Bio-Based Phase Change Materials Attract Attention

Bio-based phase change materials are derived from edible animal oils with high latent heat capacity and surface tension. They have garnered attention as innovative building materials because their thermal storage capacity can translate to energy- and cost-savings, and reduce one of the most significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions (up to 40%), heating and cooling buildings. Often incorporating structural aspects, such as aerogels or scaffolds, other applications include textiles (cooling jerseys), electronics and cold-storage transport. Examples include graphene, coconut fat, waste sawdust or other types of nanofibers.