Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PCM?
PCM stands for Phase Change Material. It is a substance that can absorb and release large amounts of energy. This is the entire basis for our thermal regulating/management solutions at Microtek.
What is a micro-encapsulated PCM?
What does it mean for a PCM to cycle?
How many times can a micro-encapsulated PCM be used?
Tests have been performed where microencapsulated phase change materials have been cycled over 10,000 times and are shown to still be effective. This corresponds to an average product life cycle of approximately 30 years.
Which PCM should I use?
What industries use PCM?
PCM is commonly used for thermal management to regulate temperature of products, facilities, and even people. Today, industries using PCM’s include textiles, construction, electronics, bedding, apparel, shipping, medical device, life sciences and many more.
How much PCM do I need?
How long will the effect of the PCM last?
- The amount of PCM present
- The external temperature
- The physical configuration of the PCM (i.e. arranged as a thinly dispersed layer, amassed together, etc.)
- The thermal conductivity of the materials used in conjunction with the PCM (fabric, foam, concrete, etc.)
What is meant by the term melting point (MP)?
What is meant by the term Freezing Point (FP)?
What is Enthalpy?
What is a Joule?
What is a DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry)?
What is a TGA (Thermogravametric Analysis)?
What is T-History?
What is the maximum temperature that the PCM capsule can be exposed to?
Do you offer free samples?
What standard PCM temperatures do you offer?
Do you offer custom PCM temperatures?
Do you sell the "pure" PCM?
Why would I buy the wet cake version rather than the dry powder version of the micro-encapsulated PCMs?
The wet cake will disperse more readily into aqueous-based systems than the dry powder. Dry powder is preferred if your system is sensitive to water such as polyurethanes or electronics.