Hydroxypropyl cellulose-based esters for thermal energy storage by grafting with palmitic-stearic binary acids

Fatty acid mixed esters (i.e., HPCMEs) with the onset phase change temperature around 32 °C were successfully synthesized by grafting palmitic-stearic binary acids (PA-SA) onto hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC). The effects of reaction time, reaction temperature, initial ratio of reactants, and stirring speed on grafting ratio (GR) were explored. Characterizations by FTIR, 1 H NMR, DSC, and TGA were also performed to investigate their structure, thermal storage, and decomposition behavior. The results reveal that the prepared HPCMEs as thermoplastic copolymers exhibit high enthalpies, good repeatability, and enhanced thermal resistance properties. With the introduction of HPC rigid skeletons, gradual volatilization of fatty acids during use is well solved. The prepared HPCMEs thus are expected to have wide prospects for thermal energy storage owing to their proper phase change temperatures and excellent integrated performance. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 44949.