Composites with a Novel Core–shell Structural Expanded Perlite/Polyethylene glycol Composite PCM as Novel Green Energy Storage Composites for Building Energy Conservation

•A novel way to construct the core–shell structure of microPCMs.•Construct the TES WPC with satisfactory energy storage and temperature regulation ability of WPC.•The novel structure enhances the thermal and mechanical properties of WPC.•The special core–shell structure enhances the flame retardant and smoke suppression properties of the composites. Phase change materials (PCMs) in the thermal storage of construction can reduce energy waste by shrinking the diurnal daily temperature changes inside. The thermal energy storage (TES) wood-plastic composites (WPC) are manufactured by employing expanded perlite (EP) stabilized PEG as PCM and wood powder/high-density polyethylene (WF/HDPE) as a matrix. The novel type of shell-core PCM (E-shell PCM) was prepared through cation exchange and layer upon layer self-assembly built organic network structure, which was featured by the very thin shell and ultra-high content of active core materials. The unique protective shell gave the PCM high latent heat potential (136.40 J/g), good structural stability, and broad prospects for sustainable energy application. The TES WPC has excellent morphological stability, high phase transition heat and significant thermal stability, heat storage performance, and good mechanical strength. With the gradual increase of E-Shell PCM, the latent heat of TES WPC phase transition increases gradually, and the melting enthalpy and crystallization enthalpy reach 76.06 J/g and 74.61 J/g, respectively. Simultaneously, the introduction of EP promoted the composite heat and smoke suppression ability, suggested as a building material used for temperature control. Latent heat WPC may be utilized as biological building materials with high latent heat and strong mechanical properties to cut down on energy use and enhance interior comfort.