The objective of this project is to experimentally investigate drying (i.e. increase in energy efficiency) of moist porous media in the presence of Phase Change Materials (PCM). The focus is to determine the impact of PCM on the thermal and mechanical properties of paper. Two cases will be considered: a thin layer of PCM and dispersed micro PCM. Expected controlling parameters include PCM properties (i.e., proper tuning), PCM layer versus PCM distributed, PCM layer thickness and concentration of distributed PCM, paper thickness/basis weight, paper type (fiber type, refined, unrefined), and drying conditions.
J. Yagoobi