Shape Stabilized Bio-Based PCMs Formed by Coaxial Electrospinning Technique

Abstract

Shape stabilized phase change materials was successfully prepared by encapsulating natural soy wax into polyurethane nanofibers. Coaxial electrospinning technique was used in this study. The morphology of the composites were characterized through environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the thermal behaviors of the composites were also investigated. The results indicated that coaxial electrospinning resulted in a uniform fiber morphology with a core-shell structure, and a homogeneous wax distribution throughout the core of the fibers. Thermal analysis results show that the enthalpy increase with wax content. The fibrous structures exhibited balanced thermal storage and releasing properties for thermo-regulating function. The thermal properties were unaltered after 100 heating-cooling cycles tests, demonstrating that the composite fibers had good thermal stability and reliability. Tensile tests also indicate that the presence of wax enhanced the modulus and lowered the tensile strain.