An evaluation of phase change microcapsules for use in enhanced heat transfer fluids

Abstract

The results of an experimental study to evaluate the properties of microencapsulated phase change materials have been presented. Two phase change materials, n-eicosane and stearic acid, have been used in the study. The microcapsules were manufactured with two different wall thickness, comprising of approximately 15% and 30% of the total microcapsule volume. Three different microcapsule sizes ranging from 50[mu] to 250[mu] have been considered. The microcapsules with thinner walls are unable to withstand repeated thermal cycling past the melting point. However, the microcapsules with thicker walls were found to be both structurally as well as thermally stable.