Abstract: The two merits of high thermal conductivity of liquid metal (LM) and big apparent specific heat of latent functionally thermal fluid can be integrated to acquire the coolant with better heat transfer ability. The microencapsulated Eicosane with melamine-formaldehyde shell is mixed into liquid Gallium after surface character of microencapsulated particles had been changed by electroless copper plating. Then, the even and steady microencapsulated phase change material (MEPCM) suspension using liquid metal with low melting point as carrying fluid can be gained by being mixed round mechanically and being librated ultrasonically. The appearance of MEPCM with Cu plating layer is characterized and the thermal physical properties of suspension are tested. The results show that the Cu plating layer on MEPCM particle is smooth and even, and there is no Cu2O existing in plating layer; the phase change temperature ranges of MEPCM with Cu plating layer and MEPCM suspension are same to that of MEPCM; The latent of suspension increases with increasing volume concentration of MEPCM, the apparent specific heat is up to 3.03 times of that of pure Gallium and the thermal heat conductivity is 73% of that of Gallium for suspension; the viscosity of suspension increases with increasing volume concentration and decreases with increasing temperature, the MEPCM-LM suspension with can be considered approximately as even Newton fluid.

Key words: Electroless copper plating, Functionally thermal fluid, Liquid metal, Microencapsulated phase change material, Thermal physical performance