The nanocapsules containing n-butyl stearate (BS) and n-octadecane (C18) as binary phase change material and polyacrylate as shell were synthesized via miniemulsion polymerization using reactive emulsifier. The phase transition (change) temperatures and phase change enthalpies of the phase change material can be adjusted by regulating the composition of BS and C18. Moreover, the influences of emulsification method and reactive emulsifier dosage were studied. SEM and TEM analysis showed the nanocapsules were a spherical shape with core-shell structure and the average size was about 170 nm. DSC and FT-IR analysis indicated the binary phase change material was encapsulated with polyacrylate shell, and the fusing and crystallizing temperatures and latent heats of nanocapsules were determined as 26.07 degrees C and 24.85 degrees C, 56.89 J g(-1) and 54.02 J g(-1) respectively, and the encapsulation efficiency was above 55.09%. In addition, the results of thermoregulating and durability property revealed that the finished cotton fabric had temperature-regulated and durability properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E42-E51, 2019. (c) 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers