCMs) have many useful applications. In this study, type A zeolite was tested as a matrix for impregnating obtaining a PCM-impregnated zeolite. A sample of type A zeolite was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The porosity was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Following that, an apparatus was mounted for vacuum impregnation to incorporate calcium chloride hexahydrate (CaCl2.6H2O), which is a PCM, in the pores of the zeolite. The impregnation and the retention of the phase change material in zeolites were assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) on the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) to simulate thermal cycles testing to determine the thermal behavior of the compound. The results of the XRD and FTIR analyses showed that CaCl2.6H2O remains in the zeolite phase after the impregnation and the thermal cycling performed on the material shows that there is a positive influence on the thermal behavior of the impregnated material. Varying the amount of the studied PCM between 0 and 30 wt%, different grout boards were constructed. The thermal behavior of the PCM-impregnated zeolite compared to the reference material (pure zeolite) showed an effective temperature difference (38.1 to 33.9 °C), which can lead to significant energy savings.

The phenomenon of the warming of cities at high temperature levels, the so-called "heat island", has been studied around the world. Apart from generating thermal discomfort, this urban phenomenon has been causing an increase in the demand for energy for cooling the environments. In response to the environmental impact generated by this phenomenon, researchers from different nations have developed techniques for warming mitigation, developing new materials, technologies, and constructive systems. In this context, urban paving is responsible for a significant contribution to the occurrence of heat islands in cities. The use of pavements called "cold materials", which help to lower the surface temperature, constitutes an important solution to mitigate the effects of the heat flow in cities and the planet. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop, test and evaluate new cold materials for use in paving. Such cold materials proved to present better thermal performance than conventional ones, such as asphalt and reference concrete (commercial paver). In fact, this work showed that the composition with 90% concrete+10% talc can be considered cold material, with energy savings of up to 16% in comparison to asphalt.

In Brazil, ceramic plates are widely used in the construction industry for both small and large constructions in view of their advantages compared with other coating systems [1]. These advantages include ease of maintenance, durability, impermeability, and ease of cleaning. Despite these favorable characteristics, problems occur due to aging of a building. The most common of these problems is the loss of adhesion of ceramic tiles with facades [2]. It is commonly observed that after a few years of use the plates begin to loosen, thereby endangering individuals and properties.