Poly(polyethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate) as novel solid‐solid phase change material for thermal energy storage

Abstract Poly(polyethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate) as novel solid–solid phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage was prepared via the facile bulk polymerization of polyethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate and was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, 13C‐NMR, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis measurements. Based on the results, it is indicated that the poly (polyethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate) as novel PCM showed solid–solid properties with suitable transition temperature, high transition enthalpy, and good thermal stability, which was apt to crystallize due to the flexibility of long polyether side chain. This novel PCMs have advantages for the potential application in energy storage. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012