Optimizing the interface compatibility of transparent wood for green phase-change thermal storage

Abstract

Phase-change transparent wood (TW/DO-OTS) has the characteristics of energy storage, light transmission and regulates environmental temperature by absorbing or releasing energy during the phase-change process, in line with the double carbon goal. This research proposes an optimization of the interfacial compatibility of TW/DO-OTS, aiming to further improve the photothermal performance and mechanical strength of the samples. The wood templates were obtained by removing lignin in the wood, then the wood templates were modified by octadecyl trichlorosilane (OTS) solution, and finally TW/DO-OTS was prepared by introducing dodecanol/epoxy resin (DO/EP). The setting of OTS processing parameters is the key step of interface optimization, which is determined by single-factor experiment and response surface method. The TW/DO-OTS obtained through interface optimization has the transmittance of 92.50%, the melting temperature of 25.54 °C, and the melting latent heat of 88.96 J/g. It has good dimensional stability and high tensile strength. The energy storage of TW/DO-OTS is jointly provided by dodecanol inside the wood cell cavity and the cell wall. This wood-based green composite with light temperature responsiveness will become an ideal material choice for energy-saving buildings, temperature sensors, and cold chain transportation packaging in the future.