Form-Stable Phase Change Material Integrated with PVA/CMC-Na Hydrogel for 5 °C Cold Chain Logistics

The rapid development of cold chain logistics has generated a strong demand for high-performance phase change materials (PCMs). In this study, a composite PCM (CPCM) applicable to 5 °C cold chain logistics, integrated with PVA/CMC-Na hydrogel to maintain form stability, is developed. N-Tetradecane and water are employed as the primary cold storage media in the composite. Span 80, Tween 80 and borax are introduced into the composite as homogenizing agents and supercooling depressant, respectively. The main preparation steps of the CPCM include aqueous phase preparation, emulsifier compounding, oil-phase preparation, blending, homogenization, and molding, in sequence. Experimental results demonstrate that the CPCM exhibits a phase transition temperature of 0–5 °C, a latent heat of 236.2 J/g, a supercooling degree of no more than 0.5 °C, and a volume expansion ratio of 3%. Therefore, the CPCM is able to satisfy the cold storage demand for cold chain transportation with a target temperature of approximately 5 °C, and can serve as a superior-performance alternative to the PCMs currently used for similar applications in the market.