Abstract:

Phase change microcapsules were synthesized using chitosan as the shell material and paraffin as the core material via multi-emulsionization and cross-linking method. During the phase change of the paraffin, the microcapsules can store and release energy. The enthalpy value of the phase change of the microcapsules is higher than 110 J/g. The suitable phase change temperature can be obtained by changing the core material. The resultant microcapsules show excellent thermal stability, and remain stable below 150 ℃ as demonstrated by TGA measurement. The microcapsules also exhibit good solvent-resistance because of the cross-linking between chitosan and glutaraldehyde.

Key words: microcapsules, phase change material, paraffin, chitosan