Multifunctional Phase Change Materials

Kinga Pielichowska is an associate professor in the Department of Biomaterials and Composites at the AGH University of Science and Technology. In 2004 she obtained her PhD on polyether-based phase change materials for thermal energy storage. Her academic research interests are focused on polymer chemistry and technology as well as nanotechnology, particularly in the areas of phase transition and thermal degradation of polymeric materials studied by advanced thermal analysis methods, polymeric phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage and polymer (nano)composites for biomedical applications. She has (co)authored more than 90 publications in peer-reviewed international journals and several book chapters. She is an academic editor in ‘Advances in Polymer Technology’ (Wiley-Hindawi journal) and member of the Polish Society for Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, and the Polish Society of Biomaterials. Professor Krzysztof Pielichowski, head of Department of Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Cracow University of Technology, is an expert in polymer (nano)technology and chemistry, particularly in the areas of polymer nanocomposites with engineering polymers and hybrid organic-inorganic materials containing POSS. Prof. Pielichowski is currently performing a research programme in the area of preparation of engineering polymer nanocomposites with improved thermal and mechanical properties for construction applications.

• 1. Introduction2. Thermal energy storage methods3. PCMs classification4. Low and high temperature PCMs5. Multifunctional PCMs6. Encapsulation and packing of PCMs7. Shape stabilized and form stable PCMs8. PCMs in biomedical applications 9. Smart textiles with PCMs for thermoregulation10. Electric and electronic applications11. PCMs in buildings12. PCMs in chemical and process engineering (thermal (nano)fluids, heat pumps, water tanks, etc.) 13. Cooling packing and cold energy storage14. Fire retarded PCMs15. Future trends16. Conclusions