Safety and Qualification of PCMS and Bio-Based PCM for Marine Use: A Review of Flammability, Toxicity, Leakage, and Classification Considerations

Abstract

The shipping industry needs to decrease greenhouse gas emissions which creates a need to decrease HVAC and refrigeration and hot water requirements on ships because this represents a key method to achieve decarbonization. The use of phase change material (PCM)-based latent thermal energy storage systems provides substantial advantages by enabling peak load reduction and temperature stability and better thermal performance in cabins and provision stores and cold-chain operations. The review evaluates marine PCM technologies through both qualification criteria and safety assessment methods. The study compares traditional organic, inorganic, eutectic, bio-based, and shape-stabilized phase change materials operating at marine temperatures. It investigates hazards like flammability, fire growth, smoke, toxic emissions, leakage, material compatibility, and corrosion. The paper reviews shipboard PCM deployment regulations, including SOLAS, IMO 2010 FTP Code, classification society review, and IMDG transport rules. It details a hierarchical approval process with screening and compliance testing. Gaps indicate the need for fire-certified assemblies, combined-stressor durability tests, improved containment systems, and safety-compliant PCM systems for ships use.