Thermal properties of nano-graphite-embedded magnesium chloride hexahydrate phase change composites

Phase change materials can provide large heat storage density with low volume. But their low thermal conductivity limits their heat transfer capabilities. Since carbonaceous nanoparticles have a good thermal conductivity they can be applied as an additive to phase change materials to increase their heat transfer rate. In this study, nano-graphite is used as an additive and the influences of its various concentrations on the thermal conductivity and melting and freezing rate for the nanoparticle-enhanced phase change materials is experimentally investigated. Experimental results indicates a reduction of 22% in melting time and a reduction of 75% in solidification time of 0.5% nano-graphite-embedded phase change material.