Shape Stability Research Articles

Dynamic mechanisms for membrane skeleton transitions.

The plasma membrane and the underlying skeleton form a protective barrier for eukaryotic cells. The molecular players forming this complex composite material constantly rearrange under mechanical stress. One of those molecules, spectrin, is ubiquitous in the membrane skeleton and linked by short actin filaments. In this work, we developed a generalized network model for the membrane skeleton integrated with myosin contractility and membrane mechanics to investigate the response of the spectrin meshwork to mechanical loading. We observed that the force generated by membrane bending is important to maintain a regular skeletal structure suggesting that the membrane is not just supported by the skeleton, but has an active contribution to the stability of the cell structure. We found that spectrin and myosin turnover are necessary for the transition between stress and rest states in the skeleton. Simulations of a fully connected network representing a whole cell show that the surface area constraint of the plasma membrane and volume restriction of the cytoplasm enhance the stability of the membrane skeleton. Furthermore, we showed that cell attachment through adhesions promotes cell shape stabilization.

Universal Construction of Electrical Insulation and High-Thermal-Conductivity Composites Based on the In Situ Exfoliation of Boron Nitride-Graphene Hybrid Filler.

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), with excellent thermal conductivity and insulation capability, has garnered significant attention in the field of electronic thermal management. However, the thermal conductivity of the h-BN-enhanced polymer composite material is far from that expected because of the insurmountable interfacial thermal resistance. In order to realize the high thermal conductivity of polymer composite thermal interface materials, herein, an in situ exfoliation method has been employed to prepare a boron nitride nanosheet-graphene (BNNS-Gr) hybrid filler. After being incorporated into a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) matrix, the thermal conductivity of composites is significantly improved on the premise of electrical insulation. Furthermore, a three-dimensional (3D) thermally conductive framework using this hybrid filler as the raw material has also been constructed. After incorporating poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) through a vacuum impregnation method, this ordered structure effectively resolves the leakage issue in phase-change composites during actual working conditions and showcases enhanced thermal conductivity of 2.45 W m-1 K-1 at 10 vol %, along with excellent electrical insulation, shape stability, and cyclic stability. The modified Hashin-Shtrikman model and the Foygel nonlinear model prove that compounding graphene with BN reduces the interfacial thermal resistance of polymer composites for both disordered and ordered systems. This indicates that the in situ exfoliation strategy is an effective method to fabricate the nanofiller for reducing the interfacial thermal resistance of composites.

Nasal endoscopic treatment for nasal deformity secondary to unilateral cleft lip and palate using septal cartilage and bone

Objective: To explore the surgical methods and treatment outcomes of nasal endoscopic surgery for nasal deformity secondary to unilateral cleft lip and palate, combined with nasal septal deviation, using nasal septal cartilage and bone. Methods: Eleven patients who underwent surgical treatment for unilateral cleft lip and palate secondary to nasal deformity in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong Second Medical University, from March 2021 to March 2023, were retrospectively analyzed. The cohort included 8 males and 3 females, aged (22.0±8.4) years (range: 17 to 35 years). Preoperatively, all of them underwent CT scanning and three-dimensional reconstruction of the nasal bones and sinuses to evaluate the size of the nasal septal cartilage and the design of the material to be taken, and to assess the degree of nasal deformity. During the operation, an open "V"-shaped incision was made through the nasal columella, and part of the septal bone and cartilage were removed under direct nasal endoscopic visualization. The septal cartilage and bony structures were used to correct the nasal deformity, and a nasal brace was used as an intraoperative support for the reconstruction of the nasal cartilage, which was then worn for 1 month after the operation to maintain a stable nasal shape. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used before and after surgery to assess the patient's satisfaction with the nasal shape and the degree of nasal ventilation. Corresponding data on both sides of the external nose were measured, including nasal tip height, nostril height, nostril width, nasal base width, and nasal columella inclination, to assess the symmetry of the external nose objectively. SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis to evaluate the surgical results. Results: The surgical incisions of all 11 patients healed at stage Ⅰ. At 6-24 months of postoperative follow-up, nasal symmetry was restored, and the nostrils were equal in size. The difference in symmetry indexes before and after the surgery was statistically significant. The t value for nasal tip height, the nostril height, the nostril width, the nasal base width, and the nasal columellar inclination were 4.21, 2.26, 3.38, 3.65, and 2.36, respectively (all P<0.05). Postoperative incision scarring was not obvious, and patients were satisfied with the nasal appearance [VAS score (9.14±0.48) points vs (3.45±1.23) points, t=14.29, P<0.001], and nasal ventilation was significantly improved [VAS score (9.32±1.24) points vs (4.61±0.85) points, t=10.39, P<0.001]. Conclusion: Nasal endoscopic surgery using septal cartilage and bone to treat nasal deformity secondary to unilateral cleft lip and palate, combined with deviated septum, can simultaneously improve the patients' nasal shape and nasal ventilation, yielding good clinical outcomes.

Design of boron nitride/nanocellulose aerogel-stabilized phase change materials for efficient thermal energy capture and storage.

The practical application of polyethylene glycol (PEG) phase change materials (PCMs) necessitates exceptional shape stability, rapid thermal responsiveness, and a substantial thermal storage capacity. The present study focuses on the fabrication of a highly robust cellulose nanofibril (CNF) based aerogel with an ordered structure, serving as a three-dimensional (3D) scaffold for PEG to effectively prevent any potential leakage. Additionally, hydroxyl and amino functional groups are introduced to functionalize boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS-g), which are incorporated into the aerogel to enhance its thermal conductivity. Consequently, the porous and interconnected BNNS-g/CNF aerogel effectively encapsulates PEG while exhibiting exceptional resistance to liquid leakage during the phase change process. Due to the continuous thermally conductive pathway provided by BNNS-g and reduced contact thermal resistance, the BNNS-g/CNF/PEG composite PCMs (CPCMs) show enhanced thermal conductivity compared to pure PEG and previously reported PEG CPCMs. The BNNS-g/CNF/PEG CPCMs demonstrate a high thermal storage density of 158.0 J/g (up to 96.6 % of pure PEG), exceptional PCM loading capacity (approximately 7000 wt%), low fill content (1.4 wt%) and cycling stability. Furthermore, the BNNS-g/CNF/PEG CPCMs exhibit excellent long-term thermal stability based on simulated residual heat absorption in an environment, underscoring their significant potential for commercial applications in thermal energy conversion and storage.

Thermal and morphological properties of human erythrocytes from patients afflicted with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Red blood cells (RBC), are the most unique and abundant cell types. The diameter of RBCs is 7-8μm. They have an essential role in transporting circulatory oxygen. The RBCs travel through varioussized capillaries throughout the entire body, some significantly smaller than the RBCs due to their incredible deformability. The RBC membrane allows the cell to resist stress as it squeezes the cytoplasm. Permanent stress or altered blood plasma conditions can result in decreased membrane deformability. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases. In diabetes, the primary influence is increased glucose levels in the blood plasma that can result in the oxidation of lipids and proteins and the glycation of proteins. The damage changes the conformation and organization of various lipids and proteins, which can result in the loss of function and decreased deformability. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) or glycohemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin found in RBCs. Glucose and fructose can bind to hemoglobin by non-enzymes, and different glycated forms of hemoglobin can be formed. The ratio of glucose-bound (glycated) hemoglobin to total hemoglobin (expressed as a percentage) is a critical laboratory parameter in managing diabetes. It can be used to determine the average blood glucose level of the patient over the past 60-120 days. Here, we investigate the effect of diabetes on RBCs' shape and membrane stability due to microscopy and DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) methods. The comparison of the RBCs from diabetic and non-diabetic patients was classified by the HbA1c, showing that the conditions in diabetes caused atypical cell morphology and then, in a casedependent manner, increased or decreased the thermal stability of cytoplasm or the cell membrane, respectively. It shows the importance of DSC application in routine quality screening of diabetic erythrocytes and that it can be a crucial parameter of T1DM.

RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIAL DETACHMENTS DEVOID OF RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM.

To describe two patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy showing what appeared to be retinal pigment epithelium detachments lacking imaging findings consistent with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) over the elevation. The patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including multicolor fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. A 70-year-old man and a 58-year-old man, diagnosed with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy, showed pigment epithelium detachment-like lesions that were hypoautofluorescent, suggesting an absence of RPE. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography B scans showed serous, dome-shaped elevations composed of a narrow, mildly hyperreflective band (9-10- µ m thick) that demonstrated hypertransmission of light. The material that constituted the elevation was contiguous with the outer portion of the RPE band at the lesion borders. Based on the multimodal imaging findings, we hypothesize that these pigment epithelial detachments have lost the RPE. A thin layer of material that could represent a residual layer of basal laminar deposit produced by the RPE remains overlying the detachments, possibly accounting for their dome shape and structural stability.

Long-term Breast Shape Analysis After Short-scar Reduction Mammaplasty: A Critical View.

Over the past 2 decades, vertical scar reduction mammaplasty techniques have been gaining more acceptance. However, many surgeons are still hesitant to use it routinely because of the uncertainty of the effectiveness of vertical scar techniques in managing lower pole skin excess. We aimed to test its efficacy by using objective anthropometric measurements to evaluate long-term breast shape and lower pole stability. The study population included 40 of 129 consecutive women with short-scar reduction mammaplasty followed up for at least 1 year. Breasts were measured preoperatively, perioperatively, and at least 1 year postoperatively. All women also completed the BREAST-Q questionnaire at their most recent visit. The mean sternal notch-to-nipple and upper breast-to-nipple distances decreased postoperatively by 22% and 43%, respectively, and remained stable over a mean time of 110.1 ± 65.58 weeks. The nipple-to-inframammary fold distance, which was intraoperatively shortened by an average of 63%, elongated back to 88% of its preoperative measurements. No correlation was detected between the long-term changes across all 3 measurements, the amount of tissue removed or the satisfaction reported by patients. Mean BREAST-Q satisfaction rates in all parameters evaluated were 75.79-98.12. The 12% improvement in the nipple-to-inframammary fold measurement implies that the short-scar technique might properly address the horizontal dimension of the hypertrophic-ptotic breast but falls short in addressing its vertical dimension. The search for a modification that mirrors the advantages of the vertical scar technique in terms of shape and projection, while guaranteeing a steady lower pole, remains ongoing.

Corrigendum to “Bio-based eutectic composite phase change materials with enhanced thermal conductivity and excellent shape stabilization for battery thermal management” [J. Energy Storage 100 (2024) 113712

Corrigendum to “Bio-based eutectic composite phase change materials with enhanced thermal conductivity and excellent shape stabilization for battery thermal management” [J. Energy Storage 100 (2024) 113712

Unlocking multiscale metallic metamaterials via lithography additive manufacturing

ABSTRACT Metamaterials possess properties not found in nature and are expected to revolutionise the design of structural components. However large-scale production of metallic metamaterials remains locked due to the compromise between print size and resolution in existing metal 3D printing methods. We unlock the possibility of 3D printing of stainless steel metamaterials across scales using lithography metal manufacturing, a vat photopolymerisation technology that uses digital light processing (DLP) on metal-filled resin to 3D print a green body for further debinding and sintering in a furnace. Here in, were explore the effects of energy dose on overpolymerisation, minimal feature size, and print resolution as well as the effects of sintering temperature on microstructure, shape stability, and mechanical properties of 3D printed metamaterials. It has become possible to 3D print steel metamaterials with a twist and auxetic metamaterials with micro-scaled structures on a decimetre scale. Our benchmarking experiments demonstrate that lithography metal manufacturing competes with laser powder bed fusion regarding print accuracy, surface roughness, and design freedom and provides a viable solution for translating metallic metamaterials from laboratories to markets.

Thermo-oxidative crosslinking of carbon fiber reinforced PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) for additive manufactured ceramic matrix composites

Carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone (CF-PEEK) samples were fabricated using material extrusion. These additive manufactured green bodies are later processed to their final application as ceramic matrix composites (CMC) by the liquid silicon infiltration (LSI) route. Past studies showed that the application of material extrusion for the fabrication of CMC requires an additional stabilization-step after 3D-printing in order to prevent the remelting of CF-PEEK during the high temperature process of pyrolysis. The thermally induced crosslinking of the CF-PEEK parts ensured shape accuracy and avoided remelting during the pyrolysis afterwards but is limited by the melting temperature of PEEK (T m ∼ 343 °C). The study revealed a correlation between the annealing conditions time and temperature and the degree of crosslinking. Based on the analytical results from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), a kinetic model was calculated, allowing predictions in dependence of the annealing temperature and time. Rheological and shape stability investigations of thermally annealed specimens verified the analytic results. The main findings of the study highlight an increasing degree of crosslinking with increasing annealing temperature and time.

Fabrication of Hydrogel Beads Based on Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles/Chitosan and Application as a Slow-Release Fertilizer

Hydrogels have gained significant attention in various applications, including agriculture, owing to their exclusive characteristics, such as great water retention and controlled delivery of fertilizers and agrochemicals. In this study, a nanocomposite hydrogel bead with exceptional slow-release capacity for urea fertilizer has been fabricated by appropriately combining urea, silica nanoparticles, and chitosan. The developed beads not only enable the efficient delivery of nutrients to plants over a long period but also enhance water retention capacity in sandy soil, resulting in minimally negative impacts on the environment. The hydrogel beads were simply prepared by dropping method. To effectively control the release of urea from hydrogel beads, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with a diameter of 56 nm were synthesized and used to load the urea (UM). Subsequently, the UM hybrid was incorporated into the chitosan matrix to form the hydrogel beads (UMCS). The resulting beads have a spherical shape and high stability. They exhibited a sustained release of urea for over a month and biodegradable capacity in soil. The hydrogel beads showed a good swelling degree with a maximum value of 250% at pH 3. Moreover, the hydrogel beads-embedded soil revealed a water retention capacity significantly greater than the soil without the beads. These results suggested that the nanocomposite hydrogel beads possess high application potential in fertilizer delivery and smart agriculture.

Bystrytsia River morphodynamics in the Precarpathian Upland since 147 years ago

The article describes the modern morphodynamics of a small river in the foothills. The Bystrytsia (Tysmenyts’ka) River in the Precarpathian Upland was chosen for the research. It has typical riverbeds: single-channel, multi-channel and meandering. The morphodynamics of the riverbed was studied using the maps of different times (1877, 1906, 1940, 1959) from the different resources ("Archival maps of Poland and Europe"; 1989 from the collections of the Faculty of Geography; 2023 from the resource Open Street Maps; Space images from 2005, 2010, 2014, 2019 and 2021 from the resource Google Earth; 1989 and 2024 from the resource EO Browser). Five sections of the riverbed were identified, where the morphodynamics manifested themselves differently depending on the morphological type of the riverbed and the width of the floodplain. The first section had the following change: two- and multi-channel straight (1877) → single-channel slightly sinuous (1906–1940) → multi-channel straight (1989) → single-channel slightly sinuous and meandering (2021–2024). The second section showed the following morphodynamics at different times: multi-channel sinuous riverbed (1877) → two-channel slightly sinuous with a fragment of a multi-channel (1906–1940) → single-channel slightly sinuous with old riverbeds (1989) → single- and two-channel slightly sinuous (2021–2024). The third segment is characterized by morphodynamics: multi-channel straight (1877–1940) → single-channel straight channel (1989) → single-channel slightly winding with a meander (2021–2024). The morphodynamics of the meandering type of channel in the fourth and fifth segments manifested themselves in changes in their shapes, sizes, angles of turn, deflection length, and transformation of small meanders of the channel. According to the results of the research, we observe a pattern when periods with sufficient precipitation prevailed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the channel morphology had mostly a multi-channel or two-channel form. In the middle and late 20th century the structure is simplified – the channel becomes mostly a single-channel straight. At the beginning of the second decade of the 21st century, the single channel acquires bends and meanders, which was not characteristic for any of the periods. With more precipitation, the water runoff of the river increases and, accordingly, the riverbed becomes multi-channel and meandering. In the third decade of the 21st century, the river takes on a straight shape and a single-channel, rarely – two-channel bed prevails. Extreme floods change the morphology of the channel, and in the periods between them, the river has a stable shape and accumulates potential for changes. Key words: river morphodynamics; river channel; horizontal deformations; instability; modern fluvial processes; channel dynamics; river Bystrytsia; Precarpathian Upland.

Tunable Characteristics of Optical Frequency Combs from InGaAs/GaAs Two-Section Mode-Locked Lasers.

We observed tunable characteristics of optical frequency combs (OFCs) generated from InGaAs/GaAs double quantum wells (DQWs) asymmetric waveguide two-section mode-locked lasers (TS-MLLs). This involves an asymmetric waveguide mode-locked semiconductor laser (AWML-SL) operating at a center wavelength of net modal gain of approximately 1.06 µm, which indicates a stable pulse shape, with the power-current(P-I) characteristic curve revealing a small difference between forward and reverse drive currents in the gain region. Under different operating conditions, the laser exhibits the characteristics of OFCs. And the pulse interval in the timing and the peak interval in the frequency domain show a periodic alternating change trend with the increase in the gain current. This tunable characteristic is reported for the first time. The study demonstrates the feasibility of generating tunable optical combs using a monolithic integrated two-section mode-locked semiconductor laser (MI-TS-MLL). This has important reference value for the application of OFCs generated from MI-TS-MLLs or integrated optical chips.

Hierarchical Porous Silicon-Carbon Encapsulated Phase Change Materials for Efficient Photothermoelectric Conversion.

Scale-up applications in solar energy storage of phase change materials (PCMs) are hindered by the limitation of solid-liquid leakage and the lack of light absorption ability. Porous silicon-carbon (PSC) with a high specific surface area was prepared from a phytolith (Phy) silicon-carbon ore by the alkali-melting method, taking advantage of the natural mineral rich in light-trapping carbon structures in Phy. Stearic acid (SA) was impregnated into the PSC to produce integrated photothermal composite phase change materials (SA/PSC). The performance analysis of the form-stable PCMs (FSPCMs) shows that SA/PSC800 has good shape stability and excellent photothermal conversion efficiency and storage capacity, with a high photothermal conversion efficiency of 98.87%. The enthalpy change of the phase change was weak after 200 cycles, indicating good cycle regeneration. A solar thermoelectric generator (STEG) system for light-heat-electric energy conversion and storage was constructed using SA/PSC800 as a hot-side material integrated with a thermoelectric generator. Under a simulated solar light intensity of 200 mW/cm2, the output power generated by the STEG system through the Seeback effect can keep the small bulb and LED glowing for 21 and 18 s, respectively. Therefore, the prepared composite FSPCMs have promising applications in battery-coupled photovoltaic power generation.

A study on eco-friendly materials for 3D printing – focused on Korean Hwangto(Loess) -

ABSTRACT Of the 37% of carbon dioxide emissions generated by the construction industry, 5–7% comes from cement processing. In response to this problem, ways to utilize soil, a material with low energy consumption, are being explored as an eco-friendly option. In particular, eco-friendly design is being emphasized in the construction field through 3D printing technology. The research method proceeds in two stages. The first measures the changes in drying shrinkage, volume mass, compressive strength, and flexural strength over 7 days for a test specimen created by mixing coffee, charcoal, and rice bran with Hwangto. In the second step, slaked lime, a solidifying material, is mixed and tested under the same test specimen conditions as in the first. As a result of the experiment, the higher the mixing ratio of Hwangto, the greater the compressive strength and flexural strength. In particular, coffee exhibited the highest compressive strength at 1.50MPa, while charcoal demonstrated the highest flexural strength at 0.51MPa. However, when solidifying materials were mixed, the overall strength decreased, especially in the case of coffee (1.50MPa for the first time/0.87MPa for the second time), which showed a 42% decrease. Overall, charcoal was the most suitable mixing material and exhibited consistent and stable strength values in all experiments. Based on these experimental results, a 1/50 scale pavilion was produced through 3D printing. The stable shape and appropriate strength of the result were confirmed, making it suitable for educational or practical purposes. It suggests the possibility of use across industries.

Fabrication of Porous TiO2 with Aligned Pores Using Tert-Butyl Alcohol Based Freeze Casting

The effect of freezing conditions on the pore structure of porous TiO2 fabricated using a freeze casting process with tert-butyl alcohol slurry was investigated. The raw powder was heat treated to manufacture a porous body with stable shape by suppressing volume change induced by the phase transformation of TiO2 powder. The XRD analysis result indicated that the anatase phase fraction in the raw powder could be converted to 98.6% rutile phase by heating it at 800°C for 30 min. Porous TiO2 ceramics with unidirectionally aligned pore channels were prepared by freezing tert-butyl alcohol slurry containing 10 vol% TiO2 powder under different freezing temperatures of -20, -30 and -40°C, respectively. After removing the frozen tert-butyl alcohol by sublimation in vacuum, the green samples were sintered at 1100°C for 4 h in air. The porous body contains directional pores with a size of approximately 30 µm, and a hexagonal pore shape corresponding to the crystal structure of tert-butyl alcohol was observed in the cross-section of the pores. Small pores were observed at the bottom part of the porous body near the Cu plate where the solidification heat was released, but relatively large pores were present at the upper part. Both microstructure observation and pore size distribution indicated that the pore size and the strut thickness increased significantly with increasing freezing temperature. The change in pore characteristics was explained as being mainly due to the difference in the solidification behavior of the slurry and the rearrangement of the solid powder.

A Feasibility Study on the Use of UV‐Curable Resins for Long‐Acting Monitoring Microneedle Substrates

ABSTRACTMicroneedle (MN) has significant potential for transdermal glucose monitoring. However, challenges remain in selecting suitable materials for long‐acting monitoring MN. In this study, precise solid UV‐curable resin MN patches were fabricated using a synergistic combination of the micromolding method and the UV‐curing procedure, as an alternative to the previous 3D printing. The properties of the UV‐cured resin MN patches prepared using this method were evaluated and characterized, focusing on their potential for long‐acting monitoring. The results demonstrated that the UV‐curable resin MN patches exhibited superior shape stability, very low cytotoxicity, minimal skin irritation, and a fracture force of approximately 2.289 N/needle. Following immersion in 37°C PBS for different days, the shape and mass changed negligibly, and the fracture force still reached half of the original values after 21 days. UV‐curable resin is a highly promising substrate for MN, and the study provides a new material selection strategy for long‐acting monitoring of MN development.

Novel fabrication of polyethylene glycol/ceramic composite pellets with an excellent phase change shape stable trait and their potential applications for greenhouse insulation

Organic solid–liquid phase change materials (PCMs) face challenges in practical applications due to their susceptibility to leakage during phase transitions. To address this issue, we constructed the polyethylene glycol (PEG)/ceramic pellets (CPs) composite phase change shape stable materials (PCSHs) with thermal energy storage capability, thermal stability, and a firm texture using the melting impregnation method. The PCSHs exhibit remarkable shape stability in the leakage test due to the capillary action and surface tension generated by the micropore structure on their surface. They also can convert light energy into heat and store it as latent heat, achieving an optimal photothermal conversion efficiency of 45.21 % and a maximum melting enthalpy of 13.33 kJ/kg at a PEG loading of ∼ 12 %. An outdoor greenhouse insulation simulation experiment confirmed that the PCSHs can maintain soil temperatures above 30 °C for over 30 min after illumination ceases. This work presents a facile synthesis strategy for shape-stable PCMs with potential applications in greenhouse insulation.

Polyethylene glycol/carboxymethyl cellulose/montmorillonite composite phase change materials for thermal management

The fabrication of composite phase change materials (CPCMs) with excellent shape stability, reasonable thermal conductivity and good mechanical properties using simple process to obtain an effective energy storage and conversion maintains an issue of the utmost importance. In this work, carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC)/montmorillonite (MMT) aerogels with various MMT loading is initially prepared by gelation and freeze-drying technique. The prepared CMC/MMT aerogels have a uniformly distributed pore structure, of which the compressive strength can reach 26.4 kPa when the MMT loading content is 40 wt%. When the MMT loading content is 40 wt%, the thermal conductivity of the PEG/CMC/40MMT CPCM can reach up to 0.78 W/m·K, which is 225 % higher than that of pure PEG. In particular, the rigid CMC/MMT composite aerogel is conducive to the storage of PEG, obtaining a maximum loading percentage of 96.8 %, phase change enthalpy of 179.2 J/g, and high enthalpy efficiency of 98.6 % for CMC/40MMT aerogel. The rigid supporting matrix and adsorption capacity of the CMC/MMT framework meliorate the shape stability and cyclic stability during the phase transition, which can also cool the surface temperature of a simulated central processing unit (CPU) from 90 °C to 54.7 °C. In summary, the as-prepared novel PEG/CMC/40MMT CPCM offers a novel strategy for thermal management of next-generation electronic devices.

Thermal and Mechanical Robust Solid‐Solid Phase Change Materials Enabled by Reactive Crosslinkable Poly(Ethylene Glycol)s via Facile Thiol‐Ene Photo‐Click Chemistry

AbstractSolid–solid phase change materials (SSPCMs) are among the most promising candidates for thermal energy storage and management. Excellent shape stability, high heat storage capacity, and satisfying mechanical properties are essential for the practical applications of SSPCMs, yet giving PCMs these characteristics at the same time remains an unmet challenge. Herein, the synthesis of PEG‐PVEG copolymers is reported with various vinyl content using a synergistic catalysis strategy, leading to novel cross‐linked PEG‐based SSPCMs via a thiol‐ene photo‐crosslinking reaction. These PCMs exhibit excellent shape stability and remarkable energy storage capabilities with latent heat up to 128.3 J g−1. The materials exhibit exceptional thermal stability and retain their energy storage capacity after 500 heating‐cooling cycles. Notably, the materials show superior mechanical strength and excellent toughness. Furthermore, the latent heat enthalpy can be further improved to 146.8 J g−1 without erosion of shape stability by the encapsulation of PEG into present SSPCM. The enhancement of both thermal and electrical conductivities is also demonstrated by the phase change composites (PCCs) incorporating multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Overall, this study presents a convenient and feasible strategy for developing SSPCMs with excellent shape stability, high latent heat and satisfying mechanical properties for thermal management.