The shape-stabilized phase change materials composed of polyethylene glycol and various mesoporous matrices (AC, SBA-15 and MCM-41)

In order to obtain stable phase change composites with a high PEG load and enthalpy, a series of polyethylene glycol (PEG) based phase change composites with different mesoporous materials (active carbon and silica molecular sieves) were prepared by a simple approach. Various characterization techniques were carried out to investigate the properties of the composites. It was observed that both the porous characteristics and surface properties of the mesoporous stabilizers combined affected the crystallinity and phase change behavior of PEG. Among the various composites, PEG/AC PCMs with 80 wt% of PEG had the largest latent heat, a relatively low melting point, the least supercooling and a higher heat storage efficiency. This study will provide insight into the fabrication of stabilized polymer based high performance phase change systems for heat storage application.

Graphical AbstractBased on the properties of the shape-stabilized phase change materials composed of polyethylene glycol and various mesoporous matrices (AC, SBA-15 and MCM-41) investigated by BET, FTIR, XRD, POM, DSC and TGA techniques, it was observed that both the porous characteristics and surface properties of the mesoporous stabilizers affected the crystallinity and phase change behavior of PEG. Capillary forces and surface areas are the significant factors of PEG/AC PCMs, but capillary forces, surface areas, hydrogen bonding and surface polarities are more influential in PEG/silica PCMs.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Stable PEG based heat storage systems with a high polymer load were developed.
► The influence of mesoporous stabilizers on the thermal properties of the PCMs was elucidated.
► A new mechanism for the interaction of PEG with various mesoporous stabilizers was proposed.
► PEG/AC composites were determined as promising candidates for heat storage application.