Smart Biopolymer–PCM Composite Modules with Embedded Wireless Thermal Sensing for Autonomous Energy Storage Applications

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This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 04 | Page :
    By

    A Chandrashekhar,

  • K. Arun,

  • Om Prakash Sharma,

  • Rathinamala S,

  • Mallikarjunarao Dandu,

  • M. Premalatha,

  • P Joel Josephson,

  • G.Nixon Samuel Vijayakumar,

  • Rajendiran M,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Icfai Foundation for Higher Education, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Jagan Nath University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
  4. Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology, Kannampalayam, Tamil Nadu, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lakireddy Bali Reddy College of engineering, Mylavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
  6. Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  7. Associate Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Malla Reddy (MR) Deemed to be University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  8. Professor, Department of Physics, R.M.K.Engineering college, Kavaraipettai, Tamil Nadu, India
  9. Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Panimalar Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The development of multifunctional polymer composite systems for intelligent thermal energy storage has gained significant attention due to the increasing demand for sustainable and autonomous thermal management technologies. In the present study, a wireless-integrated biopolymer–phase change material (PCM) composite module embedded with thermal feedback sensors was successfully fabricated and experimentally investigated for advanced thermal energy storage applications. Polylactic acid (PLA) was employed as the biodegradable polymer matrix, while paraffin wax served as the latent heat storage material. Graphite nanoplatelets were incorporated as conductive nanofillers to improve thermal conductivity and heat transfer characteristics within the composite structure. Embedded thermistor-based wireless sensing architecture enabled real-time thermal monitoring during charging and discharging operations. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis revealed stable melting and solidification transitions with excellent latent heat storage behaviour, while thermogravimetric analysis confirmed enhanced thermal stability of the polymer composite system. Thermal charging and discharging studies demonstrated efficient heat absorption, prolonged heat retention, and stable cyclic thermal performance. Scanning electron microscopy revealed homogeneous PCM dispersion, interconnected graphite nanoplatelet networks, and strong filler–matrix interfacial bonding within the composite structure. The synergistic integration of biodegradable polymer matrices, conductive reinforcements, latent heat storage materials, and embedded wireless sensing systems resulted in a multifunctional smart polymer composite suitable for autonomous thermal regulation applications. The developed composite module demonstrates strong potential for renewable energy storage, intelligent building materials, wearable thermal management systems, and next-generation IoT-enabled thermal energy platforms.

Keywords: polymer composite, nanoplatelet, thermal management, Differential scanning calorimetry, PCM dispersion

How to cite this article:
A Chandrashekhar, K. Arun, Om Prakash Sharma, Rathinamala S, Mallikarjunarao Dandu, M. Premalatha, P Joel Josephson, G.Nixon Samuel Vijayakumar, Rajendiran M. Smart Biopolymer–PCM Composite Modules with Embedded Wireless Thermal Sensing for Autonomous Energy Storage Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):-.
How to cite this URL:
A Chandrashekhar, K. Arun, Om Prakash Sharma, Rathinamala S, Mallikarjunarao Dandu, M. Premalatha, P Joel Josephson, G.Nixon Samuel Vijayakumar, Rajendiran M. Smart Biopolymer–PCM Composite Modules with Embedded Wireless Thermal Sensing for Autonomous Energy Storage Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=246526


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
04
Received 28/05/2026
Accepted 05/06/2026
Published 11/06/2026
Publication Time 14 Days
36

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