Incorporation of phase change materials into building materials and envelopes for thermal comfort and energy optimization: A comprehensive review

Rising building energy use necessitates improved efficiency for sustainability and security. Phase Change Materials (PCMs) have emerged as a sustainable approach for passive building design. The review focuses on the growing need for sustainable buildings by exploring PCM integration techniques and their effects on thermal performance and energy savings. An extensive review was conducted on PCM classifications, incorporation methods, and their performance across various building envelopes and materials. Key findings show that PCM-enhanced building components help reduce indoor temperature fluctuations, cooling loads, and improve thermal comfort. Novel PCM encapsulation techniques, such as microencapsulation and composites, offer improved thermal stability and energy storage efficiency. The study emphasizes the importance of proper PCM placement and material selection to optimize performance. It provides insights into PCM integration challenges, future trends, and practical feasibility in real-world scenarios. This research offers a holistic analysis of PCM technologies, contributing to the development of energy-efficient and climate-resilient buildings, making it a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in sustainable construction.