Differential Scanning Calorimetry Study of Blends of Poly(ethylene glycol) with Selected Fatty Acids

Abstract

AbstractA series of blends of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with different molecular weights with: (i) capric, (ii) lauric, (iii) myristic, (iv) palmitic or (v) stearic acid, as a thermal energy storage material, has been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Transition temperatures and latent heat of transition of PEG, fatty acids and their binary blends were determined since these properties are of primary importance in the design of phase change energy storage materials. The experimental results showed that it is possible to obtain homogeneous (as indicated by DSC data) polymer/fatty acid blends by mixing in the melt and subsequent solidification. The melting ranges of PEG/fatty acid systems were observed to be from 30 to 72 °C while their heat of transition lies in the range of 168–208 J · g−1. Synergistic action of the components was found for PEG 10 000/stearic acid blend – heat of transition was ca. 15 and 35% higher than for pure stearic acid and PEG, respectively. This phenomena may be explained in terms of strengthened specific interactions via hydrogen bonding leading to formation of more perfect crystalline lattice.DSC melting and freezing curves of blends PEG/lauric acid. 1 ‐ PEG 3 400/lauric acid, 2 ‐ PEG 10 000/lauric acid, 3 ‐ PEG 20 000/lauric acid, 4 ‐ PEG 35 000/lauric acid (cooling ‐ 10 K · min−1), 5 ‐ PEG 3 400/lauric acid, 6 ‐ PEG 10 000/lauric acid, 7 ‐ PEG 20 000/lauric acid, 8 ‐ PEG 35 000/lauric acid (heating ‐ 10 K · min−1).magnified imageDSC melting and freezing curves of blends PEG/lauric acid. 1 ‐ PEG 3 400/lauric acid, 2 ‐ PEG 10 000/lauric acid, 3 ‐ PEG 20 000/lauric acid, 4 ‐ PEG 35 000/lauric acid (cooling ‐ 10 K · min−1), 5 ‐ PEG 3 400/lauric acid, 6 ‐ PEG 10 000/lauric acid, 7 ‐ PEG 20 000/lauric acid, 8 ‐ PEG 35 000/lauric acid (heating ‐ 10 K · min−1).