Facile Synthesis of Microencapsulated 1-Dodecanol (PCM) for Thermal Energy Storage and Thermal Buffering Ability in Embedded PVC Film

Abstract

Microencapsulation of lauryl alcohol (1-dodecanol; mp, 22 ± 0.3 °C; melting enthalpy, 191 ± 3 J/g), a renewable phase change material (PCM), was carried out using copolymer shell [poly(styrene-co-n-butyl acrylate-co-divinylbenzene) or p(Styco-BA-co-DVB)] synthesized adopting emulsion polymerization. The thermal buffering ability of microencapsulated phase change material (MEPCM) was evaluated after embedding these capsules in a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) film. Spectroscopic (FT-IR) and morphological characterization of MEPCM capsules and MEPCM-embedded PVC film (MEPCM ePVC) confirmed the formation of core−shell microstructure with just physical interaction between PCM and shell. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements confirmed effective encapsulation of core inside the p(Sty-co-BA-co-DVB) shell, and the latent heat of melting of capsules was in the range between 94 ± 3 and 133 ± 3 J/g. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements supported the data of PCM content measured from DSC. A polarized optical microscope with hot stage established nonleaking behavior with MEPCM ePVC when exposed to 50 °C. The thermal buffering ability of the MEPCM ePVC film was demonstrated based on 41.9 and 224.8% delays in temperature change during charging and discharging steps, respectively, compared to the performance with pristine PVC film wrapped over a box of specific dimension.

Phase-Change Composites Composed of Silicone Rubber and Pa@SiO2@PDA Double-Shelled Microcapsules with Low Leakage Rate and Improved Mechanical Strength

“…However, the compatibility of MEPCMs with the matrix is often very poor, leading to the deterioration of the mechanical properties of the prepared composites. Singh et al 35 added the copolymer-coated MEPCMs to the PVC matrix to prepare the film. The tensile strength of the film containing 150% MePCMs reduced by 58.9%.…”

Thermal Buffering Performance of a Propyl Palmitate/Expanded Perlite-Based Form-Stable Composite: Experiment and Numerical Modeling in a Building Model

“…PCMs are mostly long-chain hydrocarbons derived from fossil fuels, and because of the above-stated reasons, if these can be sourced from renewable materials, then these will not emit any greenhouse gas. PCMs are being applied in various fields, e.g., building envelops, cold chain applications, solar water heating, smart thermal fiber clothing, etc …”

“…PCMs are being applied in various fields, e.g., building envelops, cold chain applications, solar water heating, smart thermal fiber clothing, etc. 2 Overall, the energy load of modern buildings involving air conditioning/heating/light-fan/lift, etc. stands at ∼40% of the total global energy requirement.…”

Curding of milk in incubator utilizing latent heat of lauric acid in winter

“…Phase change materials (PCMs) can store/release thermal energy from/to the surrounding through liquid/solid phase transformation keeping own temperature nearly constant. [1][2][3] PCMs have been used for maintenance of constant temperature in different applications, that is, buildings, solar energy storage, textiles etc. [4][5][6] Dixit et al 7 utilized propyl palmitate as PCM for thermal buffering application in buildings.…”