Form-Stable Phase Change Materials with Enhanced Thermal Conductivity Based on Binary Capric-Palmitic Acid and Graphite Carbon In Situ Modified Expanded Perlite

Abstract

Phase change materials (PCMs) have broad application prospects in energy-saving buildings. Herein, this is the first report to realize the in situ modified expanded perlite (MEP) of graphitized carbon through metal catalysis-anaerobic carbonization. Simultaneously, capric-palmitic acid (CA-PA) PCMs, which possess ideal phase change enthalpy and a phase change temperature (T pc) suitable for human life, were prepared with good temperature regulation ability in the temperature range of 20–30 °C. A series of MEP/CA-PA form-stable PCMs (FS-PCMs) based on CA-PA PCMs and MEP were prepared, and their T pc values were suitable for human comfort and also had good heat storage/release capabilities. Also, compared with EP/CA-PA FS-PCMs, the thermal conductivity of MEP/CA-PA FS-PCMs was significantly enhanced. Overall, this work promotes the potential applications of MEP/CA-PA FS-PCMs in energy-saving buildings and provides a strategy for enhancing the thermal conductivity of FS-PCMs.

Multifunctional Lightweight Guanidine Phosphate/Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Melamine-Based Hybrid Foam for Superior Thermal Insulation and Flame Retardancy

“…Unfortunately, these materials are flammable and release toxic gases during combustion, limiting their widespread application in the thermal insulation field. In contrast, the inorganic thermal insulation materials, such as rock wool, 12 expanded vermiculite, 13 and expanded perlite, 14 low cost and flame retardancy, but they have the shortcomings of high thermal conductivity, processing complexity, and unfriendly environment. In recent years, aerogels have presented a great development trend as thermal insulation material due to the unique 3D porous structure, high porosity, low density, and low thermal conductivity.…”

“…Unfortunately, these materials are flammable and release toxic gases during combustion, limiting their widespread application in the thermal insulation field. In contrast, the inorganic thermal insulation materials, such as rock wool, expanded vermiculite, and expanded perlite, have the advantages of low cost and flame retardancy, but they have the shortcomings of high thermal conductivity, processing complexity, and unfriendly environment. In recent years, aerogels have presented a great development trend as thermal insulation material due to the unique 3D porous structure, high porosity, low density, and low thermal conductivity. , The most widely used silica aerogels possess an ultralow thermal conductivity of about 0.025 W m –1 K –1 , but the poor mechanical performance and complicated production process restrict the application of aerogels. , As a result, it is imperative to develop multifunctional high-performance thermal insulation materials for the construction field.…”