Design and evaluation of MOF‐containing PCM materials for energy storage in textile applications

This study focuses on the successful incorporation of stearyl methacrylate (SMA)/glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) copolymer, together with paraffin, into metal–organic framework (MOF) structures. These structures were prepared using a simple and cost‐effective process as an alternative to challenging process conditions such as encapsulation. One of the biggest issues encountered in phase change materials (PCMs), the leakage problem, has been effectively eliminated thanks to this MOF structure. Results showed that the melting enthalpy increased from 50 to 119 J/g by increasing the amount of polymer and paraffin in the ZIF‐NH₂ structure. It was observed that the PCMs applied to textiles exhibited resistance to flow at elevated temperatures. As a result of epoxy‐amine reactions between the polymer and ZIF‐NH₂, covalent binding was achieved on the textile surface, and no leakage was detected when the fabrics were heated up to 90°C at specific compositions. The incorporation of regular glycidyl functional groups into the structure facilitates their attachment to the textile surface without requiring additional components. In contrast, the long stearyl groups significantly enhance the thermal energy storage capacity. With a contact angle above 100°, the PCM coating also contributed to the formation of a hydrophobic fabric surface. These materials provide thermal comfort by dynamically responding to environmental temperature changes. This feature enables their use in smart textile applications as functional textile products requiring energy management.

Highlights

ZIF/poly(GMA‐co‐SMA) based PCMs were prepared.