Study on thermal storage properties of hybrid nanocomposite-dibasic ester as phase change material

The present work reports the experimental investigation on the thermal storage properties of the new organic dibasic ester phase change material incorporated with the silver-titania hybrid nanocomposite (HiNPCM) with mass proportions ranging from 0.08% to 1.0%. The change in thermal properties and viscosity of PCM due to incorporation of hybrid nanocomposite (HyNC) were signified. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed the physical interaction of HyNC with PCM and ensured chemical stability of HiNPCM. The improved thermal conductivity (58.4%), congruent phase change temperature (9.69 degrees C). high latent heat capacity (162.2 kJ/kg), considerable reduction in supercooling degree (14.1%), thermal stability (270 degrees C), phase transition enhancement (freezing: 20.47%, melting: 21.43%), reduction in (freezing time: 29.9%, melting time: 9.17%) and increased viscosity (2.56%) of HiNPCM were attributed to the embedded surface functionalized HyNC. In total, with the improved thermal storage properties, the HiNPCM can be considered as a potential candidate for the cool thermal storage applications in buildings. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.