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Updated: Jul 26, 2025

Preparation of Monodomain Liquid Crystal Elastomers and Liquid Crystal Elastomer Nanocomposites
Published on: February 6, 2016
Alkane-based eutectic phase change materials doped with carbon nanomaterials
Mikołaj Więckowski1,2, Marek Królikowski2, Łukasz Scheller3
1Doctoral School of Warsaw University of Technology, Politechniki 1, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland. mikolaj.wieckowski.dokt@pw.edu.pl.
This study developed new eutectic phase change materials (ePCMs) for passive thermal control around 4°C. Enhancing thermal conductivity with nanomaterials like SWCNTs offers improved performance for cold energy storage applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Thermodynamics
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Cold thermal energy storage is crucial for passive thermal protection.
- Eutectic phase change materials (ePCMs) offer automatic temperature control without external systems.
- Developing ePCMs with specific properties is essential for efficient energy storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize novel eutectic phase change materials (ePCMs) based on n-alkanes for passive temperature control around 4°C.
- To investigate solid-liquid-liquid equilibrium (SLLE) phase diagrams for binary systems involving n-alkanes and diols.
- To analyze methods for predicting ePCM properties and enhance their thermal conductivity using nanomaterials.
Main Methods:
- Investigation of solid-liquid equilibrium (SLE) in binary n-alkane systems.
- Determination of solid-liquid-liquid equilibrium (SLLE) phase diagrams.
- Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) for thermal analysis.
- Density and dynamic viscosity measurements.
- Preparation and testing of ePCM-nanomaterial composites (SWCNTs, GIC, EG).
Main Results:
- Three eutectic phase change materials (ePCMs) were identified, with two exhibiting high enthalpies (approx. 220 J/g).
- Two SLLE phase diagrams were successfully determined.
- Predictive models for eutectic parameters and melting enthalpy were validated.
- ePCM composites with 1 wt% Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs) showed significantly enhanced thermal conductivity and stability.
Conclusions:
- Novel n-alkane based ePCMs operating around 4°C were successfully developed.
- The study provides a framework for designing ePCMs and validating predictive models.
- Incorporation of SWCNTs into ePCMs is a viable strategy to improve thermal conductivity for cold energy storage applications.
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