Optimization and Thermal Analysis of Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Embedded Myristic Acid-Lauric Acid Phase Change Material

Abstract

Phase change materials (PCM) are commonly utilized materials in latent heat energy storage systems. In the present study, Fe2O3 was incorporated into the eutectic mixture of myristic acid and lauric acid. The composites were prepared by a melting and mixing method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering results revealed the physicochemical properties of the eutectic mixture. Thermal analysis was performed on the optimized PCM mixtures with various Fe2O3 loadings of 1 wt.%, 2 wt.%, 3 wt.%, 4 wt.%, and 5 wt.%. It is observed from the experimental results that the duration of melting and cooling rates for PCM composite with 4 wt.% Fe2O3 loadings was significantly improved, i.e., 85.72% and 78.31%, respectively, when compared to its pristine counterparts. These enhanced heating/cooling rates and thermal conductivity are attributed to the optimized impregnation of 4 wt.% Fe2O3 nanostructures into the eutectic mixture.