COMPOSITIONS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/423,832, filed November 9, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to methods of making thermal energy storage or phase change material (PCM) compositions.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In recent years, latent heat storage has become increasingly important in a wide array of technologies. Latent heat includes thermal energy released or absorbed during a change of state of a material without a change or substantial change in the temperature of the material. The change of state can include a phase change such as a solid-liquid, solid-gas, liquid-gas, or solidsolid phase change, including a crystalline solid to amorphous solid phase change or other solid- to-solid phase change. Because of their latent heat storage properties, phase change materials (PCMs) have found application in a wide array of thermal energy and temperature control technologies. However, the use of PCMs has been limited in some instances by disadvantages associated with the thermal energy storage capacity and/or form of certain PCMs. For example, some materials suffer from large volume changes and/or flow in a liquid state. Improved compositions are therefore desired for thermal energy storage and other applications.

[0004] Improved methods of making PCMs or PCM compositions are also desired. Some existing methods can be slow or can require frequent maintenance or repair of manufacturing equipment, including due to the nature of the PCM compositions or their components. Such manufacturing limitations can significantly hinder the widespread use of such PCM compositions. SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, compositions and methods of making compositions for thermal energy storage are contemplated herein which, in some embodiments, may offer one or more advantages over prior compositions and methods. In some embodiments, for example, a composition described herein exhibits a high latent heat during a solid-to-solid or shape-stable transition, thereby providing a composition that is useful in various applications in which shape stability and/or elimination of flow in the “melted” phase is relevant. Such applications can include thermal energy storage and temperature control applications.

[0006] For example, in some embodiments, a composition described herein comprises 0.5-10 wt. % polysaccharide or polysaccharide component, and 88-99.5 wt. % water, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the composition. Further, in some instances, the composition is shape stable at 20°C and 1 atm for at least 24 hours or for a longer time period, as described further below. In other embodiments, the composition has a dynamic viscosity of greater than or equal to 300,000 cP at 20°C and 1 atm. Moreover, in some implementations, the polysaccharide of a composition described herein comprises a cellulose, cellulose ether, starch, seaweed gum or seaweed hydrocolloid (such as an alginate or alginic acid, an agar, or a carrageenan), chitosan, gum Arabic, locust bean gum, guar gum, xanthan gum, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. Additionally, in some embodiments, any of the foregoing polysaccharides can be functionalized or chemically modified, such as by alkoxylation, alkylation, or other functionalization. A composition described herein can also comprise or include one or more additional species or components, in addition to water and a polysaccharide. For example, in some cases, a composition described herein further comprises a pH modulator, such an inorganic or organic acid or base. In some instances, the pH modulator lowers the pH of the composition, while in other cases the pH modulator raises the pH of the composition. It is also possible for more than pH modulator to be used. Further, in some implementations, a composition described herein further comprises an ionic liquid, a kinetic control agent, a filler (e.g., a solid filler), a fire retardant, a polymeric material (other than or in addition to the polysaccharide), and/or an antimicrobial material. Moreover, in some embodiments, a composition described herein further comprises at least one organic PCM. [0007] Methods of making such PCM compositions are also described in the present disclosure. Such methods, in some cases, can be used to make or prepare a composition described or referred to above. In some embodiments, a method of forming a shape stable PCM described herein comprises combining a first component and a second component to provide a crosslinking matrix. The method further comprises dispensing the crosslinking matrix into a reaction vessel under conditions whereby the crosslinking matrix crosslinks to form the shape stable phase change material. Moreover, in some cases, the conditions whereby the crosslinking matrix crosslinks to form the shape stable phase change material comprise a period of time between 1 second and 100 hours. In some embodiments, the crosslinking matrix crosslinks to form the shape stable phase change material in a period of time between 1 second and 1 hour, between 1 second and 30 minutes, between 1 second and 10 minutes, or between 1 second and 5 minutes. Further, in some implementations, the first component and/or the second component is, individually, flowable at temperatures above 0°C at 1 atm. In addition, in some embodiments, the shape stable PCM formed by the method is shape stable at temperatures above 0°C at 1 atm. [0008] In some cases, combining the first component and the second component to provide the crosslinking matrix comprises combining the first component and the second component in a particular ratio, such as a ratio of the first component to the second component of between about 70:30 and about 90: 10 by volume. In some instances, combining the first component and the second component to provide the crosslinking matrix comprises combining the first component and the second component in a ratio of the first component to the second component of between about 70:30 and about 85: 15 by volume or between about 70:30 and about 80:20 by volume. In other embodiments, combining the first component and the second component to provide the crosslinking matrix comprises combining the first component and the second component in a ratio of the first component to the second component of about 75:25 by volume.

[0009] Moreover, in some instances, combining the first component and the second component to provide the crosslinking matrix comprises adding or disposing the first component in a first fluid stream and adding or disposing the second component in a second fluid stream, and the first fluid stream is combined with the second fluid stream. Further, in some such implementations, combining the first component and the second component to provide the crosslinking matrix comprises directing the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream to intersect in a homogenization chamber. The homogenization chamber may be suspended above the reaction vessel, such that dispensing the crosslinking matrix into the reaction vessel comprises gravity feeding the crosslinking matrix from the homogenization chamber to the reaction vessel.

[0010] Additionally, in some instances, the first fluid stream is flowed towards the homogenization chamber through a first nozzle, and the second fluid stream is flowed towards the homogenization chamber through a second nozzle. In some such embodiments, the first nozzle has a first diameter, and the second nozzle has a second diameter. Additionally, in some implementations, a ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter corresponds to a volumetric ratio of the first component to the second component, within 10%. In some embodiments, the ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter is between about 70:30 and about 90: 10, between about 70:30 and about 80:20, or between about 70:30 and 85: 15. In some other instances, the ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter is about 75:25.

[0011] Moreover, in some embodiments, the first component comprises or includes at least a first linker and/or the second component comprises or includes at least a second linker component. In some embodiments, the first linker component and/or the second linker component, when combined with other species present in the first component and/or second component, can crosslink to make the resulting PCM or composition shape stable or substantially shape stable under desired conditions. For example, in some cases, the first linker component and the second linker component are both present, and the two linker components can crosslink to form the shape stable PCM or to provide shape stability to the PCM. Moreover, in some instances, the first linker component and the second linker component crosslink to form the shape stable phase change material over a period of at least 1 hour at 0°C and 1 atm in the absence of the second component, and over a period of less than 1 hour, less than 30 minutes, less than 15 minutes, or less than 5 minutes at 0°C and 1 atm in the presence of the second component. That is, in some cases, the rate of crosslinking of the first linker component with the second linker component differs, depending on whether the second component is present or absent. In other embodiments, the first linker component and the second linker component crosslink to form the shape stable phase change material over a period of at least 3 hours at 0°C and 1 atm in the absence of the second component, and over a period of less than 3 hours, less than 2 hours, less than 1 hour, less than 30 minutes, less than 15 minutes, or less than 5 minutes at 0°C and 1 atm in the presence of the second component. [0012] Additionally, in some such embodiments, the first component and/or the second component comprises at least one catalyzing agent operable to increase a rate of crosslinking between the first linker component and the second linker component (or to increase the rate of crosslinking of the first linker component with itself, or of the second linker component with itself). In other such embodiments, the first component and/or the second component comprises at least one pH modulator. Moreover, in some instances, the first component comprises a first catalyzing agent and/or a first pH modulator, and the second component comprise a second catalyzing agent and/or a second pH modulator.

[0013] Similarly, in some embodiments, the first component comprises a first ionic liquid, a first kinetic control agent, a first filler (e.g., a first solid filler), a first fire retardant, a first polymeric material (other than or in addition to the polysaccharide), a first antimicrobial material, a first organic PCM, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing; and the second component comprises a second ionic liquid, a second kinetic control agent, a second filler (e.g., a second solid filler), a second fire retardant, a second polymeric material (other than or in addition to the polysaccharide), a second antimicrobial material, a second organic PCM, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing.

[0014] These and other embodiments are described in greater detail in the description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure l is a schematic representation of a first component flowing toward a second component to be combined in a homogenization chamber to provide a crosslinking matrix to feed downward to a reaction vessel, according to some embodiments described herein.

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a first component flowing toward a second component to be combined in a homogenization chamber wherein the diameter of the first nozzle is larger than that of the diameter of the second nozzle, according to some embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Implementations and embodiments described herein can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description and examples. Elements, apparatus, and methods described herein, however, are not limited to the specific implementations presented in the detailed description and examples. It should be recognized that these implementations are merely illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0018] In addition, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of “1.0 to 10.0” should be considered to include any and all subranges beginning with a minimum of 1.0 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10.0 or less, e.g., 1.0 to 5.3, or 4.7 to 10.0, or 3.6 to 7.9. Similarly, as will be clearly understood, a stated range of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges beginning with a minimum of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., 1 to 6, or 7 to 10, or 3.6 to 7.9.

[0019] 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,” “from 5 to 10,” or “5-10” should generally be considered to include the end points of 5 and 10.

[0020] 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 amount or quantity. For example, a material present in an amount “up to” a specified amount can be present from a detectable amount and up to and including the specified amount.

[0021] Additionally, in any disclosed embodiment, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and “about” may be substituted with “within [a percentage] of’ what is specified, where the percentage could be 0.1, 1, 5, or 10 percent, unless the use of such a term in a given instance indicates otherwise.

[0022] It is also to be understood that the article “a” or “an” refers to “at least one,” unless the context of a particular use requires otherwise.

[0023] In one aspect, methods of forming a shape stable phase change material are described herein. In some embodiments, such a method comprises combining a first component and a second component to provide a crosslinking matrix and dispensing the crosslinking matrix into a reaction vessel under conditions whereby the crosslinking matrix crosslinks to form the shape stable phase change material. Additionally, as described further herein, in some cases, these conditions comprise a specified time period, a specified temperature, and/or a specified temperature. For example, in some instances, the conditions comprise a period of time between 1 second and 100 hours, between 1 second and 1 hour, between 1 second and 30 minutes, between 1 second and 10 minutes, or between 1 second and 5 minutes. The time period can also be a time period within a subrange of the foregoing ranges. In some cases, the conditions comprise a pressure between 0.9 and 1.1 atm. Additionally, in some instances, the conditions comprise a temperature between 20°C and 80°C, between 20°C and 70°C, between 20°C and 60°C, between 20°C and 50°C, between 20°C and 40°C, between 20°C and 35°C, between 20°C and 30°C, between 25°C and 70°C, between 25°C and 60°C, between 25°C and 50°C, between 25°C and 40°C, or between 25°C and 35°C.

[0024] Further, in some instances, the first component and/or the second component is flowable at temperatures above 0°C at 1 atm. In other embodiments, the first component and/or the second component is predominantly aqueous (e.g., the formed shape stable PCM contains at least 88% water). In some implementations, the first component and/or the second component is stable at temperatures above 0°C at 1 atm. For example, the first component and/or the second component may form no visually observable paste or gel over a specified period of time. Further, in some cases, a stable component (e.g., a “stable” first component and/or a “stable” second component) exhibits less than a 10% change (e.g., increase) or less than a 5% change (e.g., increase) in dynamic viscosity over a given time period at a given temperature (e.g., over the course of 12 hours or 1 day at a temperature of 15-3O°C). In some embodiments, the first component and/or the second component is stable (e.g., no change or less than 10% or 5% change in dynamic viscosity and/or no visually observable paste or gel formation) at 1 atm at a temperature above 0°C (e.g., at a temperature of 15-30°C) for 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 7 months, 8 months, 9 months, 10 months, 11 months, 1 year, 15 months, 18 months, 21 months, or 2 years. In some instances, both the first component and the second component are stable at temperatures above 0°C at 1 atm for 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 7 months, 8 months, 9 months, 10 months, 11 months, 1 year, 15 months, 18 months, 21 months, or 2 years.

[0025] Certain steps and features of methods according to the present disclosure will now be described in more detail. Methods described herein comprise combining a first component and a second component to provide a crosslinking matrix. Any first component and/or second component may be used consistent with the present disclosure, as described further hereinbelow. In some embodiments, the first component comprises at least a first linker component or a plurality of linker components. In some instances, a first component comprises or includes a first linker component and comprises or includes a second linker component. In some such embodiments, the first and second linker components, when combined, crosslink to make the resulting phase change material or composition shape stable or substantially shape stable under desired conditions.

[0026] Moreover, in some embodiments, a composition described herein exhibits a high latent heat during a solid-to-solid or shape-stable transition, thereby providing a composition that is useful in various applications in which shape stability and/or elimination of flow in the “melted” phase are relevant. Such applications can include thermal energy storage and temperature control applications.

[0027] Moreover, in some cases, such a composition is self-supporting or shape stable, including at ambient or other moderate temperature and pressure. For example, in some embodiments, a composition is shape stable (including without support by side walls or a container or the like) at temperatures above 0°C at 1 atm, such as at one or more temperatures selected from Table 1 below. In other instances, the composition is shape stable at 20°C and 1 atm. Additionally, the relative humidity may be 50%.

Table 1. Shape Stable Temperatures of a Composition Described Herein at 1 atm

[0028] Such a shape stable composition, in some implementations, does not deform or flow substantially under these conditions for more than 1 hour, more than 2 hours, more than 5 hours, or more than 12 hours. In some implementations, the composition is solid or is shape-stable and does not flow or deform for 1-24 hours, 1-12 hours, 2-18 hours, or 2-6 hours under the conditions described above.

[0029] Moreover, in some instances, a composition made by a method described herein may have some fluidity, such as may be exhibited by a paste or gel. For example, in some cases, a composition described herein has a dynamic viscosity of greater than or equal to 300,000 cP at 20°C and 1 atm. A composition made by a method described herein may also comprise a network, such as a crosslinked polysaccharide network or other network. Moreover, in some instances, a composition made by a method described herein comprises a polysaccharide network (or other network) including many hydrogen bonds with water. Additionally, not intending to be bound by theory, the water may form a continuous phase within a scaffolding formed by the polysaccharide (or other material).

[0030] Compositions described herein can have any pH not inconsistent with the objectives of the present disclosure. For example, a composition described herein can have a pH of between about 2 and about 12, such as between about 2 and about 7, between about 7 and about 12, between about 5 and about 7, between about between about 3 and about 7, between about 4 and about 7, between about 5 and about 7, or between about 6 and about 7. Further, a pH of a composition described herein can be between about 7 and about 12, between about 8 and about 12, between about 8 and about 12, between about 9 and about 12, between about 10 and about 12, or between about 11 and about 12. Moreover, a composition described herein may have a pH of between about 7 and about 11, between about 7 and about 10, between about 7 and about 9, or between about 7 and about 8. Additionally, a composition described herein may have a pH between about 5 and about 9, such as between about 5 and about 8, between about 6 and about 9, or between about 6 and about 8, between about 6 and about 7, or between about 7 and about 8. Not intending to be bound by theory, the use of one or more pH modulators can permit a composition described herein to be prepared and/or used across a variety of pH ranges.

[0031] Further, the first component and second component may be combined in any ratio consistent with the objectives of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, a ratio (by volume) of the first component to the second component in the crosslinking matrix is between about 50:50 and about 90: 10, such as between about 60:40 and about 90: 10, between about 70:30 and 90: 10, or between about 70:30 and 80:20. The ratio in the crosslinking matrix may also be about 75:25 by volume. In some cases, combining the first component and the second component to provide the crosslinking matrix comprises combining the first component and the second component in a ratio of the first component to the second component of between about 70:30 and about 90:10 by volume, between about 70:30 and about 85: 15 by volume, between about 70:30 and about 80:20 by volume, or in a ratio of about 75:25 by volume. [0032] Combining the first component and the second component to provide the first crosslinking matrix can be carried out in any manner not inconsistent with the objectives of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, combining the first component and the second component to provide the crosslinking matrix comprises adding or disposing the first component in a first fluid stream and adding or disposing the second component in a second fluid stream. Further, in some cases, as shown in the non-limiting example of Figure 1, a method (100) comprises directing the first fluid stream (101) and the second fluid stream (102) to intersect in a homogenization chamber (103) to provide the crosslinking matrix (104), and dispensing the crosslinking matrix into the reaction vessel (105) comprises gravity feeding or otherwise free-flowing the crosslinking matrix from the homogenization chamber to the reaction vessel (105), as indicated by the arrow in Figure 1. In some such embodiments, the turbulence caused by flowing the streams towards one another causes the mixing or homogenization without further agitation. Additionally, in some implementations, complete or substantially complete homogenization of the first and second components occurs in-line (e.g., within the homogenization chamber and before leaving the homogenization chamber). Such homogenization may also occur within a short period of time (e.g., in 10 seconds or less, 5 seconds or less, 3 seconds or less, or less than 1 second). Homogenizing the first and second components in a manner described herein, in some cases, can reduce or prevent clogging of the manufacturing equipment, which may otherwise occur due to crosslinking of the components in situ.

[0033] Combining the first component and the second component to provide the first crosslinking matrix can be carried out at any temperature not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention. In some instances, combining the first component and the second component is carried out at a temperature of 0°C-50°C, 0°C-40°C, 0°C-30°C, 0°C-20°C, 0°C- 10°C, 10°C-50°C, 10°C-40°C, 10°C-30°C, 10°C-20°C, 20°C-50°C, 20°C-40°C, 20°C-30°C, 30°C-50°C, 30°C-40°C, or 40°C-50°C at 1 atm. [0034] Moreover, in some embodiments, directing and/or flowing the first component and the second component toward one another may be controlled volumetrically. Not intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that such volumetric control can maintain or substantially maintain a ratio of the first component to the second component upon entering the homogenization chamber. In some embodiments, this volumetric control may be implemented by flowing the first component through a first nozzle having a first nozzle diameter and flowing the second component through a second nozzle having a second nozzle diameter (e.g., at the same applied force). The first and second nozzle diameters may be sized, as by diameter, to have a specific ratio relative to one another. For example, in some embodiments, a ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter is between about 50:50 and about 90:10, such as between about 60:40 and about 90: 10, between about 70:30 and about 90: 10, or between about 70:30 and about 80:20. Further, in some embodiments, the ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter is about 75:25. In some cases, the ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter corresponds to a volumetric ratio of the first component to the second component, within 10%.

[0035] A non-limiting example embodiment (200) of such a method is shown in Figure 2. With reference to Figure 2, a first component (201) flows through a first nozzle (202) having a first nozzle diameter toward the homogenization chamber (203). A second component (204) flows through a second nozzle (205) having a second nozzle diameter toward the homogenization chamber (203). The diameter of the first nozzle is larger than that of the diameter of the second nozzle. The first component and second component combine in the homogenization chamber to provide the crosslinking matrix (206). Dispensing the crosslinking matrix into the reaction vessel (207) comprises gravity feeding or otherwise free-flowing the crosslinking matrix from the homogenization chamber to the reaction vessel (207).

[0036] Any homogenization chamber consistent with the present objectives may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the homogenization chamber may be a T-connector, permitting fluid flow from opposing sides of the connector with a third opening for releasing the crosslinking matrix from the homogenization chamber. In such cases, a first fluid stream comprising the first component can enter a first side of the T-connector and a second fluid stream comprising the second component can enter a second, opposing side of the T-connector. Further, in some embodiments, the homogenization chamber is suspended above a reaction vessel. In such embodiments, dispensing the crosslinking matrix into the reaction vessel comprises gravity feeding or otherwise free-flowing the crosslinking matrix from the homogenization chamber to the reaction vessel.

[0037] A homogenization chamber may also be at any temperature not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention. In some embodiments, a homogenization chamber may be between 0°C-50°C, between 0°C-40°C, between 0°C-30°C, between 0°C-20°C, between 0°C- 10°C, between 10°C-50°C, between 10°C-40°C, between 10°C-30°C, between 10°C-20°C, between 20°C-50°C, between 20°C-40°C, between 20°C-30°C, between 30°C-50°C, between 30°C-40°C, or between 40°C-50°C at 1 atm.

[0038] Turning again to the first and second components, in some implementations described herein, the first component comprises at least a first linker component and at least a second linker component which can crosslink to form the shape stable phase change material. Such a linker component may also be referred to herein as a “crosslinker component” or a “crosslinker.” In some instances, as described further hereinbelow, such crosslinking can comprise chemical crosslinking, such as may be achieved by the formation of one or more covalent bonds, one or more hydrogen bonds, or one or more other bonds having sufficient bond strength or binding energy to form a crosslinked network, which may be chemically and/or physically stable in an aqueous environment for at least 1 day, at least 3 days, at least 5 days, at least 7 days, at least 10 days, at least 1 month, at least 6 months, or at least 1 year. Such an aqueous environment may have a pH of 4-10 or 6-8, a temperature of -20°C to 50°C, and a pressure of 0.7-1.3 atm or 0.3 to 1.1 atm.

[0039] Moreover, in some instances, a first component comprises at least a first linker component and at least a second linker component, and the first linker component and the second linker component crosslink to form the shape stable phase change material over a relatively short period of time when mixed or combined with the second component of a method described herein, but crosslink over a relatively long period of time (or not at all) in the absence of the second component. For example, in some cases, the first linker component and the second linker component crosslink to form the shape stable phase change material over a period of at least 1 hour at 0°C and 1 atm in the absence of the second component, and over a period of less than 1 hour, less than 30 minutes, less than 15 minutes, or less than 5 minutes at 0°C and 1 atm in the presence of the second component. In some implementations, the first linker component and the second linker component crosslink to form the shape stable phase change material over a period of at least 3 hours at 0°C and 1 atm in the absence of the second component, and over a period of less than 3 hours, less than 2 hours, less than 1 hour, less than 30 minutes, less than 15 minutes, or less than 5 minutes at 0°C and 1 atm in the presence of the second component. In some instances, the second component comprises at least one catalyzing agent operable to increase a rate of crosslinking between the first linker component and the second linker component. Any catalyzing agent not inconsistent with the objectives of the present disclosure may be used. For instance, in some cases, the catalyzing agent comprises a metal or metal complex or metal compound such as a transition metal or transition metal complex or compound, an enzyme, a non-enzyme organocatalyst, a Lewis acid, a Lewis base, a Bronsted-Lowry acid, or a Bronsted- Lowry base. Moreover, a catalyzing agent described herein may be a true catalyst in the sense the catalyzing agent is not itself consumed as a reagent (e.g., stoichiometrically), or a catalyzing agent may be a reactant that is itself consumed and not necessarily regenerated by the crosslinking reaction or in a reaction step prior to the crosslinking reaction.

[0040] A linker component described herein, in some embodiments, can link or form a network with one or more other components used to make a composition described herein. For example, in some cases, a linker component is chemically bonded to another component of the composition, such as a polysaccharide described herein, which may be described herein as a “linked component.” It is also possible for the “linked component” to itself be a linker component described herein, such that the linker component is crosslinked with itself or with a different linker component. For example, as described elsewhere herein, a first linker component can crosslink with a second linker component to form a network or to form a shape stable phase change material.

[0041] Further, in some embodiments, a linker component chemically bonded to such a linked component provides a non-polymeric material. In some embodiments, a linker component chemically bonded to a linked component provides an oligomeric material. In some embodiments, for example, a linked component is monofunctional. A monofunctional linked 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 linker component is polyfunctional. A polyfunctional crosslinker, in some embodiments, can be chemically bonded to more than one linked component, including more than one monofunctional linked component. For example, in some embodiments, a bifunctional crosslinker (B) can be chemically bonded to two monofunctional linked components (A) to provide an A-B-A trimer. In other embodiments, a bifunctional crosslinker is chemically bonded to one monofunctional linked component to provide an A-B dimer.

[0042] Further, the crosslinker can be chemically bonded to a linked 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 linked component through a covalent bond. In other embodiments, the crosslinker is chemically bonded to a linked component through an ionic bond or electrostatic bond. In some embodiments, the crosslinker is chemically bonded to a linked component through a hydrogen bond. In some embodiments, the crosslinker is chemically bonded to a linked component through a urethane bond. In other embodiments, the crosslinker is chemically bonded to a linked component through an amide bond. In some embodiments, the crosslinker is chemically bonded to a linked component through an ester bond.

[0043] In addition, the crosslinker described herein can comprise any chemical species not inconsistent with the objectives of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, for instance, the crosslinker comprises a functional group capable of forming a covalent bond with a functional group of a linked 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. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide of a composition described herein comprises a cellulose, a cellulose derivative, cellulose ether, starch, seaweed gum or seaweed hydrocolloid (such as an alginate or alginic acid, an agar, or a carrageenan), chitosan, gum Arabic, locust bean gum, guar gum, xanthan gum, galactomannan polysaccharide, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. Additionally, in some embodiments, any of the foregoing polysaccharides can be functionalized or chemically modified, such as by alkoxylation, alkylation, or other functionalization, e.g., to provide a cellulose ether. In some cases, the polysaccharide comprises a hydroxyethyl starch, hydroxyethyl polysaccharide, or hydroxy ethylcellulose. In some instances, the polysaccharide comprises a potato starch, corn starch, rice starch, or wheat starch.

[0044] In certain implementations, instead of or in addition to a polysaccharide described herein, a composition (or a first component and/or second component) can comprise or include a carboxymethyl ether of one or more polysaccharides. For example, in some embodiments, a composition (or a first component and/or second component) described herein comprises or includes a carboxymethyl ether formed or derived from one or more of the following: cellulose, chitin, chitosan, curdlan, dextran, pullulan , schleroglucan, schizophyllan, starch, amylase, amylopectin, seaweed gum or seaweed hydrocolloid (such as an alginate or alginic acid, an agar, or a carrageenan), gum Arabic, locust bean gum , guar gum, or xanthan gum, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. Carboxymethyl ethers may also be formed from natural, synthetic, or functionalized polysaccharides. Compositions (or a first component and/or second component) described herein may comprise of combinations of carboxymethyl ethers wherein each carboxymethyl ether is derived from a separate member of the foregoing group of polysaccharides.

[0045] Additionally, compositions (or a first component and/or second component) described herein may comprise or include one or more salts of a carboxymethyl ether. For example, in some embodiments, a composition (or a first component and/or second component) described herein comprises sodium starch glycolate.

[0046] A polysaccharide (or related species) described herein can have any molecular weight not inconsistent with the objectives of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, a polysaccharide has a weight average molecular weight between about 2,000 and about 3,000,000, between about 20,000 and 2,500,000, or between about 100,000 and about 2,000,000. Moreover, in some instances, a polysaccharide is present in a composition or crosslinking matrix described herein in an amount of about 0.5-7 wt. % or in an amount of about 1-5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition or crosslinking matrix. Additionally, in some cases, a composition or crosslinking matrix comprising a polysaccharide is not a solution or colloid of the polysaccharide. Further, in some such embodiments, water is present in the composition or crosslinking matrix in amount of 90-99 wt.% or in an amount of 95-99.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition or crosslinking matrix.

[0047] 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.

[0048] In other embodiments, the crosslinker or linker component 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, MIO, 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, which are 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, which are all commercially available from Huntsman. Other major producers of diisocyanates include Bayer, BorsodChem, Dow, Mitsui, Nippon Polyurethane Industry and Yantai Wanhua.

[0049] Further, in some embodiments, a composition described herein comprises a plurality of crosslinkers or linker components. Any combination of crosslinkers not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used.

[0050] In addition, a first and/or second linker component or crosslinker described herein can be present in a composition or in a component (e.g., in a first or second component) in any amount not inconsistent with the objectives of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, for instance, a component comprises less than about 10 weight percent of the crosslinker based on the total weight of the component. In some embodiments, a component (e.g., a first or second component described herein) comprises less than about 5 weight percent, less than about 3 weight percent, less than about 2 weight percent, or less than about 1 weight percent of the crosslinker or linker component. In some embodiments, a component (e.g., a first or second component described herein) comprises between about 1 weight percent and about 5 weight percent of the crosslinker or between about 1 weight percent about 8 weight percent crosslinker. [0051] Further, in some implementations, a composition (or a first component and/or second component) described herein further comprises an ionic liquid. Any ionic liquid not inconsistent with the objectives of the present disclosure may be used. For example, in some cases, an ionic liquid is pyridinium-based. In other instances, the ionic liquid comprises a sugar or sugar alcohol. Non-limiting examples of ionic liquids which may be used in some embodiments described herein include l-Allyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-Allyl- 3-methylimidazolium bromide, l-Allyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide, l-Allyl-3- methylimidazolium iodide, l-Benzyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, l-Benzyl-3- methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, l-Benzyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1,3- Bis(3-cyanopropyl)imidazolium bi s(trifluorom ethyl sulfonyl)imide, 1,3-Bis(3- cyanopropyl)imidazolium chloride, l-Butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, 1- Butyl-2, 3-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 4-(3-Butyl-l-imidazolio)-l-butanesulfonate, 1- Butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate, l-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, l-Butyl-3- methylimidazolium dibutyl phosphate, l-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, 1- Butyl-3-methylimidazolium nitrate, l-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium octyl sulfate, l-Butyl-3- methylimidazolium tetrachloroaluminate, l-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1- Butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate, l-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium tosylate, l-Butyl-3- methylimidazolium trifluoroacetate, l-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate, 1- (3-Cyanopropyl)-3-m ethy limidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide, l-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, l-Ethyl-2, 3-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1- Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, 1-Ethy 1-3-methylimidazoli um L-(+)-lactate, 1-Ethy 1-3-methylimidazolium 1, 1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, l-Hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluormethylsulfonyl)imide, l-Hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, l-Hexyl-3- methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, 1-Methylimidazolium chloride, l-Methyl-3- octylimidazolium chloride, l-Methyl-3-octylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, l-Methyl-3- propylimidazolium iodide, l-Methyl-3-(3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl)imi dazolium hexafluorophosphate, 1,2,3-Trimethylimidazolium methyl sulfate, l-Butyl-4-methylpyridinium chloride, l-Butyl-4-methylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate, 1 -Butylpyridinium bromide, l-(3- Cyanopropyl)pyridinium chloride, 1 -Ethylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate, 3-Methyl-l- propylpyridinium bis(trifluormethylsulfonyl)imide, Cholin acetate, glycol-choline, glycerolcholine, 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, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more of the pH modulators may comprise or include an ionic liquid. [0052] An ionic liquid can be present in a first component and/or second component described herein in any amount not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present disclosure. In some cases, for example, a first component and/or a second component comprises up to 10 wt. %, up to 7 wt. %, up to 5 wt. %, up to 2 wt. %, or up to 1 wt. % ionic liquid, based on the total weight of the first component and/or the second component, respectively. In some embodiments, a first component and/or a second component comprises 0.5-10 wt. %, 1-10 wt. %, 1-7 wt. %, 1-5 wt. %, 2-10 wt. %, 2-7 wt. %, 2-5 wt. %, 3-10 wt. %, 3-7 wt. %, 3-5 wt. %, 5-10 wt. %, or 5-7 wt. % ionic liquid, based on the total weight of the first component and/or the second component, respectively.

[0053] Additionally, in some embodiments, a composition (or a first component and/or second component) described herein further comprises a kinetic control agent. Use of a kinetic control agent, in some cases, can increase or decrease the rate of formation of a shape stable PCM described herein. Any kinetic control agent not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present disclosure may be used. In some cases, a kinetic control agent comprises a zirconium compound, complex, or salt. For example, in some instances, a kinetic control agent comprises a zirconium halide or related species, such as zirconium oxychloride, zirconium hydroxychloride, zirconium tetrachloride, zirconium bromide, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. In some embodiments, a kinetic control agent comprises a zirconium salt of a mineral acid, such as zirconium sulfate, basic zirconium sulfate, zirconium oxynitrate, zirconium oxy acetate, zirconium oxycarbonate, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. In some instances, a kinetic control agent comprises a zirconium salt of an organic acid, such as zirconium formate, zirconium acetate, zirconium propionate, zirconium caprylate, zirconium stearate, zirconium lactate, zirconium nitrate, zirconium carbonate, zirconium octylate, zirconium citrate, zirconium phosphate, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. In still other embodiments, a kinetic control agent described herein comprises a complex salt such as ammonium zirconium carbonate, ammonium zirconium phosphate, ammonium zirconium sulfate, ammonium zirconium oxalate, ammonium zirconium acetate, ammonium zirconium citrate, ammonium zirconium lactate, potassium zirconium carbonate, sodium zirconium sulfate, sodium zirconium oxalate, sodium zirconium citrate, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing.

[0054] Moreover, in some cases, a kinetic control agent described herein comprises boric acid or a borate. For example, in some implementations, a kinetic control agent described herein comprises boric acid, calcium metaborate, kodalk or sodium metaborate, potassium metaborate, dipotassium tetraborate, sodium tetraborate, sodium metaborate tetrahydrate, sodium tetraborate decahydrate, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. Additionally, in some embodiments, a kinetic control agent comprises a borate ore or mineral (e.g., in alkaline solution). In some such instances, a kinetic control agent comprises ulexite, raphite, nobleite (Nobleite), Gowerite, hydroborocalcite (Frolovite), colemanite, meyerhoffite, inyoite, pandermite, tertschite, ginorite (Ginorite), pinnoite, paternoite (Patemoite), kurnakovite (Kurnakovite), inderite, Preobazhenskite, hydroboracite (Hydroboracite), inderborite (Inderborite), heintzite (Heintzite) Vealchite, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. [0055] A kinetic control agent, when used, can be present in a first component and/or second component described herein in any amount not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present disclosure. In some cases, for example, a first component and/or a second component comprises up to 10 wt. %, up to 7 wt. %, up to 5 wt. %, up to 2 wt. %, or up to 1 wt. % kinetic control agent, based on the total weight of the first component and/or the second component, respectively. In some embodiments, a first component and/or a second component comprises 0.5-10 wt. %, 1-10 wt. %, 1-7 wt. %, 1-5 wt. %, 2-10 wt. %, 2-7 wt. %, 2-5 wt. %, 3-10 wt. %, 3- 7 wt. %, 3-5 wt. %, 5-10 wt. %, or 5-7 wt. % kinetic control agent, based on the total weight of the first component and/or the second component, respectively.

[0056] Moreover, in some implementations, a composition (or a first component and/or second component) described herein further comprises a filler (e.g., a solid filler). Any filler not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present disclosure may be used. In some embodiments, for example, a filler comprises an inorganic material, such as an inorganic solid. In some such cases, a filler comprises SiCh, ZrCh, or TiCh. In some cases, a filler comprises CaO or MgO.

[0057] A filler, when used, can be present in a first component and/or second component described herein in any amount not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present disclosure. In some cases, for example, a first component and/or a second component comprises up to 10 wt. %, up to 7 wt. %, up to 5 wt. %, up to 2 wt. %, or up to 1 wt. % filler, based on the total weight of the first component and/or the second component, respectively. In some embodiments, a first component and/or a second component comprises 0.5-10 wt. %, 1-10 wt. %, 1-7 wt. %, 1-5 wt. %, 2-10 wt. %, 2-7 wt. %, 2-5 wt. %, 3-10 wt. %, 3-7 wt. %, 3-5 wt. %, 5-10 wt. %, or 5-7 wt. % filler, based on the total weight of the first component and/or the second component, respectively.

[0058] In addition, in some embodiments, the first component and/or the second component further 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. Further, in some cases, a fire retardant can comprise an organic composition or an inorganic composition. In some instances, a fire retardant comprises a phosphate, such as ammonium phosphate, trisodium phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, tricresylphosphate, tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate, tris(2-chloro-l-(chloromethyl)ethyl)phosphate, tris(chloropropyl)phosphate, tris(l,3-dichloro-2- propyl (phosphate, or tetrekis(2-chlorethyl)dichloroisopentyldiphosphate. In some embodiments, a fire retardant comprises aluminum hydroxide and/or magnesium hydroxide.

[0059] A fire retardant may also comprise a zeolite. Any zeolite not inconsistent with the objectives of the present disclosure may be used. In some cases, a zeolite comprises a natural zeolite. In other embodiments, a zeolite comprises an artificial zeolite. In some instances, a zeolite comprises a silicate and/or aluminosilicate. In some implementations, a zeolite comprises a composition according to the formula Mv/„ [(AlCh SiChj l • vi’HiO, where n is the valence of cation M (e.g., Na ⁺ , K ⁺ , Ca ²⁺ , or Mg ²⁺ ), w is the number of water molecules per unit cell, and x and j are the total number of tetrahedral atoms per unit cell. Non-limiting examples of zeolites suitable for use in some embodiments described herein include analcime ((K,Ca,Na)AlSi2Oe • H2O), chabazite ((Ca,Na2,K2,Mg)AhSi40i2 • 6H2O), clinoptilolite ((Na,K,Ca)2-3 Ah(Al, Si)2Si 13O36 • I2H2O), heulandite ((Ca,Na)2-3A13(Al,Si)2Sii3O36 • I2H2O), natrolite (Na2AhSi30io • 2H ₂ O), phillipsite ((Ca,Na2,K2) ₃ Al ₆ Siio032 • 12H ₂ O), and stilbite (NaCa ₄ (Si ₂ 7A19)O72 • 28H ₂ O). [0060] A fire retardant, when used, can be present in a first component and/or second component described herein in any amount not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present disclosure. In some cases, for example, a first component and/or a second component comprises up to 10 wt. %, up to 7 wt. %, up to 5 wt. %, up to 2 wt. %, or up to 1 wt. % fire retardant, based on the total weight of the first component and/or the second component, respectively. In some embodiments, a first component and/or a second component comprises 0.5-10 wt. %, 1-10 wt. %, 1-7 wt. %, 1-5 wt. %, 2-10 wt. %, 2-7 wt. %, 2-5 wt. %, 3-10 wt. %, 3- 7 wt. %, 3-5 wt. %, 5-10 wt. %, or 5-7 wt. % fire retardant, based on the total weight of the first component and/or the second component, respectively.

[0061] A composition (or a first component and/or second component) described herein may also comprise a polymeric material (other than or different from a polysaccharide component described herein). Any polymeric material not inconsistent with the objectives of the present disclosure may be used. In some embodiments, a polymeric material comprises an organic composition. For example, in some cases, a polymeric material comprises a polyolefin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, a polycarbonate, a polyester, or a polyurethane. In some instances, a polymeric material comprises polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). In certain instances, a polymeric material comprises an acrylic acid-based polymer. For example, in some embodiments, an acrylic acid-based polymer described herein comprises poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and/or an acrylic acid based copolymer.

[0062] An additional polymeric material, when used, can be present in a first component and/or second component described herein in any amount not inconsistent with the technical objectives of the present disclosure. In some cases, for example, a first component and/or a second component comprises up to 10 wt. %, up to 7 wt. %, up to 5 wt. %, up to 2 wt. %, or up to 1 wt. % polymeric material, based on the total weight of the first component and/or the second component, respectively. In some embodiments, a first component and/or a second component comprises 0.5-10 wt. %, 1-10 wt. %, 1-7 wt. %, 1-5 wt. %, 2-10 wt. %, 2-7 wt. %, 2-5 wt. %, 3- 10 wt. %, 3-7 wt. %, 3-5 wt. %, 5-10 wt. %, or 5-7 wt. % polymeric material, based on the total weight of the first component and/or the second component, respectively.

[0063] Turning to another possible additive, in some instances, the first component and/or the second component further comprises an antimicrobial material. Any antimicrobial material not inconsistent with the objectives of the present disclosure may be used. An antimicrobial material, in some cases, 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 instances, 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 cases, an antimicrobial material comprises a P-lactam such as a penicillin or cephalosporin. In some implementations, 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 cases, 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 instances, 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. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more of a pH modulator and/or an ionic liquid may also be an antimicrobial material.

[0064] Moreover, in some implementations, the first component and/or the second component further comprises an organic phase change material (PCM). In some embodiments, an organic PCM comprises a fatty acid. In some such embodiments, a fatty acid can have a C4 to C28 aliphatic hydrocarbon tail. For reference purposes herein, it is to be understood that a “Cn-Cm” aliphatic hydrocarbon, alkyl, or similar alkylene moiety (e.g., a “C4-C28 aliphatic hydrocarbon or alkylene moiety”) is a bivalent saturated aliphatic radical having from “n” to “m” carbon atoms (e.g., 4 to 28 carbon atoms, and no more than 28 carbon atoms). Non-limiting examples of fatty acids suitable for use in some embodiments described herein include caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, and cerotic acid. Further, in some embodiments, an oxidized fatty component described herein comprises a plurality of differing fatty acids.

[0065] In some embodiments, an organic PCM comprises an analogue of a fatty acid. In some instances, an analogue of a fatty acid comprises a fatty sulfonate or phosphonate. Any fatty sulfonate or phosphonate not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. In some embodiments, an organic phase change material comprises a C4 to C28 alkyl sulfonate or phosphonate. In some embodiments, an organic phase change material comprises a C4 to C28 alkenyl sulfonate or phosphonate. Further, in some embodiments, an organic PCM comprises a polyethylene glycol. Any polyethylene glycol not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. [0066] In some instances, an organic PCM described herein comprises an alkyl ester of a fatty acid. Any alkyl ester not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. For instance, in some embodiments, an alkyl ester comprises a methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl ester of a fatty acid described herein. In other embodiments, an alkyl ester comprises a C2 to C6 ester alkyl backbone or a C6 to C12 ester alkyl backbone. In some embodiments, an alkyl ester comprises a C12 to C28 ester alkyl backbone. Further, in some embodiments, an organic PCM described herein comprises a plurality of differing alkyl esters of fatty acids. Non-limiting examples of alkyl esters of fatty acids suitable for use in some embodiments described herein include methyl laurate, methyl myristate, methyl palmitate, methyl stearate, methyl palmitoleate, methyl oleate, methyl linoleate, methyl docosahexanoate, and methyl ecosapentanoate. In some embodiments, the corresponding ethyl, propyl, or butyl esters may also be used.

[0067] In addition, in some embodiments, an organic phase change material described herein comprises a fatty alcohol. Any fatty alcohol not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. For instance, a fatty alcohol, in some embodiments, 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 alcohols suitable for use in some embodiments described herein include capryl 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, ceryl alcohol, and montanyl alcohol. Further, in some embodiments, an oxidized fatty component described herein comprises a plurality of differing fatty alcohols.

[0068] Further, an organic PCM component, in some embodiments, comprises a mixture or combination of one or more fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and/or alkyl esters of fatty acids described herein. Any combination not inconsistent with the objectives of the present invention may be used. In some embodiments, for example, an organic PCM component comprises one or more fatty acids and one or more fatty alcohols.

[0069] In addition, in some implementations, the first component and/or the second component further comprises an inorganic PCM component. In some embodiments, an inorganic component comprises a salt hydrate. Suitable salt hydrates include, without limitation, CaCh • 6H2O and/or other CaCh hydrates, Ca(NO ₃ ) ₂ • 3H ₂ O, NaSCh • 10H ₂ O, Na(NO ₃ ) ₂ • 6H ₂ O, Zn(NO ₃ ) ₂ • 2H ₂ O, FeCh • 2 H ₂ O, Co(NO ₃ ) ₂ • 6H2O, Ni(NO ₃ ) ₂ ’6H ₂ O, MnCh • 4H ₂ O, CH ₃ COONa • 3H ₂ O, LiC ₂ H ₃ O ₂ • 2H ₂ O, MgCl ₂ • 4H ₂ O, NaOH • H ₂ O, Cd(NO ₃ ) ₂ • 4H ₂ O, Cd(NO ₃ )2 • 1H ₂ O, Fe(NO ₃ ) ₂ • 6H ₂ O, NaAl(SO4) ₂ • 12H ₂ O, FeSCh • 7H ₂ O, Na ₃ PO ₄ • 12H ₂ O, Na ₂ B ₄ O ₇ • IOH2O, Na ₃ PO • 12H ₂ O, LiCH ₃ COO • 2H ₂ O, NH ₄ Br hydrates, KBr hydrates, NaBr hydrates, CaBn hydrates, and/or mixtures thereof. If a first component and/or second component comprises water, the anhydrous salt can also be used, in some cases. Further, in some embodiments, the first component and/or the second component further comprises an inorganic PCM component and an organic PCM.

[0070] Moreover, in some instances, the first component and/or the second component further comprises a pH modulator. A pH modulator can be acidic or basic, in the sense of lowering/decreasing or raising/increasing the pH of the component. For example, in some embodiments, the pH modulator lowers the pH of the shape stable phase change material composition, compared to what the pH would be if the pH modulator were absent (or of a precursor mixture of the composition). In other instances, the pH modulator raises the pH of the composition, compared to what the pH would be if the pH modulator were absent. Any pH modulator not inconsistent with the objectives of the present disclosure may be used. For example, in some cases, the pH modulator comprises an organic acid or an organic base. In some such cases, the pH modulator comprises citric acid, a citrate salt (such as mono-, di-, or tri-sodium citrate), lactic acid, a salt of lactic acid, or acetic acid. In other embodiments, the pH modulator comprises an inorganic acid or base. For example, an inorganic acid comprises HC1, H2SO ₄ , or HN0 ₃ , and an inorganic base comprises NaOH or KOH. Further, in some cases, a first component or second component described herein comprises or contains more than one pH modulator. In some such instances, the first component and/or the second component described herein comprises at least two pH modulators. A first pH modulator, in some embodiments, lowers the pH of the shape stable phase change material composition. In certain other embodiments, the first pH modulator raises the pH of the composition. Correspondingly, a second pH modulator may be selected to further modify the pH of the composition in combination with the first pH modulator. For example, a second pH modulator may further lower the pH of the shape stable phase change material composition where the first pH modulator lowers the pH of the composition. Alternatively, a second pH modulator may raise the pH of the shape stable phase change material composition while the first pH modulator lowers the pH of the composition. Similarly, where the first pH modulator raises a pH of the composition, the second pH modulator may also raise the pH of the shape stable phase change material composition or may lower the pH of the composition.

[0071] As described herein, in some embodiments, a first component and/or a second component comprises a catalyzing agent. In some such instances, the catalyzing agent can be a pH modulator or kinetic control agent described hereinabove. Additionally, in some preferred embodiments, the first component comprises a first catalyzing agent, and the second component comprises a second catalyzing agent. Moreover, in some such cases, the first catalyzing agent increases the rate of crosslinking of components to form the shape stable PCM, upon contact of the first component with the second component, but not before. For example, in some such implementations, the first catalyzing agent can initiate or increase the rate of reaction or crosslinking of a material that is present in the second component but not in the first component. Similarly, in some instances, the second catalyzing agent (which is present in the second component but not the first component) increases the rate of crosslinking of components to form the shape stable PCM, upon contact of the first component with the second component, but not before. For example, in some such implementations, the second catalyzing agent can initiate or increase the rate of reaction or crosslinking of a material that is present in the first component but not in the second component. Therefore, in some exemplary embodiments, the first component described herein comprises a first catalyzing agent and a first crosslinker, and the second component comprises a second catalyzing agent and a second crosslinker. Additionally, in some such cases, the first catalyzing agent (present in the first component) initiates or increases the rate of crosslinking carried out by the second crosslinker (present in the second component), but does not initiate or increase the rate of crosslinking carried out by the first crosslinker (present in the first component). Further, in some such embodiments, the second catalyzing agent (present in the second component) initiates or increases the rate of crosslinking carried out by the first crosslinker (present in the first component), but does not initiate or increase the rate of crosslinking carried out by the second crosslinker (present in the second component).

[0072] It is further to be understood that, in some instances, a composition or a first component and/or second component described herein can comprise water in addition to other species or materials. In some instances, water is present in a composition or a first component and/or second component described herein as the “balance” making up 100 wt. % in combination with other species or materials present. In some cases, a composition or a first component and/or second component described herein comprises up to 95 wt. %, up to 90 wt. %, up to 85 wt. %, up to 80 wt. %, up to 75 wt. %, or up to 70 wt. % water, based on the total weight of the composition, first component, and/or second component, respectively. In some instances, a composition or a first component and/or second component described herein comprises 10-95 wt. %, 10-90 wt. %, 10-85 wt. %, 10-80 wt. %, 10-75 wt. %, 10-70 wt. %, 10-60 wt. %, 10-50 wt. %, 10-40 wt. %, 10-30 wt. %, 20-95 wt. %, 20-90 wt. %, 20-85 wt. %, 20-80 wt. %, 20-75 wt. %, 20-70 wt. %, 20-60 wt. %, 20-50 wt. %, 20-40 wt. %, 20-30 wt. %, 30-95 wt. %, 30-90 wt. %, 30-85 wt. %, 30-80 wt. %, 30-75 wt. %, 30-70 wt. %, 30-60 wt. %, 30-50 wt. %, 30-40 wt. %, 40-95 wt. %, 40-90 wt. %, 40-85 wt. %, 40-80 wt. %, 40-75 wt. %, 40-70 wt. %, 40-60 wt. %, 50-95 wt. %, 50-90 wt. %, 50-85 wt. %, 50-80 wt. %, 50-75 wt. %, 50-70 wt. %, 60-95 wt. %, 60-90 wt. %, 60-85 wt. %, 60-80 wt. %, 60-75 wt. %, or 60-70 wt. % water, based on the total weight of the composition, first component, and/or second component, respectively.

[0073] Some embodiments described herein are further illustrated in the following nonlimiting examples.

EXAMPLES

Methods of Forming PCM Compositions

[0074] Various PCM compositions are formed using the components indicated in Tables 2-6. Table 2 provides non-limiting examples of a first component described herein. In Table 2, for each example First Component (“First Comp.” or “FC” in Table 2), the weight percents (based on a total weight of 100 wt. % of the first component) for various materials or subcomponents are provided. That is, the values in Table 2 are the weight percents of the identified materials and subcomponents. In Table 2, “Linker” refers to a crosslinker; “pHM” refers to pH modulator;

“KCA” refers to kinetic control agent; “Filler” refers to a filler; “Ion. Liq.” refers to ionic liquid; “FR” refers to fire retardant; “PM” refers to polymeric material; “AM” refers to antimicrobial material; “APCM” refers to additional PCM, wherein the PCM comprises an organic PCM or an inorganic PCM; and “Cat.” refers to catalyzing agent. Hyphens (“— ”) indicate the absence of a material. Table 3 provides the identities of the various subcomponents of the First Components from Table 2. In Table 3, “polysacch.” refers to a polysaccharide; “Zr” refers to zirconium compound or complex; “BA” refers to boric acid; “BO” refers to borate; “zeol.” refers to zeolite; “FRF” refers to fire retardant foam; “AMOC” refers to an antimicrobial organic composition; “pyr.” refers to pyridinium based ionic liquid; “chol ” refers to choline-containing ionic liquid. “ORC” refers to an organocatalyst. In Tables 2 and 3, the balance to make 100 wt. % is water. [0075] Similarly, Table 4 provides non-limiting examples of a second component described herein. In Table 4, for each example Second Component (“Sec. Comp.” or “SC” in Table 4), the weight percents (based on a total weight of 100 wt. % of the second component) for various materials or subcomponents are provided, using the same abbreviations as in Tables 2 and 3. That is, the values in Table 4 are the weight percents of the identified materials and subcomponents. Table 5 provides the identities of the various subcomponents of the Second Components from Table 4, using the same abbreviations as in Table 3. In Tables 4 and 5, the balance to make 100 wt. % is water.

[0076] Table 6 provides combinations (“Comb.” in Table 6) of specific First Components with specific Second Components from Tables 2-5. In general, for the Examples below, a first fluid stream containing the first component and a second fluid stream containing the second component intersect in a homogenization chamber to provide the crosslinking matrix. The complete or substantially complete homogenization of the first and second components occurs within the homogenization chamber and before leaving the homogenization chamber. The resulting PCM composition is dispensed into a reaction vessel.

Table 2. Composition of Examples of a First Component.

Table 3. Composition of First Components from Table 3.

Table 4. Composition of Examples of a Second Component.

Table 5. Composition of Second Components from Table 4.

Table 6. Combinations of First Components and Second Components.

[0077] Certain additional example implementations of embodiments consistent with the present disclosure are as follows.

[0078] Embodiment 1. A method of forming a shape stable phase change material, the method comprising: combining a first component and a second component to provide a crosslinking matrix; and dispensing the crosslinking matrix into a reaction vessel under conditions whereby the crosslinking matrix crosslinks to form the shape stable phase change material, wherein the conditions whereby the crosslinking matrix crosslinks to form the shape stable phase change material comprise a period of time between 1 second and 100 hours; wherein the first component is flowable at temperatures above 0°C at 1 atm; wherein the second component is flowable at temperatures above 0°C at 1 atm; and wherein the shape stable phase change material is shape stable at temperatures above 0°C at 1 atm.

[0079] Embodiment 2. The method of Embodiment 1, wherein the crosslinking matrix comprises a polyol.

[0080] Embodiment 3. The method of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, wherein the crosslinking matrix comprises a saccharide and the saccharide comprises a monosaccharide, disaccharide, oligosaccharide, or polysaccharide.

[0081] Embodiment 4. The method of any of Embodiments 1-3, wherein the crosslinking matrix comprises a sugar alcohol and the sugar alcohol comprises glycol, glycerol, erythritol, threitol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, iditol, isomalt, maltitol, or lactitol. [0082] Embodiment 5. The method of any of Embodiments 1-4, wherein combining the first component and the second component to provide the crosslinking matrix comprises combining the first component and the second component in a ratio of the first component to the second component of between about 70:30 and about 90: 10 by volume.

[0083] Embodiment 6. The method of any of Embodiments 1-4, wherein combining the first component and the second component to provide the crosslinking matrix comprises combining the first component and the second component in a ratio of the first component to the second component of between about 70:30 and about 85: 15 by volume.

[0084] Embodiment 7. The method of any of Embodiments 1-4, wherein combining the first component and the second component to provide the crosslinking matrix comprises combining the first component and the second component in a ratio of the first component to the second component of between about 70:30 and about 80:20 by volume.

[0085] Embodiment 8. The method of any of Embodiments 1-4, wherein combining the first component and the second component to provide the crosslinking matrix comprises combining the first component and the second component in a ratio of the first component to the second component of about 75:25 by volume.

[0086] Embodiment 9. The method of any of Embodiments 1-8, wherein combining the first component and the second component to provide the crosslinking matrix comprises adding the first component in a first fluid stream and adding the second component in a second fluid stream.

[0087] Embodiment 10. The method of Embodiment 9, wherein combining the first component and the second component to provide the crosslinking matrix comprises directing the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream to intersect in a homogenization chamber.

[0088] Embodiment 11. The method of Embodiment 10, wherein the homogenization chamber is suspended above the reaction vessel.

[0089] Embodiment 12. The method of Embodiment 11, wherein dispensing the crosslinking matrix into the reaction vessel comprises gravity feeding the crosslinking matrix from the homogenization chamber to the reaction vessel.

[0090] Embodiment 13. The method of Embodiment 10, wherein the first fluid stream is flowed towards the homogenization chamber through a first nozzle and the second fluid stream is flowed towards the homogenization chamber through a second nozzle. [0091] Embodiment 14. The method of Embodiment 13, wherein the first nozzle has a first diameter, the second nozzle has a second diameter, and a ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter corresponds to a volumetric ratio of the first component to the second component, within 10%.

[0092] Embodiment 15. The method of Embodiment 14, wherein the ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter is between about 70:30 and about 90: 10 or between about 70:30 and 85: 15.

[0093] Embodiment 16. The method of Embodiment 14, wherein the ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter is between about 70:30 and 80:20.

[0094] Embodiment 17. The method of Embodiment 14, wherein the ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter is about 75:25.

[0095] Embodiment 18. The method of any of Embodiments 1-17, wherein the first component comprises at least a first linker component and the second component comprises at least a second linker component which can crosslink to form the shape stable phase change material.

[0096] Embodiment 19. The method of Embodiment 18, wherein the first linker component and the second linker component crosslink to form the shape stable phase change material over a period of at least 1 hour at 0°C and 1 atm in the absence of the second component, and over a period of less than 1 hour, less than 30 minutes, less than 15 minutes, or less than 5 minutes at 0°C and 1 atm in the presence of the second component.

[0097] Embodiment 20. The method of Embodiment 18, wherein the first linker component and the second linker component crosslink to form the shape stable phase change material over a period of at least 3 hours at 0°C and 1 atm in the absence of the second component, and over a period of less than 3 hours, less than 2 hours, less than 1 hour, less than 30 minutes, less than 15 minutes, or less than 5 minutes at 0°C and 1 atm in the presence of the second component.

[0098] Embodiment 21. The method of Embodiment 18, wherein the first component or the second component comprises at least one catalyzing agent operable to increase a rate of crosslinking between the first linker component and the second linker component.

[0099] Embodiment 22. The method of any of Embodiments 1-21, wherein the first component or the second component comprises at least one pH modulator. [00100] All patent documents referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties. Various embodiments of the invention have been described in fulfdlment 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.