Phase Change Materials
The term "phase change material" (PCM) is used to describe materials that use phase changes (e.g., melting or freezing) to absorb or release relatively large amounts of latent heat at relatively constant temperatures.
PCM's developed by Renewable Alternatives (view list) allow for a micro encapsulation and a customized melt/freeze point. The material can be used as a natural thermostat built in to socks to keep toes warmer for extended periods; cooling outdoor workers during the summer heat; medical devices where heat moderation is a necessity; as a coating on a pre-heated pizza box to dramatically increase latent heat retention; as a coating on an ice cream container to prevent melting; in addition to other applications where temperature control is desired. When the temperature becomes warmer than the freeze point, PCM's liquefy and absorb and store heat. Conversely, when the temperature drops, the material will solidify and give off heat, warming the material coated or impregnated with PCM. To learn more about the applications of PCM's and the benefits of our products, please click here (.pdf).
Our patented fat and oil based phase change materials (PCM's) were developed under 3 years of research sponsored by the USDA and conducted at the University of Missouri-Columbia. These PCMs are made from a "green" technology, in that underutilized bio-based products - namely beef tallow, palm oil, coconut oil and soybean oil - are converted into PCMs. They are non-toxic and provide a new value-added, non-food product for American farmers. They are capable of thousands of melting and freezing cycles without performance degradation. There is no concern for oxidation or concern that these fat and oil products will become rancid because they are fully hydrogenated. Fully hydrogenated fats can be stable for decades because they do not have chemical sites for oxidation to occur.
Please click here to view a list of some of our available products. We currently have several more in their research stage. The temperatures shown in the products table are within close proximities of the "true" melting temperatures. Like all PCM's, there is a small range that the PCM melts in. Please call or email if you have any questions, if your specifications require a different temperature, you need to know if the melting range covers your specifications or if you would like to discuss your potential application. All discussions are kept confidential.
