Traditional concrete structures experience significant thermal fluctuations, with surface temperatures routinely reaching 60°C in summer conditions and internal temperature gradients exceeding 20°C during curing. Phase Change Materials (PCMs) integrated into concrete matrices can absorb and release thermal energy through phase transitions, offering a pathway to regulate these thermal variations.

The fundamental challenge lies in maintaining concrete's structural integrity and workability while incorporating sufficient PCM content to achieve meaningful thermal regulation.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including microencapsulated PCM systems, copper-encapsulated PCM matrices with magnetite, composite aggregates using dodecane-based materials, and sulfoaluminate cement matrices with phase change microcapsules. These and other approaches focus on practical implementation strategies that balance thermal performance with concrete's essential structural properties.

1. Concrete Composite with Phase Change Material Matrix and Nano-Silicon for Integrated Thermal and Phase Change Energy Storage

ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE STATE GRID SHANDONG ELECTRIC POWER CO, 2025

A phase change material-based concrete material for integrating heat and cold storage in power plants. The material comprises a phase change material matrix, nano-silicon, and a controlled phase change energy storage microcapsule matrix. The phase change material matrix contains phase change materials, nano-silicon, and a controlled phase change energy storage microcapsule matrix. This matrix system enables both thermal energy storage and phase change energy storage, allowing for optimized peak load regulation by effectively utilizing seasonal energy variations.

CN119528509A-patent-drawing

2. Concrete Masonry Units with Integrated Phase Change Materials for Thermal Regulation

SALEM TALAL, 2025

Building with enhanced thermal performance through phase change materials (PCMs) integrated into concrete masonry units (CMUs). The CMUs incorporate PCMs that absorb and release thermal energy through phase transitions, achieving both thermal insulation and temperature regulation. This innovative approach enables buildings to maintain optimal indoor conditions while reducing energy consumption through controlled temperature fluctuations.

3. Phase Change Concrete Material with Composite Ash and Short Fiber Composition

FUJIAN INSTITUTE OF RESEARCH ON THE STRUCTURE OF MATTER CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 2024

Phase change concrete material and its preparation method and application technical field, comprising cement, composite ash, crushed stone, sand, water reducing agent, and composite short fiber. The material comprises cement, composite ash, crushed stone, sand, water reducing agent, and composite short fiber, with the cement selected from silicate cement, preferably with a strength grade of PO 52.5 or higher, and the composite ash including fly ash and steel slag ash with a mass ratio of 1:1-3:2. The composite fiber is obtained by mixing phase change material and resin.

CN118724520A-patent-drawing

4. Concrete Composition with Phase Change Aggregate and Steel Fibers for High Thermal Conductivity and Energy Storage

Southeast University, SOUTHEAST UNIVERSITY, SHIJIAZHUANG TIEDAO UNIVERSITY, 2024

High thermal conductivity and low temperature rise mass concrete with enhanced thermal energy storage properties. The concrete composition comprises cement, rice husk ash, high thermal conductivity phase change aggregate, fine aggregate, water reducer, steel fibers, and water. The phase change aggregate is specifically designed to absorb and release thermal energy, significantly reducing temperature rise in concrete structures. The composition balances thermal conductivity and thermal mass to achieve optimal performance in building construction applications.

5. Composite Phase Change Aggregate with Dodecane, Tridecane, and Tetradecane Embedded in Cementitious Matrix

CHINA RAILWAY 20 BUREAU GROUP CORP, 2024

Composite phase change aggregate for concrete, comprising dodecane, tridecane, and tetradecane phase change aggregates, and a cementitious matrix. The aggregates are prepared by mixing dodecane, tridecane, and tetradecane phase change materials with shale ceramsite, epoxy resin, and cement. The resulting aggregate has enhanced thermal properties, particularly in low-temperature environments, through the controlled release of phase change energy.

6. Cement Mortar with Phase Change Microcapsules in Sulfoaluminate Matrix for Enhanced Thermal Performance

GUILIN UNIVERSITY OF ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY, 2024

Phase change energy storage cement mortar with improved thermal performance and durability. The mortar incorporates phase change microcapsules within a sulfoaluminate cement matrix, which provides enhanced heat storage capacity and thermal management capabilities. The phase change material is specifically designed to maintain its thermal properties across a range of temperatures, while the cement matrix ensures consistent performance. This innovative combination enables the mortar to effectively regulate both indoor and outdoor temperatures, while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact.

7. Concrete Composition with Conductive Fillers and Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials

TIANJIN UNIVERSITY, 2023

Conductive phase change heat storage concrete with enhanced thermal performance through the integration of conductive fillers and phase change materials. The concrete combines cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, water, and a phase change material with conductive fillers like nano carbon black and steel slag. The phase change material is encapsulated in microcapsules, replacing conventional aggregate, while the conductive fillers replace cement. This innovative combination enables real-time heating and delayed temperature control through the phase change material's latent heat release.

8. Mortar Composition Incorporating Phase-Change Energy Storage Material and Functional Admixtures

JINGWEI BUILDING MAT CO LTD, 2023

Phase-change energy storage mortar for building construction that combines lightweight aggregate, fine aggregate, cementitious material, and phase-change energy storage material in a controlled ratio. The mixture is prepared with functional admixtures that enhance its performance, including water retention agents, water-reducing agents, thixotropic lubricants, and defoamers. The phase-change energy storage material enables phase transitions between solid and liquid states, while the functional admixtures ensure consistent performance.

9. Concrete Matrix with Copper-Encapsulated Phase Change Material and Magnetite for Thermal Energy Storage

BADAN RISET DAN INOVASI NASIONAL, 2023

Thermal energy storage concrete incorporating phase change material (PCM) with enhanced thermal conductivity. The storage medium comprises a copper-encapsulated PCM matrix made by combining paraffin with magnetite, achieving a 50:50 mass ratio. The PCM is produced through a controlled mixing process involving ultrasonic homogenization and precise temperature control. The resulting concrete matrix is fabricated through conventional cement-based construction methods, with strategically placed copper tubes serving as the PCM storage medium. This innovative combination enables efficient thermal energy storage while maintaining structural integrity.

10. Phase Change Concrete with Metal-Graphene Hybrid Core for Enhanced Thermal Conductivity

Xiangtan University, XIANGTAN UNIVERSITY, 2022

Phase change concrete with enhanced thermal conductivity through a novel composite material approach. The concrete combines cement, phase change material (PCM) particles, aggregate, and water, with a specially prepared metal core that incorporates graphene-based thermal bridges. The metal core, comprising zinc, indium, bismuth, or tin, is selectively incorporated into the PCM matrix through controlled addition of haloalkane and graphene. This metal-organic hybrid structure enables improved thermal conductivity between graphene layers while maintaining phase change properties. The resulting composite material exhibits enhanced thermal performance, including improved strength, stiffness, and crack resistance, while maintaining phase change characteristics.

CN114031339B-patent-drawing

11. Phase Change Concrete Incorporating Porous Matrix-Encapsulated Phase Change Material with Hydrogel-Coated Silica-Rich Network

Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qinghai Province Salt Chemical Product Quality Supervision and Inspection Center, QINGHAI SALT CHEMICAL PRODUCT QUALITY SUPERVISION AND INSPECTION CENTER, 2022

Phase change concrete with improved performance through the use of a phase change material (PCM) encapsulated within a porous matrix. The PCM encapsulates the phase change material, preventing leakage and migration during application. The encapsulated PCM is coated with a hydrogel that forms a silica-rich network upon dehydration, creating a durable and stable interface with the concrete. This encapsulation enables controlled release of the phase change material, maintaining its thermal energy storage capacity and fire resistance.

CN113173739B-patent-drawing

12. Cement-Based Composition with Phase-Change Material and Thermally Conductive Filler for Temperature Regulation in Concrete

NANJING FORESTRY UNIVERSITY, 2022

A cement-based temperature control material for concrete that reduces internal temperature peaks by more than 25% during mass concrete pouring. The material comprises a phase-change material, thermally conductive filler, and admixture that work together to regulate concrete temperature. The phase-change material absorbs and stores heat generated by cement hydration, while the thermally conductive filler enhances heat transfer. The material is specifically designed to prevent temperature-related cracking in large-volume concrete structures, ensuring structural integrity and safety during construction.

13. Concrete Matrix with Sequentially Integrated Multi-Melting Point Phase-Change Materials

GUANGDONG NO.3 WATER CONSERVANCY AND HYDRO-ELECTRIC ENGINEERING BOARD CO LTD, 2022

Phase-change concrete with controlled temperature peak and thermal stability. The invention integrates phase-change materials with different melting points into a bulk concrete matrix, where the phase-change materials are applied in a specific order to the concrete. The phase-change materials absorb and release heat as they melt, controlling the concrete's temperature peak and thermal gradient. This controlled thermal response enables precise temperature management during construction, while maintaining structural integrity and durability.

14. Composite Concrete with Phase Change Material-Embedded Aggregate

INCHEON UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, Incheon National University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, 2022

A composite concrete material that enhances thermal energy storage through a phase change material (PCM) embedded in aggregate. The material combines conventional lightweight aggregate with a PCM, such as wax, to create a concrete that can absorb and release thermal energy. The PCM is incorporated into the concrete mixture at a predetermined ratio, allowing it to be distributed throughout the aggregate. The concrete structure can then be cured, and the PCM can be released over time to provide continuous thermal energy storage.

15. Concrete Composition with Integrated Phase Change Material for Thermal Stress Mitigation

CHINA FIRST METALLURGICAL GROUP CO LTD, 2021

Phase change mass concrete that eliminates the need for cooling water pipes while preventing temperature-related cracking. The phase change material (PCM) is incorporated into the concrete mix to absorb and release heat during the hydration process, mitigating the thermal stresses that cause cracking. This approach enables the production of high-strength concrete without the conventional cooling water pipes and control measures, while maintaining superior mechanical properties and durability compared to conventional methods.

16. Concrete Aggregate with Integrated Phase Change Material for Thermal Energy Storage

INCHEON UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, 2021

A heat storage module for concrete aggregate that enables controlled temperature regulation through the incorporation of phase change material (PCM) during concrete production. The module integrates PCM, typically composed of organic compounds like tridecane, into the concrete aggregate during the mixing process, allowing it to absorb and release heat as needed. This integrated approach enables the concrete to maintain optimal temperature during construction while storing thermal energy, thereby reducing the need for external phase change materials. The PCM is incorporated into the aggregate during the concrete production process, ensuring consistent thermal energy storage throughout the concrete's lifecycle.

KR20210151526A-patent-drawing

17. Structured Phase Change Material with Al2O3 Nanoparticles and Enhanced Thermal Conductivity via Ultrasonic Treatment

UNIV SHANGHAI SCIENCE & TECH, 2021

A phase change material for building envelopes that addresses the issues of leakage and thermal performance typically associated with phase change materials. The material comprises a structured phase change material with nanoparticles of Al2O3, achieving high thermal conductivity and phase change properties. The material's optimized processing sequence includes ultrasonic treatment to enhance thermal conductivity, followed by controlled drying to improve thermal stability. This material is particularly suitable for building envelopes where energy efficiency is critical, as it maintains optimal phase change properties while minimizing leakage and thermal conductivity degradation.

18. Concrete Aggregate with Radial Thermally Conductive Bridge and Encapsulated Phase-Change Core

University of Jinan, UNIVERSITY OF JINAN, 2021

Phase change concrete aggregate that combines a thermally conductive bridge with a phase-change core and encapsulation layer. The bridge is a radial structure extending from the aggregate center to its periphery, with a phase-change core filled between the bridges. The encapsulation layer wraps around the core and bridge, with the bridge extending to the aggregate surface. This unique design enables efficient phase change energy storage while maintaining structural integrity through the encapsulation layer.

CN109734360B-patent-drawing

19. Concrete Matrix with Integrated Phase Change Material and Fiber Reinforcement

SHANGHAI QUNBAO BUILDING MAT CO LTD, 2021

Concrete material with phase change heat storage capability through controlled incorporation of a phase change material (PCM) into the concrete matrix. The material comprises a concrete matrix comprising Portland cement, silica fume, fly ash, slag powder, quartz sand, and stones, mixed with a phase change material solution containing polyvinyl alcohol fiber and graphene oxide, and then reinforced with fibers. The phase change material solution is prepared by dissolving ferric nitrate in water and then mixing it with the concrete components. The resulting concrete has enhanced thermal stability and reduced thermal expansion compared to conventional concrete.

CN112408904A-patent-drawing

20. Geopolymer Matrix Polymer Concrete with Integrated Surface Layer Phase Change Materials

CHONGQING UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, 2021

Phase change energy storage polymer concrete that combines the benefits of cementitious materials with phase change materials (PCMs) to create a sustainable building material. The concrete matrix is made from a geopolymer matrix with enhanced thermal insulation properties, while the PCMs are integrated as surface layers. The combination of these components enables the concrete to maintain its structural integrity at elevated temperatures without compromising its thermal performance. The PCMs are specifically designed to prevent material separation and degradation during phase change, while the geopolymer matrix ensures stable thermal conductivity. This innovative material offers improved thermal performance, reduced material waste, and enhanced environmental sustainability compared to conventional phase change cement concrete.

21. Geopolymer Concrete with High Thermal Conductivity Aggregates and Waste Material Binder

22. Phase-Change Energy Storage Concrete Incorporating High-Titanium Slag Particles as Phase-Change Material Carrier

23. Concrete Composite with Exfoliated Graphite Nanoplate-Infused Phase-Stabilized Fatty Acid-Based Phase-Change Material

24. Concrete Composite with Fatty Acid-Based Phase-Change Material and Stabilized Phase Transition Properties

25. Method for Producing Phase Change Energy Storage Ceramsite via Selective Paraffin Adsorption and Controlled Curing

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