What is a phase change material (PCM)?

Phase Change Material Description:

What is a phase change material?

Phase change materials ( PCM ) are substances which can absorb a large amount of latent heat energy during its physical phase change process of melting and freezing. Many materials are naturally phase change materials. PCMs what we commonly refer are engineered phase change materials which are modified by additives for better nucleation and distribution.

Water is a famous PCM example, when it freezes, it releases quite a lot energy in the form of latent heat at a relatively constant temperature around 0°C. Conversely, the ice absorbs a large amount of heat to melt to 0°C ice water. 

PCM By type:

  • Inorganic Salt Hydrates
  • Organic phase change material ( Paraffin, Bio Wax, non-paraffin organic material )
  • Eutectics

PCM By Phase:

  • Liquid/Solid Phase change material

  • Solid/Solid Phase change material

PCM By Encapsulation:

  • Macro Encapsulated Phase change material ( plate, ball, plastic or metal containers )
  • Micro Encapsulated Phase change material ( High polymer or inorganic material wall)
  • Shape Stabilized Phase change material     ( plastic, high polymer or inorganic material as supporting materials )

PCM Application Fields:

  • Construction Materials ( Thermal Coating, energy efficient plates & boards )
  • Textile ( Thermal regulation textiles for bedding, clothing, footwear )
  • Electronics Cooling and Battery Cooling
  • HVAC
  • Solar 
  • Heating and cooling Storage
  • Health and personal care
  • Innovative consumer products
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