Onset Melting Temperature Research Articles

Structural Characterization and Peroxidation Stability of Palm Oil-Based Oleogel Made with Different Concentrations of Carnauba Wax and Processed with Ultrasonication.

The effect of ultrasonication (25 kHz for 10 min) on physical, thermal, and structural properties and storage stability of palm oil-based oleogels prepared using different concentrations of carnauba wax (CW) (5% or 10%) were investigated and compared with oleogels prepared with a homogenizer (2000 rpm for 10 min). Overall, this study found that applying an ultrasonication process with higher CW concentration (10%) effectively improved the properties and stability of palm oil-based oleogel (p < 0.05). Oleogels processed with ultrasonication had higher lightness (L*), higher yellowness (b*), and lower redness (a*) than those processed with homogenizer (p < 0.05), irrespective of CW concentrations. However, a higher CW concentration (10%) increased the textural properties of oleogels such as hardness, stickiness, and tackiness as compared to oleogels with a lower CW concentration (5%) (p < 0.05). Thermal properties including melting onset temperature, melting peak temperature, and melting enthalpy were found to be significantly higher in ultrasonication-processed oleogels with high CW concentration (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the microscopic examination of the oleogels exhibited a strong gel network when prepared using a high concentration of CW and processed with ultrasonication. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra of oleogels revealed that strong intra- and intermolecular interactions were formed by hydrogen bonding between CW and palm oil. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed a smooth and fine structural network of oleogels and proved that ultrasonication increased the structural properties of oleogel. Moreover, oil loss and peroxide value of oleogels were increased during 90 days of storage (p < 0.05). However, oleogels processed with the ultrasonication had reduced oil loss and increased peroxidation stability during storage (p < 0.05). Overall, this study showed that application of ultrasonication with a higher CW concentration could improve properties and storage stability of palm oil-based oleogel.

Enhancement of starch-hydrocolloid synergism via the construction of an interchain entanglement

The effect of an interchain entanglement on the enhancement of starch and hydrocolloid synergism and their changes in structural and functional properties was investigated. Potato starch (PS) and xanthan gum (XG) were taken as research materials, and critical melting at the onset melting temperature of starch combined with freeze-thawing (CMFT) was used to promote interchain entanglement of PS/XG. The work suggested that CMFT effectively stabilized the aqueous mixture system of PS/XG, showing no phase separation in the water phase system, even after 12 h of storage. The PS/XG composite prepared by CMFT had significantly improved stability against acid, salt, and shear stress during the thermal process DSC demonstrated that CMFT raised the To of composite to ∼67 from 62.79 °C for native PS. RVA suggested that when pasted in distilled water, acid, and salt solution media, the breakdown viscosity of PS/XG composite declined to ∼380, 660, and 240 from 3615, 1541, and 1114 mPa s for native PS, respectively. CMFT significantly affected the apparent dropping properties of the starch paste, displaying a shorter and more cohesive paste drop against gravity. CMFT effectively improved the gelling properties of starch, with significant improvement in apparent surface adhesion properties and texture of gels, as well as freeze-thawing stability.

Effect of Solid Fat Content in Fat Droplets on Creamy Mouthfeel of Acid Milk Gels.

Previous studies have shown that emulsions with higher solid fat content (SFC) are related to a higher in-mouth coalescence level and fat-related perception. However, the effect of SFC in fat droplets on the fat-related attributes of emulsion-filled gels has not been fully elucidated. In this study, the effect of SFC on the creamy mouthfeel of acid milk gel was investigated. Five kinds of blended milk fats with SFC values ranging from 10.61% to 85.87% were prepared. All crystals in the blended milk fats were needle-like, but the onset melting temperature varied widely. Blended milk fats were then mixed with skim milk to prepare acid milk gels (EG10–EG85, fat content 3.0%). After simulated oral processing, the particle size distribution and confocal images of the gel bolus showed that the degree of droplet coalescence in descending order was EG40 > EG20 > EG60 > EG10 ≥ EG85. There was no significant difference in apparent viscosity measured at a shear rate of 50/s between bolus gels, but the friction coefficients measured at 20 mm/s by a tribological method were negatively correlated with the coalescence result. Furthermore, quantitative descriptive analysis and temporal dominance of sensations analysis showed that SFC significantly affected the ratings of melting, mouth coating, smoothness and overall creaminess, as well as the perceived sequence and the duration of melting, smoothness and mouth coating of acid milk gels. Overall, our study highlights the role of intermediate SFC in fat droplets on the creamy mouthfeel of acid milk gels, which may contribute to the development of low-fat foods with desirable sensory perception.

The interfacial digestion behavior of crystalline oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by sodium caseinate during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

The interfacial digestion behavior of crystalline oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions was studied using sodium caseinate-stabilized 4% and 20% palm stearin-in-water emulsions (4% PS and 20% PS) with 4% and 20% palm olein-in-water emulsions as control. Variations in fat crystal form and microstructure, interfacial adsorbed protein percentage and concentration, and rheological properties during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and intestinal lipid digestion behavior were determined. Initially, fat crystals in both PS-based emulsions were dominated by β′ polymorph. After gastric digestion, the β′-to-β transition was observed and both PS-based emulsions mainly contained β crystals, but 20% PS had a higher β crystal content (∼85% vs. 60%, p < 0.001) and viscosity than 4% PS. These β crystals induced in the gastric phase with large size, dense packing, and a high onset melting temperature (46.8 ± 0.2 °C) probably played a major role in slowing down lipid digestion, as confirmed by a greater extent of decreased lipolysis rate of 20% PS (∼37%) than 4% PS (∼10%) at the initial stage of intestinal digestion. The lipolysis extent of PS-based emulsions is strongly dependent on their solid fat content (SFC). The digestion extent of 4% PS was not affected by its low SFC (2.6%), while a high SFC of 20% PS (12.5%) promoted its lipolysis as fat crystals in it adsorbed at the oil-water interface to facilitate the formation of stable spherical droplets. This study highlighted the crucial role of gastric rather than initial fat crystal polymorph in impacting lipid digestion rate of protein-stabilized O/W emulsions.

Preparation and Thermal Characterization of Nanographene- Enhanced Fatty Acid-Based Solid-Liquid Organic Phase Change Material Composites for Thermal Energy Storage

In this research work, nano-phase change material (NPCM) composites were prepared by adding 1 %, 2 %, and 3 % mass fractions of highly conductive carbon-based graphene nanoparticles into the base phase change material (PCM). The existence and uniform graphene dispersion in the PCM was confirmed through Raman spectrometer and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and x-Ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that all three NPCM composites were chemically stable, and their crystallinity was similar to the base PCM. For the sample with 3 % graphene, the solid-state thermal conductivity was increased by 219.89 %, and liquid-state thermal conductivity was increased by 161.65 %, with a 3.52 % drop in latent heat capacity was revealed from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. All NPCM composites have onset and peak melting temperatures closer to the base PCM. Hence, the NPCM composites can be employed for thermal energy storage (TES) integrated solar water heater (SWH) applications.

Development, characterization and thermo-regulative performance of microencapsulated phase change material included-glass fiber reinforced foam concrete as novel thermal energy effective-building material

Thermal energy storage (TES) materials present very crucial role for heating and cooling load of building envelopes. This investigation focused on manufacturing of novel TES materials as a lightweight concrete by integration of microencapsulated PCM (MPCM) with foam concrete (FC) to improve thermal mass of buildings. Novel hybrid building material design is presented by combining static insulation property of FC and dynamic thermoregulation property of MPCM. In production of MPCM-included innovative FC, MPCM was used at 5%, 10% and 15% by weight. MPCM increased bulk density up to 592.1 kg/m3, compressive strength up to 2.52 MPa and thermal conductivity up to 0.153 W/mK. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed that any chemical interaction did not occur between MPCM and ingredients of FC. Onset melting temperature and energy storage capacity were measured as 11.88 °C and 204 J/g for MPCM and 12.27 °C and 30.8 J/g for FC-MPCM, respectively. Center temperature of room with MPCM impregnated foamed concrete became about 1.9 °C lesser according to reference room through daytime. Moreover, it achieved about 1.72 °C higher room center temperature after sunset hour. Advantageous physico-mechanic and thermal properties make FC-MPCM as promising energy effective material for manufacturing thermo-regulative building components.

Determination of melting and solidification temperatures of Sn-Ag-Cu solder spheres by infrared thermography

This study introduces the application of infrared (IR) thermography for the determination of melting and solidification temperatures of Sn-Ag-Cu based solder materials commonly used for interconnects in electronic components and devices. The presented setup allows a fast and simultaneous analysis with heating and cooling rates of approx. 0.93 K/s and 0.74 K/s respectively. In order to prove feasibility, measurements were carried out on free standing solder spheres with a diameter of 270 µm which is a typical size for solder interconnects in electronic devices. Four Sn-Ag-Cu alloys (Sn-2.0Ag-0.5Cu, Sn-3.0Ag-0.25Cu, Sn-3.0Ag-0.7Cu, Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu) with 19 samples per alloy were investigated per experimental run, resulting in a total of 76 samples per measurement. The reproducible extraction of the respective onset temperatures for melting and solidification is demonstrated by the analysis of representative heating and cooling graphs. The onset temperature of melting, which represents the eutectic temperature of these alloys, was measured between 215.1 °C and 218.1 °C. This is less accurate but in good agreement with additionally conducted Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements (217.2 °C to 218.0 °C), as well as the eutectic temperature from the phase diagram (217.2 °C). The solidification temperature of these samples was statistically evaluated by four subsequent experimental runs (generating up to 76 values per alloy). The measured temperature range combined for all four alloys was between 127.2 °C and 196.4 °C. The DSC results (nine values per alloy; three samples; three runs) are comparable but yield a smaller range from 142.2 °C to 185.2 °C. Furthermore, the melting and solidification temperatures of small Sn-Ag FlipChip solder bumps (approx. ∅ 87 µm) were reproducibly analyzed by the IR thermography method and range from 220.3 °C to 220.5 °C and 176.3 °C to 196.7 °C respectively. The presented IR thermography method has proven a valuable alternative, especially for a statistical analysis of undercooling distributions in small samples, such as Sn-Ag-Cu solder joints.

Glass fiber reinforced gypsum composites with microencapsulated PCM as novel building thermal energy storage material

A comprehensive study involving the fabrication and characterization of gypsum plasterboards combined with microencapsulated phase change material (mPCM) is introduced to evaluate their benefits regarding thermoregulation management and energy saving performance in buildings. For this purpose, the produced new type of gypsum plasterboard was subjected to the detailed chemical, morphological, mechanical, physical and thermal tests. The gypsum plasterboard incorporated with mPCM (7.5 wt%) and reinforced by glass fiber has latent heat capacities as high as 16.7 and 16.6 J/g at onset melting and solidification temperature of 11.90 °C and 12.09 °C, respectively. TGA analyzes revealed high thermal stability of gypsum plasterboard up to about 140 °C. Outcomes exhibited that mPCM-gypsum plasterboard can substantially diminish cooling load of a building during the daytime even at the high room temperature and offer decline in heat necessity of a house during night-time. During peak room temperature hours, the mPCM-gypsum plasterboard achieved 3 °C lower temperatures than the reference room, and it provided a cooler room temperature for about 7 h during the daytime while a warmer temperature of 0.3 °C was achieved at the cold weather. As a result, the produced gypsum-based composites can be considered as an energy-saving and indoor temperature regulating material in buildings.

Development of Phytosterol Enriched Functional Edible oils: Study of Physical, Chemical, Thermal and Structural Properties

Phytosterol plays a major role in reducing the bad cholesterol in blood resulting in decreasing the chance of cardiovascular and other chronic diseases in human. The objective of this work was to develop a functional edible oil by incorporating phytosterol into different edible oils, such as, sunflower, soybean, rice bran, canola, and coconut oil to enhance their nutritional and functional value. In this work, thermal and structural properties of the functional oils were evaluated using Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), respectively. The physicochemical properties like specific gravity, color, refractive index, peroxide value, acid value and antioxidant activity of the functional oils were studied. Specific gravity, acid value and peroxide value of the functional oils increased slightly as compared to the pure oils which are within acceptable range. The antioxidant capacity of the functional oil increased from 28.85 to 98.25% due to the addition of phytosterol. Onset melting, peak melting and offset melting temperature along with the melting enthalpy were evaluated during thermal transition by using DSC. The melting temperature of the functional oils varied according to the presence of saturated and unsaturated fatty acid content. For example, a lower melting point was obtained for oils containing lower saturated fatty acids and vice versa. XRD results showed significant variations in the crystallinity values in functional oils. From the above study taking all the properties into account, functional soybean oil can be considered as the best oil for various food application due to its higher oxidative stability.

Micro/nanoencapsulation of dimethyl adipate with melamine formaldehyde shell as phase change material slurries for cool thermal energy storage

The present study reports the encapsulation of dimethyl adipate into a polymer shell using in-situ polymerisation. Surface morphology, crystal structure, chemical stability, and thermal properties are characterised using various analytical methods and experimentally investigated. The surface morphology has shown excellent sphericity with a mean particle diameter of 900 nm. The measured enthalpy was 80.2 J/g, with the onset and peak melting temperatures are 6.4 °C and 9.6 °C, respectively. The calculated specific heat capacities of encapsulated dimethyl adipate are around 1.7 J/g.K and 2.3 J/g.K for solid and liquid states, respectively. Furthermore, thermal cycling performance was obtained as 95.3% after 100 thermal cycles. These capsules dispersed into the base fluid (deionized double distilled water) in appropriate proportions for the preparation of micro/nanoencapsulated phase change material slurries (MNPCMS). The prepared slurries have shown a marginal increase in viscosity compared to the base fluid. Therefore, the test results signified that the prepared MNPCMS can be considered as a potential candidate for cool thermal energy storage applications.

Modification of potato starch by critical melting pretreatment combined with freeze-thawing: Preparation, morphology, structure, and functionality

Critical melting pretreatment for granular swelling and soluble starch release was performed before freeze-thawing (FT) to enhance the effect of FT treatment on structure modification of potato starch. The critical melting temperature applied was based on the onset melting temperature (To) of the native potato starch. After pretreatment, the effect of multiple FT cycles on the morphology, structure, and functionality was investigated. The pretreatment effectively induced granular swelling and partial disruption of the crystalline structure by increasing the volume of water molecules inside the granules. The pasting pattern changed obviously after treatments with the significantly increased final viscosity (up to 5000 from 2900 mPa s) and decreased breakdown (1/5th of native starch). Soluble starch released due to the both critical melting and FT treatments had a strong tendency to reassociate outside the granules, which effectively raised the thermal stability of starch granules. Moreover, increased water (∼109–∼164%) and oil (∼56–∼64%) absorption of starch at room temperature were observed. The synergistic effect of the combination of critical melting pretreatment and mechanical force of ice crystals effectively modified the properties of potato starch, suggesting a useful clean-label method for starch modification.

Enhancement of physicochemical characteristics of palm olein and winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) seed oil blends

Incorporation of oils from non-conventional sources into palm olein through the blending process generates a sustainable source of novel oleins with improved physicochemical and functional properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of blending winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) seed oil (WBSO) and palm olein (POo) on the physicochemical properties of the blends. Blends of WBSO (25, 50 and 75% w/w) with POo were prepared and changes in fatty acid (FA) and triacylglycerol (TAG) compositions, iodine value (IV), cloud point and thermal behaviour were studied. Reductions in palmitic (C16:0) and oleic (C18:1) acids with concomitant increases in linoleic (C18:2) and behenic (C22:0) acids were observed as the amount of WBSO increased in the blends. Blending WBSO and POo at 75:25 increased the unsaturated FA content from 56% in palm olein to 64% in the blend, producing the highest IV of 70.5 g I2/100g. At higher WBSO ratios, triunsaturated and diunsaturated TAG species within the blends increased while disaturated TAG species decreased. The lowest cloud point (8.8 °C) was obtained in the oil blend containing 50% WBSO, while the cloud point further increased with increasing amount of WBSO in the blends. This was possibly attributed to increased trisaturated TAG with very long-chained saturated FA (C20 to C24) inherently present in WBSO within the blends. Thermal behaviour analysis by differential scanning calorimetry of the oil blends showed higher onset temperatures for crystallisation with increasing proportions of WBSO in POo, with melting thermograms correspondingly showing decreasing onset melting temperatures. These findings showed that blending WBSO with POo enhanced the physicochemical characteristics of the final oil blends, resulting in higher unsaturation levels and improved cloudiness resistance.

Study of a thermally enhanced mortar incorporating phase change materials for overheating reduction in buildings

The use of thermal energy storage systems incorporating Phase Change Materials (PCM) as passive thermal regulators, in innovative buildings’ applications is an increasing trend and promising strategy for maintaining indoor thermal comfort while promoting buildings’ energy efficiency in a sustainable way. Incorporating PCM into mortars enhances their thermal properties but modifies physical and mechanical characteristics. This paper presents an experimental research on the microstructural, mechanical, and thermal properties of innovative cementitious mortars incorporating two different microencapsulated PCMs, targeted for low thermal mass constructions located in warm climates.The characterization was developed in three steps: microstructural evaluation using scanning electron microscopy; physical and mechanical characterization by workability, density as well as compressive and flexural strength tests; and thermal characterization through enthalpy-temperature curves, determined with differential scanning calorimetry, and the assessment of real case application to evaluate the impact over the thermal behaviour of a lightweight constructive solution with the developed mortars as inner finishing layer using the hot box heat flux metre method at steady-state conditions. Results revealed an expressive decrease in flexural and compressive strength; significant loss of latent heat capacity and variations of onset and peak melting temperatures were observed; good correlation between thermal conductivity and mean specimen temperatures were attained for the lightweight opaque building solution tested with the two different PCMs, for temperatures below and above the phase change transition zone.

Characterization and Reliability of Caprylic Acid-Stearyl Alcohol Binary Mixture as Phase Change Material for a Cold Energy Storage System.

This study reports the in-depth investigation of the thermophysical properties and thermal reliability of caprylic acid-stearyl alcohol (CA-SA) eutectic phase change material (PCM) for cooling applications. The phase diagram of CA-SA showed a eutectic point at a 90:10 molar ratio. The onset melting/freezing temperature and latent heat of fusion of caprylic acid-stearyl alcohol from the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were 11.4 °C/11.8 °C and 154.4/150.5 J/g, respectively. The thermal conductivity for the prepared eutectic PCM in the solid phase was 0.267 W/m.K (0 °C), whereas, in the liquid phase, it was 0.165 W/m.K (20 °C). In addition, the maximum relative percentage difference (RPD) marked at the end of 200 thermal cycles was 5.2% for onset melting temperature and 18.9% for phase change enthalpy. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) result shows that the eutectic PCM holds good chemical stability. Corrosion tests showed that caprylic acid-stearyl alcohol could be a potential candidate for cold thermal energy storage applications.

Improvement of pasting and gelling behaviors of waxy maize starch by partial gelatinization and freeze-thawing treatment with xanthan gum

To improve the pasting and gelling behaviors of waxy maize starch, an aqueous dispersion with or without xanthan gum was subjected to partial gelatinization (5 ℃ above the onset melting temperature of starch) and freeze-thawing treatment. After the treatments, starch granules were slightly deformed, with partial loss of birefringence, and tended to aggregate. The relative crystallinity and thermal stability of waxy maize starch crystals decreased by the treatments. These changes indicated that the treatment affected the inner structure and chain arrangement of the granules. The treated waxy maize starches, however, showed a higher overall pasting viscosity with shorter and more cohesive pastes than that of the native starch. The treated starches formed rigid gels with increased stability against freeze-thawing. The addition of small amounts of xanthan gum enhanced the effects of the treatments.

Shape memory effect in metallic glasses

Shape memory effect in metallic glasses

Enhancing the mechanical strength of Multi Jet Fusion–printed polyamide 12 and its glass fiber-reinforced composite via high-temperature annealing

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) is a pioneering and highly efficient powder bed fusion additive manufacturing technique. However, even with the addition of reinforced glass fibers (GFs), MJF-printed polyamide 12 (PA12) objects still have lower mechanical strength as compared to many commercial polymer composites. In this work, a high-temperature (173 °C, near the onset melting temperature of PA12) annealing process is developed to remarkably enhance the mechanical strength of MJF-printed PA12 and GF/PA12 composites. Specifically, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS)/tensile modulus of PA12 and GF/PA12 specimens are increased by 20.8%/48.5% and 22.8%/30.6%, respectively. The mechanical performance of GF/PA12 specimens is better than that of previously reported MJF- and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)-printed PA12, glass bead/PA12, and GF/PA12 composites. Moreover, the melting temperatures of both PA12 and GF/PA12 specimens are increased by more than 5 °C after the annealing process. Further experimental results reveal that the crystallinity increase is the primary enhancement mechanism of the high-temperature annealing. It is envisioned that a similar approach can also be applied to other SLS- and MJF-printed polymers and composites for mechanical enhancement.

Microencapsulation of ethanol-soluble inorganic salts for high temperature thermal energy storage

Inorganic salts are typically used phase change materials for high temperature thermal energy storage. Leakage and corrosion of phase change materials can be addressed by microencapsulation methods. However, microencapsulation of ethanol-soluble inorganic salts has not been reported. In this study, lithium nitrate (LiNO3) as a model ethanol-soluble inorganic salt was microencapsulated in silica (SiO2) by a novel method. Experimental results show that LiNO3 was physically encapsulated by SiO2, confirming the formation of the microcomposites. The crystal structure of LiNO3 was not changed during the microencapsulation process. The onset melting temperature and the melting enthalpy of the microcomposites stabilized at 250.9 °C and 265.2 kJ/kg after thermal cycles, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed method.

A study on quaternary mixed fluoride salts as heat storage materials

Mixed fluoride salts have shown great potential as heat storage materials. In this study, a series of these salts were prepared from NaF, KF, MgF2, and CaF2, and their physical and thermodynamic properties were systematically investigated. Upon melting, these quaternary fluoride salts formed new double salt phases, and different initial formulations resulted in different contents and compositions of the double salt phases. The five groups with the optimal formulations contained only the KCaF3 and KMgF3 double salt phases, while the two reference samples contained KCaF3, KMgF3, K2MgF4, and NaMgF3 double salt phases. The emergence of new phases decreased the latent heats of the salts. The formulation with the largest theoretical latent heat (NKMC-5) initially showed better performance; however, its high ΔT and ΔT′ values decreased its thermal cycling stability (ΔT is the difference between the melting onset and saturation point temperatures, whereas ΔT′ is the difference between the melting onset temperature and the temperature at which 90 % of the material is in the liquid phase). Microstructural analyses revealed that the structural compaction changed with different salt ratios owing to the formation of new phases and changes in the liquid content with temperature.

Fabrication, Structure, and Thermal Properties of Mg-Cu Alloys as High Temperature PCM for Thermal Energy Storage.

This work studied the thermophysical properties of Mg-24%Cu, Mg-31%Cu, and Mg-45%Cu (wt.%) alloys to comprehensively consider the possibility of using them as thermal energy storage (TES) phase change materials (PCMs) used at high temperatures. The microstructure, phase composition, phase change temperatures, and enthalpy of these alloys were investigated by an electron probe micro analyzer (EPMA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The XRD and EPMA results indicated that the binary eutectic phase composed of α-Mg and Mg2Cu exists in the microstructure of the prepared Mg–Cu series alloys. The microstructure of Mg-24%Cu and Mg-31%Cu is composed of α-Mg matrix and binary eutectic phases, and Mg-45%Cu is composed of primary Mg2Cu and binary eutectic phases. The number of eutectic phases is largest in Mg-31%Cu alloy. The DSC curves indicated that the onset melting temperature of Mg-24%Cu, Mg-31%Cu, and Mg-45%Cu alloys were 485, 486, and 485 °C, and the melting enthalpies were 152, 215, and 91 J/g. Thermal expansion and thermal conductivity were also determined, revealing that the Mg–Cu alloys had a low linear thermal expansion coefficient and high thermal conductivity with respect to increasing temperatures. In conclusion, the thermal properties demonstrated that the Mg–Cu alloys can be considered as a potential PCM for TES.