Synthesis and Performance Analysis of a Novel Phase Change Hydrogel Polyethylene Glycol/Polyacrylamide/Silicon Dioxide for Thermal Energy Storage

Abstract

To study the composite phase change hydrogel, the shape stabilized composite phase change materials of polyethylene glycol/polyacrylamide/silicon dioxide with different mass fractions of polyethylene glycol were successfully prepared by the combination of in-situ polymerization and sol-gel method. The 3D network formed by polyacrylamide /silicon dioxide cross-linking has abundant pores, which is conducive to polyethylene glycol encapsulation and prevent polyethylene glycol leakage. At the same time, the hydrogel-based support can buffer the thermal stress caused by phase change. According to the analysis results of differential scanning calorimetry, composite phase change materials have a high phase transition enthalpy of 126.9 J/g. In addition, this new type of composite phase change materials has good thermal stability and remains stable in shape at 110 ℃ without any leakage. The composite phase change hydrogel provides an alternative approach for the investigation of phase change materials.