Multifunctional Phase Change Materials

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

Today, the application of phase change materials (PCMs) has developed in different industries, including the solar cooling and solar power plants, photovoltaic electricity systems, the space industry, waste heat recovery systems, preservation of food and pharmaceutical products, and domestic hot water. PCMs use the principle of latent heat thermal storage to absorb energy in large quantities when there is a surplus and release it when there is a deficit. This promising technology has already been successfully implemented in many construction projects. The aim of this book is to assist the scientists and to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of the properties that characterize the phase change materials from theoretical and experimental perspectives with a focus on their technological applications. The present status and future perspectives of phase change material are discussed.

Functional oxides are used both as insulators and metallic conductors in key applications across all industrial sectors. This makes them attractive candidates in modern technology ? they make solar cells cheaper, computers more efficient and medical instrumentation more sensitive. Based on recent research, experts in the field describe novel materials, their properties and applications for energy systems, semiconductors, electronics, catalysts and thin films. This monograph is divided into 6 parts which allows the reader to find their topic of interest quickly and efficiently. * Magnetic Oxides * Dopants, Defects and Ferromagnetism in Metal Oxides * Ferroelectrics * Multiferroics * Interfaces and Magnetism * Devices and Applications This book is a valuable asset to materials scientists, solid state chemists, solid state physicists, as well as engineers in the electric and automotive industries.

Phase change materials (PCMs) are considered one of the most promising energy storage methods owing to their beneficial effects on a larger latent heat, smaller volume change, and easier controlling than other materials. PCMs are widely used in solar energy heating, industrial waste heat utilization, energy conservation in the construction industry, and other fields. To avoid leakage, phase separation, and volatile problems of PCMs, the encapsulation technique typically uses organic polymer materials as shell structures of microcapsules. Furthermore, using inorganic materials to enhance the thermal property of phase change microcapsules is a popular approach in recent research. Especially, graphene oxide (GO) with high thermal conductivity was used as a common thermal conducting additive to improve the thermal performance of phase change microcapsules. Due to its amphiphilic property, GO combined with PCM microcapsules can achieve a variety of nanostructures for thermal energy storage. In this paper, four aspects have been summarized: configuration of PCMs, methods of combining GO with phase change microcapsules, position and content of GO, and applications of PCM/GO microcapsules. This work attempts to discuss preparation methods and heat-conducting properties of the PCM/GO microcapsules, which helps to better promote the application-targeted design and greatly improve the thermal properties of PCM microcapsules for various applications.

This book presents the latest studies in the synthesis and application of boron nitride (BN) composites as multifunctional materials for advanced technologies. BN, the second hardest material after diamond, has different allotropic forms similar to carbon and can exist as nanosheets, nanotubes, nanoshells, and 3D permeable nanostructure. The different chapters in this book highlight the BN nanostructures and its composite materials synthesized with conducting polymer, epoxy, nylon, graphene, and natural fiber composite, to produce materials with enhanced properties such as excellent mechanical wear resistance, superior thermal conductivity, and unique electronic properties. This book caters to researchers and academics interested in BN-based composite and its potential applications in nanoscale electrical and thermal devices and metal-free electro- and photo-catalysts.

Aerogels are ultralight porous materials showing great promise in environmental remediation and energy storage. Aerogels successfully remove pollutants and can improve the properties of batteries, supercapacitors and even flexible electronics. The book covers the fundamentals of hybrid aerogels synthesis and their applications. It includes computational approaches such as Molecular Dynamics, lattice Boltzmann method and Navier-Stokes solver.

The development of nanomaterials plays a fundamental role in current and future technology applications, particularly nanomaterials that have multiple functionalities. This book provides a broad overview of the effect of nanostructuring in the multifunctionality of different widely studied nanomaterials. This book is divided into four sections constituting a road map that groups materials sharing certain types of nanostructuring, including nanoporous, nanoparticled, 2D laminar nanomaterials, and computational methods for characterizations of nanostructures. This structured approach in nanomaterials research will serve as a valuable reference material for chemists, (bio)engineers, physicists, nanotechnologists, undergraduates, and professors.

Explore the diverse electrical engineering application of polymer composite materials with this in-depth collection edited by leaders in the field Polymer Composites for Electrical Engineering delivers a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental principles, state-of-the-art research, and future challenges of polymer composites. Written from the perspective of electrical engineering applications, like electrical and thermal energy storage, high temperature applications, fire retardance, power cables, electric stress control, and others, the book covers all major application branches of these widely used materials. Rather than focus on polymer composite materials themselves, the distinguished editors have chosen to collect contributions from industry leaders in the area of real and practical electrical engineering applications of polymer composites. The books relevance will only increase as advanced polymer composites receive more attention and interest in the area of advanced electronic devices and electric power equipment. Unique amongst its peers, Polymer Composites for Electrical Engineering offers readers a collection of practical and insightful materials that will be of great interest to both academic and industrial audiences. Those resources include: A comprehensive discussion of glass fiber reinforced polymer composites for power equipment, including GIS, bushing, transformers, and more) Explorations of polymer composites for capacitors, outdoor insulation, electric stress control, power cable insulation, electrical and thermal energy storage, and high temperature applications A treatment of semi-conductive polymer composites for power cables In-depth analysis of fire-retardant polymer composites for electrical engineering An examination of polymer composite conductors Perfect for postgraduate students and researchers working in the fields of electrical, electronic, and polymer engineering, Polymer Composites for Electrical Engineering will also earn a place in the libraries of those working in the areas of composite materials, energy science and technology, and nanotechnology.