Taguchi and ANOVA analysis for the optimization of the microencapsulation of a volatile phase change material

The microencapsulation of volatile phase change materials is an important and challenging area for low-temperature thermal energy storage. Our previous studies have effectively addressed the challenge long-term core retention also indicated that quality obtained poly(urea-formaldehyde) microcapsules highly affected by various process parameters, including reaction temperature, initial pH, time, homogenization speed. In this paper, Taguchi orthogonal array has been employed to optimise controllable parameters identify most synergistic combination, in order maximise payload, yield, encapsulation efficiency. signal-to-noise ratio results substantiated efficient combination was 3 h pH 3.5, 55 °C 1200 rpm With with superbly high payload 95.2%, as well a yield 30.5% efficiency 71.1% were amalgamated. addition, Analysis Variance (ANOVA) utilised demonstrate mean response magnitudes (% contribution) each four terms contribution Overall, it temperature influential parameter at 83.1% contribution, followed 6.8%, time 5.2%, speed 4.9%. Such findings work postulate fundamental insights into maximising output formulation conditions, which turn aimed minimise cost production microcapsules.