Bio-based composite phase change material utilizing wood fiber and coconut oil for thermal management in building envelopes

Abstract

Bio-based materials are attracting substantial attention for their eco-friendly attributes within the construction field, where they facilitate energy saving and emissions reduction. However, the performance of it, such as thermal properties, needs to be improved. Fully utilizing bio-based materials, we developed a novel composite phase change material (PCM), A-WF/CO/h-BN, with high thermal storage properties designed for application in building envelopes. It incorporates coconut oil (CO) as the PCM featuring an optimal phase change temperature. Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) was chosen to enhance the thermal conductivity. Acetylated wood fiber (A-WF) was employed as the supporting material. The prepared A-WF/CO/h-BN sample exhibits excellent and rapid heat storage and exothermic capabilities. In the experiment of thermal performance evaluation, the cold end of the A-WF/CO/h-BN sample is cooler than that of the A-WF when both hot ends are heated. Results indicate that the proposed A-WF/CO/h-BN sample can effectively delay the heat transfer and inhibit the temperature rise and fall. For these superior properties, when the A-WF/CO/h-BN sample is applied in building envelopes, it can minimize the heat transfer from the envelope to the interior and inhibit indoor temperature fluctuation. Thus, it can reduce building energy consumption and carbon emissions while achieving indoor thermal comfort.