Preparation, characterization and optimization of micro-encapsulated phase change materials used for thermal storage and temperature regulation depends on response surface methodology

Abstract

The micro-encapsulated phase change materials could be used for thermal storage and temperature regulation, which solved the energy mismatch in space and time, and the utilization rate of energy has been greatly improved. Thus, recently, the researches of energy storage materials have attracted wide attention. During this study, based on our previous research results, the micro-encapsulated phase change material was designed and prepared through in sit polymerization. However, contrary to earlier reports, the preparation of micro-encapsulated phase change materials was optimized by Design Expert 8.0.6 depends on Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the interaction between variables were studied, the advantage of response surface methodology is that during the process of optimizing experimental conditions, the continuous analysis of all levels of the experiment can be achieved. The chemical structure, thermal properties, particle size and micro-morphology of micro-encapsulated phase change materials Micro-P were characterized. As a result, it was demonstrated that the energy storage and temperature regulation of Micro-P were obviously improved, the latent heat of Micro-P was increased to 103.2 J/g, and the encapsulation efficiency was improved from 67.10 to 80.15%, the increase is 19.45%. Simultaneously, the Micro-P has excellent thermal stability and thermal reliability, the thermal weight loss below 200 °C is less than 1.0%. Moreover, the Micro-P has a spherical structure with middle diameter 6.0 ± 0.1 µm and smooth surface. The highlight of this study is that the Micro-P was prepared and optimized by Design Expert 8.0.6 depends on RSM.