In situ polymerization of organic and inorganic phase change microcapsule and enhancement of infrared stealth via nano iron

Abstract

Using stearic acid as the core material and calcium carbonate doped with nano iron as the hybrid shell material, a dual-functional microcapsule was prepared by in-situ polymerization method. The microstructure and thermal properties of the microcapsules were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, differential scanning calorimeter, and thermogravimetric analyzer, and the infrared stealth effect was evaluated by a thermal infrared imager. The results showed that the phase change temperatures are 47–68 °C and 72–74 °C in the solidifying and melting processes, respectively, and the maximum phase transition enthalpy is about 161 J/g. The infrared emissivity decreased about 54.7% via nano iron insertion. The enhanced infrared stealth property will widen the microcapsule application besides the thermal energy domain. • A phase change microcapsule composite was realized by an amphiphilic surfactant molecule. • CaCO 3 shell was formed by Ca 2+ and CO 3 2- in-situ polymerization reaction. • Microcapsules have thermal storage and infrared stealth characteristics. • Microcapsules exhibited a good thermal stability.