Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Madison Lilly, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Madison Lilly
Faculty Mentor Name
Sandra Boetcher
Loading...
Abstract
Thermal composites are created by combining a material possessing especially good thermal properties with another material possessing specific mechanical properties. For this research, a phase change material (PCM) possesses the especially good thermal properties and silicone-rubber possesses the specific mechanical properties desired. Ultimately, what must be determined is whether a micro-encapsulated, commercially-available PCM can be utilized for a silicone-rubber based thermal composite. Previous work has failed to specifically address the use of commercially available PCMs for use in thermal composites. Thus far, a commercially-available and commercially-encapsulated PCM has been mixed in varying ratios with a commercially-available silicone-rubber. The micro-encapsulated PCM appears to have disrupted the silicone-rubber’s ability to cure, however, and has therefore limited the number of ratios available for testing. It also appears that the micro-encapsulated PCM is experiencing a chemical reaction with the silicone-rubber; this may be the cause of the silicone-rubber’s inability to cure. Currently, research is still ongoing and conclusions as to the viability of commercially available PCM in thermal composites are yet to be determined.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
Yes, Student Internal Grants
Silicone Rubber Matrix with Micro-Encapsulated Phase Change Material Filler
Thermal composites are created by combining a material possessing especially good thermal properties with another material possessing specific mechanical properties. For this research, a phase change material (PCM) possesses the especially good thermal properties and silicone-rubber possesses the specific mechanical properties desired. Ultimately, what must be determined is whether a micro-encapsulated, commercially-available PCM can be utilized for a silicone-rubber based thermal composite. Previous work has failed to specifically address the use of commercially available PCMs for use in thermal composites. Thus far, a commercially-available and commercially-encapsulated PCM has been mixed in varying ratios with a commercially-available silicone-rubber. The micro-encapsulated PCM appears to have disrupted the silicone-rubber’s ability to cure, however, and has therefore limited the number of ratios available for testing. It also appears that the micro-encapsulated PCM is experiencing a chemical reaction with the silicone-rubber; this may be the cause of the silicone-rubber’s inability to cure. Currently, research is still ongoing and conclusions as to the viability of commercially available PCM in thermal composites are yet to be determined.