Phase change materials (PCMs) are applied to the interior of building components to derive their benefit of high latent heat for efficient thermal management. However, their practical use requires proper encapsulation to minimize leakage that could lead to a drop in latent heat and prevent odour concerns resulting from PCM exudation. One method of encapsulation is done in combination with polyurethane (PU) foam, usually used for insulation. The techniques used are broadly classified as indirect and direct incorporation of PCMs in PU foams. The indirect method involves the use either of containers (macro-encapsulation) or of shell-like polymeric material (micro-encapsulation) to prevent leakage. The direct incorporation techniques are classified into: (i) adsorption of liquid PCM on already fabricated PU foam through a post-impregnation process, and (ii) polymerization of PU with PCM at the mixing stage. Nevertheless, each method has unique benefits and shortfalls. In this paper, various interventions on the production of PCM foam composites, traditional and state-of-the-art insulations and their application issues are reviewed and their potential for application is discussed. Factors influencing their fabrication and impact on building energy management, challenges and future direction of research are discussed. The study indicates that weather conditions, geographical orientation, insulation used, and thermal mass of building envelope are the parameters that influence energy consumption in the built environment. It is understood that further research and practical implementation of the PCM foam composites sustainably could pave the way for their commercial use in the built environment.

相变材料（PCM）应用于建筑组件的内部，以获取其高潜热的好处，从而实现有效的热管理。但是，它们的实际使用需要适当的封装以最大程度地减少泄漏，泄漏可能导致潜热下降，并防止由于PCM渗出而引起的气味问题。一种封装方法是与通常用于绝缘的聚氨酯（PU）泡沫结合使用。所使用的技术大致分为在PCM泡沫中间接和直接引入PCM。间接方法涉及使用容器（宏封装）或壳状聚合材料（微封装）以防止泄漏。直接合并技术分为：（i）通过后浸渍工艺将液态PCM吸附在已制成的PU泡沫上，以及（ii）在混合阶段将PU与PCM聚合。但是，每种方法都有其独特的优点和缺点。在本文中，对PCM泡沫复合材料，传统和最新绝缘材料的生产以及其应用问题进行了各种干预，并讨论了其应用潜力。讨论了影响其制造的因素以及对建筑能源管理的影响，挑战和未来的研究方向。研究表明，天气条件，地理位置，所使用的隔热材料和建筑围护结构的热质量是影响建筑环境能耗的参数。可以理解的是，PCM泡沫复合材料的进一步研究和实用实施将可持续地为它们在建筑环境中的商业应用铺平道路。