Phase change materials have already revolutionised thinking in areas ranging from architecture to electronics. A phase change material is broadly defined as one that absorbs or gives out heat when it undergoes change of state from solid to liquid or vice versa. Such a material can be microencapsulated and added to other materials such as plaster or rubber to make them responsive to environmental change.

For example, a phase-change lining in a food transport vehicle can eliminate the need for on-board mechanical refrigeration. As the vehicle warms up, the material starts to change and 'sucks' out heat from the contents. Similarly a building block wih phase-change additives, can effectively regulate the temperature of a room.

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Two types of phase change material are available:

- a rubber sheet with a phase change temperature of 28°C and
- a microencapsulated powder that can be used as an additive. This has a phase-change temperature of 23°C.

The PCM sheet is supplied in sheet size 300 x 150mm.
The PCM powder is supplied in a quantity of 1Kg.

If you place a finger on the block or the powder, phase change commences and draws out heat so that it feels very cold. The materials can be used to show the phase change principle and they can be applied in design and technology - e.g., the powder could be added to a matrix such as plaster or placed in a sealed container to create a 'smart' liner for keeping drinks cans cool.