Effect of copper coating on infiltrated PCM/foam

Experimental study was performed to investigate the effect of copper coating on the thermal performance of encapsulated phase change material/carbon foam composite (hybrid foam). Two types of carbon foam materials were used namely, pristine and copper-coated carbon foams. Both foams were infiltrated with paraffin wax. The temperature distribution within hybrid foam was monitored experimentally using constant heat load setup. Copper-coated carbon foam shows excellent results compared to the pristine foam. Within the coating foam; the time required to reach the melting temperature was shorter and the heat transferred faster. Further, copper coating process enhanced the overall thermal conductivity of the composite by a factor of 1.67 compared to the pristine foam.

► Thermal behavior of phase change material PCM/carbon foam composite was investigated.
► Samples of pristine and copper-coated carbon foams were used and infiltrated with paraffin wax.
► The temperature distribution was monitored experimentally using constant heat load.
► The thermal conductivity of the PCM and heat capacity of carbon foam were improved.
► Coating process enhanced overall thermal conductivity of the system by factor of 1.67.