Nano-structured calcium silicate phase change material: a new product for thermal buffering in packaging

作者：Johnston James H^*; Grindrod James E; Dodds Margaret

来源：Appita Journal, 2008, 61(5): 366-369.

• packaging
• calcium silicate
• phase change
• thermal buffering
• temperature control

Nano-structured calcium silicate is a proprietary new material comprising nanosize platelets that self-assemble into particles of about 1-5 mu m in size with an open framework structure. These exhibit a high pore volume and liquid absorption capacity of about 500-600 g oil 100 g(-1) silicate and a high accessible surface area of up to about 500 m(2) g(-1), both of which are controllable in the synthesis process. It has a high whiteness and brightness. Alkane phase change materials (PCMs) can readily be accommodated in amounts up to 300-400 wt% in the pores of the silicate to yield a new composite phase change material with a thermal buffering capacity of about 100-110 J g(-1). Above the PCM melting point, the liquid phase is fully contained in the pores with the composite material remaining as a powdery solid. The new nano-structured calcium silicate - PCM composite can be incorporated into liners and coating formulations to impart effective thermal buffering to packages and paper board coatings. The preparation and characterisation of the thermal properties of this nano-structured calcium silicate - PCM composite are presented here.

• 出版日期2008-9