Synthsis and characterization of UF/paraffin PCM microcapsules

Phase change microcapsules were synthesized by in-situ polymerization using urea-formaldehyde resin(UF) as shell material and paraffin as core material.The formation of the microcapsules was observed using optical microscopy.The ssurface morphology and the wall thickness of the microcapsules were characterized using scanning electron microscopy.Chemical structures of the microcapsule composition were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.The results show that urea-formaldehyde resin can effectively capsulize an organic material of paraffin.During the phase change of the paraffin,the microcapsules can store and release energy.They can be used to design new types of energy storage materials.