The dispersion process of a micro-encapsulated phase change material (n-tetradecane) into a polyurethane
foam was studied in order to develop a micro-composite insulating material with both low
thermal conductivity and latent heat storage properties. The maximum weight content of micro-capsules
added to the cellular matrix was 13.5%. Dynamic thermal properties of hybrid foams were investigated by
means of a thermographic analysis. This was found to be a very effective diagnostic technique in
detecting the change in heat transfer rate across the micro-composite foam in an indirect way, i.e. by
measuring how the surface temperature changes over time under heat irradiation. Such a material would
be of interest in the field of transport of perishable goods, particularly those requiring a controlled
regime of carriage/storage temperatures.