Electrospun PEO/PEG fibers as potential flexible phase change materials for thermal energy regulation

• DOI: 10.1002/exp.20230016
• Publication Date: 2023-09-19T06:18:38Z
• Authors: Xiang Yun Debbie Soo; Sze Yu Tan; Augustine Kok Hen...; Jianwei Xu; Zhiyuan Liu; Xian Jun Loh; Qiang Zhu
• Keywords: Electrospinning; Microfiber; Phase-change material; Thermal Stability; Shrinkage

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is widely used as phase change materials (PCM) due to their versatile working temperature and high latent heat. However, the low molecular weight of PEG prevents from formation flexible microfibers, common leakage problem associated with solid-liquid PCM further hinders applications in various fields. To address these challenges, polyethylene oxide (PEO) incorporated supporting matrix for PEG, leading a successful electrospinning fibrous mats. Due similar chemical nature both PEO, blended composites show great compatibility produce uniform electrospun fibers. The thermal properties fibers are characterized by DSC TGA, supercooling PEG(1050) component effectively reduced 75-85%. morphology changes before after test analyzed SEM. Tensile DMA tests that presence contributes plasticization effect, improving mechanical thermomechanical strength. ratio PEO(600K):PEG(1050) at 7:3 affords optimal performance good form-stability, least shrinkage, uniformity. These mats have potential areas food packaging, wearable devices, or textiles aid regulation.