Polyurethane/graphite nano-platelet composites for thermal energy storage. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pielichowska, Kinga; Bieda, Jakub; Szatkowski, Piotr
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 91(2016)
• Page Start: 456
• Page End: 465
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: Phase change materials -- Polyurethanes -- Graphite nano-platelets -- Thermal energy storage; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2016.01.076
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: In this work new polyurethane-based phase change materials containing segments of poly(ethylene glycol) with average molar mass of 8000 g/mol with and without chain extender and modified with graphite nano-platelets have been fabricated and characterized. Structure, morphology and phase behaviour of these solid-solid phase change materials were investigated, as well as the thermal stability and conductivity. The heat of phase transition was in the range of 118.0–164.5 J/g for polyurethane without chain extender and 128.0–148.5 J/g for polyurethane with chain extender. The highest heat of phase transition and crystallinity were found for system modified with 0.3% of graphite nano-platelets in polyurethane without chain extender. Modulated differential scanning calorimetry results showed some changes in the phase transition behaviour and the crystallinity of the polyurethane matrix due to graphite nano-platelets confinement effect. Enhancements in the thermal stability in polyurethane modified with graphite nano-platelets, attributed to the barrier effect, were found based on thermogravimetric analysis data. The thermal conductivity increased with an increase of graphite nano-platelets content for both polyurethane systems, with and without chain extender, which is important for modern thermal energy storage applications. Highlights: Polyurethane-based PCMs with solid-solid phase transition were obtained. The highest heat of phase transition was found for PU modified with 0.3% GNP. GNP in small amounts act as nucleating agents for polymer chains. Modification by GNP cause an increase in thermal stability and conductivity.