identifying smart materials and applying them in ... smart materials and applying them in...

International Research Journal of Applied and Basic Sciences © 2014 Available online at www.irjabs.com ISSN 2251-838X / Vol, 9 (1): 51-62 Science Explorer Publications

Identifying Smart Materials and Applying Them in Residential Spaces in Cold Climate Case Study: City

of Hamadan

Majid gharabaghi1, Asadollah Naghdi2

1. Department of Architecture ,Boroujerd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Boroujerd, Iran 2. Department of social sciences, Associate prof of Urban and Development sociology, Bu Ali Sina University,

Faculty of Economics and Social sciences,Hamadan,Iran

Corresponding Author email: [email protected] ABSTRACT: Today, supplying the energy needed by human being from renewable sources and reducing the consumption of nonrenewable energy are the main concerns for building designers and engineers. Modern technology has provided the architects with special facilities among which smart materials as part of architectural components have the most relationships with residents and users of various architectural spaces in different climates. Identification and application of such materials in architectural spaces (residential areas in this research) provide the architects with a wide horizon and supply various and high quality spaces for the users. In traditional architecture the materials were used according to the climate of the region; smart materials should be selected according to the climate of the region as well for good and effective efficiency.The main questions of the research are expressed as the following: What are the characteristics of smart materials? What facilities and opportunities do smart materials provide for the architects? How do they help the architects design residential areas in cold climate?The descriptive, analytical method was used to identify smart materials and their capabilities and to determine their stand in residential areas and their effects on such spaces. By analyzing successful projects, the theoretical framework for architecture consistent with climate will be developed. Keywords: modern materials, smart materials, nano materials, residential spaces, cold climate

INTRODUCTION

After the oil crisis of 1973, industrial countries sought to reduce energy consumption in different sectors by

taking appropriate measures. Today, according to the fuel consumption figures and statistics, energy consumption optimization in Iran is critical, as well [4]. Among the measures which are very important in the field of energy consumption optimization are identifying materials suitable for various climates and designing buildings according to them. On the other hand, a clean environment, maximum use of renewable energy, supplying cooling and heating needs and taking steps towards the sustainable architecture are some other requirements to address the climatic designs. Cold climate with its specific features is one of the climates of Iran and certain strategies are used to design housing in such a climate that the use of smart materials is one of theseprocedures.Improper construction techniques within the society have disturbed the surrounding environment and have created an unhealthy environmental system. The materials used in buildings play an important role in developing proper construction and protecting the environment. Choosing suitable and sustainable building materials results in reduction of energy consumption and provides more environmental health [3] because due to their capabilities the smart materials can reduce the consumption of nonrenewable energy which leads to the reduction of air pollution and greenhouse gases and dramatically reduces the costs of energy provision and fulfils the criteria of sustainable architecture.

Architects play a crucial role in identifying the properties of these materials and applying new materials because by having information on how to use the products properly in buildings they can introduce this technology and its new advances. Although the scientists produce materials, engineers achieve technology, and planners write programs, it is the architects and designers who are obliged to combine such improvements in people's daily life [9].

http://www.irjabs.com/

mailto:[email protected]

Intl. Res. J. Appl. Basic. Sci. Vol., 9 (1), 51-62, 2015

52

NEW MATERIALS Undoubtedly, the use of new technologies in the construction industry commensurate with the environment

surrounding the buildings leads to more durability, lasting, and effective functioning of the buildings. Buildings are an important part of our national health. Axe Ritter, German architect says: application of materials whose properties will change under the influence of heat, light, or moisture will cause a revolution in architecture. The future buildings will be able to change color, size, and shape in the exchange with the surrounding environment (Vafamehr, 2010, 84). Classification of new materials (Source: author)

Classification of new materials (Source: author)

DEFINITION OF SMART MATERIALS NASA defines smart materials as the materials that memorize the locations and can return to those

positions by specific stimuli (Addington and Schodek, 2005: 8). Chemical technologies are defined in the encyclopedia as the materials that can sense the environmental conditions and react to the environment by processing sensory information (Addington and Schodek, 2005: 9). Although the two definitions seem to refer to the same behavior, they are contrary to each other, as well. The first definition brings the elements, alloys, and compounds in the mind,the ones which are identified and measured by their own molecular structure. However, in the second definition the material are referred to as a set of activities. Indeed, in the second definition we are dealing with a set of materials or systems. The question that arises here is whether the intelligence requires special materials and advanced technologies. The answer is bipolar; no, there is nothing that smart materials are able to do but conventional systems are unable to do. For instance, photochromic lenses get darker when the light intensity increases. It is possible to make a system including a thermometer in the feedback control sector which sends signals to the engine to move the buffer on the surface by mechanical joints to change the light density. Moreover, the answer can be positive, too; yes, because it is not to replace smart materials with common technologies and conventional materials (Addington and Schodek, 2005: 9).

new materia

ls

smart materials

nano materials polymeric materials


53

Figure 1. Thermochromic Chair

(Source: Addington and Schodek, 2005: 56)

Figure2. Classification of smart materials based on fundamental properties

(Source: author)

Classification ofsmartmaterials Property Change

The class of smart materials with the greatest number of potential applications to the field of architecture is the property-changing class. These materials undergo a change in a property or properties (chemical, thermal, mechanical, electrical, optical, etc.,) in response to the changes in the conditions of the environment of the material. The conditions of the environment may be ambient or produced through a direct energy input. Included in this class are all color-changing materials, such as thermochromics, electrochromics, and photochromics in which the molecular spectral absroptivity of visible electromagnetic radiation is modified through an environmental change (solar radiation, surface temperature) or a direct energy input to the material (current, voltage). Energy Exchange

The next class of materials that is expected to have large penetration into the field of architecture is the energy-exchanging class. These materials change an input energy into another form to produce an output energy in accordance with the First Law of Thermodynamics. Although the energy conversion efficiency for smart materials such as photovoltaics and thermoelectrics is typically much less than for more conventional technologies, the potential utility of the energy is much greater. For example, the direct relationship between input energy and output energy renders many of the energy-exchanging smart materials, including piezoelectric, pyroelectrics, and photovoltaics and excellent environmental sensors. The form of output energy can further add direct actuation capabilities such as those currently demonstrated by electrostrictives, chemoluminescents, and conducting polymers. Reversibility

Some of the materials in the two above classes also exhibit the characteristic either of reversibility or of bi-directionality. Many of the electricity converting materials can reverse their input and output energy forms. Materials with bi-directional property change or energy exchange behaviors can often allow further exploitation of their

smart materials

reversibility discrete size/location energy exchange

capability proprty change

capability


54

transient change rather than only of the input and output energies and/or properties. The energy absorption characteristics of phase-changing materials can be used either to stabilize an environment or to release energy to the environment depending on in which direction the phase change is taking place. The bi-directional nature of shape memory alloys can be exploited to produce multiple or switchable outputs, allowing the material to replace components comprised of many parts. Discrete Size/Location

Regardless of the class of smart materials, one of the most fundamental characteristics that differentiate them from traditional materials is the discrete size and direct action of the material. The elimination or reduction in the secondary transaction networks, additional components, and in some cases, even packing and power connections allows the minimization in size of the active part of the material. A component or element composed of a smart material can be much smaller than a similar construction using more traditional materials and will also require less infrastructural support. The resulting component can then be deployed in the most efficacious location. The smaller size coupled with the directness of the property change and energy exchange renders these materials to be particularly effective as sensors. They are less likely to interfere with environment that they are measuring and are less likely to require calibration adjustment (Sadeghi, 2009: 27).

FUNDAMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SMART MATERIALS The most exclusive properties of smart materials and technologies including molecule, matter, composition, or system are the following (Addington and Schodek, 2005: 10): 1. Immediacy: it means that their response is immediate (synchronous with the stimulus effect). 2. Transiency: it means that they can respond to transient conditions. 3. Self-actuation: it means that intelligence is inside these materials not outside of them (i.e. they don't need a computer program and complex controller and actuator systems). 4. Selectivity: it means that their response is distinctive and predictable. 5. Directness: it means that the given response and the incurred stimulation are in the same place.

NANOTECHNOLOGY AND NANO MATERIALS Introduction to Nanotechnology Nano is a Greek word which means small and is used for measuring one-billionth or 10

-9 of a quantity. 1

nanometer is one-thousandth of a micron or one-billionth of a meter. Nanoscale is defined as the length scale of 1 to 100 nanometers. The term was first used by Norio Taniguchi the professor of Tokyo University of Science in 1974. He used this term to describe the construction of accurate material (equipment) whose dimensional tolerance was in the range of nanometer. In 1986, K. Eric Drexler recreated and redefined the term in a book entitled "Engine of Creation: The beginning of Nano Technology" (Rah Shahr, 2010; 50. Nanotechnology is the capability of producing new materials, tools, and systems by taking the control of atomic and molecular levels using properties which appear in those levels. The experiments and research associated with nanotechnology was seriously pursued since the early 1980s. Nowadays, different countries consider nanotechnology as one of their main research priorities (Nanotechnology Committee, Amir Kabir University, 2006: 3). Nanotechnology is a broad and comprehensive term for a set of technologies and methods and processes or effectively a new method of thinking about a specific topic such science or engineering which aims to control fundamental structures and materials behavior at the scale of atom and molecule so that the investigation of molecular structure has opened new doors to the comprehension of new phenomena and properties and production of new materials (Neivi, 2006: 92). If want to summarize the effects of technology on building materials and products in one sentence, we can say that nanotechnology is the technology which allows us and enables us to promote the materials characteristics or even produce some new features for them. The knowledge whose domain of activity is the structure and properties of materials in the nanoscale has been able to improve and promote the existing materials and to produce new products which upgrade or even entirely change the features of building materials. For instance, the fundamental structure of calcium-silicate-hydrate gel (C-S-H) which is the parameter of physical and mechanical properties of cement paste causes some weaknesses such as shrinkage, creep, porosity, and permeability of concrete and cement. If such weaknesses can be removed and the resilience of the cement can be improved as well it will be possible to achieve a concrete which is more durable and reliable (Golabchi, 2011: 85).


55

Figure 3. Silver Nanoparticlestoprevent the formation ofmoldonwalls

(Source: Golabchi, 2011: 177)

Nanotechnology and Construction Industry

With the advent of nano-technology in various fields since half a century ago a huge evolution has been created in different industries. This technology nowadays is one of the most active research fields which has gradually stabilized its position over the past two decades. Investments in this area are very impressive, too.The studies and surveys of the project "Canada Program on Geomics and Global Health" indicate that the field of architecture and construction, as one of the ten top functional areas which have the greatest impact on global developments, is ranked eighth in terms of taking benefit from nanotechnology and is ranked after the fields such as water treatment and improvement (Rah Shahr, 2010: 4).

Nanotechnology has made it possible to prepare suitable materials with desired features in different parts of buildings and installations and equipments by controlling the matter at the molecular scale.Longevity, high resistance to repeated blows, low friability, and small deformation are some of the characteristics of the materials produced by utilizing nanotechnology. One of the main differences between nano and large scale materials is that nano-materials have particular surface-to-volume ratio. Although the features of common large scale materials are defined and described by their bulk properties, in case of nano-materials due to the close distribution of such small surfaces the surface-to-volume ratio is reversed. The reverse surface-to-volume ratio of nano-materials is the most important principle in nanotechnology and nano-material science (Golabchi, 2011: 55). Some results of the application of nanotechnology in construction industry include: lighterand strongerstructures producing materials which are highly resistant to leaking that can be used in construction of building installations improved performance of water pipe joints improving the electrical and mechanical efficiency of building installations improving materials resistance reducing the waste of heat lack of need to separate insulation in such materials and the ability to respond to different climatic conditions improvement of the sound insulation performance auto-cleaning glasses which solve the problem of wiping glass facades and windows especially in high-rise buildings Introduction to Polymers

The term polymer is derived from the words Greek words (Poly) meaning many and (Meros) meaning part, piece, or slice that is why in Persian dictionary it is often called "Bespar". In fact, this term refers to very large molecules which are composed of various units with internal connections. In other words, a polymer is a large molecule that is made up of many smaller molecules. The small molecules are called monomers or single-parts. The large generated molecules might be linear, large network, and three dimensional. Most industrial polymers have organic nature and consist of a combination of covalent carbon. The other elements in polymers include hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine, fluorine, phosphorus, and sulfur all of which can make different covalent bonds by carbon with different polar. (Qiabakloo, 2011: 1).


56

Figure 4. British navalbasebuildingslocatedinCornwall with Polymercompositecoating reinforced by fiberglass

(Source: Qiabakloo, 2011: 87).

Figure5 .Application of Polymers in Architecture (Source: Author)


57

In the last few decades the resultant architecture and technology have always moved towards overcoming

the nature while scientists always take lessons from the nature during the history to improve science and technology. However, it seems like that in the recent decade new technologies and smart materials have tried to accompany the nature utilizing natural elements. In construction industry, the ultimate goal of this technology can be achieving the materials which not only have high performance but also can supply other needs at the same time and adapt themselves with natural conditions (Memar Zia, 2011: 24). Adaptation to the climate is the most important part of stability issues. In table (1) some of the problems of architecture in cold climate and the opportunities that new materials provide for the architecture for adaptation with this special climate and their function are identified.

Table 1. the role of new materials in architecture consistent with cold climate (Source: Author)

Functionalfeaturesandpropertiesof matter

New materials consistent with climate Architecture problems in cold climate

The special propertiesof composites incomparisonwith polymer

Advancedcompositewith50% fiber volumeandelastic modulusabove 20,000psi

Reduction ofmaterial strength, crackingandrot

With theaddition ofnanoscale to cement it is possible to upgrade theperformancecharacteristics of

concrete, Improvingthe hydrationprocessof concreteandconcretestrengthin three

days

- Slurry ofnanoamorphous silica -SilicaNanoparticles

Reduction of the strengthoftheconcreteandthen reduction of its resistance against soil and frost

-Productionof energy: heating, cooling, lighting

-Electrodeandmoldedpolystyrenefoam -Isocyanurate withaluminum foil

Nanothermal insulationtoprevent energy loss

-Nano coating preventing the heat transfer -Aerogel and nanogel

thermal Insulation -Airgel transparentandsemi-

transparent Panels -porous nano materials -Vacuuminsulation panels

-electricityProduction systems (photovoltaic) -Polymericfoams

-LaminatedPolymerPanels

Increaseof energyconsumptionin

accordancewithcooling

-Absence

ofpusanddirtonsurfaces -Reduction of frequency ofcleaning

Self-cleaningmaterialsto

avoidpollutionresulting from water dropletsdryness

Creatingmoistureoninterior and exterior surfaces

Water dropletscondensing from

vapor, arewidespread instead of formingthousands ofsmalldropsof water

anti-fogsurfaces and the

effectofPhotoCatalyzer (Titanium dioxide) (Tio2)

Fogs on windows due to condensation

-Reinforced Plastics- RP -Fiber Reinforcedplastics -FRP -Glass fiberreinforcedplastics- GFRP

Polymercompositesof epoxy resinwithglass or carbon fiber -Polyester/glass

-Epoxy/Carbon

toughing, hardeningandembrittlementintheconventionalplastic materialsat low temperatures

-Photo-catalytic

effectthatrequiresmoisture, UV lightandoxygen -Natural contamination clingingto

thesurface is degraded by the help of a catalystofactivemetal oxidesorsulfides

Easy-cleaning andself-cleaningmaterials -Self-cleaningglasses

-Hydrophobicnanocoatingwithhydrophobic natureofwater, fatandoil

Air pollution inurbanscale, Temperature inversionphenomenonandthe

effectof the particlesonthe externalsurfaces ofbuildings Andmaking black spotson theurban facades and

bodies

Resistance tomoisture -Nanocoatings andnanomaterials-coatings to prevent the penetration of liquids into surfaces and materials

-Gasketmaterialsblocking

Water diffusioninmaterials, Frosting, Repeatedcyclesof freezing

And eventually destruction ofmaterials


58

thepenetrationof liquids

- Fibrouscomposites

Table 2. Application of New and smart materials in various residential spaces (Source: Author) Architecture requirement of residential

spaces

Function of related matter New and smart materials

Elevator, furniture, coatings and facades available to individuals, glass and

sanitary surfaces

Nano coatings applied on metal and

glass surfaces

Anti-fingerprint surfaces

Glass in exterior walls to prevent condensation and to reduce daylight

penetration into the space.

Thin coating of titanium dioxide Anti-fog surfaces

Bathroom floor and walls and equipment, Indoor and outdoor spaces flooring and

walls

Creating Levels Hydrophobic

and lipophobic surfaces With a variety of hydrophobics

Easy-To-Clean Surfaces (ETC)

Reduction of adhesion of pollutant

particles in surface of facade, glass, concrete, flooring, etc., creating better transparency in transparent materials

Crating water lilies painting

on surfaces coated with titanium dioxide and silicon carbide nano-fibers

Self-cleaning materials (Photo-catalytic

effect)

Spaces on the south side, preventing direct sunlight penetration and creating daze in space, without the

use of screens

-Photochromic glass, auto darkening glass in the sun - Thermochromic glass, reaction to heat

- Electrochromic, use of electrical energy

Sunscreen glass

In flammable spaces Pyrogenic silicic nanoparticles (nano-silica)

Fire-resistant glass

In crowded spaces like hallways, courtyards, etc., and increased levels of resistance to corrosion and

Exhaustion, abrasion and erosion

- Tribology coatings - Coating of silicon dioxide - Anti scratch stainless steel coatings

Anti-scratch and anti-friction coatings and laminates

Reducing the adhesion of materials used to write and draw pictures on children's accessible surfaces

New nano foundation coatings Anti-painting and anti-writing (anti-graffiti ) coatings

Preventing corruption of materials exposed to ultraviolet radiation, optical

properties and aesthetic appearance and quality of the materials exposed to radiation are not changing.

Inorganic materials such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and cerium oxide

or ceroxid are appropriate for this purpose.

Anti UV coatings

Health of surfaces that are in direct contact with people,

to prevent disease, to prevent fungal growth on interior walls and to prevent the growth of algae on

the outer body and façade

anti-microbial and anti-bacterial nano paints, coatings containing silver

nanoparticles

Nano paints and antibacterial and antifungal nano coatings

Hot water supply, Heating interior spaces,

Improving lighting and saving power for emergency Finally, the stability of the building

-Colored solar cells - Silicon solar cells

- Organic solar cells

Solar panels generating electricity (photovoltaic)

In the essential sites In the fire alarm Temperature sensors Changing the color of spaces favorably

in happy events or making official space, Changing the color of floor spaces and corridors in various activities

Discoloration of surfaces using heat from

electricity

Thermochromic paints and wallpapers,

thermochromic flooring

Making a part of the space transparent or opaque in different occasions

Sensitive to electric current, phase change from solid to liquid and vice versa by applying electricity

Liquid crystal glass in interior spaces

Using in places where the moisture might penetrate like downstairs

Detecting humidity Moisture meters

Parking space and installations room Discovering CO2 and chemicals in indoor spaces.

Bio Sensors


59

Epoxy based resin coating system for

applying in busy areas like hallways - In the form of a sheet or mosaic, ease of maintenance and high chemical

resistance - Flexible flooring in sports yard, -Reducing potential soundparticularly the

tramp, resistant to oils and fats suitable for hallways space

Thermoset resins such as epoxy

- Natural fiber composites -Mosaic and sheets of PVC or nitrile rubber - Vinyl tiles (elastic) and polypropylene

flooring - Self-leveling epoxy flooring - Rubber mosaic

Polymeric floorings

Colorable and easy to coat, With anti-dust and water proof solution

Based polyurethane, Acrylic or epoxy

Sealants and anti-dust coatings

THE USE OF NEW AND SMART MATERIALS IN RESIDENTIAL APPLICATIONS

Table (2) the materials are identified which can have the highest application in residential spaces. The

application of these materials in various residential spaces and their functions are explained. EXAMPLES OF FAMOUS BUILDINGS IN THE WORLD WHICH HAVE MADE USE OF MODERN AND SMART

MATERIALS Surfaln Nursing Home

The type of material used in this building is the glass storing hidden heat with phase changing material (PCM) glass. All buildings have wide glass facades facing south. Depending on the season, apartments get solar energy actively or inactively. The glasses used in the windows are totally as thick as 8 cm in three layers and some holes are designed between the layers of the glasses. The middle hole of the multi-layer glasses is filled with salt hydrates which act as the reservoir of latent heat (obtained from the sun). Furthermore, it prevents excessive heating of the space.

Figure 6. Nursing home façade in a sunny day in winter


This source of latent heat is capable of absorbing heat as much as a 15-cm concrete wall. When the aforementioned filling material is melted the glasses become transparent and when frozen theyget milky white. Therefore, the phase changing material immediately affects the appearance of the building (and consequently its beauty and performance which are its inseparable parts).

Figure 7. Salt Hydrates Zooming


60


ChanelGinzaBuilding

The smart materials used in the building include color changing smart materials (electrooptic) and smart light editing diodes (LED). Information exchange and advertising are done by electro optic glass.

Figure 8. Chanel Ginza Building

(Source: Molaei, 2011)

During the day electro optic glass or the whole façade is transparent, but during the night it switches to

opaque phase and changes the façade to a display screen for 700000 LED which are controlled by three main computers and 65000 microcomputers which are able to process over 32 trillion instructions per second.

Figure 9. Electro Optic Glass


Monte Verde Building

The smart materials used in this building include adhesion changing smart materials which contain a film of titanium dioxide, surfaces which are self-cleaning. Monte Verde apartment is made in the south of Wind with the height of 77m and photocatholic and photo catalytic façade. The surface of the façade is made up of a ceramic slab and is sprayed by the coats of titanium oxide.


61

Figure 10. Monte Verde Building


With regard to the features of the coat, the façade has used the light to create a hydrophilic layer on the surface of the façade which creates a compressed film on it that cleans any contamination off its surface during the rainfall. Theself-cleaning is done by the air in response to the light which is created by the activated oxygen generated by free electrons that are formed on the surface of the shell.

Figure 11. Façade with titanium oxide surfaces


CONCLUSION

The application of modern materials technology at present in construction industry is very small compared

with the expansion of this industry. Although we witness the use of some new materials in buildings, and some news is heard on the emergence of other materials, considering the capabilities of the modern technology, it is expected to witness a significant growth in the use of new materials in construction industry in new future. The common reluctance and very limited involvement of construction companies in researches associated with new materials and also lack of concentrated efforts to transfer the technology are the most important reasons of the insufficient growth of this technology in construction industry. Therefore, it is necessary to change the traditional attitudes and approaches in construction industry and to move towards new innovations and more investment in this area.

On the other hand, it should not be ignored that new and smart materials are being produced and updated and the accurate recognition of such materials and their applications depend on the comprehensive identification of new capabilities of the materials which are provided for the architecture designing process to pave the way for new developments in construction industry.

REFERENCES

Abdoli M. 2001. Energy for sustainable development, Light Database Journal, 26, energy Economy, June. Addington D, Michelle S, Daniel L. 2004.SmartMaterialsand Technologiesfor the ArchitectureandDesignProfessions.Architectural.

Press/Elsevier:Oxford.

Ghobadian V. 2003.Climatic Assessment of Iranian Traditional Buildings, Publishing and PrintingInstitute ofTehran University, Tehran Golabchi M, Taghi Zadeh K, Soroosh Nia E. 2011. Nanotechnology in Architecture and Construction Engineering. 1

st Edition, Tehran: Tehran

University Publications. Memar Zia K. 2011. Construction Industrializing Development via Designing Executive Details Using New Materials with Energy Saving

Approach.Quarterly Report of Building Engineering Organization, Fars Province, No. 68. Nanotechnology Committee of Amir Kabir University. 2006. What IS Nanotechnology? Automobile Industry, No. 5. Neiavi S. 2006. Nanotechnology and Its Application in New Construction Materials. Journal of Building and Computer, No. 11.

Qiabakloo Z, Hadadi Asl V. 2011. Application of Polymers in Architecture. 1st Edition. Tehran: Metalon Publications.

Rah Shahr International Group (Cubic Build). 2010. Nanotechnology in Architecture.Publications of Applied Science Center. Sadeghi M. 2009. Smart Materials. Artificial Intelligence and Accurate Tool, No. 16.


62

Shodak D, Eddington M, Bita. Smart Materials and New Technologies for the Architecture and Design Professions. Translated by Molaei, M.,

Mahdavi Nejad, M. Tehran: Building and Housing Research Center. Vafamehr M, Nazi Dizaji S. 2010. Application of Smart Materials in Architecture. International Journal of Road and Building, No. 74.

identifying smart materials and applying them in ... smart materials and applying them in...

Documents