Sustainable PEG ‐Based Shape‐Stabilized Phase Change Materials Using Raw Pine Cone as a Low‐Cost Filler and Graphite for Enhanced Thermal Conductivity

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the development of a novel shape‐stabilized phase change material (ssPCM). Pinecone (PC) powder, a low‐cost and sustainable lignocellulosic support, was combined with polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) as the phase change material (PCM). Graphite was incorporated to enhance thermal conductivity, minimize leakage, and improve shape stability. Thermophysical properties were evaluated to assess the potential of these ssPCM as thermal energy storage (TES) materials. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to verify the chemical compatibility among components, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG) to evaluate thermal stability and decomposition behavior. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were conducted to investigate the structure of the PC support and its influence on ssPCMs. Density was measured using a thermomechanical analyzer (TMA), while thermal diffusivity was determined with a laser flash apparatus (LFA). Among the prepared composites, 80% PEG, 10% G, 10% PC showed the most promising thermal storage performance, with a latent heat of 153.7 kJ/kg by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and 207.3 kJ/kg by the T‐history method. Preliminary results suggest that these ssPCM offer a cost‐effective and reliable solution for TES applications, combining eco‐friendly materials with enhanced thermal, structural, and thermophysical performance.