The durability of the proposed geopolymer matrix for the development of the structural layers shows satisfactory stability on repeated wetting/drying (Figure 1), and freezing/thawing (Figure 2). The sorptivity was evaluated to lay within the acceptable range of commercial cementitious materials. The water absorption tested in outdoor weather conditions showed that the reference and final product specimens exhibited a total mass variation of ±1.21% and ±1.02%, respectively. The geopolymer specimens of the final product exhibit excellent mechanical stability after performing of the durability tests. As it was observed the compressive strength of the geopolymers remained practically unaffected.
The sound absorption evaluation revealed only a modest sound absorption capability over the considered frequency spectrum.
MOC specimens subjected to four-point bending test (Figure 3) revealed limited crack formation due to their low ductility. The MOC reached a high average flexural strength of 11.12 MPa at 7 days, which is related with the great strength achieved by the MOC matrix. Meanwhile, the bonding between the PP fibre and matrix was also strong, which could be ascribed to the long fibre length, which increases the frictional bond, subsequently leading to the high flexural strength.
It was shown that the measured U-value at the UAVR facility confirmed the theoretical calculations. Additionally, and more relevant, the experimentally obtained U-value was in accordance with the U-value target of 0.14 W.°C-1.m-2. The experimental measurements retrieved a U-value of 0.138 W.°C-1.m-2. The thermal performance tests performed at both demo sites in Italy and Spain also validated that our GI panels matched our very ambitious design value (Figure 4). The GI panel far exceeds regulatory requirements imposed by both Spanish and Italian legislation, namely for renovated buildings.
The evaluation of the photocatalytic activity of the powders and the final coating has better photocatalytic activity in comparison with the activity of commercial photocatalytic paints. The coating also possesses strong antibacterial activity both under UV and visible light.
The fire resistance measurements for the entire GI panel concluded that after 60 minutes, there was no failure in the Integrity and thermal insulation criteria. Thus, the system is classified as E60 or EI60.
The results of the LCA revealed that the GI panel indicates a positive NPV, meaning that the projected earnings exceed the anticipated costs, warranting it worthwhile to invest in the panel. The Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) value assigned is positive, meaning the GI panel seems to be of high value in the social benefit. This means the GI panel generates lower emissions than the reference and provides higher gains of economic welfare. The LCSA had a very positive outcome when examining the five stakeholders’ categories for all the relevant social indicators of each category. Also, the “local community” stakeholder also benefited as the local employment is supported, the use of virgin resources is limited, and the safe and healthy living conditions are improving by the utilisation of the panel.
Regarding dissemination, the GI website gained 795 new users, and had 1,184 sessions. The audience was mainly from United Kingdom, Spain and United States. Also, the third project newsletter was released to inform the audience of the latest developments of the project as well as the latest events. Finally, an informative 5-min project video was recorded with the collaboration of the partners and uploaded to various social media channels.
