Developing of capric acid @ colemanite doped melamine formaldehyde microcapsules and composites as novel thermal energy storage materials

In recent years, polymer/mineral composites with desired properties have been produced by adding natural minerals to polymers due to being a natural resource, their low costs and ease of use. In this study, capric acid (decanoic acid, CA) microencapsulated with melamine formaldehyde (MF) and colemanite doped MF composites (cMF) as thermal energy storage materials. Thermal, chemical, and morphological properties of cMF based PCM microcapsules and microcomposites was determined. The analysis results indicate that the addition of suitable amounts of colemanite has a positive impact on both the thermal stability and the capacity for thermal energy storage of the prepared microcapsules. The produced cMF based CA microcapsules melts at -28 degrees C with corresponding latent heat of -89 J/g. It can be stated that the usage of cMF based CA microcapsules and microcomposites in buildings can reduce the increasing energy load which results in the contribution to the formation of a clean environment by preventing the increase of greenhouse gases because of less use of fossil fuels.

Automated summary

In recent years, polymer/mineral composites have been produced by adding natural minerals to polymers, resulting in desired properties due to their natural resource, low costs, and ease of use. In this study, capric acid was microencapsulated with melamine formaldehyde and colemanite-doped melamine formaldehyde composites were used as thermal energy storage materials. The analysis results showed that the addition of colemanite improved the thermal stability and thermal energy storage capacity of the microcapsules. These microcapsules melted at -28 degrees C with a latent heat of -89 J/g. The usage of these microcapsules and composites in buildings can help reduce energy load and greenhouse gas emissions.