Development of Novel Polymer Phase Change Material for Heat Storage Application

Abstract

Polymer Phase change material (PCM's) are materials used to store Energy for a broad range of Applications. Unlike conventional storage materials, PCM absorbs and release heat at a nearly constant temperature. They store 5–14 times more heat per unit volume than sensible storage materials. Increasing demand in solar engineering and spacecraft thermal control applications; require the continuous development of such materials to maximize its efficiency. One of the options is to develop energy storage devices, which are as important as developing new sources of energy. In This paper we can show that combination of low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) paraffin wax and glycerin is an alternative material that can be used as PCM's. Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC); Melt Flow Index test and FTIR technique were used to characterize the new developed Compound. Results obtained indicate that a reduction of more than 10°C in melting temperature (Tm) of the pure LDPE-resin was achieved.