Free-Flowing PCM Mixture with Intermediary Binder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing phase change material (PCM) preparations often result in leakage issues due to the escape of PCM from polymer matrices under thermal and mechanical stress, limiting the PCM proportion to less than 70% by weight to prevent 'sweating', which compromises the effectiveness and efficiency of heat storage applications.
Innovation Solution
A free-flowing mixture comprising granules of thermoplastic elastomer and functionalized thermoplastic elastomer with a high proportion of PCM, where a binder is present between the granules and on their surface, but not covalently bound to them, allowing for a PCM proportion of 60-90% by weight, thereby maintaining leak-proofness and heat storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the proportion of PCM in the preparation is increased to improve heat storage capacity, then the heat storage effectiveness is improved, but leakage of PCM from the polymer matrix occurs under thermal and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
A binder is introduced as an intermediary substance between the PCM granules and the polymer matrix. This binder adsorbs and absorbs portions of the phase-change material, preventing direct contact and potential leakage while allowing high PCM content (60-90% by weight). The binder acts as a mediating layer that secures the PCM in place during thermal and mechanical stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The binder is distributed locally between the granules rather than uniformly throughout the entire preparation. This localized placement of binding material optimizes its effectiveness at the critical interfaces where PCM leakage would occur, while minimizing the overall binder content and maximizing PCM proportion.
2Reliability
If additional polymer components are added to prevent PCM leakage, then the leak-proofness is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The binder serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a binding agent to secure PCM granules, provides leak-proofing under thermal and mechanical stress, and maintains the free-flowing properties of the mixture. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate polymer components that would otherwise be required for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system consisting of PCM granules, binder, and optional polymeric carrier. This composite structure integrates the leak-proofing function into the material composition itself rather than requiring additional separate polymer components or layers.
3Reliability
If the proportion of PCM is reduced to less than 70% to prevent leakage, then the leak-proofness is improved, but the heat storage capacity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The binder enables high PCM content (60-90% by weight) by acting as an intermediary that prevents leakage. This allows the system to achieve both high heat storage capacity through increased PCM proportion and reliable leak-proof performance, eliminating the need to compromise heat storage by limiting PCM content to less than 70%.
4Reliability
If binders are incorporated into the polymer matrix to bind PCM, then the leak-proofness is improved, but the free-flowing properties of the mixture are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The binder is placed locally between the granules rather than being incorporated throughout the entire polymer matrix. This localized positioning allows the binder to perform its binding function at the granule interfaces while leaving the bulk material free-flowing, maintaining ease of operation and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The binder function is extracted from the bulk polymer matrix and concentrated at the granule interfaces. This separation of functions allows the polymer matrix to maintain its free-flowing properties while the binder at the interfaces provides leak-proofing, avoiding the compromise that would result from incorporating binder throughout the entire matrix.
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 solution enables a high PCM content while ensuring leak-proofness and preserving the free-flowing properties of the mixture, maintaining the PCM's heat storage capacity and allowing for flexible incorporation into various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The mixture also contains at least one binder capable of adsorbing and/or absorbing portions of the phase-change material
Implementation Method 2
The mixture also contains at least one binder capable of adsorbing and/or absorbing portions of the phase-change material
Implementation Method 3
Phase change materials are materials that absorb or release large amounts of energy over an extended period of time when they transition from one state of matter to another, particularly between solid and liquid
Implementation Method 4
these phase change materials can serve as latent heat storage devices
Implementation Method 5
they are often embedded in polymers. To counteract the undesirable effect of so-called 'exudation,' i.e., the release of PCM from the polymer matrix upon thermal and/or mechanical stress
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a free-flowing mixture comprising a pelletized material composed of a thermoplastic elastomer and a functionalized thermoplastic elastomer and comprising at least one phase change material bonded to the thermoplastic elastomers and at least one binder capable of adsorption and/or absorption of fractions of the phase change material. The mixture of the invention is characterized in that the binder is present essentially between the pellets; and either i) the proportion by weight of the phase change material in the pellets is between 60% and 90% and the binder is a non-silicate binder; or ii) the proportion by weight of the phase change material in the pellets is more than 70% and up to 90%. The invention further relates to uses of the mixture of the invention and to a process for producing the mixture.