In situ incorporation and loading of copper nanoparticles into a palmitic–lauric phase‐change material on polyester fibers

Abstract

This article introduces a facile approach for applying a eutectic mixture of fatty acid phase-change materials (PCMs) on polyester fibers for thermal conductivity improvement via the in situ incorporation of copper nanoparticles. For this purpose, a eutectic mixture of palmitic acid and lauric acid was applied as PCMs and ascorbic acid was applied for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles. The thermal properties and stability of the treated samples were also determined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry analysis. The treated samples indicated appropriate phase-transition temperatures between 29.1 and 36.8 C, with relevant latent heats of 49.4 and 49.9 J/g, respectively. The in situ formation of copper nanoparticles into eutectic fatty acid applied on the polyester fibers resulted in the promotion of the thermal conductivity of the composite by about 100.1% with the maximum amount of nanoparticles. In addition, the treated samples maintained good thermal durability and stability after 100 melting and freezing cycles. In addition, the tensile strength of the treated samples was improved. Overall, this treatment could be used to produce promising form-stabilized composite PCMs and thermoregulated polymers and textiles with appropriate phase-transition ranges and thermal conductivity.

Fatty acid/metal ion composite as thermal energy storage materials

“…The thermal properties like enthalpy, high-temperature stability, and decomposition temperature of fatty acid can be enhanced by adding metal ions to the structure of fatty acid. Nano/microencapsulated PCMs have been studied by various researchers to address the seepage problem associated with the thermal storage of fatty acids [33][34][35]. The matrix of the nano/microencapsulated PCMs comprises polymeric and non-polymeric materials, and PCMs are incorporated into the matrix to stop the seepage of molten PCMs through thermal cycling [35,36].…”

“…Nano/microencapsulated PCMs have been studied by various researchers to address the seepage problem associated with the thermal storage of fatty acids [33][34][35]. The matrix of the nano/microencapsulated PCMs comprises polymeric and non-polymeric materials, and PCMs are incorporated into the matrix to stop the seepage of molten PCMs through thermal cycling [35,36]. Numerous methods have been established for incorporating PCM in polymeric support which includes polymerization, padding, electrospinning, direct embedding, coating, and many other methods [36,37].…”

“…Among these methods, direct embedding is most commonly used because of no usage of other methods along with environmental and economic benefits [35,38,39]. Very few reports have been published using such methods of preparation of shaped-stable composite PCMs.…”

“…Good dispersion and effectiveness of the nanoparticles in the PCM composite and cost-effectiveness are few advantages of nanoparticles when compared with other filler materials. In this regard, nanoparticles such as titanium dioxide [32], silver [33], iron oxide [40], zinc oxide [41], and copper [35] have been doped for enhancement of thermophysical properties of PCMs [42][43][44][45].…”

Performance of form‐stable myristic acid/polymethyl methacrylate composite phase‐change material coated with nitrile butadiene rubber/polyacrylic acid layered coatings

“…reported the usage of PCM to recover waste heat in steelworks and supplies it to chemical plant for energy saving. The employment of PCM for thermal management also takes place in solar energy storage system . Incorporation of spiral tubes filled with PCM to the solar water heater tank improved the original performance of the system by 12% .…”