earticle

영어

Conventional phase change materials (PCMs) are typically composed of pure water combined with superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), raising concerns regarding environmental sustainability, complex synthesis processes, and high material costs. In this study, we propose a pulp-water composite as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional PCMs. Recycled paper pulp (1-5 wt%) was incorporated into water-based PCMs to investigate its effects on thermal retention and phase transition behavior. The use of pulp offers advantages over SAP-based PCMs, including simpler synthesis, lower production costs, and easier material availability. Thermal and chemical properties were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and data loggers. The results indicate that a 3 wt% pulp-water mixture extends temperature retention by 70 minutes compared to pure water. These findings suggest that pulp-enhanced water-based PCMs can serve as a sustainable, biodegradable, and economically viable alternative to conventional SAP-based PCMs, providing improved thermal performance while minimizing environmental impact.