Waste-Oil Phase Change Capsules

Ready-to-Use Energy Saving

Converts waste cooking oil into highly stable phase-change energy-storage units that can be directly mixed into concrete to regulate indoor temperature fluctuations.

Dongyu, Chen · Chen, Meizhu · Zhou, Xiangming · Jian, Shouwei · Zhang, Jianwei · Yang, Xinkui · Zhao, Yuechao

Journal of Cleaner Production 2025

Specifications

Capsule compressive strength

{'zh': '26.29', 'en': '26.29'} N

Thermal decomposition onset

{'zh': '200', 'en': '200'} °C

Phase change enthalpy

{'zh': '68.86', 'en': '68.86'} J/g

Phase change temperature

{'zh': '20.1', 'en': '20.1'} °C

Concrete compressive strength

{'zh': '8.13', 'en': '8.13'} MPa

Temperature fluctuation reduction

{'zh': '3.6', 'en': '3.6'} °C

Advantages

High thermal stability

Thermal decomposition onset above 200°C with 40% mass loss ensures safety within building temperature ranges.

High heat storage

Phase change enthalpy of 68.86 J/g and temperature of 20.1°C provide high energy storage density near room temperature.

No strength sacrifice

With 3wt% capsules, compressive strength remains above 8.13 MPa, exceeding minimum requirements, while reducing temperature fluctuation by 3.6°C.

Applications

• Building Energy Saving：Mix into wall materials to cut HVAC energy use.
• Phase Change Materials：Replace costly commercial PCMs with waste-oil-derived high-enthalpy capsules.
• Concrete Engineering：Directly add to foamed concrete without sacrificing mechanical strength.
• Waste Recycling：Upcycle kitchen waste oil into functional fillers.