Multifunctional Phase Change Materials : Fundamentals, Properties and Applications

Multifunctional Phase Change Materials: Fundamentals, Properties and Applications updates on phase change materials (PCMs) used for the storage of thermal energy as sensible and latent heat. This class of materials is the subject of intensive research, both fundamental and applied, as they substantially contribute to the efficient use and conservation of waste heat and solar energy. Different groups of materials have been investigated as PCMs, including inorganic systems (salt and salt hydrates), organic, e.g., paraffins or fatty acids, polymers, and finally, hybrid materials. Recent developments are focused on multifunctional PCMs that provide functional features apart from energy storage, such as desired optical or antibacterial properties.

This book presents various synthesis approaches for functionalized materials, as well as specific interactions and self-organization effects in polymer/functionalized (nano)particle systems. It reviews the current state-of-the-art in multifunctional phase change materials for thermal energy storage applications by describing the fundamentals of energy storage, the main classes of PCMs, functionalization protocols, encapsulation methods and shape stabilization procedures.

• Covers the most important developments in PCMs that have expanded rapidly over the last few years, including thermochromic and thermoelectric PCMs, as well as fluorescence-functionalized phase change materials
• Includes the newest solutions in PCMs related to functionalization and shape stabilization, e.g., nano-encapsulation and electrospun ultrafine phase change fibers
• Provides a multidisciplinary, comprehensive work that will be of interest for a wide readership active in various disciplines, from materials science to environmental engineering

Kinga Pielichowska is an associate professor in the Department of Biomaterials and Composites at the AGH University of Science and Technology. In 2004 she obtained her PhD on polyether-based phase change materials for thermal energy storage. Her academic research interests are focused on polymer chemistry and technology as well as nanotechnology, particularly in the areas of phase transition and thermal degradation of polymeric materials studied by advanced thermal analysis methods, polymeric phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage and polymer (nano)composites for biomedical applications. She has (co)authored more than 90 publications in peer-reviewed international journals and several book chapters. She is an academic editor in ‘Advances in Polymer Technology’ (Wiley-Hindawi journal) and member of the Polish Society for Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, and the Polish Society of Biomaterials.

Professor Krzysztof Pielichowski, head of Department of Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Cracow University of Technology, is an expert in polymer (nano)technology and chemistry, particularly in the areas of polymer nanocomposites with engineering polymers and hybrid organic-inorganic materials containing POSS. Prof. Pielichowski is currently performing a research programme in the area of preparation of engineering polymer nanocomposites with improved thermal and mechanical properties for construction applications.