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Journal of Polymer & Composites Review Article

Polymeric Hybrid Systems Engineered with Multiple-Stage Energy Absorption for Temperature Control

  1. G. Sunil Department of Mechanical Engineering, Visakha Institute of Engineering & Technology (Autonomous), Visakhapatnam
  2. Selvaraju Department of Chemistry, Sri Sairam Engineering College, Chennai
  3. T.S. Senthil Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mahaguru Institute of Technology, Kayamkulam
  4. N. Saikumari Department of Science and Humanities (Chemistry), R. M. K. College of Engineering and Technology, Thiruvallur
  5. S. Nooray Sashmi Department of Research and Innovation, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai
  6. Sivakumar A. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Varuvan Vadivelan Institute of Technology, Dharmapuri
  7. Zakir Hussain Department of Chemical Technology, Loyola Academy, Secunderabad
  8. J. Sharmila Department of Chemistry, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, OMR, Chennai
  9. Shailendra Kumar Bohidar Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and Information Technology, MATS University, Arang

Abstract

Polymer–composite based phase change systems offer an effective strategy for adaptive thermal management; however, most existing systems exhibit single-stage latent heat transitions, limiting their applicability in environments with fluctuating thermal loads. In this study, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymer matrix was reinforced with two microencapsulated paraffin-based phase change materials (PCM-A and PCM-B) to achieve multi-level latent heat storage behavior. The fabricated TPU/PCM-A10–B20 polymer–composite demonstrated two distinct endothermic transitions at approximately 28°C and 45°C, corresponding to PCM-A and PCM-B, respectively, delivering a combined latent heat capacity of 62–68 J·g⁻¹, which represents a ~3.4-fold increase compared to neat TPU (18–20 J·g⁻¹). Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed stable PCM retention up to 150°C, while the composite exhibited only a minor reduction (~8–10°C) in onset degradation temperature relative to neat TPU, indicating preserved thermal integrity during practical use. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis showed a 17–22% higher damping capability in the composite within the PCM transition window, attributed to heat absorption-induced relaxation delay. FTIR confirmed that PCM incorporation occurred via physical embedding without chemical structural alteration. A slight reduction in bulk density (~4–6%) further validated uniform microcapsule dispersion without void formation. Overall, the engineered polymer–composite exhibits stable multi-step thermal buffering, enhanced viscoelastic damping, and structural reliability, making it suitable for applications in wearable thermal textiles, energy-efficient building panels, and passive electronic thermal regulation systems.

Keywords

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