Synthesis of microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCM) for thermal control of food packages

This study aims to develop food packages, which will provide thermal protection of food products at desired temparature. Temperature range of protection is specified as 4-25 ̊C. Phase change materials (PCM) suitable for this temperature range were selected. These phase change materials were encapsulated with five different shells to produce 34 different types of microcapsules. The best microcapsule alternative was determined based on the thermal, chemical and morphological properties of all the microcapsules. Among the successfully synthesized microcapsules, MOSt (ΔHm= 42.9 J/g) was selected, because polystyrene is currently used in food containers and also it is cost effective and compatible with human health. The food packages with only phase change materials and microcapsules candidate are designed. Thermal protection time of these packages is investigated at different conditions for food. Results showed that, container with MOSt and raw PCM provided 9 hr and 6 hr of thermal protection effect in the given temperature range.