Heat Storage Material Composition with Polymer Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat storage materials and compositions experience significant shape changes and leakage issues during phase transition and melting, limiting their application in lightweight or container-less scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A heat storage material composition is developed by heat-treating a polyhydric alcohol with specific polymers, forming a densely cross-linked structure to enhance shape retention and bleed resistance, using polymers derived from acrylic and methacrylic acids, and vinyl monomers, along with optional thermoplastic resins and fillers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat storage material is used in conventional form, then heat storage function is achieved, but shape changes and leakage occur during phase transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system consisting of heat storage material particles dispersed in a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix (using polymers B-1 and B-2 with different functional groups) binds the heat storage material particles, preventing their movement and leakage during phase transition. This composite structure allows the heat storage function to be maintained while the matrix provides shape stability and prevents bleeding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the heat storage material from bulk form to particle form with controlled size distribution (0.1-5mm). This parameter change in particle size and dispersion state, combined with the polymer matrix embedding, prevents the material from flowing or leaking during phase transition while maintaining its heat storage capability.
2Reliability
If heat storage material is sealed in container, then leakage is prevented, but device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for rigid containers with a flexible polymer matrix that directly binds and contains the heat storage material particles. The polymer matrix acts as an internal binding structure that prevents leakage without requiring external containers, thereby reducing device complexity and weight while maintaining bleed resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the container function with the polymer matrix itself. Instead of having a separate container structure, the polymer matrix performs both structural support and containment functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for additional container components and simplifying the overall device structure.
3Shape
If polymer matrix is added to heat storage material, then shape retention improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat storage material into small particles (0.1-5mm) that can be easily mixed and dispersed in the polymer matrix. This segmentation allows for simple mixing and molding processes, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the addition of the polymer matrix. The small particle size enables uniform distribution and easy processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves homogeneous dispersion of heat storage material particles throughout the polymer matrix through proper mixing and formulation. This homogeneity ensures consistent performance while allowing the use of standard mixing and molding equipment, keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple despite the composite nature of the material.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition achieves excellent shape retention and reduced bleeding, enabling broader applications in various fields such as air conditioning, automotive systems, and electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
heat-treating Component (A) being a polyhydric alcohol not having constitutional units derived from any vinyl monomers, the following polymer (B-1) and the following polymer (B-2) together... forming a densely cross-linked structure
Implementation Method 2
heat storage material, which is a material having heat storage ability... utilizing the latent heat of fusion of such compounds
Implementation Method 3
utilizing the latent heat of fusion of such compounds
Data Source
AI summary
A heat storage material composition that is excellent in shape retention and bleed resistance is provided. The heat storage material composition is obtained by heat-treating Component (A), Polymer (B-1) and Polymer (B-2) together. Component (A) is a polyhydric alcohol not having constitutional units derived from any vinyl monomers. Polymer (B-1) is a polymer composed mainly of constitutional units derived from acrylic acid or a salt thereof, a polymer composed mainly of constitutional units derived from methacrylic acid or a salt thereof, or a mixture thereof, excluding a polymer having two or more hydroxy groups in one polymer chain. Polymer (B-2) is a polymer composed mainly of constitutional units derived from a vinyl monomer, and having two or more hydroxy groups in one polymer chain.