PLA/Boron nitride blending as support materials to fabricate PEG based form stable phase change materials

In order to achieve high thermal conductivity, anti-leakage and sustainable phase change materials (PCM), in this study we selected polylactic acid (PLA), classic organic phase change material work substance, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and high-performance thermal conductive filler Boron Nitride (BN) to obtain pellets of PCM composites through classical melting processing and mixing. Phase change composites of different shapes and sizes are then prepared through hot pressing molding. The phase change behavior, thermal stability, thermal conductivity and flame retardant properties of the materials were evaluated and analyzed. The results show that the presence of BN significantly improves the phase change cycle stability, and the thermal conductivity is also significantly improved (from 0.246 to 0.879 W/(m\(\:\bullet\:\)K)). Furthermore, the phase change enthalpy value is about 70 J/g and it is confirmed that the introduction of BN can also adjust the flame-retardant performance to a certain extent. Specifically, when the amount of BN (10 wt%) is appropriate, the candle wick effect leads to a decrease in flame retardancy. On the other hand, when BN is increased to 20 wt%, its effective heat and mass transfer barrier performance is improved. Furthermore, 3D printing technology has been employed for surface modification and to enhance the photothermal conversion rate of the material. This work lays an experimental foundation for the sustainable development and advanced manufacturing of PCM phase change composites, such as 3D printing.