A novel solid–solid phase change material used to temperature regulation in asphalt mixture: preparation and properties

ABSTRACT

With a significant heat storage capability of phase change material (PCM), the combination of PCM and asphalt mixture can improve the efficiency of thermal energy utilisation and reduce the temperature susceptibility of the road projects. In this study, the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/poly(acrylamide) (PAM) complexed interpolymer phase change material (PPCI-PCM) with solid–solid phase change characteristics were synthesised. The microstructure of PPCI-PCM was characterised by FTIR and SEM tests. The results showed that hydrogen bond was formed between PEG and PAM. At the melting point, PEG molecules could not move free from PAM, so PPCI-PCM could behave as a solid state in the phase change process. The thermal properties of PPCI-PCM samples with different molecular weights and mass fractions were analysed by DSC test. The maximum enthalpy of PPCI-PCM was 108.7 J/g, and the phase transition temperature ranged from 10.6°C to 50.3°C. The results indicated that the PPCI-PCM was able to maintain shape stability at 195°C, and the phase change enthalpy of PPCI-PCM only decreased by 3.55% after 50 cycles of heat absorption and release. The results showed that the PPCI-PCM could meet the extreme construction conditions in asphalt mixture engineering and ensure the ability of long-time temperature regulation.

KEYWORDS:

• Phase change material
• Asphalt mixture
• Solid–solid phase change
• Preparation and properties
• Differential scanning calorimetry

Acknowledgements

Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the view of any organisation.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 52008154]; Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province [grant number E2021202074]; Science and Technology Program of Tianjin [grant number 20JCQNJC00930]; Special Funds for Jointly Building Colleges and Universities in Tianjin [grant number 280000-299]; Hebei Science and Technology Department [grant number E2021202074].