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A hydrophilically modified expanded graphite-based composite phase change material with high latent heat and improved thermal conductivity for subzero applications.

Author(s) : ZHANG X., SOKPANHASAK S., LAN C., GAO Y.

Type of article: IJR article

Summary

Phase change materials (PCMs) hold great potential in thermal energy storage and temperature regulation, but inorganic PCMs often suffer from drawbacks such as phase separation, supercooling, and poor cycling stability. This study successfully prepared a novel low-temperature composite phase change material (CPCM) that com bines high latent heat with enhanced thermal conductivity. Expanded graphite (EG) was hydrophilically modified with the surfactant Tween-80 to enhance its compatibility with the water-based PCM matrix. A thickener was added to anchor the modified Expanded graphite (MEG) within the composite material, thereby suppressing phase separation and maintaining dispersion stability during repeated freeze-thaw cycles. The resulting composite material exhibits a latent heat of 249.6 J/g and a phase change temperature of approxi mately -15 ◦ C, making it suitable for low-temperature environments. Its thermal conductivity increased from 0.6668 W/(m⋅K) to 0.9968 W/(m⋅K), an increase of 49%. After 150 thermal cycles, the material showed minimal latent heat loss and stable phase change behavior, demonstrating excellent cycling stability. Cost analysis confirmed its economic feasibility for large-scale production. This study provides a practical solution for designing high-performance, reliable, and cost-effective refrigeration materials that can be applied to the fields of sustainable cold chain logistics and energy management.

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Details

  • Original title: A hydrophilically modified expanded graphite-based composite phase change material with high latent heat and improved thermal conductivity for subzero applications.
  • Record ID : 30034836
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: International Journal of Refrigeration - Revue Internationale du Froid - vol. 187
  • Publication date: 2026/07
  • DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2026.106947

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