Microencapsulation of paraffin with poly (urea methacrylate) shell for solar water heater

Previous research has demonstred that microencapsulated phase change materials (MEPCMs) could significantly increase the energy storage density of solar thermal energy storage (TES) systems. Compared with traditional phase change materials (PCMs), MEPCMs have many advantages since they can limit their exposure to the surrounding environment, enlarge the heat transfer area, and maintain the volume as the phase change occurs. In this study, a new MEPCM for solar TES systems is developed by encapsulation of paraffin wax with poly (urea formaldehyde) (PUF). The experimental results revealed that agglomeration of MEPCM particles occurred during the encapsulation process which affected the uniformity of the particle size distribution profile when sodium dodecyl sulfate was used as an emulsifier. The differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis results showed that the melting temperatures were slightly increased by 0.14–0.72 ^◦C after encapsulation. A thermogravimetric (TG) test showed that the sample weight decreased while the weight loss starting temperature was slightly increased after encapsulation. Overall, the sample UF-2, fabricated with the binary emulsifiers of Brij 35 and Brij 30 and 5% nucleating agent, resulted in good particle dispersion and shell integrity, higher core material content and encapsulation efficiency, as well as improved thermal stability.