Improvement of the Thermal Properties of Sorel Cements

*Rim Zgueb, Amal Brichni and Noureddine Yacoubi*

### **Abstract**

Sorel cements is a promising building material for insulation applications. Indeed, the effect of polyvinyl acetate polymer on cements has been investigated. The polyvinyl acetate polymer was added to the cement matrix with a percentage of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% by weight of Sorel cement. The thermal properties of Sorel cement were determined by photothermal deflection technique. Thermal properties such as thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity are measured by coincidentally the experimental curves of the photothermal signal with the best corresponding theoretical curves. The results revealed that the incorporation of polyvinyl acetate polymer enhance the thermal insulation and reduce the compressive strength of Sorel cement.

**Keywords:** Sorel cement, photothermal deflection technique, thermal insulation, mechanical properties, polyvinyl acetate polymer
