Microstructure and thermal properties of a paraffin/expanded graphite phase-change composite for thermal storage

A paraffin/expanded graphite phase-change composite for thermal storage was prepared and its thermal properties were studied using differential scanning thermal calorimetry. The paraffin was uniformly absorbed in the porous network of the expanded graphite. Results showed that the phase-change temperature did not change with a change in the amount of paraffin present, whereas the latent heat of the phase change was increased with increasing paraffin content. There was no exudation of paraffin liquid during the solid liquid phase change. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.