Synthesis and characterization of silica gel composite with polymer binders for adsorption cooling applications

The motivation of the present paper is to synthesis high packing density and thermal conductivity consolidated composite using silica gel powder (SGP) almost without affecting its porous properties. The effect of packing density, binder type and amount on porous properties as well as thermal conductivity were studied. Four types of binder, namely Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and gelatin were chosen. SGP composite with PVP 2 wt% as binder showed better performance for both porous and thermal properties. Thermal conductivity for PVP 2 wt% composite was found 32% higher than SGP. Adsorption uptake of water onto SGP and PVP 2 wt% composite at 30–70 °C adsorption temperatures were measured using gravimetric method. Toth equation is found…