Overview of Encapsulated Phase Change Materials for Thermal Runaway Control

Abstract

The design and manufacturing of phase change materials for thermal energy and thermal runaway studies increased tremendously over the last years. A major attention is given to thermal runaway, especially in these years where biomass reactors are extremely necessary and at the forefront of research attention. In this short review paper, several aspects were summarized in terms of materials, methods, and properties of the encapsulated phase change materials identified in the most recent flux of published work. Also, the equipment employed for the properties measurement are depicted and this is a very important matter when it comes to the experiment accuracy and repeatability. This short overview is expected to provide a good groundwork for the design and research approach of encapsulated phase change materials for avoiding thermal runaway and for controlling exothermal chemical reactions in a number of applications. As a general conclusion, few classes of phase change materials were identified as possible to be used, together with some recommendations.