| A new class of polymer blends is developed which, upon temperature increase, exhibits relatively high latent heat storage capacity without any major loss of mechanical characteristics. Based on a comprehensive investigations of numerous polymer systems, a blend was developed comprising of low-melt-temperature thermoplastic finely dispersed within a thermoset matrix. The thermoset matrix envelopes the fine thermoplastic particles and minimizes the adverse affect of their softening and melting on the overall blend behavior. At the same time, the fine thermoplastic particles retain their high latent heat storage capacity associated with their melting process. With proper selection of the low melt temperature thermoplastic, the polymer blend can provide relatively high levels of latent heat storage capacity within room temperature. Composites of such polymer blends reinforced with discrete fibers and processed through compression molding provide viable alternatives to gypsum board for interior sheathing of building walls. Replacement of gypsum board with such polymer blend composites can lead to major savings in heating and cooling energy requirements of buildings. |
