Preparation and characterization of suspensions containing nano encapsulated phase change material for heat transfer application

In this work, poly (styrene-co-methacrylic acid) nanocapsules containing nonadecane were synthesized using mini emulsion polymerization method. The chemical characterization, structural characterization, surface morphology and particle size distribution analysis of produced nanocapsules were performed by using FTIR and SEM techniques, respectively. The thermal properties and thermal stability of the nanocapsules were determined by DSC and TG analysis. From the SEM images, it was determined that the synthesized nanocapsules had a spherical shape and an average capsule diameter of 212 nm. DSC analyzes showed that the melting and solidification temperatures and latent heat of the nanocapsules were 32.86 °C, 33.22 °C and 89.78 J/g, 86.45 J/g, respectively. TG results indicated that the nanocapsules were thermally stable up to 110 °C . Suspensions consisting of water and 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% nanocapsules were prepared as heat transfer fluids in heat transfer systems. The stability, density, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity and viscosity of the prepared suspensions were determined. Moreover, the stability and continuity of the suspension were considered.