A comprehensive review of form-stable phase change materials in cold chain logistics: encapsulation strategies, thermal conductivity enhancement, and applications

Abstract

Cold chain logistics are of paramount importance for the transportation and storage of temperature-sensitive products, including perishable foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, and biological products. Latent heat cold storage technology, based on phase change materials (PCMs), has garnered significant attention due to its high energy density and environmental sustainability. Researchers have developed form-stable phase change materials (FSPCMs) to address the challenges of low thermal conductivity and leakage in PCMs, by utilizing thermal enhancers and chemical modifications, which are crucial for promoting the widespread application of these materials. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the preparation technologies, thermal conductivity enhancement strategies, and applications of phase change cold storage materials employed in cold chain logistics. The discussion encompasses meticulous preparation methodologies for FSPCMs, including microencapsulation, adsorption of porous materials, and encapsulation within polymer frameworks. It accentuates the merits of multi-level encapsulation and the concomitant strategies for augmenting thermal conductivity. Additionally, the paper presents various examples of FSPCM applications in cold chain logistics, encompassing cold storage warehouses, refrigerated trucks, and cold storage boxes. A case example is provided by China, where the diverse requirements for phase change cold storage materials in different climatic regions are analyzed in depth. Finally, the future direction of FSPCMs and new applications in cold chain logistics are examined.