This study investigated the use of modified wood as a thermal-energy storage material through the integration of paraffin-based phase-change materials (PCMs). The objective was to evaluate the influence of Kraft lignin-glyoxal prepolymer on the properties of wood modified with PCMs. The implementation of the modified wood involved preparing PCM emulsions, synthesizing lignin-glyoxal prepolymer, and modifying wood with the PCM-Kraft lignin-glyoxal emulsion through vacuum-pressure impregnation. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) results indicated the formation of PCM nano-micelles with the help of surfactants, and further mixing with Kraft lignin-glyoxal prepolymer have little influence on the nano-micelle size. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of wood treated with resin and PCM showed enhanced char residue at elevated temperature. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed a possible interaction between Kraft lignin and glyoxal. The infrared imaging suggested the ability of PCM-modified wood delay the temperature changes, even with the introduction of Kraft lignin-glyoxal prepolymer. Results show it is feasible to introduce thermal-energy storage into wood as a result of adding a Kraft lignin-glyoxal prepolymer. This research contributes to the development of sustainable building materials with improved thermal-energy storage properties.

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