Reversible thermochromic phase change energy storage bamboo-plastic composite for application in construction field

Smart response materials have gradually become a research hotspot for architectural furniture, among which, thermochromic materials with phase-change heat storage and color change function constitute the most reliable, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing class. In this study, tannic acid (TA)-modified bamboo powder/high-density polyethylene was used as the matrix. The reversible thermochromic material (TBC) was impregnated into diatomaceous (DE) to prepare DE/TBC composite materials with reversible thermochromic phase change energy storage. Phase-change reversible thermochromic bamboo-plastic (TF-X) composites were fabricated via hot-pressing. DE/TBC presented good heat storage capacity (122.8 J·g⁻¹) and color changing capacity(E＞40), and with the increase in the ratio of DE/TBC, the temperature-controlled energy storage and color changing capacity of TF-X became stronger. Addition of TA led to the improvement in the flexural and tensile properties of TF-X over those of reversible discoloration-causing bamboo–plastic composites without TA, and the mildew-resistance rating of TF-X remained at 1 at the seventh day. Moreover, the color change-based intelligent response system developed in this study was able to realize the real-time warning about potential temperature-related issues. The temperature control performance of TF-X is also studied. Briefly, these processing techniques provide theoretical reference and practical foundation for the promotion of reversible color-changing bamboo–plastic composites in the field of construction and furniture materials.