Enhancing Thermal and Mechanical Performance of Polymer-Based Phase Change Materials with Graphite Nanoplatelets: A High-Efficiency Approach for Energy Storage Applications

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Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | 02 | Page : –
    By

    Indradeep Kumar,

  • Sathiyamoorthy Margabandu,

  • M. Chitra,

  • L.Saravanakumar,

  • T. Magesh,

  • Dhiren Patel,

  • S Richard,

  • M Anusuya,

  • Sapthagirivasan.V,

  1. Assistant Professor, Amity Institute of Technology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Easwari Engineering College, Ramapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Chellammal Womens College, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Sairam Engineering College, West Tambaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  5. Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, R.M.K. Engineering College, Kavaraipettai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  6. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indus University, Rancharda, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
  7. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Grace College of Engineering, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India
  8. Professor, Department of Physics, Indra Ganesan College of Engineering, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India
  9. Research Scholar, Department of mechanical Engineering, Arizona State University, , United States

Abstract

This study explores the performance enhancement and characterization of polymer-based phase change material (PCM) composites reinforced with graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) for thermal management applications. The integration of GNPs significantly improved thermal conductivity, which increased from 0.38 W/m·K in pure PCM to 2.60 W/m·K with 10 wt% GNPs, marking a 580% improvement. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed a reduction in latent heat capacity from 180 J/g to 150 J/g—approximately 16.7%—attributed to the volume displacement of non-phase-changing GNPs. Despite this, the composites exhibited a 35% reduction in supercooling, suggesting enhanced crystallization efficiency and thermal cycling stability.Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) confirmed the composites’ enhanced thermal stability, with the onset decomposition temperature increasing from 320°C to 380°C. The residual mass at 700°C rose from 3% (pure PCM) to 10% (GNP composite), indicating increased thermal resistance. Mechanical testing showed a substantial 80% increase in tensile strength, from 15 MPa to 27 MPa, although elongation at break decreased by 26.7%, reflecting increased brittleness due to GNP reinforcement.These findings highlight the potential of GNP-reinforced PCM composites for advanced thermal energy storage and management, particularly in electronics cooling, building insulation, and renewable energy systems. The enhanced thermal conductivity, reduced supercooling, improved thermal stability, and mechanical reinforcement make these composites promising candidates for efficient and durable thermal applications.

Keywords: Mechanical Strength, Phase Change Material (PCM), Thermal Conductivity, Graphite Nanoplatelets (GNPs), Super-cooling Reduction

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How to cite this article:
Indradeep Kumar, Sathiyamoorthy Margabandu, M. Chitra, L.Saravanakumar, T. Magesh, Dhiren Patel, S Richard, M Anusuya, Sapthagirivasan.V. Enhancing Thermal and Mechanical Performance of Polymer-Based Phase Change Materials with Graphite Nanoplatelets: A High-Efficiency Approach for Energy Storage Applications. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Indradeep Kumar, Sathiyamoorthy Margabandu, M. Chitra, L.Saravanakumar, T. Magesh, Dhiren Patel, S Richard, M Anusuya, Sapthagirivasan.V. Enhancing Thermal and Mechanical Performance of Polymer-Based Phase Change Materials with Graphite Nanoplatelets: A High-Efficiency Approach for Energy Storage Applications. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=208712


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
02
Received 15/03/2025
Accepted 17/04/2025
Published 24/04/2025
Publication Time 40 Days
Total Visits: 223


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