Abstract: The thermal energy storage material comprises at least one hydrated compound (such as an inorganic salt) having a reversible transition to the anhydrous or a less hydrated form and a hydrogel, comprising a water-swollen cross-linked polymer formed by cross-linking a synthetic hydrophilic polymer by a covalent cross-linking mechanism, throughout which the compound is dispersed. The hydrogel is made by reacting a water-soluble or water-dispersible synthetic hydrophilic polymer, which is preferably linear and thermoplastic, with a cross-linking agent therefor in an aqueous medium containing the hydrated compound. The hydrophilic polymer, the aqueous medium and the hydrated compound are used in such amounts that the storage material contains a major proportion, by weight, of the hydrated compound and a minor proportion, by weight, of the cross-linked polymer.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage material comprising at least one hydrated inorganic salt having a transition temperature to the anhydrous or a less hydrated form in the range 10.degree. to 100.degree. C. (for example, sodium sulphate decahydrate), the salt being dispersed and suspended in a water-insoluble hydrogel formed from a water-soluble synthetic polymer having pendant carboxylic or sulphonic acid groups cross-linked with cations of a polyvalent metal (for example, aluminium or magnesium).