Microencapsulated phase change materials (MicroPCMs) containing dodecanol were fabricated using melamine-formaldehyde (MF) or polyethylene glycol 200 modified melamine-formaldehyde (PMF) resin as the shell materials by in situ polymerization. Wood flour/high-density polyethylene (WF/HDPE) composites with MF shell MicroPCMs (MF-MicroPCMs) or PMF shell MicroPCMs (PMF-MicroPCMs) were prepared, respectively. The synthesized MicroPCMs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Nano indentor, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. Thermal energy storage abilities, physical and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The results showed that: (1) MicroPCMs were successfully prepared. The thermal and mechanical properties of MicroPCMs were improved by using modified PMF resin as shell material; (2) PMF-MicroPCMs imparted WPCs were potentials as thermal energy storage materials for temperature regulating applications, due to their appropriate phase change temperature (27.2, 11.3 oC) and outstanding thermal enthalpy (118.9, 111.5 J/g); (3) the incorporation of MicroPCMs had a negative effect on flexural and tensile properties of WPCs but favored to impact strength and surface hardness. All the mechanical strength values were qualified for the requirements of WPCs decorative boards.

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