Capric–myristic acid/expanded perlite composite as form-stable phase change material for latent heat thermal energy storage

The aim of this study is to prepare a novel form-stable phase change material (PCM) for latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) in buildings. A eutectic mixture of capric acid (CA) and myristic acid (MA) is incorporated with expanded perlite (EP). Thermal properties, thermal reliability, and thermal conductivity of the form-stable composite PCM are determined. The maximum CA–MA absorption of EP was found to be 55 wt% without melted PCM seepage from the composite, and therefore this mixture was described as a form-stable composite. The form-stable composite PCM was characterized using the FT-IR spectroscopy method. The melting and freezing temperatures and latent heats of form-stable composite PCM were measured using DSC analysis. Thermal cycling test of the form-stable composite PCM indicated good thermal reliability in terms of changes in thermal properties after 5000 thermal cycling. The thermal conductivity of the form-stable CA–MA/EP composite PCM was increased about 58% by adding 10 wt% expanded graphite (EG). The form-stable CA–MA/EP/EG composite PCM was considered as an effective LHTES material in the building energy conservation due to suitable phase change temperatures, high latent capacities, good thermal reliability, and good thermal conductivity.