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. So what is a PCM?  A PCM what we commonly refer is 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
• Cold Chain
• HVAC
• Solar 
• Heating and cooling Storage
• Health and personal care
• Innovative consumer products
• Road deicing and protection