Water-resistant gum-based phase change composite for thermo-regulating insulation packaging

The world's current energy crisis calls for green solutions that can preserve while incorporating renewable. As such, we have developed a leakage-proof phase change material (PCM) embedded in biopolymeric matrix as lightweight yet strong bio-based composite (PCC) passive storage and insulation purposes packaging. This consists of gum tragacanth (GT) biopolymer polyethylene glycol (PEG) PCM. It is further incorporated with biochar (BC) or mineral additive, i.e., Cloisite Na+, to enhance its mechanical strength thermal stability, which are among the main challenges materials. A hydrophobic layer octadecyl isocyanate (ODI) on surface increase water resistance. provides minor uptake capacity 3.6 ± 0.3 % after one-week immersion water. shows high latent heat up 160 J g−1 stable behavior, demonstrated by over 100 differential scanning calorimetry heating-cooling cycles. also possesses notable compressive properties, were improved significantly BC Na+. conductivity low 0.035 W m−1 K−1 manifesting better regulation compared commercial foams. energy-positive solution combines advantages excellent highly porous, lightweight, inertia PCM, making it suitable transportation packaging temperature-sensitive products.