Novel Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer rubber panels filled with Phase Change Material and expanded graphite for energy efficiency of buildings

Engineering notes

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Chinese explanation / 中文解读

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Original abstract

The integration of organic Phase Change Materials (PCMs) in building walls has become essential to surpassing the limitations of conventional insulation. Within this scope, we developed novel Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer (EPDM) composite materials incorporating paraffin as PCM. To achieve this, Expanded Graphite (EG) was introduced via a preliminary vacuum impregnation process. This carbonaceous filler acts as a multifunctional support, ensuring shape stability and enhancing the structural integrity of the rubber matrix. The resulting composites exhibit an outstanding melting enthalpy of 167 J/g—a record-high value for EPDM-based systems within the 22–31 °C range—while the percolative EG network raises thermal conductivity to 1.7 W/m·K (a ten-fold increase over the neat PCM). Dynamic thermal tests in a climatic chamber confirmed a significant thermal lag and the ability to dampen temperature peaks effectively. Furthermore, mechanical characterization at 21 °C and 40 °C demonstrated that the panels maintain a compressive strength exceeding 0.1 MPa even when the PCM is molten, ensuring structural reliability during storage and transport. In summary, leveraging a superior synergy between heat storage and thermal transport validated by Figure of Merit (FoM) analysis, these novel PCM/EG-based panels offer a high-performance solution for passive cooling applications in sustainable architecture.

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