Research process in polyurethane form-stable composite phase change materials

In order to improve the efficiency of the thermal energy utilization, the development of phase change energy storage materials has attracted much attention. The traditional phase change energy storage materials have high phase change enthalpy and suitable phase change temperature. The process of heat storage and release is almost isothermal and easy to control. However, there are some problems such as poor formability, easy flow after phase change and extra packaging. Among them, polyurethane phase change materials solve the shortcomings of the tradition phase change materials. At the same time, it has the advantages of large energy storage density, easy adjustment of phase change temperature, good processability, high mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. So it has a broad application prospect. Polyurethane phase change materials are classified according to their structural characteristics. Their synthesis routes and phase change thermal storage properties are summarized and analyzed. The application process of polyurethane phase change materials in construction industry, intelligent textile and road traffic and other aspects are introduced. Finally, the future research direaction is prospected. © 2020, Editorial Office of FINE CHEMICALS. All right reserved.