Composition for controlled tempering by means of phase change, production and use thereof

A process for the production of a phase change material sponge particle, comprising

• (a) combining water, at least one structuring polymeric compound having one or more acid groups, two or more water-insoluble organic compounds having a melting point of 0C to 50° C., and at least one emulsifier to form a droplet-forming aqueous emulsion;
• and
• (b) adding the droplet-forming aqueous emulsion dropwise to a precipitation bath of an aqueous solution of a cation with a valency of at least two in relation to the acid groups of the structuring polymeric compound in such a way that droplets with an average droplet size of 0.5 to 4 mm are formed.

A device for the controlled heating or cooling of an object by phase change comprising a container containing the composition of claim 1.

A phase change material particle comprising at least 10% by weight of a mixture of two or more organic compounds with a melting point of 0° C to 50° C., the mixture thereof having a melting point depression in relation to the individual components, and at least one structuring polymeric compound, which particle substantially retains its shape when the two or more organic compounds change back and forth between the liquid and sold phases and which is capable of withstanding an external force of at least 5 N/cm2 before disintegrating.