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. Microencapsulation of paraffin has been carried out by emulsion polymerization. Test results show that the paraffin in the microcapsules melts at 60°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 μm 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.