The effect of phase change materials on energy storage in wood materials

With the growing concern of global warming and the depletion of non-renewable energy sources, the importance of using wood materials and energy storage has become more widely recognized. The impregnation of phase-changing materials (PCMs) into wood and their use in buildings can minimize these problems. In this thesis, pine and poplar woods were chemically analyzed through FTIR analysis and thermally examined through DSC and TG analyses after being impregnated with capric acid, lauryl alcohol, and methyl palmitate, aiming to enhance energy efficiency in buildings. Bending resistance, elastic modulus in bending, and parallel-to-grain compression resistance were tested to determine the mechanical properties. According to water absorption and dimensional stability tests, it was observed that the addition of epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) did not prevent water absorption but provided dimensional stability. The thermal performance test revealed that impregnated wood samples could maintain their internal temperatures within the comfort zone temperature range for a longer period. The impregnation of wood samples with PCMs demonstrated a significant contribution to energy savings in buildings due to their ability to absorb and release thermal energy in the form of latent heat.