Thermal Conductivity Characterization of Nano-Enhanced Paraffin Wax

Abstract

Paraffin waxes are commonly used phase change materials for energy storage. However, the low thermal conductivity of the paraffin wax can limit the energy charging and discharging rate. In this research, a new nano-enhanced paraffin wax with dispersed conductive nanoparticles is tested for the thermal conductivity enhancement. A notable increase in the thermal conductivity has been measured from the carbon nanofiber enhanced paraffin wax.