A novel phase-change composites based on silicone rubber containing energy-storage microcapsules

A novel phase-change composites based on silicone rubber (MVQ) containing n-octadecane/poly (styrene-methyl methacrylate) microcapsules were successfully obtained by mixing energy-storage microcapsules into MVQ matrix using three preparation methods. The effect of microcapsules content on thermal property of the composites was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. The mechanical properties of the composites prepared by three methods were also investigated. The morphology and thermal properties of the composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry, and thermal response. Thermal and mechanical properties of the composites were excellent when the microcapsules were added into room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber with 2 phr (per hundred rubber) content and cured at room temperature. The composites were proved to have good energy-storage performance with 67.6 J g^?1 enthalpy value.