Co‐crystallization behaviors and thermo‐physical properties of SSPCM consisting of an extra low melt viscosity HDPE and paraffin waxes

Abstract

Shape stabilized phase change materials (SSPCMs) consisting of an extra low melt viscosity high‐density polyethylene (lv‐HDPE) and paraffin waxes (PW) were fabricated using a twin screw extruder. Thermal and mechanical properties of these composites were assessed. The latent heats (ΔH) of the SSPCMs fabricated were up to 78 J g−1. Co‐crystallization between lv‐HDPE and paraffin waxes increased with increasing wax content. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis confirmed the paraffin wax having a higher melting point (H‐PW, Tm ranging from 56 to 58°C) plasticized the lv‐HDPE, decreasing both its crystalline content and melting temperature. Static mechanical testing, disregarding the form of deformation (tension, flexural, and compression), showed addition of paraffin waxes resulted in a diminution of all mechanical properties of lv‐HDPE, but the properties of the composites with H‐PW were good in comparison to those with a lower melting point wax (L‐PW, Tm ranging from 18 to 23°C). Evidences from Cole–Cole plots obtained from oscillatory rheology experiments showed there was no interaction between lv‐HDPE and H‐PW, inducing a heterogeneous blend in contrast to the more homogeneous lv‐HDPE/L‐PW composites.