Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixture comprising itaconic acid or an itaconic acid derivative and a primary amine of the formula (I) R—NH2??(I) where the molar ratio of primary amine to itaconic acid or the itaconic acid derivative is in the range from 0.5:1 to 20:1, wherein the mixture comprises 50 mole percent or less of 4-carboxypyrrolidones of the formula (II), derivatives of the 4-carboxypyrrolidones of the formula (II) and 4-carbamidopyrrolidones of the formula (III) based on the itaconic acid used or the itaconic acid derivative used and in which R is a linear or branched saturated aliphatic radical having 1 to 24 carbon atoms or a saturated cycloaliphatic radical having 3 to 24 carbon atoms. The invention further provides for the use of the inventive mixtures for preparing 1,3-alkylmethylpyrrolidones and/or 1,4-alkylmethylpyrrolidones, and also a process for preparing 1,3-alkylmethylpyrrolidones and/or 1,4-alkylmethylpyrrolidones.

Abstract: A transportable PCM (phase change material) module comprises a number of PCM packs; a housing for thermally insulting said number of PCM packs from a module's surrounding medium; spaces separating said packs and forming one or more channels for the flow of a fluid; said housing incorporating a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; whereby, in use, fluid flows through said channels from said inlet to said outlet. A PCM (phase change material) pack comprises a laminate of a first conducting panel and a second conducting panel enclosing a portion formed primarily of PCM; wherein said portion of PCM incorporates thermal conductors. A PCM (phase change material pack) comprises an envelope of relatively highly thermally conductive material enclosing a portion formed primarily of PCM; wherein said PCM portion incorporates a conductive compound mixed into said PCM which comprises carbon black particles.