Several building materials are known in the construction industry, with concrete playing a leading role. Concrete can contain phase change materials (PCMs) as an enhancement to improve heat retention. Waxes are an example of such materials. They retain heat, called latent heat, because of their phase change (solid - liquid). There are three types of PCM materials: organic, inorganic and eutectic. Phase change materials can be added to concrete using various techniques such as encapsulation and porous incorporation. The addition of PCM to concrete, affects the structure and consequently the strength and other functional properties. They can also affect safety in case of a fire. Price is a major factor in the selection of concrete with PCM.
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