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4 Results and Discussion
layer and it consists of a thermal conductive lining on one side and a high moisture
vapour transmission lining on the other side.
4.1.2 Paraffinic Phase Change Material
The SEM images of the cross section and the surface morphology of the PCM
materials (i.e. PCM non-woven, PCM foam, PCM fabric and the PCM composite)
are shown in Fig. 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.14, 4.15 and 4.16.
4.1.2.1 PCM-Coated Non-woven Material
The cross section of the PCM-coated non-woven material as obtained by the SEM
is shown in Fig. 4.5. The PCM microcapsules were predominantly shown on the top
of the non-woven layer. The cross section also shows the random distribution of the
fibres in the non-woven structure.
Figure 4.6 shows the SEM image (front view) of the PCM-coated non-woven
material. The PCM microcapsules were distinctly observed in clusters on the surface
of the non-woven material.
Figure 4.7 shows the SEM image (back view) of the PCM-coated non-woven
material. The PCM microcapsules were also observed on the back surface of the
non-woven material, as the cross section of the material is very thin.
Clusters of PCM microcapsules on
top of the nonwoven material
Fibres in the nonwoven structure
Fig. 4.5 SEM image of PCM-coated non-woven material (cross section)