Multifunctional Phase Change Materials: Fundamentals, Properties and Applications (Woodhead Publishing Series in Composites Science and Engineering)

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