Latent heat storage materials

Latent heat storage materials having enhanced fire-retardant properties comprise compositions of magnesia cement binder and a phase change material in which the magnesia cement is formed from magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, and water. In particular, the magnesia cement binder may be formed by dissolving the magnesium chloride in the water to give a solution having a Baume value less 23° wherein a molar ratio of the magnesium chloride to the water is greater than 1:21, and the molar ratio of magnesium chloride to magnesium oxide is in the range of about 1:1 to about 1:5. The latent heat storage materials may additionally comprise fillers, and/or intumescent agents. Processes for making these compositions are also disclosed.