Synthesis of organic phase change materials by using carbon nanotubes as filler material

Abstract

In the past decade, nanotechnology field has becoming one of the main attraction of many industries due to higher concern on the important of nanotechnology materials. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) acts as fillers and impair the development of organic phase change materials (PCMs) based on their microscopic characterization, thermal and mechanical properties. In the present study, various weight percentage of MWCNTs samples were prepared. The parameter involved in these study includes on different weight percentage of MWCNTs and PCM, operating temperature and sonification method. The MWCNTs were characterized by using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis, Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Meanwhile, mechanical analysis such as flexural and tensile testing were also carried out under mechanical testing. The optimum conditions used are by dispersing MWCNTs in PCM in the ratio of 1:1 in respective temperature conditions and also via ultra-sonification treatment method at 65 °C for 1.5 h. Synthesis of PCM by using MWCNTs as fillers can result in higher yields with high density of carbon content bond and lower weight loss on the surface of MWCNTs. The results has indicated that the organic PCM can be synthesized by using carbon nanotubes and can be use.