Abstract:

Microcapsules containing n-eicosane with sodium alginates as shell were prepared by hole-coagulation bath. Surface morphology and thermal properties of N-eicosane/ sodium alginates phase change microcapsules were characterized using optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results indicate that the optimum preparation conditions of n-eicosane/ sodium alginates microcapsules as follow: the mass fraction of sodium alginate is 2.5 %, the mass fraction of CaCl2 is 7.0 % and the mass ratio of core and shell materials is 1:3. Under the optimal conditions, spherical microcapsules have smooth surfaces. The average diameter of microcapsule is 56.7 μm and the latent heat of phase change is 117.3 J/g. The microcapsules have excellent thermal properties, and thermoregulation performance of the fabric is remarkable improved.