Premium
Experimental study on phase change materials and plastics compatibility
Author(s) -
Lázaro A.,
Zalba B.,
Bobi M.,
Castellón C.,
Cabeza L. F.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
aiche journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.958
H-Index - 167
eISSN - 1547-5905
pISSN - 0001-1541
DOI - 10.1002/aic.10643
Subject(s) - compatibility (geochemistry) , materials science , thermal energy storage , high density polyethylene , phase change , low density polyethylene , phase change material , melting temperature , polyethylene , process engineering , composite material , mechanical engineering , thermodynamics , engineering , engineering physics , physics
Energy storage is a useful tool to increase energy efficiency and energy savings. Solid‐Liquid phase change materials (PCMs) are used in latent heat thermal energy storage systems. Plastics are currently used as encapsulate materials with PCM, but previously a compatibility test should be made to ensure long term stability. It is not possible to find experimental studies of organic PCM migration in plastics in the literature. The main objective of this work is an experimental study of the compatibility of some PCMs typically used for thermal energy storage with a melting temperature around 22°C and some plastic materials currently used as encapsulate materials. The PCMs tested are molecular alloy C16‐C18, RT20, RT25, RT26, and TH24, and plastic materials tested are PP, LDPE, HDPE, and PET. As a consequence of the results, the best plastic to be used with each PCM and combinations that should be avoided are chosen. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006