Preparation of PUF/SiO ₂ aerogel composite phase change materials and its thermal management performance

In order to expand the application of silica (SiO 2 ) aerogel in the field of building energy conservation, a novel polyurethane foam (PUF)/SiO 2 aerogel composite phase change material (PFS) was developed by combining it with PUF and phase change microcapsules (PCM) via a synergistic combination of vacuum filtration, in-situ gelation, and freeze-drying technology. The organic-inorganic composite porous structure was successfully constructed, and the stable loading of phase change microcapsules was realized. Moreover, the effects of PCM loading on the structure and properties of composite phase change materials were systematically investigated. The results show that when the PCM loading is 2.5 mL, the composite phase change material has the lowest thermal conductivity and the best heat storage-release performance. The phase change enthalpy value is 317.3 J/g, and it also shows good flame retardant and smoke suppression characteristics. The material integrates high efficiency heat insulation, heat storage and temperature regulation and excellent fire resistance, which provides a novel technical path for the development of materials in the field of building energy conservation.