Title : One-shot synthesis of modified phase change material-laden rigid polyurethane foams for thermal energy storage

The widespread application of paraffinic phase change materials (PCMs) in thermal energy storage technologies is often hindered by challenges such as shape instability, and limited multi-functional capabilities. Therefore, PCM functionalization can be a promising solution to overcome such challenges. Herein, the study fabricates maleic anhydride grafted eicosane encapsulated Polyurethane by in-situ polyaddition reaction. These innovative phase change composite (PCCs) exhibit a micropore-confined solid-liquid phase transition, achieving an impressive thermal energy storage capability of 100% and encapsulation efficiency of 30.9%. This efficiency is the highest reported among PCMs encapsulated polyurethane systems. In addition to enhanced shape stability, the solid-liquid PCCs demonstrate a lower thermal conductivity of 0.037 ± 0.0025 W m?¹K?¹ than pristine PU foam and a significant energy storage density of 68 J g?¹, comparable to other solid-liquid polyurethane systems. This research paves the way for the practical advancement of polyurethane-based PCM systems in thermal energy storage, offering promising solutions for real-world energy applications.

Keywords: Polyurethane, Shape-stabilization, Phase Change Materials, Thermal Energy Storage, Building.

Sumit Kumar is a PhD research scholar at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. He completed his master’s degree in Polymer Science from CIPET Ahmedabad and his bachelor’s degree in Polymer Science from Delhi University. His research focuses on the shape stabilization of phase change material-based polymer composites. He has published on topics including dimensionality effects in stabilizing phase change materials in polymer composites and renewable thermal energy storage in polymer-encapsulated phase-change materials.