Galactitol hexa stearate and galactitol hexa palmitate as novel solid-liquid phase change materials for thermal energy storage

Galactitol has a melting point of 187.41 degrees C and a fusion enthalpy of 401.76 J g(-1). Its melting temperature is not suitable for many thermal energy storage applications although it has good latent heat storage capacity compared to the several traditional phase change materials (PCMs). The galactitol also has high supercooling degree as about 72 degrees C. These unfavorable properties limit the usage potential of galactitol in thermal energy storage applications. However, the phase change temperature and supercooling degree of galactitol can be reduced to a reasonable value and therefore its feasibility for energy storage systems can be increased. For this aim, in this study, galactitol hexa stearate (GHS) and galactitol hexa palmitate (GHP) were prepared as novel solid liquid PCM by means of esterification reaction of the galactitol with palmitic acid and stearic acid. The GHP and GHS esters were characterized chemically using FT-IR and H-1 NMR techniques. By using DSC analysis method, the melting temperature and latent heat value of the PCMs were determined as 31.78 degrees C and 201.66 J g(-1) for GHP ester and 47.79 degrees C and 251.05 J g(-1) for GHS ester. Thermal cycling test showed that the prepared PCMs had good thermal reliability after thermal 1000 melting freezing cycles. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results revealed that the PCMs have good thermal stability over their working temperatures. In addition, thermal conductivity of the prepared PCMs was increased as about 26.3% for GHP and 53.3% for GHS by addition of 5 wt.% expanded graphite. Based on all results it can be concluded that the prepared GHP and GHS esters can be considered as promising solid liquid PCMs for many energy storage applications such as solar energy storage, indoor temperature controlling in buildings, production of smart textile and insulation clothing due to their good energy storage properties. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.