Novel SiO

2

-LiBr microcapsules for water-retaining pavement were prepared and firstly characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM)

particle size analysis

and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The water vapor sorption and desorption of the formulated microcapsules was then experimentally studied using dynamic vapor sorption (DVS)

with the results fitted to three kinds of adsorption kinetics models. In addition

the specific surface area (SSA) was also calculated based on BET theory; and the thermal performance was investigated by laser flash analysis (LFA). Experimental results show a change of 103% in mass of the microcapsule sample under 90% relative humidity (RH) at 30 ℃ after water vapor sorption. The fitting of results indicates that the adsorption process is mainly governed by the intra-particle diffusion mechanism

followed by the pseudo-first-order adsorption process. In comparison with most conventional pavement materials

it is found that the SSA of the formulated microcapsules is much larger while the thermal conductivity is lower. The unique properties of the f

ormulated SiO

2

-LiBr microcapsules have significant potential to take the edge off the urban heat island effect and reduce rutting when applied to water-retaining pavement materials.