Thermophysical properties of multifunctional glass fibre reinforced polymer composites incorporating phase change materials

In this study novel multifunctional composites consisting of glass fibre/epoxy/microencapsulated phase change materials (micro-PCMs) were prepared and their thermophysical properties have been investigated. Test results showed that the phase change properties of micro-PCMs are not affected after incorporating these materials in fibre reinforced plastic composites. Results obtained from DSC demonstrated that the enthalpy (heat of fusion/crystallisation) is linearly proportional to the mass fraction of microcapsules incorporated into the composites. In addition, it was found that the thermal and dimensional stability of the multifunctional composites are significantly affected by increasing micro-PCMs concentration. The thermal decomposition temperature of the multifunctional composites was reduced while their coefficient of thermal expansion was increased due to the inclusion of micro-PCMs. Understanding the thermophysical properties of these composites pave the path for the development of new material systems that can simultaneously exhibit loading bearing and thermal storage capabilities.