The Influence of Clay Structures to the Hygrothermal Component of the Indoor Environment

Materials (Basel). 2022 Feb 25;15(5):1744. doi: 10.3390/ma15051744.

Abstract

In this article, research on the sorption properties of clay materials in comparison with commonly used building materials is published. The topic is mainly focused on the dynamic sorption properties and their influence on the relative humidity in the indoor environment. The results of comparisons of clay structures, rammed earth panels, clay plaster, and unburned bricks, with commonly used building materials, concrete, lime plaster, and gypsum board are examined. Statistically evaluated results in the form of confidence intervals are presented and the rate of dynamic sorption is analyzed. It is clear from the results that clay materials have a positive effect on the rapid adsorption and desorption of air moisture in the interior of buildings. However, there are many variables, band not every clay material has such excellent sorption properties.

Keywords: building materials; building structures; clay; dynamic sorption; indoor environment; moisture buffering; rammed earth; relative humidity.