Preparation, characterization, thermal energy storage properties and temperature control performance of form-stabilized sepiolite based composite phase change materials

Thermal energy storage (TES) properties of form-stabilized Sepiolite(Sep)/Fatty acid eutectic composite PCM(FAEM) and temperature control performance of its cement based-plaster in laboratory scale were investigated. The eutectic mixture of capric acid(CA) and stearic acid(SA) recognized as FAEM was infiltrated by Sep by direct impregnation method. The Sep/FAEM(42%) composite PCM developed in stabilized form was characterized by SEM, FTIR and XRD analysis techniques. The DSC results exhibits that the produced form-stabilized composite PCM (FSt-CPCM) had proper melting temperature (22.86 degrees C) and relatively high latent heat capacity (76.16 J/g) for thermal regulation targets of building spaces. The FSt-CPCM showed outstanding chemical stability and TES reliability although it was exposed to 1000 melt/freeze cycles. In addition, cement plaster containing FSt-CPCM exhibited appreciated temperature control performance in laboratory scaled-test room compared to ordinary cement plaster. It was concluded from this finding that the produced Sep/FAEM/Cement composite plaster can be evaluated a beneficial material for indoor temperature regulation and energy saving in building envelopes. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.