Solid–liquid phase change materials (PCMs) with
large latent
heat can efficiently weaken thermal peaks, thus alleviating the thermal
discomfort of human beings caused by electronic devices. However,
the leakage during the melting process and the low thermal conductivity
severely limit their application in electronic thermal management.
In this study, a flexible and leakage-proof sodium alginate-based
phase change composite film (PCCF) was first fabricated via a facile
and green synthesis method with the assistance of stainless steel
meshes, and its synthetic size could be easily regulated via a mold.
Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used to enhance the thermal
conductivity of the PCCF. Through the leakage prevention tests, it
can be found that the PCCF-0.7 (the mass fraction of polyethylene
glycol (PEG) was 70%) exhibited leakage proof under an external force.
The phase change enthalpy of the PCCF-0.7 reached 100.05 J/g, and
the enthalpy retention rate reached 76%. The radial thermal conductivity
of PCCF-0.7 (contains 8 wt % MWCNTs) was 3.52 W/(m·K), 3810%
higher than that of pure PEG. The heat transfer experiment demonstrated
that the PCCF could efficiently store thermal energy; the maximum
temperature of the analog smartphone could be reduced by 5.3 °C.
Hence, the prepared PCCF is suitable for providing thermal comfort
to electronic devices, and it is sustainable and eco-friendly.