STTR Phase I: Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Inclusion for Thermal Conductivity Enhancement of Microencapsulated Phase Change Material Slurry

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project investigates the commercial and technical feasibility of a new microencapsulation process capable of incorporating multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) into microcapsules containing a phase change material (PCM). The main objective is to take advantage of MWCNT exceptional thermal properties to enhance the thermal performance microencapsulated phase change material slurry. The proposed microencapsulation process will produce microcapsule made of epoxy, a suitable paraffin and MWCNTs. The MPCM thermal conductivity will be increased by incorporating MWCNTs which have shown to increase the thermal conductivity of water and other liquids by as much as 38% at very small concentration. The proposed microencapsulation method will have a lasting impact on the entire heat transfer industry. Successful commercialization of the proposed concept will find applications in biomedical, aerospace, homeland security, and energy generation.