Thermomechanical Characterization of Waste Based TESM and Assessment of Their Resistance to Thermal Cycling up to 1000 °C

The aim of this work has consisted to study the ability of an innovative thermal energy storage material called Cofalit to withstand thermal shocks under repeated thermal cycles up to 1000 °C. Starting thermomechanical properties (Young’s modulus and thermal expansion coefficient) have also been characterized from room temperature to 1000 °C respectively by non destructive pulse-echography technique and standard dilatometric equipment. As these parameters are strongly dependent on the microstructure evolutions of such Cofalit materials when the temperature evolves, complementary scanning electron microscopy observations have been performed. With a concentrating solar test facility, severe thermal cycles have been imposed at the surface of the tested materials between 500 and 1000 °C. Critical shock and ageing experimental results up to 2500 °C emphasize the sufficient refractoriness. This study highlights the wide potential of this Cofalit material for high temperature applications.