Organic thermochromic material : PNIPAM hydrogel

• Main Author: Hoong, Jessie Chu Xian
• Other Authors: Long Yi
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Materials::Material testing and characterization
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/66334
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In recent years, the rapid increase in the energy consumption around the world has raised environmental concerns and therefore, sustainable alternative solutions must be implemented to curb this problem. N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) hydrogel is a thermochromic phase change material (PCM) which is able to undergo reversible and significant microstructure transformation without external controls. Despite the extensive study previously conducted on PNIPAM hydrogel, little has been done in quantifying its effectiveness in energy saving applications such as solar control modulation control. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of the fabricated PNIPAM hydrogel in terms of its solar modulating ability in simulated indoors and outdoors conditions to obtain an accurate representation of its actual working mechanism. The hydrogel films were adhered on a glass box and the temperature of the glass box’s surfaces were measured. The experiment was repeated and compared with a water bag, as well as with a water bag and hydrogel film. Characterization techniques were utilized for the investigation of the hydrogel’s properties and morphology as well. Experimental findings revealed that PNIPAM hydrogel is an excellent material for solar modulation purposes due to its high solar transmittance at low temperature and low transmittance profile at temperature above its Low Critical Solution Temperature (LCST) at 32ºC. Further studies can be conducted over a prolonged period for significant results as well as to emulate the response whose condition is closer to real-life scenarios in order to verify the effectiveness of PNIPAM hydrogel as an ideal material for energy saving applications.