A novel composite phase change material from lauric acid, nano-Cu and attapulgite: Preparation, characterization and thermal conductivity enhancement

•A novel composite PCM of LA@Cu/Attapulgite was successfully prepared.•LA@Cu with 2 wt.% of Cu has the best dispersion and high thermal conductivity of 0.33 W/(m•K)).•Thermal conductivity of composite PCM of LA@Cu/Attapulgite reached 0.46 W/(m•K).•Cu particles and attapulgite have the synergistically enhancing effect on thermal conductivity of LA.