Novel shape stabilized phase change material based on epoxy matrix with ultrahigh cycle life for thermal energy storage

Abstract

A novel phase change material with compact three-dimensional network structure and long cycle life was proposed, in which energy can be obtained from the thermal motion of surround molecule in environment. The composite was made from paraffin mixed with impact structure and shape stabilized epoxy at 70°C. During the phase change process, the epoxy not only provided a flexible encapsulated scaffold structure, but also maintained a highly tight network morphology. The thermal analysis results displayed the paraffin was distributed uniformly in the polymer matrices, moreover, there was no paraffin leaking during sample preparation. Mechanical test results showed an excellent performance on composites and the mechanical properties increased with an increase in epoxy content, meanwhile, when the paraffin and epoxy was prepared in a mass ration of 1:1, the composite can be cut into any shape, and also maintain good mechanical properties and thermal stability without any leakage. The results revealed that this new styling composite phase change material have good mechanical properties and thermal stability, it can be applied significantly in the long-term effective use of thermal energy storage.