Flexible phase change composite materials with simultaneous light energy storage and light-actuated shape memory capability

• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2019.107714
• Publication Date: 2019-07-02T02:01:22Z
• Authors: Xiao-dong Qi; Yao-wen Shao; Hai-yan Wu; Jing-hui Yang; Yong Wang
• Keywords: Phase-change material

Abstract Phase change materials (PCMs) are widely used in the thermal energy storage fields. However, the strong rigidity and poor photoabsorption ability of PCMs have inhibited their advanced applications. In this work, the flexible and light-responsive PCM composites consisting of paraffin and olefin block copolymer (OBC) filled with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared. The paraffin/OBC blend with appropriate ratio (60/40 wt%) not only has good encapsulation ability and high latent heat (111.7 J/g), but also shows thermal-actuated shape memory effect by triggering the phase transition of paraffin. Furthermore, by adding a small amount of CNTs, the paraffin/OBC/CNT composites exhibit simultaneous light-to-thermal energy storage and light-actuated shape memory capability. A light-responsive and temperature-controlled actuator is further exploited, which is beneficial for the installation and thermal management of devices with limited space. Considering the easy processing and inexpensive sources, the flexible and light-responsive PCM composites have great prospect in advanced light energy storage systems.