Innovative waterproof membranes: Enhancing durability and energy efficiency

 
Innovative technologies are transforming modern homes, particularly roof structures, as sustainable living becomes more popular. These technologies are focused on improving home comfort, energy efficiency, and overall durability. The study to be presented has aimed the development of an advanced water-based polymeric waterproofing membrane incorporating nano-structured pigments designed for enhanced solar reflectance. This enhancement enables the membrane to maintain lower surface temperatures when exposed to sunlight, thereby increasing its durability and efficiency, as high temperatures can lead to the formation of cracks in the membrane structure. Additionally, the reduction in surface temperature of the membrane contributes to the building's overall energy efficiency during sunny days with intense solar radiation, contributing to a cooler interior environment. One important point of this work is the synthesis of innovative nano-structured pigments that combine the desired colour with superior performance in infrared (IR) radiation reflectance, focusing on dark colours. In particular, new synthesis routes and precursors have been explored to create IR-reflective pigments, resulting in a new nano-structured pigment with dark grey colour and superior performance. In addition, different methods to incorporate the pigment into the water-based polymeric membrane has also been explored, to achieve a uniform dispersion with enhanced performance. When incorporated into the waterproofing membrane at a concentration of lower than 2% w/w, the new pigment has demonstrated a substantial increase in solar IR-reflectance from 21% (control membrane, with conventional grey pigment) to 62%. Additionally, the incorporation of the pigment led to a surface temperature reduction of more than 10 °C under alike solar exposure conditions. By integrating these innovative pigments into waterproofing membranes, the project aims to provide a dual benefit: enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings and extending membrane durability by reducing thermal stress. In the study, weathering tests has also performed to assess the behaviour and durability of the pigment, confirmed by the maintenance of the functional characteristics - solar reflectance, colour and surface temperature. This approach not only addresses the technical challenges associated with heat management but also aligns with sustainable construction practices by improving the overall performance and lifespan of building materials. The advanced waterproofing membrane is part a comprehensive smart roof system, that is being developed within the scope of this project. The system includes also a smart reinforcement textile integrating an active heating system and different monitoring sensors - temperature, moisture, and position - to detect membrane drying, cracks, and temperature fluctuations, as well as identify the mechanically requested areas. Artificial intelligence has been also explored to predict potential failure areas, providing early detection of defects and targeted maintenance, reducing overall maintenance costs, and increasing durability. These advancements bring significant benefits to homeowners by providing a sustainable, efficient, and durable roofing solution tailored to meet modern smart home demands. This study was developed under the Project "Agenda ILLIANCE" [C644919832-00000035 | Project nr. 46], funded by PRR - Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência under the Next Generation EU from the European Union.