raw · papers · ingested 2026-07-02
Tests on Material Compatibility of Phase Change Materials and Selected Plastics (Rathgeber et al.)
confidence: high
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6479576/
Source: Rathgeber et al., open access (PMC6479576). Peer-reviewed, primary gravimetric immersion tests. Credibility: High — rare quantitative pass/fail PCM-vs-plastic data.
Key points
- PVC-U = winner: <0.1% mass variation against all four PCMs (paraffin + salt hydrate).
- HDPE & PP + paraffin: absorb paraffin, up to 6.9% mass gain (swelling); fast in first 4 weeks, then saturates.
- HDPE & PP + salt hydrate: mild, max 1.8%.
- No visible crazing/dissolution, but paraffin uptake threatens thin films/seals.
- Rule: organic PCM permeates polyolefins; inorganic salt-hydrate PCM does not.