Giant Barocaloric Effects in Natural Rubber: A Relevant Step toward Solid-State Cooling

Author(s)

Bom, N. M. ^[1] ; Imamura, W. ^{[2, 1]} ; Usuda, E. O. ^{[1, 3]} ; Paixao, L. S. ^[1] ; Carvalho, A. M. G. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Ctr Nacl Pesquisa Energia & Mat, Lab Nacl Luz Sincrotron, BR-13083100 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Estadual Campinas, UNICAMP, Fac Engn Mecan, BR-13083860 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ciencias Exatas & Terra, BR-00972270 Diadema, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ACS MACRO LETTERS; v. 7, n. 1, p. 31-36, JAN 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 7

Abstract

Solid-state cooling based on i-caloric effects has shown to be a promising alternative to the conventional refrigeration devices. Only very recently, the research on barocaloric materials is receiving a deal of attention due to the demonstration of giant barocaloric effects in shape-memory alloys. Regarding polymers, there is still a lack of literature, despite their high caloric potential. Thus, we present here giant barocaloric effects in natural rubber, a low-cost and environmental friendly elastomer polymer. The maximum values of entropy and temperature changes are larger than those previously reported for any promising barocaloric material. Moreover, the huge normalized temperature change and refrigerant capacity exhibited by natural rubber confirm its high potential for cooling applications. We also verify a relevant dependence of the barocaloric effect on the glass transition in natural rubber. Our findings suggest that commercial refrigeration devices based on barocaloric effects from elastomer polymers can be envisaged in the near future. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/03480-0 - Magnetocaloric effect and barocaloric effect: new experimental techniques, materials and theoretical models
• Grantee: Alexandre Magnus Gomes Carvalho
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants