Preparation, thermal properties and thermal reliability of palmitic acid/expanded graphite composite as form-stable PCM for thermal energy storage

This study is focused on the preparation and characterization of thermal properties and thermal reliability of palmitic acid (PA)/expanded graphite (EG) composite as form-stable phase change material (PCM). The maximum mass fraction of PA retained in EG was found as 80 wt% without the leakage of PA in melted state even when it is heated over the melting point of PA. Therefore, the PA/EG (80/20 w/w%) composite was characterized as form-stable PCM. From differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, the melting and freezing temperatures and latent heats of the form-stable PCM were measured as 60.88 and 60.81 °C and 148.36 and 149.66 J/g, respectively. Thermal cycling test showed that the composite PCM has good thermal reliability although it was subjected to 3000 melting/freezing cycles. Fourier transformation infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic investigation indicated that it has good chemical stability after thermal cycling. Thermal conductivities of PA/EG composites including different mass fractions of EG (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) were also measured. Thermal conductivity of form-stable PA/EG (80/20 w/w%) composite (0.60 W/mK) was found to be 2.5 times higher than that of pure PA (0.17 W/mK). Moreover, the increase in thermal conductivity of PA was confirmed by comparison of the melting and freezing times of pure PA with that of form-stable composite. Based on all results, it was concluded that the form-stable PA/EG (80/20 w/w%) has considerable latent heat energy storage potential because of its good thermal properties, thermal and chemical reliability and thermal conductivity.     

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)/diatomite composite as a novel form-stable phase change material for thermal energy storage

This paper deals with the preparation, characterization, and determination of thermal energy storage properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG)/diatomite composite as a novel form-stable composite phase change material (PCM). The composite PCM was prepared by incorporating PEG in the pores of diatomite. The PEG could be retained by 50 wt% into pores of the diatomite without the leakage of melted PEG from the composite. The composite PCM was characterized by using SEM and FT-IR analysis technique. Thermal properties of the composite PCM were determined by DSC analysis. DSC results showed that the melting temperature and latent heat of the composite PCM are 27.70 °C and 87.09 J/g, respectively. Thermal cycling test was conducted to determine the thermal reliability of the composite PCM and the results showed that the composite PCM had good thermal reliability and chemical stability. TG analysis showed that the impregnated PEG into the diatomite had good thermal stability. Thermal conductivity of the composite PCM was improved by adding expanded graphite in different mass fractions. Thermal energy storage performance of the composite PCM was also tested.     

Thermal conductivity and latent heat thermal energy storage characteristics of paraffin/expanded graphite composite as phase change material

This study aimed determination of proper amount of paraffin (n-docosane) absorbed into expanded graphite (EG) to obtain form-stable composite as phase change material (PCM), examination of the influence of EG addition on the thermal conductivity using transient hot-wire method and investigation of latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) characteristics of paraffin such as melting time, melting temperature and latent heat capacity using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique. The paraffin/EG composites with the mass fraction of 2%, 4%, 7%, and 10% EG were prepared by absorbing liquid paraffin into the EG. The composite PCM with mass fraction of 10% EG was considered as form-stable allowing no leakage of melted paraffin during the solid–liquid phase change due to capillary and surface tension forces of EG. Thermal conductivity of the pure paraffin and the composite PCMs including 2, 4, 7 and 10 wt% EG were measured as 0.22, 0.40, 0.52, 0.68 and 0.82 W/m K, respectively. Melting time test showed that the increasing thermal conductivity of paraffin noticeably decreased its melting time. Furthermore, DSC analysis indicated that changes in the melting temperatures of the composite PCMs were not considerable, and their latent heat capacities were approximately equivalent to the values calculated based on the mass ratios of the paraffin in the composites. It was concluded that the composite PCM with the mass fraction of 10% EG was the most promising one for LHTES applications due to its form-stable property, direct usability without a need of extra storage container, high thermal conductivity, good melting temperature and satisfying latent heat storage capacity.     

Stearic acid/polymethylmethacrylate composite as form-stable phase change materials for latent heat thermal energy storage

The aim of this research is to prepare of a novel form-stable composite phase change material (PCM) for the latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) in buildings, passive solar space heating or functional fluid by entrapping of SA into PMMA cell through ultraviolet curing dispersion polymerization. The composite PCM was characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transformation infrared (FT-IR) analysis technique. The results show that the form-stable microencapsulated PCM with core/shell structure was formed and the maximum encapsulated proportion of SA in the composite was 51.8 wt.% without melted PCM seepage from the composite. In the shape stabilized microencapsulated PCM, the polymer acts as supporting material to form the microcapsule cell preventing the leakage of PCM from the composite and the SA acts as a PCM encapsulated in the cell of PMMA resin. The oxygen atom of carbonyl group of skeleton is interacted with the hydrogen atom of hydroxyl group of SA. Thermal properties, thermal reliability and heat storage/release performance of the composite PCM were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), FT-IR and thermal cycling test analysis. The melting and freezing temperatures and the latent heats of the composite PCM were measured as 60.4 °C, 50.6 °C and 92.1 J/g, 95.9 J/g, respectively. The results of DSC, FT-IR and thermal cycling test are all show that the thermal reliability of the composite PCM has an imperceptible change. This conclusion indicates that the composite has a good thermal and chemical stability.     

Micro-encapsulated paraffin/high-density polyethylene/wood flour composite as form-stable phase change material for thermal energy storage

Six novel polymer-based form-stable composite phase change materials (PCMs), which comprise micro-encapsulated paraffin (MEP) as latent heat storage medium and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/wood flour compound as supporting material, were prepared by blending and compression molding method for potential latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) applications. Micro-mist graphite (MMG) was added to improve thermal conductivities. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed that the form-stable PCMs have homogeneous constitution and most of MEP particles in them were undamaged. Both the shell of MEP and the matrix prevent molten paraffin from leakage. Therefore, the composite PCMs are described as form-stable PCMs. The differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) results showed that the melting and freezing temperatures as well as latent heats of the prepared form-stable PCMs are suitable for potential LHTES applications. Thermal cycling test indicated the form-stable PCMs have good thermal stability although it was subjected to 100 melt–freeze cycles. The thermal conductivity of the form-stable PCM was increased by 17.7% by adding 8.8 wt% MMG. The results of mechanical property test indicated that the addition of MMG has no negative influence on the mechanical properties of form-stable composite PCMs. Taking one with another, these novel form-stable PCMs have the potential for LHTES applications in terms of their proper phase change temperatures, improved thermal conductivities, outstanding leak tightness of molten paraffin and good mechanical properties.     

Hydrate salt/self-curing acrylic resin form-stable phase change materials with enhanced surface stability and thermal properties via the incorporation of graphene oxide

This work presents a novel eutectic hydrate salt/self-curing acrylic resin form-stable phase change materials (PCMs) composite (EHS/SCR) with favorable form-stable performances for heat energy storage. Further, to improve the surface stability, latent heat and thermal conductivity of the EHS/SCR particles, graphene oxide (GO) used as cladding materials is incorporated onto the surface of the EHS/SCR particles to prepare the GO modified EHS/SCR phase change composite (EGO). The obtained results indicate that the GO-targeted absorption model has achieved the enhancements in stability and thermal properties of EHS/SCR while making use of GO in an efficient and economical way. To be specific, with the introduction of GO of only 1.07 wt%, the thermal conductivity of 0.508 W/m·K is achieved, the value shows a significant rise of 128.6% compared with the EHS/SCR of 0.222 W/m·K. Additionally, the maximum latent heat of EGO-6 is up to 90.4 J/g, which exhibits a 3.19-fold increase compared against that of the uncoated EHS/SCR. Moreover, the prepared EGO composite PCM remain a good thermal cycling reliability after 300 thermal cycles. This work provides a novel opportunity to improve the performance of form-stable PCM composites with an intelligent manufacture-oriented pattern.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate Dodecahydrate-Lauric-Palmitic Acid Used for Indoor Energy Storage Floor Units

Organic and inorganic phase change materials(PCMs) are considered potential materials for thermal energy storage(TES) with different phase change characteristics. In this study, a novel organic-inorganic composite phase change material(PCM) called disodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate-lauric-palmitic acid(D-LA-PACM) was prepared. Expanded graphite(EG) was selected as the support material, and the novel organic-inorganic form-stable PCM called D-LA-PAPCM/EG was prepared using the vacuum adsorption method. Differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, leakage testing, melting and solidification cycle testing, thermal conductivity testing, scanning electron microscopy observation of the micromorphology, and other characterization methods were used to study the microstructure and morphology, thermal physical parameters, thermal conductivity, stability of the PCMs, and the comprehensive material properties of D-LA-PAPCM under the composite action of EG. Results indicated that the melting and freezing temperatures and latent heats of D-LA-PAPCM/EG were measured to be 31.6℃ and 34.3℃ and 142.9 and 142.8 J/g, respectively. Although some of the lauric-palmitic acid(LA-PA) and disodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate(DHPD) separated in the multiple porous structures of EG after 1000 cycles, they could still absorb and release latent heats independently, with D-LA-PAPCM/EG still exhibiting good thermal stability. The thermal conductivity of D-LA-PAPCM/EG was 1.361 W/(m·K). Therefore, the material and thermal properties of the prepared D-LA-PAPCM/EG indicate that it could be well used as a feasible material for energy-saving phase change floor units in indoor TES systems.     

Preparation and properties of caprylic‐nonanoic acid mixture/expanded graphite composite as phase change material for thermal energy storage

To satisfy the application demands for latent heat storage in the temperature range from 5°C to 15°C, an original composite phase change material (PCM), CA‐NA/EG (caprylic‐nonanoic acid/expanded graphite), was prepared and characterized. For CA‐NA/EG, the mass ratio of CA and NA was 8:2, and the mass percentage of the CA‐NA in CA‐NA/EG composite PCM was determined as 90% by leakage test. The melting and freezing points of the CA‐NA/EG were 6.84°C and 9.34°C, and corresponding latent heats were 108.75 kJ/kg and 107.67 kJ/kg. In addition, its thermal conductivity, thermal stability and reliability were investigated by thermal conductivity apparatus (TCA), thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA), and accelerated thermal cycle test for 100 melt/freeze cycles, respectively. The results showed that the CA‐NA/EG had a good thermal stability and an excellent thermal reliability. Moreover, the thermal conductivity of CA‐NA/EG had an improvement of 25% than that of the CA‐NA. On the other hand, the accelerated thermal cycle test also indicated that the CA‐NA/EG had no supercooling during all melt/freeze cycles. Therefore, the prepared composite PCM, CA‐NA/EG, can be applied for low‐temperature thermal energy storage owing to its proper melting temperature, acceptable latent heat and thermal conductivity, excellent thermal stability and reliability.     

Thermal property measurement and heat transfer analysis of acetamide and acetamide/expanded graphite composite phase change material for solar heat storage

As a phase change material (PCM), acetamide (AC) can be a potential candidate for energy storage application in the active solar systems. Its utilization is however hampered by poor thermal conductivity. In this work, AC/expanded graphite (EG) composite PCM with 10 wt% (mass fraction) EG as the effective heat transfer promoter was prepared; its thermal properties were studied and compared with those of pure AC. Transient hot-wire tests showed that the addition of 10 wt% EG led to about five-fold increase in thermal conductivity. Investigations using a differential scanning calorimeter revealed that the melting/freezing points shifted from 66.95/42.46 °C for pure AC to 65.91/65.52 °C for AC/EG composite, and the latent heat decreased from 194.92 to 163.71 kJ kg⁻¹. In addition, heat storage and retrieval tests in a latent thermal energy storage unit showed that the heat storage and retrieval durations were reduced by 45% and 78%, respectively. Further numerical investigations demonstrated that the less improvement in heat transfer rate during the storage process could be attributed to the weakened natural convection in liquid (melted) AC because of the presence of EG.     

Hydrophilic expanded graphite–magnesium nitrate hexahydrate composite phase change materials: Understanding the effect of hydrophilic modification on thermophysical properties

Expanded graphite (EG) has shown excellent performances in compression resilience, thermal conductivity, and adsorption ability. EG can adsorb liquid phase change materials (PCMs) mainly because of capillary action; however, EG is hydrophobic, which makes it less compatible with hydrated salts. Herein, hydrophilic EG (HEG) was prepared with Triton X‐100 (TX‐100) as surface modifier. The HEG–magnesium nitrate hexahydrate (HEG‐MNH) composite as a PCM was investigated for thermal energy storage (TES) to understand the effect of hydrophilic modification on thermophysical properties. The powder‐state HEG is added into MNH to prepare HEG‐MNH composite PCM, which contains 1.71 wt% of TX‐100, 7.29 wt% of EG, and 91.00 wt% of MNH by control variable method. The melting point and latent heat of HEG‐MNH composite PCM were 89.05°C and 137.28 J/g, respectively. The endothermic enthalpy change of HEG‐MNH composite PCM only decreased by 0.90%, along with the exothermic values of HEG‐MNH composite that increased by 3.80% after 100 cycles. The thermal conductivity is higher 5.17 times than that of the pure MNH. Our work suggests that the HEG‐MNH composite PCM has a great potential to be used as a PCM for TES.     

High Density Polyethylene/Paraffin Composites as Form-stable Phase Change Material for Thermal Energy Storage

Abstract

This article focuses on the preparation and thermo-physical properties of paraffin/high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites as form-stable solid-liquid phase change material (PCM) for thermal energy storage. In the paraffin/HDPE blend, the paraffin (P) dispersed into the HDPE serves as a latent heat storage material when the HDPE, as a supporting material, prevents the melted paraffin leakage thanks to its structural strength. Therefore, this type composite is form-stable and can be used as a PCM without encapsulation for thermal energy storage. In this study, two paraffins with melting temperatures of 48°C–50°C and 63°C–65°C were used. The mass percentages of paraffins in the composites could go high as 76% without any seepage of the paraffin in melted state. The dispersion of the paraffin into the network of the solid HDPE was investigated using scanning electronic microscope (SEM). The melting temperatures and latent heats of the form-stable P1/HDPE and P2/HDPE composite PCMs were determined as 44.32°C and 61.66°C, and 179.63 and 198.14 Jg^?1, by the technique of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of the composite PCMs were improved as about 33.3% for the P1/HDPE and 52.3% for the P2/HDPE by introducing the expanded and exfoliated graphite to the samples in the ratio of 3 wt%. The results reveal that the prepared form-stable composite PCMs have great potential for thermal energy storage applications in terms of their satisfactory thermal properties, improved thermal conductivity and cost-efficiency because of no encapsulation for enhancing heat transfer in paraffin.     

Latent heat energy storage characteristics of building composites of bentonite clay and pumice sand with different organic PCMs

In the present work, six new kinds of building composite PCMs (BCPCMs), PS/octadecane, BC/octadecane, PS/CA–MA, BC/CA–MA, PS/PEG1000, and BC/PEG1000 composites, were prepared by using vacuum impregnation method. The maximum percent of PCM in the composites was assigned to be 12, 13, 18, 23, 30, and 42 wt%, respectively. The form‐stable BCPCMs were characterized using SEM, FT‐IR, DSC, and TG analysis techniques. The characterization results showed the existence of homogenous dispersion of the PCM into the PBM matrixes. The DSC measurements indicated that the melting temperatures of the form‐stable BCPCMs are in the range of 20–33°C while they have latent heats of melting in the range of about 28–55 J/g. These results make them promising BCPCMs for low temperature‐passive TES applications in buildings. Thermal cycling test indicated that the prepared BCPCMs have good thermal reliability and chemical stability. TG analysis proved that the prepared BCPCMs have good thermal durability. In addition, the thermal conductivity of BCPCMs was enhanced considerably by addition of expanded graphite (EG). The improvement in thermal conductivity of the BCPCMs caused appreciably reduction in their melting times. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

石墨泡沫/共晶盐复合相变材料制备

选择KNO3/NaNO3二元体系按照质量比4∶6制备共晶盐,对共晶盐进行了熔点及熔化潜热的测量;将石墨泡沫这一新型材料作为强化基体,共晶盐作为相变材料（PCM）,采用熔融浸渗法制备了适用于太阳能热发电系统储能装置的石墨泡沫/共晶盐复合相变材料。采用扫描电镜对复合相变材料表面的微观结构进行了表征,并对其熔点、潜热、等效导热系数等热物性参数进行了测试。结果表明：共晶盐与石墨泡沫复合效果比较理想;复合前后共晶盐的熔点和潜热几乎没有发生变化;复合相变材料的等效导热系数得到了显著提升,石墨泡沫对相变材料起到了导热强化作用,满足高温蓄热的要求。     

Thermal conductivity improvement of stearic acid using expanded graphite and carbon fiber for energy storage applications

The influence of expanded graphite (EG) and carbon fiber (CF) as heat diffusion promoters on thermal conductivity improvement of stearic acid (SA), as a phase change material (PCM), was evaluated. EG and CF in different mass fractions (2%, 4%, 7%, and 10%) were added to SA, and thermal conductivities of SA/EG and SA/CF composites were measured by using hot-wire method. An almost linear relationship between mass fractions of EG and CF additives, and thermal conductivity of SA was found. Thermal conductivity of SA (0.30 W/mK) increased by 266.6% (206.6%) by adding 10% mass fraction EG (CF). The improvement in thermal conductivity of SA was also experimentally tested by comparing melting time of the pure SA with that of SA/EG and SA/CF composites. The results indicated that the melting times of composite PCMs were reduced significantly with respect to that of pure SA. Furthermore, the latent heat capacities of the SA/EG and SA/CF (90/10 wt%) composite PCMs were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique and compared with that of pure SA. On the basis of all results, it was concluded that the use of EG and CF can be considered an effective method to improve thermal conductivity of SA without reducing much its latent heat storage capacity.     

Thermal conductivity enhancement of form-stable phase-change composites by milling of expanded graphite,micro-capsules and polyethylene

Structured form-stable phase change composites were prepared by wet milling and hot-compaction of microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM), expanded graphite (EG) and high density polyethylene (HDPE). In the composites, MPCM serves as a latent heat storage material, EG as a heat transfer promoting agent and HDPE as a matrix. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) characterization reveals that MPCM particles kept undamaged with a uniform dispersion in the composites. Thermal conductivity of the composites with 20 wt% EG loaded could be enhanced by 22 times compared to HDPE/MPCM composites without EG. And thermal conductivity of the composite could be increased by 10 times at a loading of 10 wt% EG.     

Phase change material impregnated wood for passive thermal management of timber buildings

The Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) sapwood was impregnated with the eutectic mixture of capric acid (CA) and stearic acid (SA) as phase change material (PCM) via vacuum process for passive thermoregulation in timber buildings. The hygroscopic properties, mechanical properties, thermal energy storage (TES) characteristics and lab-scale thermo-regulative performance of wood/CA-SA composite were evaluated. The produced composite from PCM was morphologically and physico-chemically characterized by SEM, FT-IR and XRD analysis. Thermal energy storage (TES) properties, cycling chemical/thermal reliability, and thermal degradation stability of the produced composite were determined by TG/DTA and DSC analysis. The hygroscopic tests revealed that the wood/CA-SA composite showed low water absorption (WA) and high anti-swelling efficiency (ASE) after 264 hours in water. Wood treatment with CA-SA increased the bending and compression strength of wood. TG/DTA data demonstrated that the wood/CA-SA composite left higher residue of 10.31% at 800°C than that of wood with 6.87%. The DSC measurements showed that the obtained wood/CA-SA composite had a good TES capacity of about 94 J/g at 23.94°C. The cycling DSC results confirmed the eutectic PCM in wood indicated high chemical stability and storage/release reliability even though it was run 600 times melt/freeze. According to thermal performance test, the wood/CA-SA composite has ability of storing excess heat in the environment and preventing the heat flow to the environment. It can be concluded that the fabricated wood/CA-SA composite can be used for indoor temperature regulation and energy saving in timber buildings.     

Lauric and myristic acids eutectic mixture as phase change material for low‐temperature heating applications

Lauric acid (m.p.: 42.6°C) and myristic acid (m.p.: 52.2°C) are phase change materials (PCM) having quite high melting points which can limit their use in low‐temperature solar applications such as solar space heating and greenhouse heating. However, their melting temperatures can be tailored to appropriate value by preparing a eutectic mixture of lauric acid (LA) and myristic acid (MA). In the present study, the thermal analysis based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique shows that the mixture of 66.0 wt% LA forms a eutectic mixture having melting temperature of 34.2°C and the latent heat of fusion of 166.8 J g^?1. This study also considers the experimental establishment of thermal characteristics of the eutectic PCM in a vertical concentric pipe‐in‐pipe heat storage system. Thermal performance of the PCM was evaluated with respect to the effect of inlet temperature and mass flow rate of the heat transfer fluid on those characteristics during the heat charging and discharging processes. The DSC thermal analysis and the experimental results indicate that the LA–MA eutectic PCM can be potential material for low‐temperature solar energy storage applications in terms of its thermo‐physical and thermal characteristics. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

PolyHIPE composite based-form stable phase change material for thermal energy storage

A novel shape-stabilized n-hexadecane/polyHIPE composite phase change material (PCM) was designed and thermal energy storage properties were determined. Porous carbon-based frameworks were produced by polymerization of styrene-based high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) in existence of the surface modified montmorillonite nanoclay. The morphological and mechanical properties of the obtained polyHIPEs were investigated by scanning electron microscopy analysis and the compression test, respectively. The polyHIPE composite with the best pore morphology and the highest compression modulus was determined as a framework to prepare the form stable n-hexadecane/polyHIPE composite phase change material using the one-step impregnation method. The chemical structure and morphologic property of composite PCM was investigated by FT-IR and polarized optical microscopy analysis. Thermal stability of the form-stable PCM (FSPCM) was examined by TG analysis. The n-hexadecane fraction engaged into the carbon foam skeleton was found of as 55 wt% from TG curve. differential scanning calorimetry analysis was used for determining melting temperature and latent heat storage capacity of FSPCM and these values were determined as (26.36°C) and (143.41 J/g), respectively. The results indicated that the obtained composite material (FSPCM) has a considerable potential for low temperature (18°C-30°C) thermal energy storage applications with its thermal energy storage capacity, appropriate phase change temperatures and high thermal stability.     

Thermal properties and characterization of palmitic acid/nano silicon dioxide/graphene nanoplatelet for thermal energy storage

Palmitic acid (PA), nano silicon dioxide (nano SiO₂), and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were fabricated to composite phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage. PA acted as PCM, nano SiO₂ was used as supporting material. GNP as thermal conductivity promoter was added to modify composite PCM. Nano SiO₂ has good adsorption property and can adsorb liquid PCM to prevent leakage. Leakage measurement indicated that PA maximum content in composite PCM is 70 wt%. Chemical and crystal structures, and microstructure of composite PCM were tested by Fourier transformation infrared spectroscope, X-ray diffractometer and scanning electronic microscope, which showed that the raw materials are well mixed by physical action. Differential scanning calorimeter result presented that composite PCM possess phase change temperature at about 60°C and latent heat of 128.42 kJ/kg. Thermogravimetric analyzer and thermal cycle experiment showed that composite PCM have outstanding thermal stability and durability. Thermal conductivity apparatus measurement results indicated that thermal conductivity of composite PCM with 5 wt% GNP is 1.65 times that of composite PCM without GNP. Therefore, this composite PCM are potential materials for thermal energy storage.     

Preparation of capric acid/halloysite nanotube composite as form-stable phase change material for thermal energy storage

A novel form-stable composite as phase change material (PCM) for thermal energy storage was prepared by absorbing capric acid (CA) into halloysite nanotube (HNT). The composite PCM was characterized by TEM, FT-IR and DSC analysis techniques. The composite can contain capric acid as high as 60 wt% and maintain its original shape perfectly without any CA leakage after subjected to 50 melt-freeze cycles. The melting temperature and latent heat of composite (CA/HNT: 60/40 wt%) were determined as 29.34 °C and 75.52 J/g by DSC. Graphite (G) was added into the composite to improve thermal storage performance and the thermal storage and release rates were increased by 1.8 times and 1.7 times compared with the composite without graphite, respectively. Due to its high adsorption capacity of CA, high heat storage capacity, good thermal stability, low cost and simple preparation method, the composite can be considered as cost-effective latent heat storage material for practical applications such as solar energy storage, building energy conservation and agricultural greenhouse in the near future.