Microwave impregnation of porous materials with thermal energy storage materials

A method for impregnating a porous, non-metallic solid material with a mixture which is effective in maintaining interior building temperatures within prescribed limits, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) forming a mixture of a phase-change compound with a sealing chemical;
• wherein said compound has a melting point above room temperature;
• wherein said compound absorbs microwave energy to an extent sufficient to cause melting thereof;
• wherein said sealing chemical has a melting point above that of said phase-change compound;
• (b) spreading said mixture onto the surface of said porous material;
• (c) exposing said phase-change compound to microwave energy in a manner such that said phase-change compound melts and is absorbed into said porous material, after which said sealing chemical melts and is absorbed into said porous material.

A method for impregnating a porous, non-metallic solid material with a phase-change material, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a phase-change material having a melting point above room temperature;
• wherein said phase-change material absorbs microwave energy to an extent sufficient to cause melting thereof;
• wherein said phase-change material has a viscosity less than about 100 cps. at its melting point;
• (b) applying said phase-change material to the surface of said porous material;
• and
• (c) exposing said phase-change material to microwave energy in a manner such that said phase-change material melts and is absorbed into said porous material.