Production of Bio-PCM Based on Different Fats (Used Cooking
Fats and Grease Trap Fats)
Introduction
Used cooking fats and fats from grease traps are generated in large quantities and are currently
used primarily for biodiesel production and energy recovery. However, these resources are also
suitable for other innovative applications. A promising field of application is the production of
biological phase change materials (Bio-PCM). Due to their thermal energy storage capabilities,
Bio-PCMs are increasingly interesting for use in energy-efficient construction products,
especially in insulation materials. Using waste fats and grease trap fats to produce Bio-PCM
offers an opportunity to transform waste streams sustainably and profitably into innovative
energy-saving technologies. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the production of
Bio-PCM from such waste fats and demonstrate their application potential in insulation foams.
Master’s Thesis Task
Duration: 3–4 months for experimental phase, 2 months for writing phase
• Literature Review:
o Overview of current applications of used cooking fats and grease trap fats.
o State of the art in Bio-PCM production and its applications in insulation
materials.
• Sampling and Preparation:
o Acquisition of used cooking fats and grease trap fats as raw materials.
o Characterization of the fat samples (e.g., acid value, moisture content) as a
basis for assessing suitability.
• Process Development for Bio-PCM Production:
o Selection of suitable reaction pathways and production methods for converting
waste fats into Bio-PCM.
o Conducting conversion reactions under laboratory conditions.
o Analysis and evaluation of the produced Bio-PCM in terms of thermal
properties (e.g., melting and freezing temperatures).
• Encapsulation of Bio-PCM:
o Development of an encapsulation method that supports the thermal stability of
Bio-PCM.
o Investigation of the adhesion of Bio-PCM to encapsulation materials and
solutions to prevent defect sites (e.g., through washing tests).
• Application in Insulation Materials:
o Integration of encapsulated Bio-PCM into insulation foams and investigation
of material properties (e.g., thermal stability and foam strength).
o Optimization of the foam production process to achieve the best properties for
construction applications.
• Life Cycle Assessment and Evaluation of Results:
o Conducting a preliminary environmental assessment of Bio-PCM production
and usage in insulation materials.
o Discussion of the ecological and economic potentials of the technology.
Short Internship Task (1 Month)
• Literature Review:
o Brief research on the use of used cooking fats and their potential use as Bio-
PCM.
• Sampling and Analysis:
o Basic characterization of a fat sample to evaluate its suitability as a Bio-PCM
raw material.
• Production and Encapsulation:
o Introduction to the Bio-PCM production process in the lab and production of
small quantities of Bio-PCM.
o Testing the encapsulation properties of the produced Bio-PCM and
documenting results.
• Initial Use in Insulation Materials:
o Preliminary attempt to integrate encapsulated Bio-PCM into a simple
insulation foam to roughly test its properties.
• Final Report:
o Preparation of a brief report presenting the methodology and key findings.
