Phase change materials, compositions comprising phase change materials, and methods of making the same

Abstract

In one aspect, compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition described herein comprises at least 25 wt. % bio-based phase change material (PCM) component or inorganic PCM component and at least 20 wt. % alkane component, wherein the amount of the bio-based PCM component or inorganic PCM component and the amount of the alkane component are based on a total weight of the composition and wherein the alkane component differs from the bio-based PCM component. The bio-based PCM component may comprise a plant-based PCM component, including one or more fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty esters, or combinations thereof.

Description

PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS, COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS, AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 593,040, filed October 25, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to phase change materials, compositions comprising phase change materials, and methods of making the same. BACKGROUND

[0003] Thermal energy management is important in many applications, such as transportation and storage of temperature-sensitive goods and temperature control within buildings and other structures. Phase change materials (PCMs) can absorb, store, and release thermal energy using the latent heat associated with one or more phase transitions of the PCM (e.g., a solid-to-liquid or liquid-to-solid phase transition). As understood by those of ordinary skill in the field of PCMs and thermal energy management, the temperature of a material (such as a PCM) does not change during the absorption or release of thermal energy associated with the latent heat of a phase transition. Thermal energy may also be absorbed, stored, and released using the sensible heat of a material. In the case of sensible heat (unlike in the case of latent heat), the temperature of a material generally changes when the material is absorbing or releasing thermal energy in the form of sensible heat.

[0004] In recent years, PCMs have been used in a wide array of thermal energy management applications. However, some PCMs suffer from one or more disadvantages, such as large gaps between freezing and melting temperatures, large volume changes between two condensed phases (e.g., solid and liquid), the lack of a sharp phase transition temperature or phase temperature range, degradation in thermal performance after many phase transition cycles, undesirable flow in a higher viscosity state (e.g., a liquid state), high cost, and / or unsustainablesourcing. There exists a need for PCMs that have improved properties in one or more of the foregoing aspects. SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, compositions comprising phase change materials are provided. In one embodiment, a composition comprises at least 25 wt. % bio-based phase change material (PCM) component or inorganic PCM component and at least 30 wt. % alkane component, wherein the amount of the bio-based PCM component or inorganic PCM component and the amount of the alkane component are based on a total weight of the composition. It is to be understood that the alkane component differs from the bio-based PCM component. Moreover, in some implementations, a composition comprises 40-80 wt. % bio-based PCM component or inorganic PCM component and 20-60 wt. % alkane component. In some instances, the inorganic PCM component comprises a salt hydrate.

[0006] Additionally, in some embodiments, the bio-based PCM component of a composition described herein has a C-14 isotope to C-12 isotope ratio of 0.5 x 10-12to 1.5 x 10-12. Further, in some cases, the bio-based PCM component comprises a plant-based PCM component. In some embodiments, the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty alcohols, fatty acids, and / or fatty esters. For example, in some instances, the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty alcohols, such as one or more fatty alcohols having a C10 to C20 aliphatic hydrocarbon tail. In some example embodiments, the one or more fatty alcohols comprise behenyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleic alcohol, cetyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, capric alcohol, caprylic alcohol, and / or combinations thereof. As another example, in some embodiments, the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty acids. In some such cases, at least one of the one or more fatty acids has a C4 to C28 aliphatic hydrocarbon tail. For instance, in some embodiments, the one or more fatty acids comprise carboxylic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid, and / or combinations thereof. In still other embodiments, the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty esters. Additionally, in some such cases, at least one of the one or more fatty esters has a C2 to C36 ester alkyl backbone. Further, in some embodiments, the one or more fatty esters comprise a methyl ester of a fatty acid, ethylester of a fatty acid, propyl ester of a fatty acid, butyl ester of a fatty acid, and / or combinations thereof.

[0007] Moreover, in some embodiments of a composition described herein, the alkane component comprises a mixture of differing alkanes. In some cases, the mixture comprises 80- 100 wt. % C12-C26 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes. In other embodiments, the mixture comprises 80-100 wt. % C10-C18 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes. In still other embodiments, the mixture comprises 80-100 wt. % C6-C16 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes. Further, in some embodiments, a ratio of the wt. % of the bio-based PCM component to the wt. % of the alkane component is 30:70 to 70:30.

[0008] Further, in some cases, compositions described herein may further comprise a nucleating agent. In some embodiments, the nucleating agent of a composition described herein is an organic nucleating agent. For example, in some such embodiments, the organic nucleating agent is an alkyl ester having the formula R1-C(O)O-R2, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a C10-C28 alkyl moiety. In some embodiments, R1 and R2 are each independently a C12-C20 alkyl moiety. In some embodiments, R1and R2are the same.

[0009] A composition described herein, in some embodiments, further comprises one or more components in addition to the bio-based PCM component or inorganic PCM component and alkane component, and nucleating agent component. For example, in some cases, a composition described herein further comprises a gelling agent. In some such embodiments, the gelling agent is selected from a polyacrylate, a polyacrylamide, styrenic block copolymers, triblock polymers, block copolymers formed from an acrylate or (meth)acrylate block in combination with a styrenic block, a butadiene block, and / or an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block, and celluloses.

[0010] In addition, in some embodiments, a composition described herein exhibits one or more thermal energy properties that may be desirable for some applications. For example, in some instances, a composition described herein has a total thermal energy storage density (TTESD), as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In some instances, 60- 100% of the TTESD spans a range of 10°C or less. Further, in some cases, the composition has a single peak in a freezing portion of a DSC scan, from -140°C to 200°C. Moreover, in some such embodiments, at least 65% of the TTESD of the composition is within ± 1σ of the peak.Additionally, in some instances, the single DSC peak of a composition described herein has a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 15°C or less.

[0011] In another aspect, methods of making PCM compositions (i.e., compositions comprising a phase change material) are also provided. In some embodiments, such a method comprises providing an alkane component, and subjecting the alkane component to phase separation to provide multiple fractions, including at least a first alkane fraction and a second alkane fraction. The method further comprises separating the first alkane fraction from the second alkane fraction, and combining the first fraction with a first bio-based PCM component (such as a bio-based PCM component described herein, e.g., a bio-based PCM component has a C-14 isotope to C-12 isotope ratio of 0.5 x 10-12to 1.5 x 10-12).

[0012] Additionally, in some embodiments, a method described herein further comprises combining the second fraction with a second bio-based PCM component. In some embodiments, the second bio-based PCM component is different from the first bio-based PCM component. As described further herein, the first bio-based PCM component and the second bio-based PCM component can each have the features of bio-based PCM components described herein, without particular limitation. For example, in some cases, the first bio-based PCM component and / or the second bio-based PCM component comprises a plant-based PCM component. Further, in some cases, such a plant-based PCM component can comprises one or more fatty alcohols, fatty acids, and / or fatty esters.

[0013] Moreover, in some embodiments, a method described herein further comprises adding another component to the first bio-based PCM component, the second bio-based PCM component, the first fraction, and / or the second fraction (or to an “nth” bio-based PCM component or to an “nth” fraction, as described further below), or to a combination of two or more of the foregoing. For example, in some cases, a method described herein further comprises adding a nucleating agent to the first bio-based PCM component, the first fraction, or the combination of the first fraction and first bio-based PCM component. In some such cases, the nucleating agent is an organic nucleating agent, such as an alkyl ester having the formula R1- C(O)O-R2, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a C10-C28 alkyl moiety. As another example, in some cases, a method described herein further comprises adding a gelling agent to the first (or nth) bio-based PCM component, the first (or nth) fraction, or the combination of the first (or nth) fraction and first (or nth) bio-based PCM component. In some such instances, thegelling agent is selected from a polyacrylate, a polyacrylamide, styrenic block copolymers, triblock polymers, block copolymers formed from an acrylate or (meth)acrylate block in combination with a styrenic block, a butadiene block, and / or an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block, and celluloses. Other components may also be added, as described further herein below.

[0014] Further, compositions described herein or made or formed by a method described herein can exhibit one or more of the thermal energy properties described herein for compositions. For example, in some cases, a PCM composition produced by a method described herein has a total thermal energy storage density (TTESD), as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and 60-100% of the TTESD spans a range of 10°C or less.

[0015] These and other embodiments are further described in the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] FIG.1 illustrates DSC curves for an example composition according to one embodiment described herein and for a comparative composition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Embodiments described herein may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific compositions, devices, methods, conditions and / or parameters described and / or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only, and is not intended to be limiting. It should be recognized that the embodiments herein are merely illustrative, and not all embodiments are described. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0018] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0019] As used in this application, including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and / or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodimentincludes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

[0020] The ranges set forth herein include both the numbers at the end of each range and any and all conceivable numbers there between, as that is the very definition of a range. It is therefore to be understood that the ranges and limits mentioned herein include all ranges located within the prescribed limits (i.e., subranges). For example, a range of from “about 100 to about 200” is meant to also include ranges from 110 to 150, 170 to 190, 153 to 162, and 145.3 to 149.6, inter alia. Further, as another example, a limit of “up to about 7” also includes a limit of up to about 5, up to 3, and up to about 4.5, inter alia, as well as any and all ranges within the limit, such as from about 1 to about 5, and from about 3.2 to about 6.5, inter alia, as examples. As another example, a stated range of “1.0 to 10.0” should be considered to include any and all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1.0 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10.0 or less, e.g., 1.0 to 5.3, 4.7 to 10.0, 3.6 to 7.9, et cetera.

[0021] All ranges disclosed herein are also to be considered to include the end points of the range, unless expressly stated otherwise. For example, a range of “between 5 and 10” should generally be considered to include the end points 5 and 10.

[0022] Further, when the phrase “up to” is used in connection with an amount or quantity, it is to be understood that the amount is at least a detectable (non-zero) amount or quantity. For example, a material present in an amount “up to” a specified amount can be present from a detectable, non-zero amount and up to and including the specified amount.

[0023] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties, such as molecular weight, pH, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained. In some cases, the term “about” can be replaced with the term “within 5% of” or “within 1% of.”

[0024] As used herein, the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “containing”; “has”, “have”, “having”; and “includes”, “include” and “including” are open-ended transition terms used to transition from a subject recited before the term to one or more elements recited after the term,where the element or elements listed after the transition term are not necessarily the only elements that make up the subject.

[0025] The term weight percent or wt. % means the weight of a given material relative to the weight of a resulting composition which includes the given material. For example, a composition comprising 10 wt.% of a component means that the composition includes 10 parts by weight of the component relative to 100 parts of the total weight of the composition comprising said component.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0027] It will be understood that a number of techniques, components, and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps or components in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that all such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims. I. Compositions Comprising Phase Change Materials

[0028] Disclosed herein are compositions (“PCM compositions”). In some embodiments, such a composition comprises a bio-based PCM component or an inorganic PCM and an alkane component. In some cases, the composition may also comprise a nucleating agent and, optionally, one or more additional components, such as a gelling agent, antimicrobial species, fire retardant, viscosity modifier, thermal conductivity modulator, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing.

[0029] Turning now in more detail to specific components, in some embodiments, a PCM composition described herein may comprise a bio-based PCM component. It is to be understood,for reference purposes herein, that a bio-based PCM component and / or a bio-based PCM is or can be a PCM or component that is derived or formed from a living or recently living biological raw material, such as a plant or animal living within the last 100 years. Thus, in some cases, a bio-based PCM comprises a plant-based PCM. It is also to be understood that a plant-based PCM component described herein is derived or formed from a living or recently living plant. In contrast, a non-bio-based PCM can be or is a PCM that is not derived from such a source. For example, in some cases, a non-bio-based PCM can be a PCM derived or formed from a fossil fuel raw material (e.g., petroleum) rather than from a biological raw material. It is further to be understood, for reference purposes herein, that a material (such as a PCM) that is “derived or formed from” a certain raw material (e.g., a biological raw material) is derived or formed entirely or essentially entirely from that raw material (e.g., the raw material provides at least 95% of the carbon content of the PCM).

[0030] Additionally, bio-based PCM components can be distinguished from non-bio-based PCM components based on their carbon isotope ratios. Specifically, carbon-containing materials derived from recently living things have different C-14 isotope to C-12 isotope ratios than carbon-containing materials derived from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are essentially completely devoid of C-14 isotopes because they have been stored in geological reservoirs for millions of years, whereas the half-life of C-14 is about 5,730 years. Thus, in some cases, non-bio-based organic materials, such as non-bio-based PCMs, have essentially non-detectable amounts of C- 14 isotopes and exhibit C-14 to C-12 isotope ratios of about less than 1 x 10-13or about less than 1 x 10-14. In contrast, bio-based organic materials, such as living materials or recently living materials, exhibit a completely different C-14 to C-12 isotope ratio. In some embodiments of the compositions herein, the bio-based PCM component has a C-14 to C-12 isotope ratio of about 0.5 x 10-12to 1.5 x 10-12.

[0031] Any bio-based PCM component not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present disclosure may be used as the bio-based PCM component in the compositions described herein. In some embodiments, the bio-based PCM component comprises a plant-based PCM component. As noted above, a plant-based PCM component as described herein is derived or formed from a living or recently living plant (i.e., a plant living within the last 100 years). Further, in some embodiments, the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty esters, and / or combinations thereof.

[0032] Any fatty alcohol not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present disclosure may be used. For instance, in some embodiments, a fatty alcohol can have a C4 to C28 aliphatic hydrocarbon tail (and a single hydroxyl head). It is to be understood, for reference purposes herein, that a moiety (such as an aliphatic hydrocarbon tail) described as a “Cn” moiety includes exactly “n” carbon atoms. For example, a “C8” fatty alcohol contains exactly 8 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, a fatty alcohol described herein can have a C4 to C20 aliphatic hydrocarbon tail. In some embodiments, the fatty alcohol can have a C8 to C20 aliphatic hydrocarbon tail. In some embodiments, the fatty alcohol can have a C10 to C20 aliphatic hydrocarbon tail. Further, in some embodiments, the hydrocarbon tail is saturated. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the hydrocarbon tail is unsaturated. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon tail can be branched or linear. Non-limiting examples of fatty alcohols suitable for use in some embodiments described herein include capryl alcohol (caprylic alcohol), pelargonic alcohol, capric alcohol, undecyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, tridecyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, pentadecyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, heptadecyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, nonadecyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, heneicosyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, lignoceryl alcohol, oleic alcohol (oleyl alcohol), ceryl alcohol, montanyl alcohol, and / or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a plant-based PCM component as described herein comprises a plurality of differing fatty alcohols.

[0033] Similarly, any fatty acid not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present disclosure may be used in a plant-based PCM component described herein. In some embodiments, a fatty acid can have a C4 to C28 aliphatic hydrocarbon tail. Further, in some embodiments, the hydrocarbon tail is saturated. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the hydrocarbon tail is unsaturated. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon tail can be branched or linear. Non-limiting examples of fatty acids suitable for use in some embodiments described herein include carboxylic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid, and / or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a plant-based PCM component as described herein comprises a plurality of differing fatty acids.

[0034] Likewise, any alkyl ester of a fatty acid (“fatty ester”) not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present disclosure may be used in a PCM composition described herein. In some instances, a fatty ester comprises a C2 to C36 ester alkyl backbone, C2 to C6 ester alkyl backbone, a C6 to C12 ester alkyl backbone, or a C12 to C36 ester alkyl backbone. Insome embodiments, a fatty ester comprises a methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl ester of a fatty acid. In some embodiments, a fatty ester comprises a combination of methyl, ethyl, propyl, and / or butyl esters of a fatty acid. Non-limiting examples of alkyl esters of fatty acids suitable for use in embodiments herein include methyl laurate, methyl myristate, methyl palmitate, methyl stearate, methyl palmitoleate, methyl oleate, methyl linoleate, methyl docosahexanoate, methyl ecosapentanoate, and / or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the corresponding ethyl, propyl, and / or butyl esters may also be used instead of or in addition to the foregoing methyl esters. In some embodiments, a plant-based PCM component as described herein comprises a plurality of differing fatty esters.

[0035] Moreover, in some embodiments, a plurality of differing bio-based PCMs may be employed in a bio-based PCM component. Any combination of differing bio-based PCMs components not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present disclosure may be used. For example, one or more fatty alcohols can be used in combination with one or more fatty acids, and / or in combination with one or more fatty esters. In some embodiments, the bio-based PCM component comprises a mixture or combination of two or more species of fatty alcohols, fatty acids, and / or fatty esters. Additionally, in some embodiments, the mixture or combination of two or more species of fatty alcohols, fatty acids, and / or fatty esters is a eutectic mixture.

[0036] It is further to be understood that a fatty alcohol, fatty acid, or fatty ester can be present in a bio-based PCM component in any amount not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present disclosure. For examples, in some cases, the bio-based PCM component comprises between about 1 and about 100 wt. % fatty acid, based on the total weight of the bio- based PCM component (where the total weight of the bio-based PCM component of course refers to the sum of all bio-based PCMs included in the composition). In some embodiments, bio-based PCM component comprises between about 10 and about 90 wt. %, between about 20 and about 80 wt. %, between about 30 and about 70 wt. %, or between about 50 and about 90 wt. % fatty acid. Similarly, in some embodiments, the bio-based PCM component comprises between about 1 and about 100 wt. % alkyl ester of a fatty acid. In some embodiments, the bio- based PCM component comprises between about 10 and about 90 wt. %, between about 20 and about 80 wt. %, between about 30 and about 70 wt. %, or between about 50 and about 90 wt. % alkyl ester of a fatty acid. Further, in some embodiments, the bio-based PCM component comprises between about 1 and about 100 wt. % fatty alcohol. In some embodiments, the bio-based PCM component comprises between about 10 and about 90 wt. %, between about 20 and about 80 wt. %, between about 30 and about 70 wt. %, between about 5 and about 50 wt. %, or between about 5 and about 25 wt. % fatty alcohol.

[0037] Further, in some embodiments, a bio-based PCM component is selected based on a desired viscosity and / or latent heat of the composition. In some embodiments, the bio-based PCM component is selected based on a desired phase transition temperature of the composition. As understood by one having ordinary skill in the art, a phase transition temperature described herein (such as a phase transition temperature of “X°C”, where X may be -20°C, for example) may be represented as a normal distribution of temperatures centered on X°C. In addition, as understood by one having ordinary skill in the art, a PCM, PCM component, and / or PCM composition as described herein can exhibit thermal hysteresis, such that the PCM, PCM component and / or PCM composition exhibits a phase change temperature difference between the “forward” phase change and the “reverse” phase change (e.g., a solidification temperature that is different from the melting temperature). A phase transition temperature, in some embodiments, is between about -50°C and about 150°C at 1 atm, between about -50°C and about 100°C at 1 atm or between about -40°C and about 40°C at 1 atm. In some embodiments, a phase transition temperature is between about -50°C and about 0°C at 1 atm or between about -20°C and about 0°C at 1 atm. In some embodiments, a phase transition temperature is between about 0°C and about 70°C at 1 atm or between about -4°C and about 40°C at 1 atm. In other embodiments, a phase transition temperature is between about 30°C and about 50°C at 1 atm or between about 35°C and about 45°C at 1 atm. In some embodiments, a phase transition temperature is between about 2°C and about 15°C at 1 atm.

[0038] The bio-based PCM component of a composition described herein can be present in any amount not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a composition described herein comprises at least 15 wt. % bio-based PCM component, based on a total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least 20 wt. %, at least 25 wt. %, at least 30 wt. %, at least 35 wt. %, at least 40 wt. %, at least 50 wt. %, or at least 60 wt. % bio-based PCM component. In some embodiments, a composition as described herein comprises about 15-80 wt. % bio-based PCM component. In some embodiments, the composition comprises 15-75 wt. %, 15-70 wt. %, 15-60 wt. %, 15-50 wt. %, 15-45 wt. %, 20-80 wt. %, 20-75 wt. %, 20-70 wt. %, 20-60 wt. %, 20-50 wt. %, 20-45wt. %, 25-80 wt. %, 25-75 wt. %, 25-70 wt. %, 25-60 wt. %, 25-50 wt. %, 25-45 wt. %, 30-80wt. %, 30-75 wt. %, 30-70 wt. %, 30-60 wt. %, 30-50 wt. %, 30-45 wt. %, 35-80 wt. %, 35-75 wt. %, 35-70 wt. %, 35-60 wt. %, 35-50 wt. %, 35-45 wt. %, 40-80 wt. %, 40-75 wt. %, 40-70 wt. %, 40-60 wt. %, 40-50 wt. %, 40-45 wt. %, 50-80 wt. %, 50-75 wt. %, 50-70 wt. %, 50-60 wt. %, 55-80 wt. %, 55-75 wt. %, 55-70 wt. %, 55-60 wt. %, 60-80 wt. %, 60-75 wt. %, or 60-70 wt. % bio-based PCM component.

[0039] In some embodiments, compositions described herein comprise an inorganic PCM component. In some embodiments, an inorganic PCM component comprises a salt hydrate. Any salt hydrate not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. For example, in some cases, a salt hydrate comprises a hydrate of KF, a hydrate of Mn(NO3)2, a hydrate of CaCl2, a hydrate of CaBr2, a hydrate of Li(NO3), a hydrate of LiCl, a hydrate of Na2SO4, a hydrate of Na2CO3, a hydrate of Na2HPO4, a hydrate of Zn(NO3)2, a hydrate of ZnCl2, a hydrate of Ca(NO3)2, a hydrate of Na(NO3)2, a hydrate of Zn(NO3)2, a hydrate of FeCl3, a hydrate of Co(NO3)2, a hydrate of Ni(NO3)2, a hydrate of MnCl2, a hydrate of CH3COONa, a hydrate of LiC2H3O2, a hydrate of NaCl, a hydrate of MgCl2, a hydrate of NaOH, a hydrate of Cd(NO3)2, a hydrate of Fe(NO3)2, a hydrate of NaAl(SO4)2, a hydrate of FeSO4, a hydrate of Na3PO4, a hydrate of Na2B4O7, a hydrate of Na3PO4, a hydrate of LiCH3COO, a hydrate of NH4Cl, a hydrate of KCl, a hydrate of (NH4)2SO4, a hydrate of MgSO4, a hydrate of Na2SO4, a hydrate of K2SO4, a hydrate of (NH4)2CO3, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. In some instances, a salt hydrate comprises a hydrate of a formate salt, a hydrate of an acetate salt, a hydrate of a chloride salt, a hydrate of an iodide salt, a hydrate of a fluoride salt, a hydrate of a nitrate salt, a hydrate of a sulfate salt, a hydrate of a carbonate salt, a hydrate of a phosphate salt, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. Non-limiting examples of salt hydrates suitable for use in some embodiments described herein include KF • 4H2O, Mn(NO3)2 • 6H2O, CaCl2• 6H2O, CaBr2• 6H2O, Li(NO3) • 6H2O, Na2SO4• 10H2O, Na2CO3• 10H2O, Na2HPO4• 12H2O, Zn(NO3)2• 6H2O, Ca(NO3)2• 3H2O, Na(NO3)2• 6H2O, Zn(NO3)2• 2H2O, FeCl3• 2H2O, Co(NO3)2 • 6H2O, Ni(NO3)2 • 6H2O, MnCl2 • 4H2O, CH3COONa • 3H2O, LiC2H3O2 • 2H2O, NaCl • 2H2O, MgCl2 • 4H2O, MgCl2 • 8H2O, MgCl2 • 12H2O, NaOH • H2O, Cd(NO3)2 • 4H2O, Cd(NO3)2• 1H2O, Fe(NO3)2• 6H2O, NaAl(SO4)2• 12H2O, FeSO4• 7H2O, Na3PO4• 12H2O, Na2B4O7 • 10H2O, Na3PO4 • 12H2O, LiCH3COO • 2H2O, NH4Cl • 3H2O, KCl • 2H2O, (NH4)2SO4 • 6H2O, MgSO4 • 12H2O, MgSO4 • 7H2O, Na2SO4 • 10H2O, Na2SO4 • 7H2O, K2SO4hydrates, (NH4)2CO3 • H2O, HCOONa, and CH3COONa. Other salt hydrates not specifically enumerated herein above may also be used.

[0040] The inorganic PCM component of a composition described herein can be present in any amount not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a composition described herein comprises at least 15 wt. % inorganic PCM component, based on a total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least 20 wt. %, at least 25 wt. %, at least 30 wt. %, at least 35 wt. %, at least 40 wt. %, at least 50 wt. %, or at least 60 wt. % inorganic PCM component. In some embodiments, a composition as described herein comprises about 15-80 wt. % inorganic PCM component. In some embodiments, the composition comprises 15-75 wt. %, 15-70 wt. %, 15-60 wt. %, 15-50 wt. %, 15-45 wt. %, 20-80 wt. %, 20-75 wt. %, 20-70 wt. %, 20-60 wt. %, 20-50 wt. %, 20-45 wt. %, 25-80 wt. %, 25-75 wt. %, 25-70 wt. %, 25-60 wt. %, 25-50 wt. %, 25-45 wt. %, 30-80wt. %, 30-75 wt. %, 30-70 wt. %, 30-60 wt. %, 30-50 wt. %, 30-45 wt. %, 35-80 wt. %, 35-75 wt. %, 35-70 wt. %, 35-60 wt. %, 35-50 wt. %, 35-45 wt. %, 40-80 wt. %, 40-75 wt. %, 40-70 wt. %, 40-60 wt. %, 40-50 wt. %, 40-45 wt. %, 50-80 wt. %, 50-75 wt. %, 50-70 wt. %, 50-60 wt. %, 55-80 wt. %, 55-75 wt. %, 55-70 wt. %, 55-60 wt. %, 60-80 wt. %, 60-75 wt. %, or 60-70 wt. % inorganic PCM component.

[0041] Compositions described herein further comprise an alkane (or paraffin) component. Any alkane (or paraffin) component not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. However, it is to be under that an alkane component differs from a bio-based PCM component. Moreover, the alkane component may be derived from a variety of sources including, but not limited to, petroleum refining, thermal or catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons, coking of coal, petrochemical conversions, cement production, and / or other chemical manufacturing processes. Thus, in some cases, an alkane component may be derived from one of those processes as a waste stream. Also, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, an alkane component is not bio-based and / or a bio-based PCM component. Moreover, in some cases, an alkane component is a non-bio-based PCM component. Additionally, an alkane component of a composition described herein can comprise a single alkane or a combination of differing alkanes. Further, one or more alkanes of an alkane component described herein can be linear or branched (where branched alkanes may also be referred to as isoparaffins).

[0042] In some embodiments, an alkane component comprises an n-alkane. In some embodiments, an alkane component comprises one or more C3 to C60 alkanes. In some embodiments, an alkane component comprises a C3 to C30 alkane, C3 to C28 alkane, C3 to C26 alkane, C3 to C18 alkane, C3 to C16 alkane, C6 to C20 alkane, C6 to C30 alkane, C6 to C28 alkane, C6 to C26 alkane, C6 to C18 alkane, C6 to C16 alkane, C8 to C14 alkane, C10 to C30 alkane, C10 to C28 alkane, C10 to C26 alkane, C10 to C18 alkane, C10 to C16 alkane, C12 to C30 alkane, C12 to C28 alkane, C12 to C26 alkane, C12 to C18 alkane, C12 to C16 alkane, and / or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of alkanes suitable for use in some embodiments described herein include n-dodecane, n-tridecane, n-tetradecane, n-pentadecane, n- hexadecane, n-heptadecane, n-octadecane, n-nonadecane, n-icosane, n-henicosane, n-docosane, n-tricosane, n-tetracosane, n-pentacosane, n-hexacosane, n-heptacosane, n-octacosane, n- nonacosane, n-triacontane, n-hentriacontane, n-dotriacontane, n-tritriacontane, and / or combinations thereof.

[0043] In some implementations, the alkane component comprises a mixture of differing alkanes. Any combination of alkanes not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. In some instances, a mixture of differing alkanes comprises 70-100 wt. %, 70-90 wt. %, or 70-80 wt. % C6-C20 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes. In some cases, a mixture of differing alkanes comprises 80-100 wt. % C6-C20 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes. In some implementations, a mixture of differing alkanes comprises 80-99 wt. %, 80-95 wt. %, 80-90 wt. %, or 90-99 wt. % C6-C20 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes.

[0044] In some implementations, a mixture of differing alkanes comprises 70-100 wt. %, 70- 90 wt. %, or 70-80 wt. % C6-C16 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes. In some cases, a mixture of differing alkanes comprises 80-100 wt. % C6-C16 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes. In some implementations, a mixture of differing alkanes comprises 80-99 wt. %, 80-95 wt. %, 80-90 wt. %, or 90-99 wt. % C6-C16 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes.

[0045] Moreover, in some instances, a mixture of differing alkanes comprises 70-100 wt. %, 70-90 wt. %, or 70-80 wt. % C8-C14 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes. In some cases, a mixture of differing alkanes comprises 80-100 wt. % C8-C14 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes. In some embodiments, a mixture ofdiffering alkanes comprises 80-99 wt. %, 80-95 wt. %, 80-90 wt. %, or 90-99 wt. % C8-C14 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes.

[0046] Additionally, in some embodiments, a mixture of differing alkanes comprises 70-100 wt. %, 70-90 wt. %, or 70-80 wt. % C12-C26 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes. In some embodiments, a mixture of differing alkanes comprises 80-100 wt. % C12-C26 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes. In some embodiments, a mixture of differing alkanes comprises 80-99 wt. %, 80-95 wt. %, 80-90 wt. %, or 90-99 wt. % C12-C26 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes.

[0047] Further, in other embodiments, a mixture of differing alkanes comprises 70-100 wt. %, 70-90 wt. %, or 70-80 wt. % C10-C18 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes. In some embodiments, a mixture of differing alkanes comprises 80-100 wt. % C10-C18 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes. In some embodiments, a mixture of differing alkanes comprises 80-99 wt. %, 80-95 wt. %, 80-90 wt. %, or 90-99 wt. % C10-C18 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes.

[0048] Moreover, in some embodiments, a mixture of differing alkanes comprises 70-100 wt. %, 70-90 wt. %, or 70-80 wt. % C6-C16 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes. In some embodiments, a mixture of differing alkanes comprises 80-100 wt. % C6-C16 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes. In some embodiments, a mixture of differing alkanes comprises 80-99 wt. %, 80-95 wt. %, 80-90 wt. %, or 90-99 wt. % C6-C16 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes.

[0049] Additionally, it will also be appreciated that in some implementations, an alkane component may comprise a distribution of linear alkanes. For example, in some cases, an alkane component may comprise Mixture 1 with the distribution of alkanes indicated in Table 1 in wt. % based on the total weight of the amount of alkanes present. Moreover, in some cases, an alkane component may comprise Mixture 2 with the distribution of alkanes indicated in Table 1 in wt. % based on the total weight of the amount of alkanes present. Further, in some embodiments, an alkane component may comprise Mixture 3 with the distribution of linear alkanes indicated in Table 1 in wt. % based on the total weight of the amount of alkanes present. It is to be understood that in Table 1, “Other Alkanes” comprise other linear alkanes that are out of the indicated ranges.

[0050] Further, in some instances, an alkane component may comprise Mixture 4 with the distribution of alkanes indicated in Table 2 in wt. % based on the total weight of the amount of alkanes present. In some cases, an alkane component may comprise Mixture 5 with the distribution of alkanes indicated in Table 2 in wt. % based on the total weight of the amount of alkanes present. In some embodiments, an alkane component may comprise Mixture 6 with the distribution of alkanes indicated in Table 2 in wt. % based on the total weight of the amount of alkanes present. It is to be understood that in Table 2, “Other Alkanes” comprise other linear alkanes that are out of the indicated ranges.

[0051] Moreover, in some instances, an alkane component may comprise Mixture 6 with the distribution of alkanes indicated in Table 3 in wt. % based on the total weight of the amount of alkanes present. In some cases, an alkane component may comprise Mixture 7 with the distribution of alkanes indicated in Table 3 in wt. % based on the total weight of the amount of alkanes present. In some embodiments, an alkane component may comprise Mixture 6 with the distribution of alkanes indicated in Table 3 in wt. % based on the total weight of the amount of alkanes present.

[0052] In some implementations, an alkane component may comprise Mixture 10 with the distribution of alkanes indicated in Table 4 in wt. % based on the total weight of the amount of alkanes present. In some instances, an alkane component may comprise Mixture 11 with the distribution of alkanes indicated in Table 4 in wt. % based on the total weight of the amount of alkanes present. It is to be understood that in Table 3 and Table 4, “Other Alkanes” comprise other linear alkanes that are out of the indicated ranges. Table 1. Compositions of Mixture 1, Mixture 2, and Mixture 3. Alkane Mixture 1 Mixture 2 Mixture 3 11 4Table 2. Compositions of Mixture 4, Mixture 5, and Mixture 6. Alkane Mixture 4 Mixture 5 Mixture 6C12-15 20-30 10-15 10-20 C16-19 5-15 40-50 30-40Mixture 9. Alkane Mixture 7 Mixture 8 Mixture 9 C6 3-8 0-1 0-1Table 4. Compositions of Mixture 10 and Mixture 11. Alkane Mixture 10 Mixture 11C17 0-5 5-15 C18 0-5 5-15s a so o e u e s oo a in some cases, any of Mixtures 1-11 may comprise other components and / or compounds (e.g., various hydrocarbons) other than alkanes. Non- limiting examples of other components and / or compounds other than alkanes that may be found in such Mixtures described herein may include naphthenic, isoparaffin, or olefin compounds. In some instances, other components and / or compounds other than alkanes may be present in the range 1-80 wt. %, 1-70 wt. %, 1-60 wt. %, 1-50 wt. %, 1-40 wt. %, 1-30 wt. %, 1-25 wt. %, 1-20 wt. %, 1-15 wt. %, 1-10 wt. %, 1-5 wt. %, 5-80 wt. %, 5-70 wt. %, 5-60 wt. %, 5-50 wt. %, 5-40 wt. %, 5-30 wt. %, 5-25 wt. %, 5-20 wt. %, 5-15 wt. %, 5-10 wt. %, 10-80 wt. %, 10-70 wt. %, 10-60 wt. %, 10-50 wt. %, 10-40 wt. %, 10-30 wt. %, 10-25 wt. %, 10-20 wt. %, 10-15 wt. %, 15-80 wt. %, 15-70 wt. %, 15-60 wt. %, 15-50 wt. %, 15-40 wt. %, 15-30 wt. %, 15-25 wt. %, 15-20 wt. %, 20-80 wt. %, 20-70 wt. %, 20-60 wt. %, 20-50 wt. %, 20-40 wt. %, 20-30 wt. %, 20-25 wt. %, 25-80 wt. %, 25-70 wt. %, 25-60 wt. %, 25-50 wt. %, 25-40 wt. %, 25-30 wt. %, 30-80 wt. %, 30-70 wt. %, 30-60 wt. %, 30-50 wt. %, 30-40 wt. %, 40-80 wt. %, 40-70 wt. %, 40-60 wt. %, 40-50 wt. %, 50-80 wt. %, 50-70 wt. %, 50-60 wt. %, 60-80 wt. %, 60-70 wt. %, or 70-80 wt. %, based on the total composition of the alkane component. In some preferred embodiments, the amount of other components and / or compounds other than alkanes described above is less than 5 wt. % or less than 10 wt. %. In some especially preferred embodiments, other components and / or compounds other than alkanes do not have a weight average molecular weight of less than 80, less than 90, less than 100, less than 120, or less than 150 (or such lowmolecular weight species are present in an amount of less than 5 wt. %, less than 3 wt. %, or less than 1 wt. %).

[0054] As described above, in some embodiments, the alkanes in the mixture of alkanes can be linear, branched, or a mixture or combination of linear alkanes and branched alkanes (where branched alkanes may also be referred to as isoparaffins). In some embodiments, at least 50 wt. % of the total content of alkanes comprises linear alkanes. In some cases, at least 60 wt. % of the total alkane content comprises linear alkanes. In some instances, at least 70 wt. % of the total alkane content comprises linear alkanes. In some implementations, at least 80 wt. % of the total alkane content comprises linear alkanes. In some embodiments, the total alkane content includes no more than 90 wt. % linear alkanes. In some instances, the alkane component comprises 50%- 100%, 50%-90%, 50%-80%, 50%-70%, 50%-60%, 60%-100%, 60%-90%, 60%-80%, 60%- 70%, 70%-100%, 70%-90%, 70%-80%, 80%-100%, 80%-90%, or 90%-100% linear alkanes.

[0055] The alkane component of a composition described herein can be present in any amount not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention. In some embodiments, for example, a composition described herein comprises at least 10 wt.% or at least 20 wt. % alkane component, based on a total weight of the composition. In some instances, the composition comprises at least 25 wt. %, at least 30 wt. %, at least 35 wt. %, at least 40 wt. %, at least 45 wt. %, at least 50 wt. %, at least 55 wt. %, or at least 60 wt. % alkane component. In some implementations, a composition as described herein comprises about 10-85 wt. %, 15-85 wt. %, 20-85 wt. %, 25-85 wt. %, 30-85 wt. %, 35-85 wt. %, 40-85 wt. %, 45-85 wt. %, 50-85 wt. %, 55-85 wt. %, 60-85 wt. %, 65-85 wt. %, 10-75 wt. %, 15-75 wt. %, 20-75 wt. %, 25-75 wt. %, 30-75 wt. %, 35-75 wt. %, 40-75 wt. %, 45-75 wt. %, 50-75 wt. %, 55-75 wt. %, 60-75 wt. %, 65-75 wt. %, 10-70 wt. %, 15-70 wt. %, 20-70 wt. %, 25-70 wt. %, 30-70 wt. %, 35-70 wt. %, 40-70 wt. %, 45-70 wt. %, 50-70 wt. %, 55-70 wt. %, 60-70 wt. %, 65-70 wt. %,10-65 wt. %, 15- 65 wt. %, 20-65 wt. %, 25-65 wt. %, 30-65 wt. %, 35-65 wt. %, 40-65 wt. %, 45-65 wt. %, 50-65 wt. %, 55-65 wt. %, 60-65 wt. %,10-60 wt. %, 15-60 wt. %, 20-60 wt. %, 25-60 wt. %, 30-60 wt. %, 35-60 wt. %, 40-60 wt. %, 45-60wt. %, 50-60 wt. %, 55-60 wt. %, 10-50 wt. %, 15-50 wt. %, 20-50 wt. %, 25-50 wt. %, 30-50 wt. %, 35-50 wt. %, 40-50 wt. %, 45-50 wt. %, 10-35 wt. %, 15-35 wt. %, 20-35 wt. %, 25-35 wt. %, or 30-35 wt. % alkane component, based on a total weight of the composition.

[0056] Further, the ratio of bio-based PCM component to alkane component can vary in a composition described herein. For example, in some embodiments, a composition comprises at least 25 wt. % bio-based PCM component and at least 20 wt. % alkane component, based on a total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, a composition comprises 40-80 wt. % bio-based PCM component and 20-60 wt. % alkane component, based on a total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, a ratio of the wt. % of the bio-based PCM component to the wt. % of the alkane component is 20:80 to 80:20. In some embodiments, the ratio is 25:75 to 75:25, 30:70 to 70:30, 35:65 to 65:35, 40:60 to 60:40, or 50:50.

[0057] Moreover, in some implementations, a ratio of the wt. % of the bio-based PCM component to the wt. % of the alkane component may be selected based on one or more desired properties of PCM compositions. For example, in some cases, a ratio of the wt. % of the bio- based PCM component to the wt. % of the alkane component may be selected such that a PCM composition has a particular physical density, thermal conductivity, and / or total thermal energy storage density (TTESD). It is to be understood that in some embodiments, these properties are interrelated. Table 5 below displays exemplary combinations displaying this interrelatedness for PCM compositions described herein. For the reference purposes of Table 5, TTESD is calculated using Formula I: ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ = ^^^^ ^^^^ + ^^^^ ^^^^ = ^^^^ ^^^^ + ^^^^^^^^∆ ^^^^ ^^^^ = ^^^^ ^^^^ + ^^^^^^^^∆ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ (I) wherein LH is latent heat; SH is sensible heat; Cpis the specific heat capacity at constant pressure; ΔT is the change in temperature; m is the mass of the PCM composition; ^^^^ is the physical density of the PCM composition; and V is the volume of the PCM composition. Moreover, in some preferred embodiments, ΔT is 25°C or less, 20°C or less, 15°C or less, or 10°C or less, or 5-25°C or 10-25°C. Table 5. Relationship between Physical Density, Thermal Conductivity, and TTESD. Physical Density Thermal TTESD (J / g)Example 3 1.5-2.5 50 150, , , may lead to a higher and / or increased thermal conductivity. However, in some cases, generally, a higher and / or increased thermal conductivity may lead to a lower and / or reduced TTESD. In some cases, generally, a lower or decreased physical density may lead to a lower and / or decreased thermal conductivity measurement. However, in some cases, generally, a lower and / or decreased thermal conductivity may lead to a higher and / or increased TTESD. Thus, it is to be understood that in some implementations, a ratio of the wt. % of the bio-based PCM component to the wt. % of the alkane component may be selected to account for this relationship among these properties.

[0059] In some instances, a ratio of the wt. % of the bio-based PCM component to the wt. % of the alkane component may be selected such that the physical density of a PCM composition described herein is in the range of 0.5-4.0 g / cm3, 0.5-3.75 g / cm3, 0.5-3.5 g / cm3, 0.5-3.25 g / cm3, 0.5-3.0 g / cm3, 0.5-2.75 g / cm3, 0.5-2.5 g / cm3, 0.5-2.25 g / cm3, 0.5-2 g / cm3, 0.5-1.75 g / cm3, 0.5- 1.5 g / cm3, 0.5-1.25 g / cm3, 0.5-1 g / cm3, 0.5-0.75 g / cm3, 0.75-4.0 g / cm3, 0.75-3.75 g / cm3, 0.75-3.5 g / cm3, 0.75-3.25 g / cm3, 0.75-3.0 g / cm3, 0.75-2.75 g / cm3, 0.75-2.5 g / cm3, 0.75-2.25 g / cm3, 0.75- 2.0 g / cm3, 0.75-1.75 g / cm3, 0.75-1.5 g / cm3, 0.75-1.25 g / cm3, 0.75-1 g / cm3, 1.0-4.0 g / cm3, 1.0- 3.75 g / cm3, 1.0-3.5 g / cm3, 1.0-3.25 g / cm3, 1.0-3.0 g / cm3, 1.0-2.75 g / cm3, 1.0-2.5 g / cm3, 1.0-2.25 g / cm3, 1.0-2.0 g / cm3, 1.0-1.75 g / cm3, 1.0-1.5 g / cm3, 1.0-1.25 g / cm3, 1.25-4.0 g / cm3, 1.25-3.75 g / cm3, 1.25-3.5 g / cm3, 1.25-3.25 g / cm3, 1.25-3.0 g / cm3, 1.25-2.75 g / cm3, 1.25-2.5 g / cm3, 1.25- 2.25 g / cm3, 1.25-2.0 g / cm3, 1.25-1.75 g / cm3, 1.25-1.5 g / cm3, 1.5-4.0 g / cm3, 1.5-3.75 g / cm3, 1.5- 3.5 g / cm3, 1.5-3.25 g / cm3, 1.5-3.0 g / cm3, 1.5-2.75 g / cm3, 1.5-2.5 g / cm3, 1.5-2.25 g / cm3, 1.5-2.0 g / cm3, 1.5-1.75 g / cm3, 1.75-4.0 g / cm3, 1.75-3.75 g / cm3, 1.75-3.5 g / cm3, 1.75-3.25 g / cm3, 1.75- 3.0 g / cm3, 1.75-2.75 g / cm3, 1.75-2.5 g / cm3, 1.75-2.25 g / cm3, 1.75-2.0 g / cm3, 2.0-4.0 g / cm3, 2.0- 3.75 g / cm3, 2.0-3.5 g / cm3, 2.0-3.25 g / cm3, 2.0-3.0 g / cm3, 2.0-2.75 g / cm3, 2.0-2.5 g / cm3, 2.0-2.25g / cm3, 2.25-4.0 g / cm3, 2.25-3.75 g / cm3, 2.25-3.5 g / cm3, 2.25-3.25 g / cm3, 2.25-3.0 g / cm3, 2.25- 2.75 g / cm3, 2.25-2.5 g / cm3, 2.5-4.0 g / cm3, 2.5-3.75 g / cm3, 2.5-3.5 g / cm3, 2.5-3.25 g / cm3, 2.5-3.0 g / cm3, 2.5-2.75 g / cm3, 2.75-4.0 g / cm3, 2.75-3.75 g / cm3, 2.75-3.5 g / cm3, 2.75-3.25 g / cm3, 2.75- 3.0 g / cm3, 3.0-4.0 g / cm3, 3.0-3.75 g / cm3, 3.0-3.5 g / cm3, 3.0-3.25 g / cm3, 3.25-4.0 g / cm3, 3.25- 3.75 g / cm3, 3.25-3.5 g / cm3, 3.5-4.0 g / cm3, 3.5-3.75 g / cm3, or 3.75-4.0 g / cm3.

[0060] Additionally, in some preferred embodiments, a ratio of the wt. % of the bio-based PCM component to the wt. % of the alkane component may be selected such that the physical density of a PCM composition described herein is in the range of 0.75-1.25 g / cm3. In some preferred embodiments, a ratio of the wt. % of the bio-based PCM component to the wt. % of the alkane component may be selected such that the physical density of a PCM composition described herein is in the range of 1.0-1.5 g / cm3. In some other preferred embodiments, a ratio of the wt. % of the bio-based PCM component to the wt. % of the alkane component may be selected such that the physical density of a PCM composition described herein is in the range of 1.25-1.5 g / cm3. In some preferred embodiments, a ratio of the wt. % of the bio-based PCM component to the wt. % of the alkane component may be selected such that the physical density of a PCM composition described herein is in the range of 1.0-2.0 g / cm3. In some preferred embodiments, a ratio of the wt. % of the bio-based PCM component to the wt. % of the alkane component may be selected such that the physical density of a PCM composition described herein is in the range of 2.0-2.5 g / cm3.

[0061] Moreover, in some embodiments, a ratio of the wt. % of the bio-based PCM component to the wt. % of the alkane component may be selected such that the thermal conductivity of a PCM composition described herein is less than 200 mW / mK, less than 175 mW / mK, less than 150 mW / mK, less than 125 mW / mK, less than 100 mW / mK, less than 90 mW / mK, less than 80 mW / mK, less than 70 mW / mK, less than 60 mW / mK, less than about 50 mW / mK, less than 40 mW / mK, less than 30 mW / mK, less than 20 mW / mK, less than 10 mW / mK, less than 7 mW / mK, less than 5 mW / mK, less than 3 mW / mK, or less than 1 mW / mK. In some implementations, a ratio of the wt. % of the bio-based PCM component to the wt. % of the alkane component may be selected such that the thermal conductivity of a PCM composition described herein is in the range of 0.1-200 mW / mK, 0.1-190 mW / mK, 0.1-180 mW / mK, 0.1-170 mW / mK, 0.1-160 mW / mK, 0.1-150 mW / mK, 0.1-140 mW / mK, 0.1-130 mW / mK, 0.1-120 mW / mK, 0.1-110 mW / mK, 0.1-100 mW / mK, 0.1-90 mW / mK, 0.1-80 mW / mK, 0.1-70 mW / mK,0.1-60 mW / mK, 0.1-50 mW / mK, 0.1-40 mW / mK, 0.1-30 mW / mK, 0.1-20 mW / mK, 0.1-10 mW / mK, 0.1-7 mW / mK, 0.1-5 mW / mK, 0.1-3 mW / mK, 0.1-1 mW / mK, 1-200 mW / mK, 1-190 mW / mK, 1-180 mW / mK, 1-170 mW / mK, 1-160 mW / mK, 1-150 mW / mK, 1-140 mW / mK, 1- 130 mW / mK, 1-120 mW / mK, 1-110 mW / mK, 1-100 mW / mK, 1-90 mW / mK, 1-80 mW / mK, 1- 70 mW / mK, 1-60 mW / mK, 1-50 mW / mK, 1-40 mW / mK, 1-30 mW / mK, 1-20 mW / mK, 1-10 mW / mK, 1-7 mW / mK, 1-5 mW / mK, 1-3 mW / mK, 3-200 mW / mK, 3-190 mW / mK, 3-180 mW / mK, 3-170 mW / mK, 3-160 mW / mK, 3-150 mW / mK, 3-140 mW / mK, 3-130 mW / mK, 3- 120 mW / mK, 3-110 mW / mK, 3-100 mW / mK, 3-90 mW / mK, 3-80 mW / mK, 3-70 mW / mK, 3-60 mW / mK, 3-50 mW / mK, 3-40 mW / mK, 3-30 mW / mK, 3-20 mW / mK, 3-10 mW / mK, 3-5 mW / mK, 5-200 mW / mK, 5-190 mW / mK, 5-180 mW / mK, 5-170 mW / mK, 5-160 mW / mK, 5- 150 mW / mK, 5-140 mW / mK, 5-130 mW / mK, 5-120 mW / mK, 5-110 mW / mK, 5-100 mW / mK, 5-90 mW / mK, 5-80 mW / mK, 5-70 mW / mK, 5-60 mW / mK, 5-50 mW / mK, 5-40 mW / mK, 5-30 mW / mK, 5-20 mW / mK, 5-10 mW / mK, 5-7 mW / mK, 7-200 mW / mK, 7-190 mW / mK, 7-180 mW / mK, 7-170 mW / mK, 7-160 mW / mK, 7-150 mW / mK, 7-140 mW / mK, 7-130 mW / mK, 7- 120 mW / mK, 7-110 mW / mK, 7-100 mW / mK, 7-90 mW / mK, 7-80 mW / mK, 7-70 mW / mK, 7-60 mW / mK, 7-50 mW / mK, 7-40 mW / mK, 7-30 mW / mK, 7-20 mW / mK, 7-10 mW / mK, 10-200 mW / mK, 10-190 mW / mK, 10-180 mW / mK, 10-170 mW / mK, 10-160 mW / mK, 10-150 mW / mK, 10-140 mW / mK, 10-130 mW / mK, 10-120 mW / mK, 10-110 mW / mK, 10-100 mW / mK, 10-90 mW / mK, 10-80 mW / mK, 10-70 mW / mK, 10-60 mW / mK, 10-50 mW / mK, 10- 40 mW / mK, 10-30 mW / mK, 10-20 mW / mK, 20-200 mW / mK, 20-190 mW / mK, 20-180 mW / mK, 20-170 mW / mK, 20-160 mW / mK, 20-150 mW / mK, 20-140 mW / mK, 20-130 mW / mK, 20-120 mW / mK, 20-110 mW / mK, 20-100 mW / mK, 20-90 mW / mK, 20-80 mW / mK, 20-70 mW / mK, 20-60 mW / mK, 20-50 mW / mK, 20-40 mW / mK, 20-30 mW / mK, 30-200 mW / mK, 30-190 mW / mK, 30-180 mW / mK, 30-170 mW / mK, 30-160 mW / mK, 30-150 mW / mK, 30-140 mW / mK, 30-130 mW / mK, 30-120 mW / mK, 30-110 mW / mK, 30-100 mW / mK, 30-90 mW / mK, 30-80 mW / mK, 30-70 mW / mK, 30-60 mW / mK, 30-50 mW / mK, 30- 40 mW / mK, 40-200 mW / mK, 40-190 mW / mK, 40-180 mW / mK, 40-170 mW / mK, 40-160 mW / mK, 40-150 mW / mK, 40-140 mW / mK, 40-130 mW / mK, 40-120 mW / mK, 40-110 mW / mK, 40-100 mW / mK, 40-90 mW / mK, 40-80 mW / mK, 40-70 mW / mK, 40-60 mW / mK, 40- 50 mW / mK, 50-200 mW / mK, 50-190 mW / mK, 50-180 mW / mK, 50-170 mW / mK, 50-160 mW / mK, 50-150 mW / mK, 50-140 mW / mK, 50-130 mW / mK, 50-120 mW / mK, 50-110mW / mK, 50-100 mW / mK, 50-90 mW / mK, 50-80 mW / mK, 50-70 mW / mK, 50-60 mW / mK, 60- 200 mW / mK, 60-190 mW / mK, 60-180 mW / mK, 60-170 mW / mK, 60-160 mW / mK, 60-150 mW / mK, 60-140 mW / mK, 60-130 mW / mK, 60-120 mW / mK, 60-110 mW / mK, 60-100 mW / mK, 60-90 mW / mK, 60-80 mW / mK, 60-70 mW / mK, 70-200 mW / mK, 70-190 mW / mK, 70-180 mW / mK, 70-170 mW / mK, 70-160 mW / mK, 70-150 mW / mK, 70-140 mW / mK, 70-130 mW / mK, 70-120 mW / mK, 70-110 mW / mK, 70-100 mW / mK, 70-90 mW / mK, 70-80 mW / mK, 80-200 mW / mK, 80-190 mW / mK, 80-180 mW / mK, 80-170 mW / mK, 80-160 mW / mK, 80-150 mW / mK, 80-140 mW / mK, 80-130 mW / mK, 80-120 mW / mK, 80-110 mW / mK, 80-100 mW / mK, 80-90 mW / mK, 90-200 mW / mK, 90-190 mW / mK, 90-180 mW / mK, 90-170 mW / mK, 90-160 mW / mK, 90-150 mW / mK, 90-140 mW / mK, 90-130 mW / mK, 90-120 mW / mK, 90-110 mW / mK, 90-100 mW / mK, 100-200 mW / mK, 100-190 mW / mK, 100-180 mW / mK, 100-170 mW / mK, 100-160 mW / mK, 100-150 mW / mK, 100-140 mW / mK, 100-130 mW / mK, 100-120 mW / mK, 100-110 mW / mK, 110-200 mW / mK, 110-190 mW / mK, 110-180 mW / mK, 110-170 mW / mK, 110-160 mW / mK, 110-150 mW / mK, 110-140 mW / mK, 110-130 mW / mK, 110-120 mW / mK, 120-200 mW / mK, 120-190 mW / mK, 120-180 mW / mK, 120-170 mW / mK, 120-160 mW / mK, 120-150 mW / mK, 120-140 mW / mK, 120-130 mW / mK, 130-200 mW / mK, 130-190 mW / mK, 130-180 mW / mK, 130-170 mW / mK, 130-160 mW / mK, 130-150 mW / mK, 130-140 mW / mK, 140-200 mW / mK, 140-190 mW / mK, 140-180 mW / mK, 140-170 mW / mK, 140-160 mW / mK, 140-150 mW / mK, 150-200 mW / mK, 150-190 mW / mK, 150-180 mW / mK, 150-170 mW / mK, 150-160 mW / mK, 160-200 mW / mK, 160-190 mW / mK, 160-180 mW / mK, 160-170 mW / mK, 170-200 mW / mK, 170-190 mW / mK, 170-180 mW / mK, 180-200 mW / mK, 180-190 mW / mK, or 190-200 mW / mK.

[0062] Further, in some preferred embodiments, a ratio of the wt. % of the bio-based PCM component to the wt. % of the alkane component may be selected such that the thermal conductivity of a PCM composition described herein is in the range of 0.1-10 mW / mK. In some preferred embodiments, a ratio of the wt. % of the bio-based PCM component to the wt. % of the alkane component may be selected such that the thermal conductivity of a PCM composition described herein is in the range of 0.1-5 mW / mK. In some preferred embodiments, a ratio of the wt. % of the bio-based PCM component to the wt. % of the alkane component may be selected such that the thermal conductivity of a PCM composition described herein is in the range of 5-10 mW / mK.

[0063] Additionally, in some instances, a ratio of the wt. % of the bio-based PCM component to the wt. % of the alkane component may be selected such that the total thermal energy storage density (TTESD) of a PCM composition described herein is in the range of 100- 350 J / g, 100-300 J / g, 100-250 J / g, 100-225 J / g, 100-200 J / g, 100-175 J / g, 100-150 J / g, 100-125 J / g, 125-350 J / g, 125-300 J / g, 125-250 J / g, 125-225 J / g, 125-200 J / g, 125-175 J / g, 125-150 J / g, 150-350 J / g, 150-300 J / g, 150-250 J / g, 150-225 J / g, 150-200 J / g, 150-175 J / g, 175-350 J / g, 175- 300 J / g, 175-250 J / g, 175-225 J / g, 175-200 J / g, 200-350 J / g, 200-300 J / g, 200-250 J / g, 200-225 J / g, 225-350 J / g, 225-300 J / g, 225-250 J / g, 250-350 J / g, 250-300 J / g, or 300-350 J / g.

[0064] A composition described herein, in some embodiments, comprises a crosslinker. In some embodiments, the crosslinker is chemically bonded to a PCM component or sub- component of the composition. Further, in some embodiments, a linker component chemically bonded to a PCM component provides a non-polymeric material. In some embodiments, a linker component chemically bonded to a PCM component provides an oligomeric material. In some embodiments, for example, a PCM component is monofunctional. A monofunctional PCM component, in some embodiments, can be chemically bonded to a linker component through a single functional group, such as a carboxyl or hydroxyl group. Further, in some embodiments, the crosslinker component is polyfunctional. A polyfunctional crosslinker, in some embodiments, can be chemically bonded to more than one PCM components, including more than one monofunctional PCM components. For example, in some embodiments, a bifunctional crosslinker (B) can be chemically bonded to two monofunctional PCM components (A) to provide an A-B-A trimer. In other embodiments, a bifunctional crosslinker is chemically bonded to one monofunctional PCM component to provide an A-B dimer. Moreover, in some embodiments, the crosslinker described is also operative as a viscosity modifier described herein.

[0065] Further, the crosslinker can be chemically bonded to a PCM component through any chemical bond not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention. In some embodiments, for instance, a linker component is chemically bonded to a PCM component through a covalent bond. In other embodiments, the crosslinker is chemically bonded to a PCM component through an ionic bond or electrostatic bond. In some embodiments, the crosslinker is chemically bonded to a PCM component through a hydrogen bond. In some embodiments, the crosslinker is chemically bonded to a PCM component through a urethane bond. In other embodiments, the crosslinker is chemically bonded to a PCM component through an amidebond. In some embodiments, the crosslinker is chemically bonded to a PCM component through an ester bond.

[0066] In addition, a crosslinker described herein can comprise any chemical species not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention. In some embodiments, for instance, the crosslinker comprises a functional group capable of forming a covalent bond with a functional group of a PCM component described herein, such as a carboxyl group or a hydroxyl group. In some embodiments, the crosslinker comprises a polyol. In some embodiments, the crosslinker comprises a saccharide, including a monosaccharide, disaccharide, oligosaccharide, or polysaccharide. A polysaccharide, in some embodiments, comprises cellulose or a cellulose derivative. Further, in some embodiments, the crosslinker comprises a sugar alcohol, such as glycol, glycerol, erythritol, threitol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, iditol, isomalt, maltitol, or lactitol.

[0067] In other embodiments, the crosslinker comprises an isocyanate. In some embodiments, a linker component comprises a diisocyanate, such as a methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), toluene diisocyanate (TDI), naphthalene diisocyanate (NDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and / or hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). Non-limiting examples of diisocyanates suitable for use in some embodiments described herein include Lupranate® LP27, LP30, LP30D, M, MI, MS, M10, M20, M20S, M20FB, M20HB, M20SB, M70L, MM103, MP102, MS, R2500, R2500U, T80-Type 1, T80-Type 2, TF2115, 78, 81, 219, 223, 227, 230, 234, 245, 259, 265, 266, 273, 275, 278, 280, 281, 5010, 5020, 5030, 5040, 5050, 5060, 5070, 5080, 5090, 5100, 5110, 5140, 5143, and 8020, all commercially available from BASF. Other non-limiting examples of diisocyanates suitable for use in some embodiments described herein include Suprasec® 2004, 2029, 5025, 7316, 7507, 9150, 9561, 9577, 9582, 9600, 9603, 9608, 9612, 9610, 9612, 9615, and 9616 as well as Rubinate® 1209, 1234, 1670, 1790, 1920, 9040, 9234, 9236, 9271, 9272, 9465, and 9511, all commercially available from Huntsman. Other major producers of diisocyanates include Bayer, BorsodChem, Dow, Mitsui, Nippon Polyurethane Industry and Yantai Wanhua.

[0068] Further, in some embodiments, a composition described herein comprises a plurality of crosslinkers. Any combination of crosslinkers not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. In some embodiments, a plurality of crosslinkers is selected based on a desired viscosity of a composition.

[0069] In addition, the crosslinker described herein can be present in a composition in any amount not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention. In some embodiments, for instance, a composition comprises less than about 10 wt. % of the crosslinker based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, a composition comprises less than about 5 wt. %, less than about 3 wt. %, less than about 2 wt. %, or less than about 1 wt. % of the crosslinker. In some embodiments, a composition comprises between about 1 wt. % and about 5 wt. % of the crosslinker or between about 1 wt. % and about 8 wt. % of the crosslinker.

[0070] Compositions as described herein may also optionally include one or more nucleating agents, gelling agents, emulsifiers, catalysts, additives, blowing agents, surfactants, viscosity modifiers, and / or combinations thereof. When present, the one or more nucleating agents, gelling agents, emulsifiers, catalysts, additives, blowing agents, surfactants, viscosity modifiers, and / or combinations thereof can be present in the composition in any amount not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention.

[0071] A nucleating agent, in some embodiments, can help avoid subcooling, particularly for PCMs comprising finely distributed phases, such as fatty alcohols, paraffinic alcohols, amines, and paraffins. Any nucleating agent not inconsistent with the objectives of the present disclosure may be used. In some embodiments, by incorporating one or more nucleating agents that are also PCMs, sub-cooling effects can be controlled or avoided, incongruent melting and freezing temperatures during transitions can be ensured, and phase segregation can be avoided.

[0072] In some embodiments, the nucleating agent is an organic nucleating agent. The term “organic nucleating agent” encompasses any carbon-based compound that can effectively function as a nucleating agent. In some embodiments, the organic nucleating agent is an alkyl ester. Any alkyl ester not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used as the organic nucleating agent. In some embodiments, the organic nucleating agent is an alkyl ester of formula R1-C(O)O-R2, wherein R1and R2are each independently an alkyl moiety. In some embodiments, R1and R2are each independently a C10-C40 alkyl moiety. In some embodiments, R1 and R2 are each independently a C10-C28 alkyl moiety. In some embodiments, R1 and R2 are each independently a C12-C20 alkyl moiety. In some embodiments, R1 and R2 are the same. In some embodiments, R1and R2are different. Non-limiting examples of alkyl esters of fatty acids suitable for use in embodiments described herein include alkyl laurates, alkyl myristates, alkyl palmitates, alkyl stearates, alkyl palmitoleates, alkyl oleates, and alkyl linoleates.

[0073] When a nucleating agent is present, the nucleating agent can be present in the composition in any amount not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention. For instance, in some embodiments, the nucleating agent is present at a concentration of up to about 1 wt. %, 1.5 wt. %, 2 wt. %, 2.5 wt. %, 3 wt. %, 3.5 wt. %, 4 wt. %, 4.5 wt. %, or 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, a composition as described herein comprises 0.01-5 wt. %, 0.01-4 wt. %, 0.01-3 wt. %, 0.01-2 wt. %, 0.01-1 wt. %, 0.1-5 wt. %, 0.1-4 wt. %, 0.1-3 wt. %, 0.1-2 wt. %, 0.1-1 wt. %, 0.2-5 wt. %, 0.2-4 wt. %, 0.2-3 wt. %, 0.2-2 wt. %, 0.2-1 wt. %, 0.25-5 wt. %, 0.25-4 wt. %, 0.25-3 wt. %, 0.25-2 wt. %, 0.25-1 wt. %, 0.5-5 wt. %, 0.5-4 wt. %, 0.5-3 wt. %, 0.5-2 wt. %, or 0.5-1 wt. % nucleating agent.

[0074] Compositions as described herein may also optionally include one or more gelling agents. Any gelling agent not inconsistent with the objectives of the present disclosure may be used. In some embodiments, the gelling agent may comprise an organic gelling agent, an organometallic gelling agent, or an inorganic gelling agent.

[0075] In some embodiments, a gelling agent comprises an aerogel. Any aerogel not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. An aerogel, in some embodiments, comprises an organic composition such as agar. In some embodiments, an aerogel comprises carbon. In some embodiments, an aerogel comprises alumina. In some embodiments, an aerogel comprises silica, including fumed silica. Moreover, an aerogel comprising fumed silica, in some embodiments, comprises particles having a size of from about 1 μm to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the particles have a size from about 1 μm to about 100 μm, from about 1 μm to about 10 μm, or from about 5 μm to about 10 μm. Further, in some embodiments, an aerogel has high porosity. For instance, in some embodiments, an aerogel comprises over 50 percent air. In addition, in some embodiments, an aerogel comprises pores having a size between about 1 nm and about 100 nm. In some embodiments, the pores have a size between about 10 nm and about 100 nm or between about 20 nm and about 40 nm. Moreover, an aerogel described herein, in some embodiments, has a high surface area, such as a surface area of about 500 m2 / g or more. In some embodiments, an aerogel has a surface area between about 500 m2 / g and about 1000 m2 / g or between about 600 m2 / g and about 900 m2 / g. In addition, in some embodiments, an aerogel has a low tap density. In some embodiments, for instance, an aerogel has a tap density less than about 500 kg / m3or less than about 100 kg / m3. In some embodiments, an aerogel has a tap density between about 1 kg / m3and about 200 kg / m3or between about 10 kg / m3and about100 kg / m3. Further, in some embodiments, an aerogel described herein has a low thermal conductivity. In some embodiments, an aerogel has a thermal conductivity less than about 50 mW / mK or less than about 20 mW / mK. In some embodiments, an aerogel has a thermal conductivity between about 1 mW / mK and about 20 mW / mK or between about 5 mW / mK and about 15 mW / mK. Moreover, in some embodiments, an aerogel has a hydrophobic surface. In addition, in some embodiments, an aerogel has a high oil absorption capacity (DBP). In some embodiments, an aerogel has an oil absorption capacity greater than about 100 g / 100 g. In some embodiments, an aerogel has an oil absorption capacity greater than about 500 g / 100 g. In some embodiments, an aerogel has an oil absorption capacity between about 100 g / 100 g and about 1000 g / 100 g, between about 300 g / 100 g and about 800 g / 100 g, or between about 400 g / 100 g and about 600 g / 100 g. Further, in some embodiments, an aerogel has a specific heat capacity between about 0.1 kJ / (kg K) and about 5 kJ / (kg K). In some embodiments, an aerogel has a specific heat capacity between about 0.5 kJ / (kg K) and about 1.5 kJ / (kg K).

[0076] In some instances, a gelling agent comprises a polyacrylate or a polyacrylamide. Any polyacrylate not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present invention may be used. In some cases, a polyacrylate comprises sodium polyacrylate. Moreover, any polyacrylamide not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present invention may be used. For examples, in some cases, a polyacrylamide may comprise a polyacrylamide with a weight average molecular weight between 5,000 and 30,000, between 5,000 and 25,000, between 5,000 and 20,000, between 5,000 and 15,000, between 5,000 and 10,000, between 10,000 and 30,000, between 10,000 and 25,000, between 10,000 and 20,000, between 10,000 and 15,000, between 15,000 and 30,000, between 15,000 and 25,000, between 15,000 and 20,000, between 20,000 and 30,000, between 20,000 and 25,000, or between 25,000 and 30,000.

[0077] In some embodiments, a gelling agent comprises one or more polymeric materials. Any polymeric material not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. In some embodiments, a polymeric material comprises an organic composition. For example, in some embodiments, a polymeric material comprises a polyolefin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, a polycarbonate, a polyester, or a polyurethane. In some embodiments, a polymeric material comprises polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). In some embodiments, a polymeric material comprises an acrylonitrile, including a polyacrylonitrile or acrylonitrile copolymer. An acrylonitrile copolymer, in some embodiments, comprises styrene-acrylonitrile(SAN), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), acrylonitrile butadiene (NBR), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). In some embodiments, a gelling agent comprises a particulate polymeric material, such as ABS grains.

[0078] In some embodiments, a polymeric material comprises a styrenic block copolymer (SBC). In some embodiments, a polymeric material comprises an SBC comprising between about 20 percent and about 40 percent polystyrene. In some embodiments, an SBC comprises between about 25 percent and about 35 percent polystyrene. Further, in some embodiments, an SBC can be maleated or unmaleated. Moreover, in some embodiments, an SBC has an average molecular weight greater than about 75,000. In some embodiments, an SBC has an average molecular weight greater than about 200,000. In some embodiments, an SBC has an average molecular weight between about 75,000 and about 1,000,000, between about 75,000 and about 500,000, or between about 100,000 and about 300,000. For reference purposes herein, molecular weight comprises weight average molecular weight. In addition, in some embodiments, an SBC has a specific gravity less than about 1. In some embodiments, an SBC has a Shore A hardness between about 50 and about 100. In some embodiments, an SBC has a Shore A hardness between about 50 and about 75 or between about 55 and about 70. Non-limiting examples of SBCs useful in some embodiments described herein include styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-ethylene / propylene-styrene, styrene- isobutylene-styrene, styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene, and combinations thereof. Commercially available SBCs useful in some embodiments described herein include SBCs provided by Kraton Polymers (Houston, TX), such as Kraton G1651HU, Kraton G1650, Kraton G1652, and Kraton G1654H.

[0079] In some embodiments, the polymeric material comprises copolymer chains in a di- block, tri-block, or multi-arm configuration (i.e., diblock, triblock, and multiblock polymers). In some embodiments, the polymeric material comprises block copolymers formed from an acrylate or (meth)acrylate block in combination with a styrenic block, a butadiene block, and / or an ABS block. In some embodiments, the polymeric material comprises a linear triblock copolymer. In some embodiments, the linear triblock copolymer comprises an A-B-A structure, where the A blocks comprise polystyrene and the B block comprises an elastomer.

[0080] In some embodiments, the polymeric material comprises a biopolymer. For instance, in some embodiments, a polymeric material comprises a cellulose, cellulosic material, orcellulose derivative. In some embodiments, a polymeric material comprises an ether-based cellulose. In some embodiments, a polymeric material comprises hydroxymethyl cellulose (HMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), methyl cellulose (MC), ethyl cellulose (EC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalic ester (HPMCP), and / or polyanionic cellulose (PAC). In some embodiments, the composition does not comprise HPC or EC. In other embodiments, the composition does not comprise HPMC. In some embodiments, a cellulosic material or cellulose derivative has a molecular weight between about 100,000 and about 2,000,000. In some embodiments, a cellulosic material or cellulosic derivative has a molecular weight between about 250,000 and about 1,500,000, between about 250,000 and about 450,000, between about 750,000 and about 950,000, or between about 1,000,000 and about 1,300,000. Further, in some embodiments, a polymeric material comprises chitosan. In some embodiments, the chitosan has a molecular weight between about 3000 and about 20,000. Further, in some embodiments, the chitosan has a degree of deacetylation between about 50 percent and about 100 percent.

[0081] Further, in some embodiments, a composition described herein comprises a plurality of gelling agents. Any combination of differing gelling agents not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. In addition, a gelling agent or plurality of gelling agents described herein can be present in the composition in any amount not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention. In some embodiments, for instance, a composition described herein comprises less than or up to about 20 wt. % gelling agent. In some embodiments, a composition comprises less than or up to about 10 wt. %, less than about 5 wt. %, less than about 3 wt. %, less than about 2 wt. %, or less than about 1 wt. % gelling agent. In some embodiments, a composition comprises between about 1 wt. % and about 20 wt. %, between about 1 wt. % and about 10 wt. %, between about 2 wt. % and about 5 wt. %, or between about 5 wt. % and about 10 wt. % gelling agent.

[0082] In some cases, a composition described herein may further comprise an emulsifier. Any emulsifier not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. In some embodiments, an emulsifier has both a hydrophilic (water-compatible) portion and a lipophilic (oil-compatible) portion. In some embodiments, the emulsifier is a nonylphenol ethoxlyate (NPE). In some embodiments, the emulsifier is an alkyl alcohol ethoxylate. In someimplementations, an emulsifier may comprise an amphoteric surfactant. Any amphoteric surfactant not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present invention may be used. Non-limiting examples of amphoteric surfactants include but are not limited to amphoglycinates, lauroamphoacetates, betaine, and betaine derivatives.

[0083] An emulsifier can be present in a composition described herein in any amount not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, an emulsifier is present in an amount of less than 5 wt. %, less than 2 wt. %, less than 1 wt. %, or less than 0.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0084] Moreover, adding a catalyst, in some embodiments, facilitates additional reaction between one or more components of the composition. For example, in some embodiments, adding a catalyst facilitates additional polymerization, gelling, and / or cross-linking. Further, in some embodiments, adding a catalyst may provide a mixture having a desired viscosity, including a viscosity corresponding to partial polymerization and / or gelling. Any catalyst not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. In some embodiments, a catalyst is selected based on a desired chemical bond and / or reaction rate. For example, in some embodiments, a catalyst comprises a urethane catalyst. In some embodiments, a catalyst comprises a tertiary amine, such as triethylamine or triethanolamine. In other embodiments, a catalyst comprises an organometallic complex. In some embodiments, a catalyst comprises a metal complex comprising mercury, lead, tin, bismuth or zinc, including organometallic complexes. In some embodiments, a catalyst comprises a dibutyltin, such as dibutyltin laurate. A catalyst can be provided in any manner not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention. In some embodiments, for instance, the catalyst is a catalyst powder. In some embodiments, a catalyst is provided in an amount less than about 0.1 wt. % of the mixture to which the catalyst is added. In some embodiments, a catalyst is provided in an amount between about 0.001 and about 0.1 wt. %.

[0085] Any additive not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used in the methods described herein. In some embodiments, an additive described herein provides one or more properties to a composition described herein. In some embodiments, for instance, an additive provides thermal conductivity modulation, antimicrobial activity, or fire resistance. As such, some additives that may be added to the compositions herein include thermal conductivity modulators, antimicrobial materials, and fire retardants. In some embodiments, aplurality of additives may be added to a composition described herein. Any combination of additives described herein not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used.

[0086] An additive described herein can be provided in any amount not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention. In some embodiments, for instance, an additive is present in an amount less than about 10 wt. %, less than about 5 wt. %, less than about 3 wt. %, less than about 2 wt. % or less than about 1 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, an additive is provided in an amount between about 1 wt. % and about 10 wt. % or between about 1 wt. % and about 5 wt. %.

[0087] In some embodiments, for example, an additive comprises an ionic liquid. Any ionic liquid not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. In some embodiments, an ionic liquid is imidazolium-based. In other embodiments, an ionic liquid is pyridinium-based. In some embodiments, an ionic liquid is choline-based. Further, in some embodiments, an ionic liquid comprises a sugar, sugar alcohol, or sugar derivative, such as glycol-choline, glycerol-choline, erythritol-choline, threitol-choline, arabitol-choline, xylitol- choline, ribitol-choline, mannitol-choline, sorbitol-choline, dulcitol-choline, iditol-choline, isomalt-choline, maltitol-choline, or lactitol-choline. Non-limiting examples of ionic liquids suitable for use in some embodiments described herein include 1-Allyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-Allyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide, 1-Allyl-3- methylimidazolium dicyanamide, 1-Allyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide, 1-Benzyl-3- methylimidazolium chloride, 1-Benzyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, 1-Benzyl-3- methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1,3-Bis(3-cyanopropyl)imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1,3-Bis(3-cyanopropyl)imidazolium chloride, 1-Butyl-2,3- dimethylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, 1-Butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 4-(3-Butyl-1-imidazolio)-1-butanesulfonate, 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate, 1-Butyl-3- methylimidazolium chloride, 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium dibutyl phosphate, 1-Butyl-3- methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium nitrate, 1-Butyl-3- methylimidazolium octyl sulfate, 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrachloroaluminate, 1-Butyl-3- methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate, 1-Butyl-3- methylimidazolium tosylate, 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoroacetate, 1-Butyl-3- methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate, 1-(3-Cyanopropyl)-3-methylimidazoliumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide, 1-Decyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1,3- Diethoxyimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1,3-Diethoxyimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, 1,3-Dihydroxyimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1,3- Dihydroxy-2-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1,3-Dimethoxy-2- methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, 1-Dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide, 1-Ethyl-2,3- dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, 1- Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium L-(+)-lactate, 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,1,2,2- tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, 1-Hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluormethylsulfonyl)imide, 1- Hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, 1-Hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, 1- Methylimidazolium chloride, 1-Methyl-3-octylimidazolium chloride, 1-Methyl-3- octylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1-Methyl-3-propylimidazolium iodide, 1-Methyl-3- (3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl)imidazolium hexafluorophosphate, 1,2,3- Trimethylimidazolium methyl sulfate, 1-Butyl-4-methylpyridinium chloride, 1-Butyl-4- methylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate, 1-Butylpyridinium bromide, 1-(3- Cyanopropyl)pyridinium chloride, 1-Ethylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate.3-Methyl-1- propylpyridinium bis(trifluormethylsulfonyl)imide, and Cholin acetate, all available commercially from Sigma-Aldrich.

[0088] In some embodiments, an additive comprises a thermal conductivity modulator. Any thermal conductivity modulator not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. In some embodiments, for instance, a thermal conductivity modulator comprises carbon, including graphitic carbon. In some embodiments, a thermal conductivity modulator comprises carbon black and / or carbon nanoparticles. Carbon nanoparticles, in some embodiments, comprise carbon nanotubes and / or fullerenes. In some embodiments, a thermal conductivity modulator comprises a graphitic matrix structure. In other embodiments, a thermal conductivity modulator comprises an ionic liquid. In some embodiments, a thermal conductivity modulator comprises a metal, including pure metals and alloys. Any metal not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. In some embodiments, a metal comprises a transition metal, such as silver or copper. In some embodiments, a metal comprises an element from Group 13 or Group 14 of the periodic table. In some embodiments, a metal comprises aluminum. In some embodiments, a thermal conductivity modulator comprises a metallic filler, a metal matrix structure, a metal tube, a metal plate, and / or metal shavings. Further, in some embodiments, athermal conductivity modulator comprises a metal oxide. Any metal oxide not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. In some embodiments, a metal oxide comprises a transition metal oxide. In some embodiments, a metal oxide comprises alumina.

[0089] In some embodiments, an additive comprises an antimicrobial material. Any antimicrobial material not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. An antimicrobial material, in some embodiments, comprises an inorganic composition, including metals and / or metal salts. In some embodiments, for example, an antimicrobial material comprises metallic copper, zinc, or silver, or a salt of copper, zinc, or silver. Moreover, in some embodiments, an antimicrobial material comprising a metal can also provide thermal conductivity modulation. In other embodiments, an antimicrobial material comprises an organic composition, including natural and synthetic organic compositions. In some embodiments, an antimicrobial material comprises a β-lactam, such as a penicillin or cephalosporin. In some embodiments, an antimicrobial material comprises a protein synthesis inhibitor such as neomycin. In some embodiments, an antimicrobial material comprises an organic acid, such as lactic acid, acetic acid, or citric acid. In some embodiments, an antimicrobial material comprises a quarternary ammonium species. A quarternary ammonium species, in some embodiments, comprises a long alkyl chain, such as an alkyl chain having a C8 to C28 backbone. In some embodiments, an antimicrobial material comprises one or more of benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, methylbenzethonium chloride, cetalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, cetrimonium, cetrimide, dofanium chloride, tetraethylammonium bromide, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, and domiphen bromide.

[0090] In some embodiments, an additive comprises a fire retardant. Any fire retardant not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. In some embodiments, a fire retardant comprises a foam or gel. Further, in some embodiments, a fire retardant can comprise an organic composition or an inorganic composition. In some embodiments, a fire retardant comprises tris(2-chloro-1-(chloromethyl)ethyl)phosphate. In some embodiments, a fire retardant comprises aluminum hydroxide and / or magnesium hydroxide. In some embodiments, a fire retardant comprises a zeolite, including a natural or synthetic zeolite described herein.

[0091] In some embodiments, a composition described herein may further comprise a viscosity modifier. Any viscosity modifier not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be employed. In some embodiments, the addition of a viscosity modifier improvesthe flow properties of various components and / or increases the homogenization of high-viscosity components with low-viscosity components. A viscosity modifier can be present in a composition described herein in any amount not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a viscosity modifier is present in an amount of less than 5 wt. %, less than 2 wt. %, less than 1 wt. %, or less than 0.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0092] In some instances, a composition described herein may further comprise a blowing agent. A blowing agent can be provided in any manner not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention. In some embodiments, a blowing agent is provided as a liquid. In some embodiments, a blowing agent is provided as a gas. In some embodiments, a blowing agent is provided in an amount between about 0.001 and about 0.1 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition. Further, any blowing agent not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. In some embodiments, for instance, a blowing agent comprises water. In some embodiments, a blowing agent comprises a halocarbon. In some embodiments, a blowing agent comprises a hydrocarbon. In some embodiments, a blowing agent comprises carbon dioxide.

[0093] Moreover, in some implementations, a composition described herein may further comprise a surfactant. Any surfactant not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present technology may be used. In some embodiments, surfactants may lower surface tension, emulsify incompatible ingredients, promote nucleation of bubbles, and / or stabilize a foam. In some embodiments, a surfactant comprises an organosiloxane or silicone-based surfactant. In some embodiments, the surfactant comprises poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) or poly(phenylmethylsiloxane). In some embodiments, a surfactant comprises a PMDS-polyether graft copolymer surfactant. In some embodiments, a surfactant can comprise a glucoside, an amphoteric surfactant, sodium / disodium cocoamphodiacetate, sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), a long-chain acid, polyethylene oxide-co-propylene oxide copolymer grafts, and / or a silicon- or silicone-based surfactant. As will be appreciated, in some embodiments, the one or more additional components can comprise a plurality of surfactants, or a combination of any of the foregoing. Any amount of surfactant can be added in embodiments described herein. For example, in some instances, a composition or mixture can incorporate less than about 5 wt. % surfactant, less than about 3 wt. %, less than about 1 wt. %, less than about0.6 wt. %, less than about 0.4 wt. %, less than about 0.2 wt. %, or less than about 0.1 wt. % surfactant.

[0094] Additionally, a composition as described herein, in some embodiments, exhibits desirable latent heat storage properties. In some cases, for instance, a composition described herein has a latent heat of at least about 100 J / g. In some embodiments, a composition has a latent heat of at least about 150 J / g. In some case, a composition has a latent heat of at least about 180 J / g. In some instances, a composition has a latent heat of at least about 200 J / g. In some implementations, a composition has a latent heat of at least about 220 J / g, at least about 230 J / g, or at least about 250 J / g. In some embodiments, a composition has a latent heat between about 100 J / g and about 300 J / g. In some cases, a composition has a latent heat between about 150 J / g and about 300 J / g. In some instances, a composition has a latent heat between about 150 J / g and about 250 J / g, between about 150 J / g and about 220 J / g, between about 150 J / g and about 200 J / g, between about 180 J / g and about 250 J / g, or between about 180 J / g and about 220 J / g. Further, the latent heat of a composition described herein is associated with a transition between two condensed phases or states of the composition, such as a transition between a solid phase and a liquid phase, between a solid phase and a mesophase, or between two solid states. A mesophase, in some embodiments, comprises a phase intermediate between a solid phase and a liquid phase. In addition, it is contemplated herein that, in some embodiments, a composition may have more than one latent heat associated with a transition between two condensed phases or states, such as a first latent heat associated with a crystalline solid-amorphous solid transition and a second latent heat associated with a solid-liquid transition. In some embodiments comprising a composition having more than one latent heat associated with a transition between two condensed phases, one of the latent heats has a value described hereinabove. In other embodiments, a plurality or all of the latent heats have a value described hereinabove.

[0095] Further, in some embodiments, a composition described herein exhibits other desirable properties for latent heat storage applications. For example, in some cases, a composition is non-flammable or substantially non-flammable. For reference purposes herein, a non-flammable or substantially non-flammable composition has a rating of A1, A2, or B1 when measured according to DIN 4102.

[0096] Moreover, in some embodiments, a composition described herein has a viscosity between about 200 cP and about 20,000 cP, between about 200 cP and about 10,000 cP, betweenabout 1000 cP and about 15,000 cP, or between about 1000 cP and about 5000 cP measured according to ASTM standard D2983. In some instances, a composition has a viscosity between about 200 cP and about 50,000 cP at a temperature between about 20°C and about 70°C at 1 atm. In some cases, a composition has a viscosity between about 200 cP and about 25,000 cP, between about 200 cP and about 10,000 cP, or between about 1000 cP and about 5000 cP at a temperature between about 20°C and about 70°C at 1 atm. In some implementations, the composition has a dynamic viscosity of greater than or equal to 300,000 cP at 20°C and 1 atm. In some embodiments, the composition has a dynamic viscosity of greater than or equal to 300,000 cP at 20°C and 1 atm.

[0097] Moreover, in some embodiments, a composition has a viscosity between about 5000 cP and about 20,000 cP at a temperature between about -40°C and about 40°C at 1 atm or between about -30°C and about 30°C at 1 atm. In some instances, a composition has a viscosity between about 5000 cP and about 20,000 cP at a temperature between about -50°C and about 0°C at 1 atm or between about -20°C and about 0°C at 1 atm. In other embodiments, a composition has a viscosity between about 5000 cP and about 20,000 cP at a temperature between about 30°C and about 50°C at 1 atm or between about 35°C and about 45°C at 1 atm. Therefore, in some implementations, a composition described herein can exhibit desirable properties in hot and / or cold environments.

[0098] Additionally, in some embodiments, a composition does not readily flow without the application of an external force or pressure, permitting the use of the composition in various applications requiring little or no flow. In some cases, the PCM is self-supporting or non- encapsulated. Therefore, in some instances, compositions described herein can be used in various construction and engineering applications without the need for microencapsulation. In some embodiments, the PCM is microencapsulated.

[0099] Further, in some embodiments, a composition described herein exhibits other desirable properties. For instance, in some embodiments, a composition described herein has a total thermal energy storage density (TTESD), as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Thermal energy storage can include sensible heat and latent heat. As described herein, the TTESD determined by DSC can be a combination of sensible heat and latent heat. In some embodiments, the TTESD is determined by integrating the DSC curve of a composition over an entire scanned temperature range. An entire scanned temperature range, insome embodiments, may be from the temperature range of -140° to 200°C, -140° to 180°C, - 140° to 160°C, -140° to 140°C, -140° to 120°C, -140° to 100°C, -140° to 80°C, -140° to 60°C, - 140° to 40°C, -140° to 20°C, -140° to 0°C, -140° to -20°C, -140° to -40°C, -140° to -60°C, -140° to -80°C, -140° to -100°C, -140° to -120°C, -120° to 200°C, -120° to 180°C, -120° to 160°C, - 120° to 140°C, -120° to 120°C, -120° to 100°C, -120° to 80°C, -120° to 60°C, -120° to 40°C, - 120° to 20°C, -120° to 0°C, -120° to -20°C, -120° to -40°C, -120° to -60°C, -120° to -80°C, - 120° to -100°C, -100° to 200°C, -100° to 180°C, -100° to 160°C, -100° to 140°C, -100° to 120°C, -100° to 100°C, -100° to 80°C, -100° to 60°C, -100° to 40°C, -100° to 20°C, -100° to 0°C, -100° to -20°C, -100° to -40°C, -100° to -60°C, -100° to -80°C, -80° to 200°C, -80° to 180°C, -80° to 160°C, -80° to 140°C, -80° to 120°C, -80° to 100°C, -80° to 80°C, -80° to 60°C, - 80° to 40°C, -80° to 20°C, -80° to 0°C, -80° to -20°C, -80° to -40°C, -80° to -60°C, -60° to 200°C, -60° to 180°C, -60° to 160°C, -60° to 140°C, -60° to 120°C, -60° to 100°C, -60° to 80°C, -60° to 60°C, -60° to 40°C, -60° to 20°C, -60° to 0°C, -60° to -20°C, -60° to -40°C, -40° to 200°C, -40° to 180°C, -40° to 160°C, -40° to 140°C, -40° to 120°C, -40° to 100°C, -40° to 80°C, -40° to 60°C, -40° to 40°C, -40° to 20°C, -40° to 0°C, -40° to -20°C, -20° to 200°C, -20° to 180°C, -20° to 160°C, -20° to 140°C, -20° to 120°C, -20° to 100°C, -20° to 80°C, -20° to 60°C, - 20° to 40°C, -20° to 20°C, -20° to 0°C, 0° to 200°C, 0° to 180°C, 0° to 160°C, 0° to 140°C, 0° to 120°C, 0° to 100°C, 0° to 80°C, 0° to 60°C, 0° to 40°C, 0° to 20°C, 20° to 200°C, 20° to 180°C, 20° to 160°C, 20° to 140°C, 20° to 120°C, 20° to 100°C, 20° to 80°C, 20° to 60°C, 20° to 40°C, 40° to 200°C, 40° to 180°C, 40° to 160°C, 40° to 140°C, 40° to 120°C, 40° to 100°C, 40° to 80°C, 40° to 60°C, 60° to 200°C, 60° to 180°C, 60° to 160°C, 60° to 140°C, 60° to 120°C, 60° to 100°C, 60° to 80°C, 80° to 200°C, 80° to 180°C, 80° to 160°C, 80° to 140°C, 80° to 120°C, 80° to 100°C, 100° to 200°C, 100° to 180°C, 100° to 160°C, 100° to 140°C, 100° to 120°C, 120° to 200°C, 120° to 180°C, 120° to 160°C, 120° to 140°C, 140° to 200°C, 140° to 180°C, 140° to 160°C, 160° to 200°C, 160° to 180°C, or 180° to 200°C. In some embodiments, at least 50% of the TTESD spans a range of 10°C or less, 7°C or less, 5°C or less, or 3°C or less. In some embodiments, 60-100% of the TTESD spans a range of 10°C or less, 7°C or less, 5°C or less, or 3°C or less. In some cases, 70-100%, 80-100%, or 90-100% of the TTESD spans a range of 10°C or less, 7°C or less, 5°C or less, or 3°C or less.

[0100] Additionally, in some embodiments, a composition described herein has a single peak in a freezing portion of a DSC scan or the entire scanned range. In cases, the entire scannedrange is from -140°C to 200°C. Further, in some embodiments, at least 65% of the TTESD of the composition is within ± 1σ of the peak. In some implementations, the peak has a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 15°C or less. In some instances, the peak has a FWHM of 10°C or less.

[0101] In some embodiments, a composition described herein has two different DSC peaks. In some embodiments, the two different peaks are separated by at least 10°C, based on peak-to- peak separation. In some embodiments, the two different peaks are separated by at least 20°C, based on peak-to-peak separation. II. Methods of Making Compositions Comprising Phase Change Materials (“PCM Compositions”)

[0102] Methods of making PCM compositions are also disclosed herein. Compositions made by such methods can be any composition(s) consistent with the descriptions provided in Section I hereinabove.

[0103] Compositions described in Section I may be made by any method not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present disclosure. For example, in some cases, a composition described herein may be formed by mixing the identified components of the PCM compositions and mixing the components. In some implementations, the components may be mixed using a high-shear mixer.

[0104] Moreover, in some embodiments, methods of making a PCM composition comprise providing an alkane component, and subjecting the alkane component to phase separation to provide multiple fractions, including at least a first alkane fraction and a second alkane fraction. In some cases, methods further comprise separating the first alkane fraction from the second alkane fraction, and combining the first fraction with a first bio-based PCM component (such as a bio-based PCM component described herein, e.g., a bio-based PCM component has a C-14 isotope to C-12 isotope ratio of 0.5 x 10-12to 1.5 x 10-12).

[0105] Additionally, in some instances, methods described herein further comprise combining the second fraction with a second bio-based PCM component. In some embodiments, the second bio-based PCM component is different from the first bio-based PCM component. As described further herein, the first bio-based PCM component and the second bio-based PCMcomponent can each have the features of bio-based PCM components described herein, without particular limitation. For example, in some cases, the first bio-based PCM component and / or the second bio-based PCM component comprises a plant-based PCM component. Further, in some instances, such a plant-based PCM component can comprises one or more fatty alcohols, fatty acids, and / or fatty esters.

[0106] More generally, in some implementations, a method described herein comprises subjecting an alkane component to phase separation to provide “n” fractions, where n is an integer from 2-100, 2-50, 2-20, 2-10, or 2-5. The method further comprises separating the “n” alkane fraction from one another, and combining one or more of the “n” fractions (or all of the “n” fractions) with a bio-based PCM component. In some cases, for example, “n” alkane fractions are combined, respectively, with “n” bio-based PCM components, where the “n” bio- based PCM components may be the same or different from one another, such that the combination of specific alkane fractions with specific bio-based PCM components is not particularly limited. In this manner, “n” different PCM compositions can be obtained from a single alkane component starting material (or from more than one alkane component starting material). Moreover, each of the “n” resulting PCM compositions can have features, characteristics, and / or properties of compositions as described above in Section I. Thus, in some embodiments, a method described herein can be used to form or provide a “family” of PCM compositions, all of which, or some of which, can have certain desirable properties and / or features as discussed above in this section and / or in Section I.

[0107] For instance, in some cases, a composition made or formed by a method described herein can exhibit one or more of the thermal energy properties described herein for compositions. For example, in some embodiments, a PCM composition produced by a method described herein has a total thermal energy storage density (TTESD), as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and 60-100% of the TTESD spans a range of 10°C or less. PCM compositions produced by the methods as described herein may exhibit any of the features, characteristics and / or properties discussed hereinabove in Section I. As another example, in some embodiments, a composition produced by a method described herein has a single peak in a freezing portion of a DSC scan. In some cases, the scanned range is from -140°C to 200°C. Additionally, in some cases, at least 65% of the TTESD of the composition is within ± 1σ of the peak, and / or the peak has a FWHM of 15°C or less, or 10°C or less. Moreover, in someembodiments, a composition described herein has two different DSC peaks, such as two different peaks separated by at least 10°C or at least 20°C, based on peak-to-peak separation.

[0108] Moreover, in some embodiments, a method described herein further comprises adding another component to a first, second, or “nth” alkane fraction and / or bio-based PCM component, or to a combination of two or more of the foregoing. For example, in some cases, a method described herein further comprises adding a nucleating agent to the first bio-based PCM component, the first fraction, or the combination of the first fraction and first bio-based PCM component. In some such cases, the nucleating agent is an organic nucleating agent, such as an alkyl ester having the formula R1-C(O)O-R2, wherein R1and R2are each independently a C10- C28 alkyl moiety. As another example, in some cases, a method described herein further comprises adding a gelling agent to the first (or nth) bio-based PCM component, the first (or nth) alkane fraction, or the combination of the first (or nth) fraction and first (or nth) bio-based PCM component. In some such instances, the gelling agent is selected from a polyacrylate, a polyacrylamide, styrenic block copolymers, triblock polymers, block copolymers formed from an acrylate or (meth)acrylate block in combination with a styrenic block, a butadiene block, and / or an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block, and celluloses. Other components may also be added, as described further in Section I and herein below.

[0109] Turning now in more detail to certain details of methods described herein, in some embodiments, a second (or nth) alkane fraction is in a different phase or state of matter than a first fraction. The two fractions may also be in the same phase or state of matter. In some embodiments, for instance, the second fraction is in the liquid state, and the first fraction is in the solid state. In some such implementations, the second fraction is removed from the first fraction using liquid transport equipment and steps. Moreover, in some cases, the second fraction (or other removed fraction) is “recycled” back into the process by combining the removed fraction with a different material and subjecting it to phase separation again.

[0110] It is to be understood that the alkane component of a method described herein can comprise any alkane component described hereinabove in Section I. In some embodiments, for example, the alkane component comprises a mixture of differing alkanes. In some such embodiments, the mixture comprises 80-100 wt. % C12-C26 alkanes, 80-100 wt. % C10-C18 alkanes, or 80-100 wt. % C6-C16 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes. Again, it is to be understood that any alkane(s) or combination of alkanes disclosed inSection I hereinabove may be used as the alkane component of a method described herein, including in any concentrations, ratios, and / or compositional ranges as disclosed in Section I.

[0111] Similarly, it is to be understood that a bio-based PCM component of a method described herein can comprise any bio-based PCM component described hereinabove in Section I. For example, in some embodiments, a bio-based PCM component comprises a plant-based PCM component, such as a plant-based PCM component comprising one or more fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty esters, and / or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, one or more of the first to nth bio-based PCM components has a C-14 to C-12 isotope ratio of about 0.5 x 10-12to 1.5 x 10-12.

[0112] Turning again to particular steps of methods, an alkane component can be separated into multiple fractions by any suitable separation technique known to one skilled in the art. For example, in some embodiments, an alkane component is separated into multiple fractions by a distillation process. Any distillation process known in the art may be employed. In some embodiments, the alkane component is subjected to fractional distillation or extractive distillation. In some embodiments, distillation takes place in one distillation column. In other embodiments, distillation takes place in more than one column. In some embodiments, distillation occurs in batches. In other embodiments, distillation occurs continuously.

[0113] Additionally, in some embodiments, subjecting an alkane component to phase separation to provide multiple fractions comprises decanting a portion of the alkane component. Any decanting process known in the art may be employed. In some embodiments, decanting comprises storing or holding the alkane component at a suitable temperature and for a period of time sufficient to cause phase separation. In some embodiments, the alkane component is held or stored at a temperature higher than room temperature. In some embodiments, the alkane component is held or stored at a temperature of about 30°C. In some embodiments, the alkane component is held or stored for a period of time of 6 to 48 hours. In some embodiments, the alkane component is held or stored for 6 to 24 hours, 12 to 24 hours, or 12 to 48 hours. In some embodiments, a centrifuge can be used to form multiple fractions from an alkane component. In some such embodiments, the centrifuge is a multi-state centrifuge.

[0114] An alkane fraction and a bio-based PCM component can be combined with one another in any manner not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, combining an alkane fraction and a bio-based PCM component is carriedout using a line addition process using one or more lines. In some embodiments, combining an alkane fraction and a bio-based PCM component comprises mixing or stirring. Mixing or stirring can be carried out at any temperature not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention. In some embodiments, mixing or stirring is carried out at a temperature greater than room temperature. In some embodiments, mixing or stirring is carried out at a temperature greater than a phase transition temperature of one or more components of the alkane fraction and / or bio-based PCM component, such as a melting point. Moreover, mixing or stirring can be carried out for any duration not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention. In some embodiments, for instance, mixing or stirring is carried out for less than about 60 minutes, less than about 30 minutes, or less than about 10 minutes. In some embodiments, mixing or stirring is carried out for a duration between about 1 minute and about 60 minutes, between about 10 minutes and about 50 minutes, or between about 20 minutes and about 40 minutes.

[0115] Moreover, an alkane fraction and a bio-based PCM component can be combined in any ratio not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention. In some embodiments, PCM compositions produced by a method described herein comprise at least 15 wt. % bio-based PCM component, based on a total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least 20 wt. %, at least 25 wt. %, at least 30 wt. %, at least 35 wt. %, at least 40 wt. %, at least 50 wt. %, or at least 60 wt. % bio-based PCM component. In some embodiments, a composition described herein comprises 15-80 wt. %, 15-75 wt. %, 15-70 wt. %, 15-60 wt. %, 15-50 wt. %, 15-45 wt. %, 20-80 wt. %, 20-75 wt. %, 20-70 wt. %, 20-60 wt. %, 20-50 wt. %, 20-45 wt. %, 25-80 wt. %, 25-75 wt. %, 25-70 wt. %, 25-60 wt. %, 25-50 wt. %, 25-45 wt. %, 30-80wt. %, 30-75 wt. %, 30-70 wt. %, 30-60 wt. %, 30-50 wt. %, 30-45 wt. %, 35- 80 wt. %, 35-75 wt. %, 35-70 wt. %, 35-60 wt. %, 35-50 wt. %, 35-45 wt. %, 40-80 wt. %, 40-75 wt. %, 40-70 wt. %, 40-60 wt. %, 40-50 wt. %, 40-45 wt. %, 50-80 wt. %, 50-75 wt. %, 50-70 wt. %, 50-60 wt. %, 55-80 wt. %, 55-75 wt. %, 55-70 wt. %, 55-60 wt. %, 60-80 wt. %, 60-75 wt. %, or 60-70 wt. % bio-based PCM component.

[0116] Further, in some cases, a composition produced by a method described herein comprises at least 20 wt. % alkane, based on a total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least 25 wt. %, at least 30 wt. %, at least 35 wt. %, at least 40 wt. %, at least 45 wt. %, at least 50 wt. %, at least 55 wt. %, or at least 60 wt. % alkane. In some embodiments, a composition as described herein comprises about 20-85 wt. %, 25-85wt. %, 30-85 wt. %, 35-85 wt. %, 40-85 wt. %, 45-85 wt. %, 50-85 wt. %, 55-85 wt. %, 60-85 wt. %, 65-85 wt. %, 20-75 wt. %, 25-75 wt. %, 30-75 wt. %, 35-75 wt. %, 40-75 wt. %, 45-75 wt. %, 50-75 wt. %, 55-75 wt. %, 60-75 wt. %, 65-75 wt. %, 20-70 wt. %, 25-70 wt. %, 30-70 wt. %, 35-70 wt. %, 40-70 wt. %, 45-70 wt. %, 50-70 wt. %, 55-70 wt. %, 60-70 wt. %, 65-70 wt. %, 20-65 wt. %, 25-65 wt. %, 30-65 wt. %, 35-65 wt. %, 40-65 wt. %, 45-65 wt. %, 50-65 wt. %, 55-65 wt. %, 60-65 wt. %, 20-60 wt. %, 25-60 wt. %, 30-60 wt. %, 35-60 wt. %, 40-60 wt. %, 45-60wt. %, 50-60 wt. %, or 55-60 wt. %, 20-50 wt. %, 25-50 wt. %, 30-50 wt. %, 35-50 wt. %, 40-50 wt. %, 45-50 wt. %, 20-35 wt. %, 25-35 wt. %, or 30-35 wt. % alkane.

[0117] In some non-limiting example embodiments, a composition produced by a method described herein comprises at least 25 wt. % bio-based PCM component, and at least 30 wt. % alkane, based on a total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, a composition comprises, based on a total weight of the composition, 40-80 wt. % bio-based PCM component, and 20-60 wt. % alkane. In some embodiments, a ratio of the wt. % of the bio-based PCM component to the wt. % of alkane is 20:80 to 80:20. In some embodiments, the ratio is 25:75 to 75:25, 30:70 to 70:30, 35:65 to 65:35, 40:60 to 60:40, or 50:50.

[0118] Moreover, in some embodiments, a method described herein further comprises forming a gel. In some such instances, forming a gel comprises partially encapsulating a PCM in a linker component. Moreover, in some implementations, forming a gel does not comprise providing water. For example, in some embodiments, forming a gel comprises providing a cellulosic material or cellulose derivative but does not comprise providing water. In other embodiments, forming a gel comprises forming one or more chemical bonds between a PCM component and a linker component. The one or more chemical bonds can comprise any chemical bond between a PCM component and linker component described hereinabove in Section I, including a urethane bond, amide bond, or ester bond. In addition, in some cases, forming one or more chemical bonds comprises providing a catalyst. Any catalyst not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. In some embodiments, a catalyst is selected based on the identity of one or more of a desired chemical bond, a solvent, a PCM component, and a linker component. In some instances, a catalyst comprises a tertiary amine, such as triethylamine or triethanolamine. In other implementations, a catalyst comprises an organometallic complex. In some embodiments, a catalyst comprises a metal complex comprising mercury, lead, tin, bismuth or zinc, including organometallic complexes. In someembodiments, a catalyst comprises a dibutyltin, such as dibutyltin laurate. Moreover, in some cases, a catalyst is provided in an amount less than about 0.1 wt. %. In some instances, a catalyst is provided in an amount between about 0.001 and about 0.1 wt. %.

[0119] Further, in some embodiments, forming a gel comprises increasing the viscosity of a component. In some embodiments, forming a gel comprises increasing the viscosity from below about 100 centipoise (cP) to above about 100 cP when measured according to ASTM standard D2983. In some cases, forming a gel comprises increasing the viscosity from below about 200 cP to above about 200 cP when measured according to ASTM standard D2983. In some instances, forming a gel comprises increasing the viscosity from below about 200 cP to between about 200 cP and about 25,000 cP, between about 200 cP and about 10,000 cP, between about 1000 cP and about 15,000 cP, or between about 1000 cP and about 5000 cP.

[0120] In some embodiments, formation of a gel is facilitated by addition of a gelling agent. In some cases, a gelling agent may be added to a bio-based PCM component, an alkane fraction, or a combination of an alkane fraction and a bio-based PCM component. Moreover, when “n” fractions or compositions are formed as described above, a gelling agent can be added to one or more of the “n” fractions, one or more of the “n” bio-based PCM components, and / or one or more of the “n” combinations of each respective fraction and bio-based PCM component. Any gelling agent as described in Section I above may be employed, in any concentration, ratio, and / or compositional range as disclosed in Section I.

[0121] A method described herein, in some embodiments, further comprises providing one or more nucleating agents, emulsifiers, catalysts, additives, blowing agents, surfactants, viscosity modifiers, and / or combinations thereof. The one or more nucleating agents, emulsifiers, catalysts, additives, blowing agents, surfactants, viscosity modifiers, and / or combinations thereof may be added to a bio-based PCM component, an alkane component or fraction, or a combination of an alkane fraction and a bio-based PCM component. The additional components or species can comprise any of those described hereinabove in Section I. EXAMPLES

[0122] Some embodiments of PCM compositions are illustrated in the following non- limiting Examples.

[0123] Table 6 provides a formulation of a composition described herein and a comparative composition. In Table 6, “Comp.” means “Composition.” The alkane component of Composition 1 and Comparative Composition 1 are the same. The amounts listed for a given composition are in wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition. It is to be understood that all components of a given composition add up to 100 wt. %. Table 6. PCM compositions. Component Comparative Comp.1 Comp.1 Bio-Based PCM - 60cu es e e o a e o eac o o pa a e o pos o a o pos on 1. FIG.1 illustrates the DSC curves for both Comparative Composition 1 and Composition 1 overlaid on a single set of axes. The total thermal energy storage density (TTESD) was determined for each composition by integrating the DSC curve of the composition over the scanned temperature range of -60° to 40°C (denoted in Table 7 as T1and T2, respectively, for a total range of 100°C). For each of Comparative Composition 1 and Composition 1, the full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the DSC curve peak was determined. As shown in Table 7 and Figure 1, the compositions of Comparative Composition 1 and Composition 1 had similar TTESD values (also denoted in Table 7 as ΔH). However, Composition 1 had a much sharper peak than Comparative Composition 1, as indicated by the much smaller FWHM of Composition 1. As shown in Figure 1, the single peak of Composition 1 was at 14.55°C. The peak of Comparative Composition 1 was at 18.68°C. Table 7. Thermal Properties Based on DSC for Comparative Composition 1 and Composition 1. FWHM ° ° ° ° k le le

[0125] Table 8 provides additional formulations of compositions described herein and a comparative composition. In Table 8, “Comp.” means “Composition.” Table 8 includes various abbreviations as follows: “IO” refers to an inorganic PCM, “SH” refers to a salt hydrate, “BB” refers to a bio-based PCM component, “FA” refers to a fatty alcohol, “M1” refers to Mixture 1, “GA” refers to a gelling agent, “PA” refers to a polyacrylamide, “EM” refers to an emulsifier, and “VM” refers to a viscosity modifier. The alkane component used in each composition is the same. Table 9 provides the amounts listed for a given composition provided in Table 8. Table 9 includes the same abbreviations included in Table 8. The amounts listed for a given composition are in wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition. It is to be understood that all components of a given composition add up to 100 wt. %. Table 8. Components for Comparative Composition 2 and Compositions 2-5. Component Comparative Comp.2 Comp.3 Comp.4 Comp.5 2Table 9. Formulations for Comparative Composition 2 and Compositions 2-5. Component Comparative Comp.2 Comp.3 Comp.4 Comp.5

[0126] DSC curves were obtained for each of Comparative Composition 2 and Compositions 2-5. The total thermal energy storage density (TTESD) was determined for each composition by integrating the DSC curve of the composition over the scanned temperature range indicated in Table 10 (denoted in Table 10 as T1 and T2, respectively). As indicated by the much smaller FWHMs of Compositions 2-5, Compositions 2-5 had a much sharper peaks than Comparative Composition 2. Table 10. Thermal Properties of Comparative Composition 2 and Compositions 2-5 Based on DSC. TTESD FWHM C m T (°C) T (°C) ∆T (°C) (∆H) (J / ) (°C) P k

[0127] Moreover, Table 11 provides additional formulations of compositions described herein and a comparative composition. In Table 11, “Comp.” means “Composition.” Table 11 includes various abbreviations as follows: “FA” refers to fatty alcohol, “ME” refers to a methyl ester of a fatty acid, “FAC” refers to a fatty acid, “AE” refers to an alkyl ester of a fatty acid, and “M2” refers to Mixture 2. Table 12 provides the amounts listed for a given composition provided in Table 11. Table 12 includes the same abbreviations included in Table 11. The amounts listed for a given composition are in wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition. It is to be understood that all components of a given composition add up to 100 wt. %. Table 11. Components for Comparative Composition 3 and Compositions 6-20. Comp. Bio-Based PCM Component Alkane ComponentComp.7 FAC M2 Comp.8 FA + ME M2abe . ormuatons or Comparatve Composton 3 and Compostons 6-0. Comp. Bio-Based PCM Component Alkane ComponentComp.18 42 + 28 30 Comp.19 70 30ns 6-20. The total thermal energy storage density (TTESD) was determined for each composition by integrating the DSC curve of the composition over the scanned temperature range indicated in Table 13 (denoted in Table 13 as T1 and T2, respectively). As indicated by the smaller FWHMs of Compositions 6-20, Compositions 6-20 had a much sharper peaks than Comparative Composition 3. Table 13. Thermal Properties of Comparative Composition 3 and Compositions 6-20 Based on DSC. TTESD FWHM ° ° ° °Comp.19 -50 40 90 169.73 4.77 Single Comp.20 -50 50 100 177.37 5.26 Singlecomparative composition. In Table 14, “Comp.” means “Composition.” Table 14 includes various abbreviations as follows: “FA” refers to fatty alcohol, and “M3” refers to Mixture 3. Table 15 provides the amounts listed for a given composition provided in Table 14. Table 15 includes the same abbreviations included in Table 14. The amounts listed for a given composition are in wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition. It is to be understood that all components of a given composition add up to 100 wt. %. Table 14. Components for Comparative Composition 4 and Compositions 23-25. Comp. Bio-Based PCM Component Alkane ComponentTable 15. Formulations for Comparative Composition 4 and Compositions 23-25. Comp. Bio-Based PCM Component Alkane Component

[0130] DSC curves were obtained for each of Comparative Composition 4 and Composition 23-25. The total thermal energy storage density (TTESD) was determined for each composition by integrating the DSC curve of the composition over the scanned temperature range (denoted in Table 16 as T1 and T2). For each of Comparative Composition 4 and Composition 23-25, the full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the DSC curve peak was determined. As shown in Table 16,Compositions 23-25 had much sharper peaks than Comparative Composition 4, as indicated by the much smaller FWHM values of each composition. Table 16. Thermal Properties of Comparative Composition 4 and Compositions 23-25 Based on DSC. TTESD FWHM Comp. T1(°C) T2(°C) ∆T (°C) (∆H) (J / g) (°C) Peakome a ona non- m ng examp e em o men s are prov e e ow.

[0132] Embodiment 1. A composition comprising: at least 25 wt. % bio-based phase change material (PCM) component or inorganic PCM component; and at least 20 wt. % alkane component, wherein the amount of the bio-based PCM component or inorganic PCM component and the amount of the alkane component are based on a total weight of the composition; and wherein the alkane component differs from the bio-based PCM component.

[0133] Embodiment 2. The composition of Embodiment 1, wherein the composition comprises, based on the total weight of the composition: 40-80 wt. % bio-based PCM component or inorganic PCM component; and 20-60 wt. % alkane component.

[0134] Embodiment 3. The composition of Embodiment 2, wherein the composition has a total thermal energy storage density (TTESD), as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); and 60-100% of the TTESD spans a range of 10°C or less.

[0135] Embodiment 4. The composition of Embodiment 2, wherein the composition has a single peak in a freezing portion of a DSC scan, from -140°C to 200°C.

[0136] Embodiment 5. The composition of Embodiment 4, wherein the single peak has a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 15°C or less.

[0137] Embodiment 6. The composition of Embodiment 2, wherein: the composition has a total thermal energy storage density (TTESD), as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); 60-100% of the TTESD spans a range of 10°C or less; the composition has a single peak in a freezing portion of a DSC scan, from -140°C to 200°C; and the single peak has a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 15°C or less.

[0138] Embodiment 7. The composition of any of Embodiments 1-6, wherein the bio-based PCM component has a C-14 isotope to C-12 isotope ratio of 0.5 x 10-12to 1.5 x 10-12.

[0139] Embodiment 8. The composition of any of Embodiments 1-7, wherein the bio-based PCM component comprises a plant-based PCM component.

[0140] Embodiment 9. The composition of Embodiment 8, wherein the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty alcohols, fatty acids, and / or fatty esters.

[0141] Embodiment 10. The composition of Embodiment 9, wherein the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty alcohols.

[0142] Embodiment 11. The composition of Embodiment 10, wherein at least one of the one or more fatty alcohols has a C10 to C20 aliphatic hydrocarbon tail.

[0143] Embodiment 12. The composition of Embodiment 10, wherein the one or more fatty alcohols comprise behenyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleic alcohol, cetyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, capric alcohol, caprylic alcohol, and / or combinations thereof.

[0144] Embodiment 13. The composition of Embodiment 9, wherein the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty acids.

[0145] Embodiment 14. The composition of Embodiment 9, wherein at least one of the one or more fatty acids has a C4 to C28 aliphatic hydrocarbon tail.

[0146] Embodiment 15. The composition of Embodiment 13, wherein the one or more fatty acids comprise carboxylic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid, and / or combinations thereof.

[0147] Embodiment 16. The composition of Embodiment 9, wherein the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty esters.

[0148] Embodiment 17. The composition of Embodiment 16, wherein at least one of the one or more fatty esters has a C2 to C36 ester alkyl backbone.

[0149] Embodiment 18. The composition of Embodiment 16, wherein the one or more fatty esters comprise a methyl ester of a fatty acid, ethyl ester of a fatty acid, propyl ester of a fatty acid, butyl ester of a fatty acid, and / or combinations thereof.

[0150] Embodiment 19. The composition of Embodiment 1, wherein the inorganic PCM component comprises a salt hydrate.

[0151] Embodiment 20. The composition of Embodiment 19, wherein the salt hydrate comprises a hydrate of KF, a hydrate of Mn(NO3)2, a hydrate of CaCl2, a hydrate of CaBr2, a hydrate of Li(NO3), a hydrate of LiCl, a hydrate of Na2SO4, a hydrate of Na2CO3, a hydrate of Na2HPO4, a hydrate of Zn(NO3)2, a hydrate of ZnCl2, a hydrate of Ca(NO3)2, a hydrate of Na(NO3)2, a hydrate of FeCl3, a hydrate of Co(NO3)2, a hydrate of Ni(NO3)2, a hydrate of MnCl2, a hydrate of CH3COONa, a hydrate of LiC2H3O2, a hydrate of NaCl, a hydrate of MgCl2, a hydrate of NaOH, a hydrate of Cd(NO3)2, a hydrate of Fe(NO3)2, a hydrate of NaAl(SO4)2, a hydrate of FeSO4, a hydrate of Na3PO4, a hydrate of Na2B4O7, a hydrate of Na3PO4, a hydrate of LiCH3COO, a hydrate of NH4Cl, a hydrate of KCl, a hydrate of (NH4)2SO4, a hydrate of MgSO4, a hydrate of Na2SO4, a hydrate of K2SO4, a hydrate of (NH4)2CO3, a hydrate of a formate salt, a hydrate of an acetate salt, a hydrate of a chloride salt, a hydrate of an iodide salt, a hydrate of a fluoride salt, a hydrate of a nitrate salt, a hydrate of a sulfate salt, a hydrate of a carbonate salt, a hydrate of a phosphate salt, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing.

[0152] Embodiment 21. The composition of any of Embodiments 1-20, wherein the alkane component comprises a mixture of differing alkanes.

[0153] Embodiment 22. The composition of Embodiment 21, wherein the mixture comprises 80-100 wt. % C12-C26 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes.

[0154] Embodiment 23. The composition of Embodiment 21, wherein the mixture comprises 80-100 wt. % C10-C18 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes.

[0155] Embodiment 24. The composition of Embodiment 21, wherein the mixture comprises 80-100 wt. % C6-C16 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes.

[0156] Embodiment 25. The composition of any of Embodiments 1-24, wherein the composition further comprises a nucleating agent.

[0157] Embodiment 26. The composition of Embodiment 25, wherein the nucleating agent is present at a concentration of up to 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0158] Embodiment 27. The composition of Embodiment 25, wherein the nucleating agent is an alkyl ester having the formula R1-C(O)O-R2, wherein R1and R2are each independently a C10-C28 alkyl moiety.

[0159] Embodiment 28. The composition of Embodiment 27, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a C12-C20 alkyl moiety.

[0160] Embodiment 29. The composition of Embodiment 27, wherein R1and R2are the same.

[0161] Embodiment 30. The composition of any of Embodiments 1-29, further comprising a gelling agent.

[0162] Embodiment 31. The composition of Embodiment 30, wherein the gelling agent is selected from a polyacrylate, a polyacrylamide, styrenic block copolymers, triblock polymers, block copolymers formed from an acrylate or (meth)acrylate block in combination with a styrenic block, a butadiene block, and / or an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block, and celluloses.

[0163] Embodiment 32. The composition of any of Embodiments 1-31, wherein a ratio of the wt. % of the bio-based PCM component to the wt. % of the alkane component is 30:70 to 70:30.

[0164] Embodiment 33. The composition of any of Embodiments 1-32, wherein: the composition has a total thermal energy storage density (TTESD), as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); and 60-100% of the TTESD spans a range of 10°C or less.

[0165] Embodiment 34. The composition of any of Embodiments 1-33, wherein the composition has a single peak in a freezing portion of a DSC scan, from -140°C to 200°C.

[0166] Embodiment 35. The composition of Embodiment 34, wherein at least 65% of the TTESD of the composition is within ± 1σ of the single peak.

[0167] Embodiment 36. The composition of Embodiment 34, wherein the single peak has a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 15°C or less.

[0168] Embodiment 37. A method of making a phase change material (PCM) composition, comprising:providing an alkane component; subjecting the alkane component to phase separation to provide multiple fractions, including at least a first alkane fraction and a second alkane fraction; separating the first alkane fraction from the second alkane fraction; and combining the first alkane fraction with a first bio-based PCM component.

[0169] Embodiment 38. The method of Embodiment 37, wherein the first bio-based PCM component has a C-14 isotope to C-12 isotope ratio of 0.5 x 10-12to 1.5 x 10-12.

[0170] Embodiment 39. The method of Embodiment 37 or Embodiment 38, further comprising combining the second alkane fraction with a second bio-based PCM component.

[0171] Embodiment 40. The method of Embodiment 39, wherein the second bio-based PCM component is different from the first bio-based PCM component.

[0172] Embodiment 41. The method of Embodiment 39, wherein the second bio-based PCM component has a C-14 isotope to C-12 isotope ratio of 0.5 x 10-12to 1.5 x 10-12.

[0173] Embodiment 42. The method of any of Embodiments 37-41, wherein the first bio- based PCM component comprises a plant-based PCM component.

[0174] Embodiment 43. The method of Embodiment 42, wherein the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty alcohols, fatty acids, and / or fatty esters.

[0175] Embodiment 44. The method of Embodiment 43, wherein the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty alcohols.

[0176] Embodiment 45. The method of Embodiment 44, wherein at least one of the one or more fatty alcohols has a C10 to C20 aliphatic hydrocarbon tail.

[0177] Embodiment 46. The method of Embodiment 44, wherein the one or more fatty alcohols comprise behenyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleic alcohol, cetyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, capric alcohol, caprylic alcohol, and / or combinations thereof.

[0178] Embodiment 47. The method of Embodiment 43, wherein the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty acids.

[0179] Embodiment 48. The method of Embodiment 47, wherein at least one of the one or more fatty acids has a C4 to C28 aliphatic hydrocarbon tail.

[0180] Embodiment 49. The method of Embodiment 47, wherein the one or more fatty acids comprise carboxylic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid,stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid, and / or combinations thereof.

[0181] Embodiment 50. The method of Embodiment 43, wherein the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty esters.

[0182] Embodiment 51. The method of Embodiment 50, wherein at least one of the one or more fatty esters has a C2 to C36 ester alkyl backbone.

[0183] Embodiment 52. The method of Embodiment 50, wherein the one or more fatty esters comprise a methyl ester of a fatty acid, ethyl ester of a fatty acid, propyl ester of a fatty acid, butyl ester of a fatty acid, and / or combinations thereof.

[0184] Embodiment 53. The method of any of Embodiments 37-52, wherein the alkane component comprises a mixture of differing alkanes.

[0185] Embodiment 54. The method of Embodiment 53, wherein the mixture comprises 80- 100 wt. % C12-C26 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes.

[0186] Embodiment 55. The method of Embodiment 53, wherein the mixture comprises 80- 100 wt. % C10-C18 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes.

[0187] Embodiment 56. The method of Embodiment 53, wherein the mixture comprises 80- 100 wt. % C6-C16 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes.

[0188] Embodiment 57. The method of any of Embodiments 37-56, further comprising adding a nucleating agent to the first bio-based PCM component, the first fraction, or the combination of the first fraction and first bio-based PCM component.

[0189] Embodiment 58. The method of Embodiment 57, wherein the nucleating agent is an organic nucleating agent.

[0190] Embodiment 59. The method of Embodiment 58, wherein the organic nucleating agent is an alkyl ester having the formula R1-C(O)O-R2, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a C10-C28 alkyl moiety.

[0191] Embodiment 60. The method of Embodiment 59, wherein R1and R2are each independently a C12-C20 alkyl moiety.

[0192] Embodiment 61. The method of Embodiment 59, wherein R1 and R2 are the same.

[0193] Embodiment 62. The method of any of Embodiments 37-61, further comprising adding a gelling agent to the first bio-based PCM component, the first fraction, or the combination of the first fraction and first bio-based PCM component.

[0194] Embodiment 63. The method of Embodiment 62, wherein the gelling agent is selected from a polyacrylate, a polyacrylamide, styrenic block copolymers, triblock polymers, block copolymers formed from an acrylate or (meth)acrylate block in combination with a styrenic block, a butadiene block, and / or an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block, and celluloses.

[0195] Embodiment 64. The method of any of Embodiments 37-63, wherein the phase change material composition has a total thermal energy storage density (TTESD), as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and 60-100% of the TTESD spans a range of 10°C or less.

[0196] Embodiment 65. The method of any of Embodiments 37-64, wherein the phase change material composition has a single peak in a freezing portion of a DSC scan, from -140°C to 200°C.

[0197] Embodiment 66. The method of Embodiment 65, wherein at least 65% of the TTESD of the composition is within ± 1σ of the single peak.

[0198] Embodiment 67. The method of Embodiment 65, wherein the single peak has a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 15°C or less.

[0199] All patent documents referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties. Various embodiments of the invention have been described in fulfillment of the various objectives of the invention. It should be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and adaptations thereof will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A composition comprising: at least 25 wt. % bio-based phase change material (PCM) component or inorganic PCM component; and at least 20 wt. % alkane component, wherein the amount of the bio-based PCM component or inorganic PCM component and the amount of the alkane component are based on a total weight of the composition; and wherein the alkane component differs from the bio-based PCM component.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises, based on the total weight of the composition: 40-80 wt. % bio-based PCM component or inorganic PCM component; and 20-60 wt. % alkane component.

3. The composition of claim 2, wherein: the composition has a total thermal energy storage density (TTESD), as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); and 60-100% of the TTESD spans a range of 10°C or less.

4. The composition of claim 2, wherein the composition has a single peak in a freezing portion of a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) scan, from -140°C to 200°C.

5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the single peak has a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 15°C or less.

6. The composition of claim 2, wherein: the composition has a total thermal energy storage density (TTESD), as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); 60-100% of the TTESD spans a range of 10°C or less;the composition has a single peak in a freezing portion of a DSC scan, from -140°C to 200°C; and the single peak has a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 15°C or less.

7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the bio-based PCM component has a C-14 isotope to C-12 isotope ratio of 0.5 x 10-12to 1.5 x 10-12.

8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the bio-based PCM component comprises a plant- based PCM component.

9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty alcohols, fatty acids, and / or fatty esters.

10. The composition of claim 9, wherein the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty alcohols.

11. The composition of claim 10, wherein at least one of the one or more fatty alcohols has a C10 to C20 aliphatic hydrocarbon tail.

12. The composition of claim 10, wherein the one or more fatty alcohols comprise behenyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleic alcohol, cetyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, capric alcohol, caprylic alcohol, and / or combinations thereof.

13. The composition of claim 9, wherein the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty acids.

14. The composition of claim 13, wherein at least one of the one or more fatty acids has a C4 to C28 aliphatic hydrocarbon tail.

15. The composition of claim 13, wherein the one or more fatty acids comprise carboxylic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid, and / or combinations thereof.

16. The composition of claim 9, wherein the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty esters.

17. The composition of claim 16, wherein at least one of the one or more fatty esters has a C2 to C36 ester alkyl backbone.

18. The composition of claim 16, wherein the one or more fatty esters comprise a methyl ester of a fatty acid, ethyl ester of a fatty acid, propyl ester of a fatty acid, butyl ester of a fatty acid, and / or combinations thereof.

19. The composition of claim 1, wherein the inorganic PCM component comprises a salt hydrate.

20. The composition of claim 19, wherein the salt hydrate comprises a hydrate of KF, a hydrate of Mn(NO3)2, a hydrate of CaCl2, a hydrate of CaBr2, a hydrate of Li(NO3), a hydrate of LiCl, a hydrate of Na2SO4, a hydrate of Na2CO3, a hydrate of Na2HPO4, a hydrate of Zn(NO3)2, a hydrate of ZnCl2, a hydrate of Ca(NO3)2, a hydrate of Na(NO3)2, hydrate of FeCl3, a hydrate of Co(NO3)2, a hydrate of Ni(NO3)2, a hydrate of MnCl2, a hydrate of CH3COONa, a hydrate of LiC2H3O2, a hydrate of NaCl, a hydrate of MgCl2, a hydrate of NaOH, a hydrate of Cd(NO3)2, a hydrate of Fe(NO3)2, a hydrate of NaAl(SO4)2, a hydrate of FeSO4, a hydrate of Na3PO4, a hydrate of Na2B4O7, a hydrate of Na3PO4, a hydrate of LiCH3COO, a hydrate of NH4Cl, a hydrate of KCl, a hydrate of (NH4)2SO4, a hydrate of MgSO4, a hydrate of Na2SO4, a hydrate of K2SO4, a hydrate of (NH4)2CO3, a hydrate of a formate salt, a hydrate of an acetate salt, a hydrate of a chloride salt, a hydrate of an iodide salt, a hydrate of a fluoride salt, a hydrate of a nitrate salt, a hydrate of a sulfate salt, a hydrate of a carbonate salt, a hydrate of a phosphate salt, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing.

21. The composition of claim 1, wherein the alkane component comprises a mixture of differing alkanes.

22. The composition of claim 21, wherein the mixture comprises 80-100 wt. % C12-C26 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes.

23. The composition of claim 21, wherein the mixture comprises 80-100 wt. % C10-C18 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes.

24. The composition of claim 21, wherein the mixture comprises 80-100 wt. % C6-C16 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes.

25. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises a nucleating agent.

26. The composition of claim 25, wherein the nucleating agent is present at a concentration of up to 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

27. The composition of claim 25, wherein the nucleating agent is an alkyl ester having the formula R1-C(O)O-R2, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a C10-C28 alkyl moiety.

28. The composition of claim 27, wherein R1and R2are each independently a C12-C20 alkyl moiety.

29. The composition of claim 27, wherein R1and R2are the same.

30. The composition of claim 1, further comprising a gelling agent.

31. The composition of claim 30, wherein the gelling agent is selected from a polyacrylate, a polyacrylamide, styrenic block copolymers, triblock polymers, block copolymers formed froman acrylate or (meth)acrylate block in combination with a styrenic block, a butadiene block, and / or an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block, and celluloses.

32. The composition of claim 1, wherein a ratio of the wt. % of the bio-based PCM component to the wt. % of the alkane component is 30:70 to 70:

30.

33. The composition of claim 1, wherein: the composition has a total thermal energy storage density (TTESD), as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); and 60-100% of the TTESD spans a range of 10°C or less.

34. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition has a single peak in a freezing portion of a DSC scan, from -140°C to 200°C.

35. The composition of claim 34, wherein at least 65% of the TTESD of the composition is within ± 1σ of the single peak.

36. The composition of claim 34, wherein the single peak has a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 15°C or less.

37. A method of making a phase change material (PCM) composition, comprising: providing an alkane component; subjecting the alkane component to phase separation to provide multiple fractions, including at least a first alkane fraction and a second alkane fraction; separating the first alkane fraction from the second alkane fraction; and combining the first alkane fraction with a first bio-based PCM component.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the first bio-based PCM component has a C-14 isotope to C-12 isotope ratio of 0.5 x 10-12to 1.5 x 10-12.

39. The method of claim 37, further comprising combining the second alkane fraction with a second bio-based PCM component.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the second bio-based PCM component is different from the first bio-based PCM component.

41. The method of claim 39, wherein the second bio-based PCM component has a C-14 isotope to C-12 isotope ratio of 0.5 x 10-12to 1.5 x 10-12.

42. The method of claim 37, wherein the first bio-based PCM component comprises a plant- based PCM component.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty alcohols, fatty acids, and / or fatty esters.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty alcohols.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein at least one of the one or more fatty alcohols has a C10 to C20 aliphatic hydrocarbon tail.

46. The method of claim 44, wherein the one or more fatty alcohols comprise behenyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleic alcohol, cetyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, capric alcohol, caprylic alcohol, and / or combinations thereof.

47. The method of claim 43, wherein the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty acids.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein at least one of the one or more fatty acids has a C4 to C28 aliphatic hydrocarbon tail.

49. The method of claim 47, wherein the one or more fatty acids comprise carboxylic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid, and / or combinations thereof.

50. The method of claim 43, wherein the plant-based PCM component comprises one or more fatty esters.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein at least one of the one or more fatty esters has a C2 to C36 ester alkyl backbone.

52. The method of claim 50, wherein the one or more fatty esters comprise a methyl ester of a fatty acid, ethyl ester of a fatty acid, propyl ester of a fatty acid, butyl ester of a fatty acid, and / or combinations thereof.

53. The method of claim 37, wherein the alkane component comprises a mixture of differing alkanes.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the mixture comprises 80-100 wt. % C12-C26 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes.

55. The method of claim 53, wherein the mixture comprises 80-100 wt. % C10-C18 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes.

56. The method of claim 53, wherein the mixture comprises 80-100 wt. % C6-C16 alkanes, based on a total weight of the mixture of differing alkanes.

57. The method of claim 37, further comprising adding a nucleating agent to the first bio- based PCM component, the first fraction, or the combination of the first fraction and first bio- based PCM component.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein the nucleating agent is an organic nucleating agent.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein the organic nucleating agent is an alkyl ester having the formula R1-C(O)O-R2, wherein R1and R2are each independently a C10-C28 alkyl moiety.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a C12-C20 alkyl moiety.

61. The method of claim 59, wherein R1 and R2 are the same.

62. The method of claim 37, further comprising adding a gelling agent to the first bio-based PCM component, the first fraction, or the combination of the first fraction and first bio-based PCM component.

63. The method of claim 62, wherein the gelling agent is selected from a polyacrylate, a polyacrylamide, styrenic block copolymers, triblock polymers, block copolymers formed from an acrylate or (meth)acrylate block in combination with a styrenic block, a butadiene block, and / or an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block, and celluloses.

64. The method of claim 37, wherein the phase change material composition has a total thermal energy storage density (TTESD), as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and 60-100% of the TTESD spans a range of 10°C or less.

65. The method of claim 37, wherein the phase change material composition has a single peak in a freezing portion of a DSC scan, from -140°C to 200°C.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein at least 65% of the TTESD of the composition is within ± 1σ of the single peak.

67. The method of claim 65, wherein the single peak has a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 15°C or less.

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