Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to thermal properties measurement. In one aspect, a method includes providing a sensor. The sensor comprises a polymer film a metal line disposed on the polymer film. Each end of the metal line is a contact pad. A thermal interface material is deposited on a first sample. The sensor is placed on the thermal interface material. A pressure is applied to the sensor. Thermal conductivity of the first sample or thermal resistance of an interface between the first sample and a second sample is measured with the sensor using a 3 omega method.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to thermal insulation. In one aspect, a composite includes a plurality of silica nanoparticles and a plurality of first nanoparticles. The plurality of silica nanoparticles comprise about 70 wt % to 98 wt % of the composite. The plurality of first nanoparticles comprising about 2 wt % to 30 wt % of the composite.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to salt hydrate composites. In one aspect, a method includes mixing a salt hydrate, a matrix material, and a binder to form a mixture. The mixture is ball milled. The mixing operation and the ball milling operation are performed without water.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to thermal energy storage with phase change materials having an adjustable transition temperature. In one aspect, a method includes providing a device. The devices includes a phase change material, a salt dissolved in the phase change material, and an anode and a cathode disposed in the phase change material. The phase change material changes from a solid to a liquid at a first temperature when the salt is dissolved in the phase change material. A voltage is applied to the anode and the cathode to substantially remove the salt from the phase change material. The phase change material changes from the solid to the liquid at a second temperature when the salt is substantially removed from the phase change material, with the first temperature being a lower temperature than the second temperature.