Improving the Heat Transfer of Phase Change Composites for Thermal Energy Storage by Adding Copper: Preparation and Thermal Properties

Phase change materials (PCMs), as an effective thermal energy storage technology, provide a viable approach to harness solar heat, green source, and optimize consumption in buildings. However, the obstacle preventing widespread practical use of PCM is its poor performance terms heat transfer shape stabilization. This article focuses on application stabilization method. To improve conductivity organic PCMs (hexadecane), copper microparticles are added form phase composites (PCC). process allows enhanced (75 wt%) that distributes capabilities while maintaining low cost. SEM, FTIR, ATG, infrared thermography (IRT), DSC were used characterize composites’ micromorphology, chemical composition, degradation stability, capabilities. results showed proportion 75 wt% material with 15 Cu had excellent stability high density per unit mass. In light latent capacity 201.32 J/g well ability prevent Hexadecane exudation, PCC ensures higher during transition than ordinary PCM. The incorporation paraffin causes delay transformation, leading it respond rapid charging discharging rates and, consequentially, challenges temperature control, shown by IRT. new PCCs favorable below 100 °C, which was advantageous for management, notably storage.