Facile Preparation of Carbon Microcapsules Containing Phase-Change Material with Enhanced Thermal Properties

• Published in: TheScientificWorld 2014-01, Vol.2014 (2014), p.1-5
• Main Authors: Mahlia, Teuku Meurah Indra, Mehrali, Mehdi, Mehrali, Mohammad, Tahan Latibari, Sara, Ibrahim Henk, Metselaar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Capsules - chemical synthesis; Capsules - chemistry; Carbon; Carbon - chemistry; Chemical properties; Chemical synthesis; Colleges & universities; Energy storage; Freezing; Glucose; Hot Temperature; Latent heat; Mechanical engineering; Methods; Nanotubes; Palmitic Acid - chemistry; Particle size; Phase change materials; Phase Transition; Production processes; Thermal conductivity; Thermal energy; Thermal properties
• ISSN: 2356-6140; 1537-744X; 1537-744X
• DOI: 10.1155/2014/379582

This study describes the hydrothermal synthesis of a novel carbon/palmitic acid (PA) microencapsulated phase change material (MEPCM). The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images confirm that spherical capsules of uniform size were formed with a mean diameter of 6.42 μm. The melting and freezing temperature were found to be slightly lower than those of pure PA with little undercooling. The composite retained 75% of the latent heat of pure PA. Thermal stability of the MEPCM was found to be better than that of pure PA. The thermal conductivity of MEPCM was increased by as much as 41% at 30°C. Due to its good thermal properties and chemical and mechanical stability, the carbon/PA MEPCM displays a good potential for thermal energy storage systems.