This invention generally relates to phase-change materials (PCM) comprising colloidally-protected wax-based microstructures and optionally, an absorbent material such as activated carbon. This invention also relates to such PCMs configured in various physical forms. This invention further relates to a process of configuring such PCMs for a variety of end-use applications in which dampening of temperature fluctuations by absorption and desorption of heat is desired. This invention also relates to PCM with reduced leaking of paraffin from the CPWB microstructures. This invention further relates to preparing colloidally-protected wax-based microstructures in particulate form that function as PCMs.
