all cell technologies in chicago has applied for a u.s. patent on a flexible, composite that combines a phase change material with a carbon or graphite matrix coated with a polymer. the composite is to be used in thermal management battery systems and is intended to withstand “mechanical stresses without breaking apart or losing thermal contact with cells,” according to the patent application.

an image of the pcm from the patent application. (all cell technologies)

the application continued:

“an object of the invention is to improve flexibility and/or compressibility in pcm composites. the object of the invention can be attained, at least in part, through a thermal management composite including a carbon or graphite matrix and each of a phase change material and a polymer material on and/or within the matrix.

“the matrix can be embodied, for example, as a molded composite or a woven and/or nonwoven fibrous (e.g., cloth) composite. the phase change material is desirably dispersed within or throughout the matrix, such as disposed in voids between fibers or bundles of fibers of the matrix. a polymer material can be dispersed throughout the matrix as well and/or desirably applied as a coating to the molded or cloth matrix.

the invention further includes a method of making a thermal management composite of this invention. the method includes impregnating a carbon or graphite matrix with a phase change material, either fully dispersed or localized, and then coating at least one side, and desirably all sides, of the impregnated matrix with a polymer coating.

“the coating can optionally include additives, such as carbon or graphite powders or fibers. dip coating and/or spray coating can be used to apply the phase change material and/or the polymer coating. embodiments of the method further include mixing the phase change material with a polymer material and a carbon or graphite material to obtain a matrix mixture, molding the mixture into a molded matrix, and coating at least one side of the molded matrix.”

to read the full patent online, visit http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2016/0319174.html.