Thermal properties of myristyl alcohol/polyvinyl butyral/carbon nanotubes as composite phase change materials for thermal energy storage

Abstract

Summary Myristyl alcohol (MA)/polyvinyl butyral (PVB) composites with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as composite phase change materials (CPCM) were synthesized by the solution blending method. MA was selected as phase change material (PCM) due to high latent heat. PVB was utilized as matrix to decrease leak of MA in molten state. CNTs were added into CPCM as thermal conductivity enhancer, which behave high thermal conductivity. A series of samples were prepared. The chemical and crystal structures of CPCM were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffractometer. The results showed that there was only physical adsorption and no chemical reaction during mixing process. The microstructure of CPCM was observed by scanning electron microscope. Differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and thermal conductivity meter were used to measure thermal properties of CPCM. The results indicated that S2 containing 80 wt% MA had latent heat value of 150.55 kJ/kg, the corresponding melting temperature was 52.03°C. CPCM has no thermal decomposition in the operating temperature range, so they have excellent stability. In addition, the thermal conductivity of S5 containing 6 wt% CNTs is 1.062 W/(m·K), which is increased by 4.65 times compared to that of S2. The melting latent heat of S5 is 147.50 kJ/kg, which is 97.97% of S2 melting latent heat.

Preparation and Thermal Performances of Lauric Acid/Polyvinyl Butyral/Graphene Nanoplates Composite Phase Change Materials

“…[ 48 ] Due to the existence of supercooling, the transition from the liquid state to the solid state needs to be completed in two steps. [ 28 ] On the other hand, the LA only exhibits one peak, indicating a solid–liquid phase change. The solidifying latent heat of the LA is 179.18 J g −1 , while the solidifying latent heats of PCM2 and CPCM1‐3 throughout the entire solidifying process are 124.10, 113.36, 103.81, and 121.47 J g −1 , respectively.…”

“…To improve the thermal performance of PCMs and enhance their thermal conductivity, adding thermal conductive additives during the preparation of composite materials is considered a promising technique. [ 5 ] Cong et al [ 28 ] prepared a CPCM with maceoyl alcohol (MA)/PVB/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using a melt blending method. The sample containing 6 wt% CNTs has a latent heat value of 147.5 J g −1 and a melting temperature of 52 °C.…”