Emulsion-electrospinning n-octadecane/silk composite fiber as environmental-friendly form-stable phase change materials

The ultrafine n-octadecane/silk composite fibers as form-stable phase change materials were successfully developed by the emulsion-electrospinning method. The effect of n-octadecane content in the emulsion on the morphology and thermal energy storage capacity of the composite fibers were scientifically investigated. Scanning electron microscopy images show that the composite fibers display cylindrical shape with smooth surface and uniform diameter. Differential scanning calorimetry results demonstrate that the composite fibers exhibit reversible phase transition behavior, high thermal energy storage capacity, and good thermal reliability. Meanwhile, the composite fibers exhibit the capability to regulate their interior temperature as the ambient temperature alters according to the thermo-infrared images. In addition, the composite fibers are friendly to the environment due to the biodegradability of silk. Therefore, the n-octadecane /silk composite fibers have the great potential application of serving as form-stable phase change materials for thermal energy storage and thermal regulation. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45538.