Synthesis and Characterization of Encapsulated PCM

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to develop and examine the TES properties of a unique organic PCM that has been encapsulated (Encapsulated PCM). The Methyl palmitate PCM core and the melamine-formaldehyde shell of the microcapsules were synthesized by a simple in-situ polymerization process. According to the results of the microstructural examination, it can be assumed that the as-prepared microcapsules were of spherical shape, and the presence of carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen elements proves that the encapsulated PCM was successfully formed. The improvements in chemical stability, surface roughness, and average particle size (490.2 nm) have allowed for greater storage stability. Having a high latent heat of fusion of 70 kJ/kg, the microcapsules have a high thermal storage capacity of 88%. The operational temperature range of the pure PCM was significantly lower than the microcapsules' thermal stability of 130 °C. Moreover, the Micro PCM met the thermal insulation standards due to its low observed thermal conductivity of 0.1587 W/m K. During the thermal cycling test, microcapsules showed incredible chemical stability (up to 200 heating/cooling cycles) and thermal reliability (reliability index = 92.9%). The results of the tests suggest that the Encapsulated PCM with the improved characteristics can be a good candidate for low temperature thermal energy storage.

Index Terms: PCM, Encapsulation.