Fully bio-based Poly (Glycerol-Itaconic acid) as supporter for PEG based form stable phase change materials

Abstract

A novel fully bio-based Poly (Glycerol-Itaconic acid) (PGI) was designed and highly efficiently synthesized by solvent-free polycondensation. The Poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) was used as the phase change material (PCM) working substance and encapsulated by the sustainable PGI supporter. PEG chains were tightly encapsulated with the PGI supporting material mainly under hydrogen bonds due to the structural compatibility between PGI and PEG. The PCMs can achieve high form stability and high phase change enthalpies in the same kinds of PCMs. Furthermore, the phase change temperatures and enthalpies of the PCMs can be adjusted conveniently by regulating the PEG content and molecular weight. Notably, this process extremely facilitates the realization of efficient mass production due to the eco-friendly nature, high efficiency and low cost.