STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research

Polymer–Gel Composite Phase Change Materials: A Functional Polymer Composite Approach for Solar-Thermal Energy Storage in Building Facades

  1. M. Balaji Department of Mechanical Engineering, V R Siddhartha School of Engineering, Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education (Deemed to be University), Vijayawada
  2. K. Dilip Kumar Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lakireddy Bali Reddy College of Engineering, Mylavaram
  3. Kiran A. Dongre Department of Electrical Engineering, Prof Ram Meghe College of Engineering and Management, Amravati
  4. Ajay Veludurthi Department of Mechanical Engineering, SV College of Engineering, Tirupati
  5. R. Sethuraman Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore
  6. Peyyala Pramod Kumar Department of Mechanical Engineering, MLR Institute of Technology, Hyderabad
  7. Baddepudi Malathi Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vidya Jyothi Institute of Technology, Hyderabad
  8. G. Nixon Samuel Vijayakumar Department of Physics, R. M. K. Engineering College, Kavaraipettai
  9. Zakir Hussain Department of Chemical Technology, Loyola Academy, Secunderabad

Abstract

This study investigates polymer–composite phase change materials (PCMs) in the form of polymer–gel hybrids as multifunctional systems for solar–thermal energy storage in building façades. Paraffin- and PEG-based PCMs were embedded into polyurethane and acrylic gel matrices to create shape-stabilized polymer–composites with high PCM loading (70–80 wt%). Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) confirmed distinct melting/freezing transitions at ~56°C (paraffin) and ~42°C (PEG), with enthalpy values of 120–150 J/g, closely matching theoretical predictions, thereby validating that the polymer–composite structure preserves latent heat without significant thermal losses. Thermal conductivity measurements demonstrated an enhancement from 0.37 W/m·K (bulk PCM) to 0.50 W/m·K (polymer–composite system), representing a ~35% improvement that is critical for rapid heat transfer in façade applications. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis revealed that the polymer–composites maintained a storage modulus (E′) above 450 MPa across the façade-relevant range (10–60°C), with damping factors below 0.15, confirming the mechanical resilience of the polymer–composite framework under repeated cycling. Leakage tests showed <1% mass loss after 20 thermal cycles, highlighting the efficiency of the crosslinked polymer–composite network acting as a three-dimensional molecular cage to immobilize PCMs and prevent seepage. Under solar-simulation at 800 W/m², façade panels integrated with the polymer–composite exhibited a reduction of peak surface temperatures by 7–9°C and stabilized core fluctuations within ±2°C, validating their effectiveness in thermal buffering. Durability evaluation over 1000 cycles demonstrated retention of ~90% latent heat capacity, 95% thermal conductivity, and 92% mechanical stiffness, confirming that the polymer–composite resists phase segregation, leakage, and mechanical fatigue far better than conventional PCM systems, which typically lose 20–40% capacity within 500 cycles. Collectively, these findings establish the polymer–composite approach as a durable, leakage-resistant, and thermally efficient solution for scalable facade integration, offering long-term stability, multifunctionality, and significant energy-saving potential in modern building systems.

Keywords

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