Paraffin/methyl stearate/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes composite phase change materials with wide service temperature and high latent heat

Abstract

The paraffin/methyl stearate/multi-walled carbon nanotubes composite form-stable phase change materials (FSPCMs) with a wide phase change temperature (Tpc) range and high latent heat (ΔH) and the subsequent phase change slurry (PCS) based on FSPCMs have been prepared via a direct impregnation method and via a simple dispersion method, respectively. The chemical structures, crystalline properties, surface microstructures, phase change properties, thermal reliability and stability of FSPCMs and the thermal storage and release performance were investigated. The FSPCMs had reversible melting/freezing phase change properties with a wider Tpc range from 21.6°C to 55.3°C than that of pure methyl stearate (from 16.2°C to 32.5°C) and high ΔH of 127 J/g. The FSPCMs had good thermal reliability and stability. The PCS presented evident thermal storage and release performance compared to pure water. The FSPCMs and PCS enable huge potential applications in thermal fields depending on wide Tpc range.