Hygrothermal Characterization of Porous Building Materials-Experiment Research on Isothermal Sorption and Capillary Problem

Abstract

The research on water vapor isothermal sorption of porous building materials have an important function on controlling and solving hygrothermal problems, such as durability, thermal insulation, mold growth and indoor air quality, when building materials are in hygrothermal environment, especially in the high humidity environment. The isothermal sorption is used to describe the maximum moisture sorption capacity, if moisture content exceeds the limitation, probably there will be liquid water appearance, which lead to the risk of mold growth, decreasing durability and increasing thermal conductivity, and so on. The classic testing method of isothermal sorption could be found in ASTM Standards C 1498-01. In this paper, the eco-stucco, eco-fiber batt and eco-fiber board is tested using traditional method. Meanwhile, pore size distribution and capillary condensation is analyzed which is challenge for the design basis of hygrothermal character for the building envelope.