Characterization of rigid polyurethane foams containing microencapsulated Rubitherm^® RT27. Part I

Rigid polyurethane foams (RPU foams) and phase change materials (PCMs) are widely used in buildings for thermal insulation and thermal storage, respectively. The combination of both materials could increase energy savings, leading to more energy efficient housing. In this work, PU foams were produced incorporating different percentages of microcapsules containing Rubitherm^® RT27. Microcapsules added to the foam had a high influence on the foaming process and also on the foam properties. It was observed that the increase of foam microcapsules content decreases the final foam height but increases its density and thermal energy storage (TES) capacity. On the other hand, an increase of the foam microcapsules content up to 5 wt% led to decrease the reduced compressive strength (RS) and modulus (RE) in 7 and 25%, respectively. Higher contents had a sharply negative impact on mechanical properties.