Improvement of thermal inertia of styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) polymers by addition of microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs)

Abstract

[EN] In this work, microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) with a melting temperature of 52 °C have been used to improve thermal inertia phenomena on an elastomeric matrix of styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) material. The amount of PCMs has varied in the 1-10 wt.% and these materials have been processed by conventional injection molding without PCM degradation. Mechanical characterization of SEBS-PCM compounds has been carried out and the obtained results show good maintenance of both resistant and ductile properties for PCM amounts comprised in the 1-5 wt.% range. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis has revealed good wetting properties of PCM microcapsules with the SEBS matrix which is a key factor to obtain good mechanical performance. The effect of PCM addition on thermal inertia has been evaluated by active infrared thermography (IRT), showing a remarkable effect on thermal regulation of SEBS in the temperature range close to the melting point of the PCM (52 °C). This thermoregulation effect is more accurate as the PCM content increases. Also, cooling curves have been constructed in order to quantify the thermal inertia effect in a cooling process. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.