Efficient fabrication of low-density polyethylene/polyethylene oxide/carbon nanotubes films with robust shape stability and photothermal property for thermal management and afterheat utilization. (8th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, Cheng; Du, Yu; Li, Xiao-long; Zhou, Wei-long; Zhang, Cong-yuan; Xie, Heng; Wu, Ting; Qu, Jin-ping
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 260(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11-08
• Subjects: Volumetric elongational flow field -- Nanocomposite film -- Thermal management; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2022.125381
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: The smart energy absorption and storage properties make the phase change materials the ideal candidate for solar thermal conversion and afterheat utilization. Applying the vane extruder (VE) coupled with a single-layer blown film die, a fast and efficient one-step method is proposed for the successive and mass production of LDPE/PEO/CNTs (PPCs) nanocomposite films. Benefiting from the volumetric elongational flow field provided by the VE, the CNTs are uniformly dispersed in the matrix and a co-continuous network is formed, thereby the thermal conductivity and tensile strength of the PPCs film are effectively improved. The melting enthalpy of PPC0.02 film is 110 J g −1 and tensile strength is 3.308 MPa. Furthermore, the PPCs films maintain stable phase change temperature and robust chemical properties after 150 thermal cycles. The temperature of the simulated greenhouse can be controlled within the range that is conducive to crop growth when the PPCs film is applied to its roof. This can be ascribed to the sufficient light-to-thermal conversion capability and thermal conductivity of the PPCs film. The PPCs film with sufficient shape stability and leakage resistance can be an excellent candidate for harvesting and recycling solar and heat energy sources. Graphical abstract: A fast and efficient one-step method is proposed for the successive and mass production of LDPE/PEO/CNTs (PPCs) nanocomposite film though the vane extruder coupled with a single-layer blown film dies. The prepared PPCs films have excellent encapsulation property mechanical, strength, light-to-thermal and thermal management property. Image 1 Highlights: An efficient method is proposed for the preparation of LDPE/PEO/CNTs films. The property of the film is improved under the volumetric extensional rheology. The prepared film exhibits robust chemical stability after 150 thermal cycles.