Experimental analysis of hybrid nanocomposite-phase change material embedded cement mortar for thermal energy storage

Abstract

The present work aims at developing the hybrid nanocomposite-based phase change material (PCM) embedded cement mortar (HNPCM) for thermal energy storage (TES). The microstructural, thermal and structural properties of the as-prepared HNPCM were experimentally analyzed. The microstructural test results reveal that, the copper-titania (Cu–TiO2) hybrid nanocomposite (HN) particles were spherical and highly crystalline. The HN dispersed into the pristine PCM (1-dodecanol) was chemically stable as confirmed through the Fourier-Transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The HN embedded into the pristine PCM (HNP) in different proportions exhibited good thermal energy storage potential of 190.03 J/g and 195.03 J/g during freezing and melting, respectively. The thermal stability of HNP was appreciable and found higher than the operating temperature range of the pristine PCM. Furthermore, the incorporation of the HN into the pristine PCM has resulted in the enhancement of thermal conductivity of HNP. On the other hand, the compressive strength of the HNPCM specimens was measured to be above 20 MPa. In spite of the marginal drop, observed in compressive strength of HNPCM, when compared with the conventional cement mortar, the HNPCM has exhibited enough strength to be used as internal wall plastering material with good thermal energy storage potential.