Sustainable and Shape-Stabilized Phase Change Material based on Polyamide 12/N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dodecanamide via Thermally Induced Phase Separation.

To promote sustainable energy storage, bio-based phase change materials (PCMs) are being explored as alternatives to traditional paraffin-based PCMs relying on fossil feedstock. The coconut oil derivate N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dodecanamide (BHD or Lauric DEA) is evaluated as a bio-based PCM with a high latent heat capacity of 143 J g-1 and a melting point of 32-38 °C. Using a thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) method with small amounts of polyamide 12 (PA12), shape-stable, non-leakage PCMs are produced in a single cooling step. The encapsulated BHD within PA12 scaffolds retains a latent heat of 111 J g-1, ensuring structural integrity and usability across 100 thermal cycles. High-BHD content (up to 95 m%) PCMs show shape stability and mechanical recyclability, making them ideal for sustainable energy applications. Thermal properties, PA12 scaffold morphology, and temperature stability are characterized, while the addition of carbon fillers demonstrated faster heat transfer and morphological control. The resulting materials offer significant potential for thermal management applications, including integration into wall systems, water tanks, and other custom thermal solutions.