Evaluation of the usability of Erciyes Mountain (Kayseri, Turkey) volcanic materials as plaster materials providing thermal insulation

Plaster materials are commonly used on the interiors and exteriors of buildings. Such materials protect against impacts, atmospheric degradation, and physical and mechanical effects. Additionally, plaster materials must provide thermal insulation. In this study, rock samples (three types of ignimbrite) produced by Erciyes Mountain volcanic activity were selected as materials. These selected materials have differences in terms of engineering features. Petrographic properties of the samples were determined employing polarization microscopy. Plaster materials were separately prepared from each sample with the determined engineering features. The plaster materials were separately applied to block surfaces. The blocks were then subjected to heat transmission tests. Additionally, a non-plaster material was tested for comparison. The data obtained in these tests revealed important findings relating to energy savings, and it was found that new materials obtained from wastes of ignimbrites and idle resources formed by Erciyes Mountain (Kayseri, Turkey) volcanic activity can be used as alternative materials.