Preparation and Characterization of Poly (MMA-co-AA)/Paraffin Microencapsulated Phase Change Material for Thermal Energy Storage

This study is focused on the preparation and characterization of microencapsulated paraffin with Poly (methyl methacrylate-co-acrylic acid) as a shell for thermal energy storage. Microencapstdation of paraffin has been carried out by emulsion polymerization. Test results show that the paraffin in the microcapsules melts at 60 degrees C and it has a latent heat of 113 J/g at melting. Accelerated thermal cycling tests also indicate that the material had good thermal reliability. The average diameter was found to be 32 mu m under the stirring speed of 400 rpm. It endows the phase change material certain leakage resistance, solvent resistance, and acid and alkali resistance to improve the compatibility to the environment.