Capric-myristic acid/expanded perlite composite as form-stable phase change material for latent heat thermal energy storage

The aim of this study is to prepare a novel form-stable phase change material (PCM) for latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) in buildings. A eutectic mixture of capric acid (CA) and myristic acid (MA) is incorporated with expanded perlite (EP). Thermal properties, thermal reliability, and thermal conductivity of the form-stable composite PCM are determined. The maximum CA-MA absorption of EP was found to be 55 wt% without melted PCM seepage from the composite, and therefore this mixture was described as a form-stable composite. The form-stable composite PCM was characterized using the FT-IR spectroscopy method. The melting and freezing temperatures and latent heats of form-stable composite were measured using DSC analysis. Thermal cycling test of the form-stable composite PCM indicated good thermal reliability in terms of changes in thermal properties after 5000 thermal cycling. The thermal conductivity of the form-stable CA-MA/EP composite PCM was increased about 58% by adding 10 wt% expanded graphite (EG). The form-stable CA-MA/EP/EG composite PCM was considered as an effective LHTES material in the building energy conservation due to suitable phase change temperatures, high latent capacities, good thermal reliability, and good thermal conductivity. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.