IoT-Enabled Polymer–Gel PCM Composites for Intelligent Thermal Management in Solar Facade 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

    Radhey Shyam Meena,

  • K. Arun,

  • Sivaramakrishnan subbaram,

  • S.Ponni alias sathya,

  • Dvsssv Prasad,

  • P. Vidhushini,

  • K.R.Prasanna Kumar,

  • K. Amudha,

  • Rajendiran M,

  1. Programme Director, National Green Hydrogen Mission, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, New Delhi, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Civil engineering, Sri Sairam Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. Associate Professor, Department of Information Technology, Dr.Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
  5. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aditya University, Surampalem, Andhra Pradesh, India
  6. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Thandalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  7. Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science and Design, Kongu Engineering College, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India
  8. Associate Professor, Department of Science and Humanities-Physics, R. M.D. Engineering College (An Autonomous Institution), Kavaraipettai, Tamil Nadu, India
  9. Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Panimalar Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The present study investigates the development of a multifunctional polymer–gel phase change composite designed for solar façade applications with integrated real-time thermal monitoring capability. A crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol–borax matrix was employed as a three-dimensional polymer scaffold to encapsulate paraffin-based phase change material, ensuring leakage-free operation and structural integrity under repeated thermal cycling. Graphite nanoplatelets were incorporated as thermally conductive nano-fillers to enhance heat transfer through the polymer composite via percolation-driven pathways. The fabricated composite exhibited stable microstructural characteristics with uniformly distributed PCM micro-domains, as confirmed through morphological analysis, indicating effective polymer confinement and strong interfacial bonding. Thermal characterization revealed a high latent heat retention with minimal degradation over multiple cycles, demonstrating the efficiency of the polymer network in preserving phase change behaviour. Mechanical evaluation under compressive loading confirmed that the composite maintains adequate structural robustness while retaining flexibility due to the hydrogel-like matrix. Furthermore, an IoT-based sensing system was embedded within the composite, enabling spatially resolved temperature monitoring across different depths. Real-time thermal analysis indicated a pronounced phase change plateau and significant thermal lag, confirming effective heat storage and delayed heat propagation. The integration of polymer composite engineering with digital monitoring establishes a self-adaptive material platform. Overall, the developed system demonstrates strong potential for smart energy-efficient building envelopes with enhanced thermal regulation and intelligent performance tracking.

 

Keywords: polymer–gel, borax matrix, graphite nanoplatelets, nano-fillers, IoT-based sensing

How to cite this article:
Radhey Shyam Meena, K. Arun, Sivaramakrishnan subbaram, S.Ponni alias sathya, Dvsssv Prasad, P. Vidhushini, K.R.Prasanna Kumar, K. Amudha, Rajendiran M. IoT-Enabled Polymer–Gel PCM Composites for Intelligent Thermal Management in Solar Facade Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):-.
How to cite this URL:
Radhey Shyam Meena, K. Arun, Sivaramakrishnan subbaram, S.Ponni alias sathya, Dvsssv Prasad, P. Vidhushini, K.R.Prasanna Kumar, K. Amudha, Rajendiran M. IoT-Enabled Polymer–Gel PCM Composites for Intelligent Thermal Management in Solar Facade Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=243236


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
04
Received 20/04/2026
Accepted 30/04/2026
Published 08/05/2026
Publication Time 18 Days
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