Synergistic Effects of Heated Walnut Shell Powder and Reduced Graphene Oxide in Paraffin Wax Composites for Marine Thermal Applications

Abstract

The study focuses on creating and analyzing paraffin wax composites enriched with heated walnut shell powder and reduced graphene oxide nanoparticles. Experimental procedures include careful blending of materials to form homogeneous mixtures, followed by analysis using techniques such as thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The composites show improved thermal properties compared to pure paraffin wax, with increased melting temperatures, heat of fusion, and thermal conductivity. The study also examines density and thermal diffusivity, providing insights into thermal behavior. Additionally, it ensures the corrosion resistance of nano-enhanced bio-based phase change materials (PCMs) for marine engineering through thorough material selection, corrosion testing, and long-term exposure studies simulating seawater conditions. The study evaluates environmental impacts, toxicity, and compliance with standards and proposes mitigation strategies like protective coatings and encapsulation techniques. Overall, the research contributes to developing environmentally sustainable PCM materials for marine applications and offers insights into their thermal behavior for thermal energy storage and management.