Cnf/Pva Aerogel-Based Eutectic Composite Phase Change Materials with High Strength and Form Stability for Energy Efficient Building Applications

Abstract

Phase change materials (PCMs) provide an effective means of solving the problem of high indoor energy consumption, and thus their application in the building sector has become a hot research topic. However, their lack of strength and potential leakage hazards have hindered their widespread popularization. This work used cellulose nanofiber/polyvinyl alcohol (CNF/PVA) aerogel as a porous support material with a myristic acid and tetradecanol mixture (MA-TD) as a phase change medium to create shape-stable aerogel-based eutectic composite PCMs (M-T@CNF/PVA). The introduction of aerogel effectively prevented the PCM from leaking and enhanced its mechanical strength. In addition, the composite PCM exhibited excellent thermal properties, including a high latent heat value of 191.5 J/g, low thermal conductivity, and good thermal stability. The melt enthalpy of the composite PCM remained stable after 100 thermal cycles, confirming its excellent cycling durability in practical applications. Notably, the composite PCM performs well in dynamic thermal regulation, effectively reducing indoor energy consumption and regulating temperature. Therefore, M-T@CNF/PVA shows great potential in the area of energy saving in buildings.

Keywords: MA-TD eutectic mixture, phase change material, CNF/PVA aerogel, Building thermal management