Fabrication of Dodecanol/Diatomite Shape-Stabilized PCM and Its Utilization in Interior Plaster

摘要

A novel shape-stabilized phase change material (PCM) is prepared as an energy-efficient solution aimed at the improvement of thermal stability of building materials. Dodecanol having a suitable temperature interval of phase transition and high latent heat is selected as the PCM medium. Diatomite powder used as the PCM core material is impregnated by dodecanol using the vacuum impregnation method. The particle size distribution of the prepared PCM is analyzed at first to find the possible agglomeration of particles. A detailed characterization of mutual material compatibility is performed by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The melting and solidification temperatures of the developed PCM are found at 23.3 degrees C and 21.2 degrees C, respectively; the measurement of corresponding latent heats shows 71.4Jg(-1) and 72.6Jg(-1). The incorporation of the novel PCM into cement-lime plaster does not significantly affect its phase change behavior and confirms its good potential for applications in building practice.