Research & Development

Molecular Engineering and Heat Storage Modulation in High-enthalpy Polyurethane-based Phase Change Materials

  • YANG L D ,
  • KANG M H ,
  • HE G W ,
  • et al
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  • 1. Hunan City University,Yiyang,Hunan 413000,China;

    2. Hunan University,Changsha 410000,China

Online published: 2025-09-01

Abstract

[Objective]To address the persistent challenges of leakage failure,thermal cycling instability,and low energy storage density in conventional phase change materials(PCMs)applied to solar energy storage,waste heat recovery,building energy efficiency,and electronics thermal management.[Methods] This study innovatively proposes a molecular design strategy for polyurethane-based solid-solid PCM(PUPCM) through structural modulation. Specifically,linear main-chain PUPCM(L-PUPCM) was constructed via block copolymerization of hexamethylene diisocyanate(HDI)/urea with poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG),while three-dimensional networked PUPCM(C-PUPCM)was formed through crosslinking reactions between triphenylmethane triisocyanate(TTI) and PEG. Systematic investigations of structure-property relationships were conducted by regulatingfeed ratios[n(PEG)∶n(HDI)∶n(Urea)=1∶2. 2∶0. 2 for linear systems;n(TTI)∶n(PEG)=1∶2.2 for crosslinked systems] and PEG molecular weights.[Results] DSC results demonstrated high phase change enthalpies of 157. 8 J/g for linear structures and 125. 3 J/g for crosslinked structures,both exhibiting excellent latent heat. FT-IR analysis confirmed effective immobilization of PEG phase-change units in both materials,with crosslinked structures showing superior dimensional stability.[Conclusion] This work provides a novel molecular design strategy for developing high-enthalpy, high-stability solid-solid PCMs.

Cite this article

YANG L D , KANG M H , HE G W , et al . Molecular Engineering and Heat Storage Modulation in High-enthalpy Polyurethane-based Phase Change Materials[J]. Paint & Coatings Industry, 2025 , 55(9) : 21 -28 . DOI: 10.12020/j.issn.0253-4312.2025-151

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