Using suspension-like polymerization method, a series of microencapsulated phase change materials (micro-PCMs) with acrylate-based polymer shells and binary core materials were prepared. The phase change properties of the binary mixtures composed of paraffin and butyl stearate were investigated. SEM photographs showed that these micro-PCMs have relatively spherical profiles and compact surfaces with diameter ranging from 10 to 80 mu m. DSC results indicated that the microencapsulation ratio of these micro-PCMs ranging from 46 wt% to 68 wt%. Moreover, after being subjected to thermal-cycling test for 500 times, these micro-PCMs kept good thermal reliabilities that the microencapsulation ratio decreased by less than 4 wt%. TGA analysis demonstrated that these micro-PCMs can ensure their thermal stability below 210 degrees C. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.