Novel solid–solid phase change materials with biodegradable trihydroxy surfactants for thermal energy storage

Abstract

Polyurethane polymers were synthesized as novel solid-solid phase change materials (SSPCMs) by bulk polyaddition in the absence of organic solvents, in which polyethylene glycol (PEG) was selected as the working phase change substance and Span 80 and Tween 80 were used as crosslinking agents for the first time. The chemical structures, crystalline properties, phase change properties and thermal stability of the synthesized SSPCMs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). An accelerated thermal cycling test was carried out to reveal the thermal reliability of the synthesized SSPCMs. The XRD patterns showed that the synthesized SSPCMs have a completely crystalline structure and defective crystallization compared with the pristine PEG. The DSC results showed that the synthesized SSPCMs have suitable phase change temperatures of 37-48 C and high latent heats in the range of 120-130 J g À1 . TG results showed that the synthesized SSPCMs possess good thermal stability.

Preparation and properties of polyethylene glycol based semi-interpenetrating polymer network as novel form-stable phase change materials for thermal energy storage

“…In recent years, latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) using phase change materials (PCMs) has been drawing a great attention with the shortage in traditional fossil energy and the increase in greenhouse gas emissions [1,2]. PCMs are commonly acknowledged as the efficient thermal energy storage materials, owing to the advantages of high density of energy storage and small temperature fluctuation during the phase change process [3,4].…”

Polyester‐based phase change materials with flexible poly(ethylene glycol) chains for thermal energy storage

“…However, the encapsulated SLPCMs tend to migrate because of the relatively weak physical interaction between SLPCMs and polymers, especially when they are exposed to high temperatures . Accordingly, another type of polymeric SSPCM is prepared through a chemical method (e.g., block polymerization, graft polymerization, or crosslinked polymerization), in which SLPCMs chemically bond with the polymeric skeleton, providing advantages of no liquid generation, homogeneous dispersion, and outstanding long‐term utilization performance . In this type of polymeric SSPCM, PEGs with various molecular weights are the most utilized SLPCMs due to their programmable hydroxyl groups in the chain ends, which offer them the ability to participate in polymerization .…”

“…In this type of polymeric SSPCM, PEGs with various molecular weights are the most utilized SLPCMs due to their programmable hydroxyl groups in the chain ends, which offer them the ability to participate in polymerization . For example, crosslinked polyurethanes based on polymerization between diisocyanate, PEG, and crosslinking agent have been developed as polymeric SSPCMs . However, diisocyanate with its low vapor pressure is harmful to our health and environment.…”

Solid–solid phase‐change materials based on hyperbranched polyurethane for thermal energy storage

“…The aforementioned studies all investigated common linear PEG–PU. The covalent bonds between diisocyanate and PEG restricted the movement and crystallization of the poly(ethylene oxide) segments and, thereby, decreased the phase‐change enthalpy of PEG–PU …”

“…The covalent bonds between diisocyanate and PEG restricted the movement and crystallization of the poly(ethylene oxide) segments and, thereby, decreased the phase-change enthalpy of PEG-PU. [17][18][19] Hyperbranched polymers have recently gained significant attention because of their highly branched structure, large number of end-group functionalities, minimal chain entanglement, and excellent chain arrangement. [20][21][22] These properties are also crucial to the fabrication of PCMs.…”