Preparation and Characterization of Cellulose Acetate Microencapsulated N-Octadecane for Thermal Regulation Applications

In this research, a systematic study was carried out to prepare microcapsules with cellulose acetate as a shell polymer and n-octadecane as a core material with a phase separation technique. This study aimed to investigate and clarify conditions for optimal morphology and behavior of these microcapsules for Phase Change Materials (PCMs). The optimal core-shell weight ratio, polymer molecular weight, and emulsification method were investigated. Using cellulose acetate with higher molecular weight (۵۲,۰۰۰ g/mol) and a core-to-shell weight ratio of ۲:۱, microcapsules with a high encapsulation efficiency of ۸۶.۷%, melting and crystallization enthalpies of ۱۳۲.۳۳ (J/g) and ۹۱.۲۴ (J/g) were obtained. It was also observed that the optimal method for preparation of the primary emulsion phase was via magnetic stirring in comparison with ultra-sonication (۴۰.۹%). The average particle size distribution of microcapsules was ۲۰.۴۸ μm, with an average shell thickness of ۰.۷۷۷ μm. The method used in this study was simple, fast, and low cost-effective. With an easy-to-scale-up feature, and not requiring high temperatures or phase change starters, these novel microencapsulated PCMs are ideal for industrial use.

کلیدواژه ها:

Microcapsules ، Microencapsulation ، n-Octadecane ، Phase change materials (PCMs) ، Thermal regulation