Hydrogel Capsule Fragrance Encapsulation via Polymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing encapsulation methods for fragrances in consumer products, such as microcapsules and hydrogel systems, face challenges with stability, loading capacity, and polymer wall material efficiency, particularly in personal care and fabric applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of hydrogel capsules with a mean diameter of 1 to 100 μm, encapsulating fragrances during polymerization of acrylic or methacrylic acid esters in an oil phase, using a multifunctional acrylate or methacrylate copolymerized with a monofunctional acrylate or methacrylate, and optionally coated with deposition aids for enhanced stability and fragrance release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrogel capsules are prepared using existing methods (e.g., coextrusion or in situ loading), then fragrance encapsulation is achieved, but the capsules exhibit poor stability and low loading capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The fragrance is incorporated into the polymerizing monomer mixture before polymerization occurs. The monomers are pre-mixed with the fragrance in the desired ratio, and the polymerization is then initiated to form capsules with fragrance already distributed throughout the polymer matrix, ensuring both stability and high loading capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses specific polymerization parameters including multifunctional acrylates (5-20 wt%), controlled polymerization temperature (20-80°C), and specific monomer-to-fragrance ratios to optimize both capsule stability and fragrance loading capacity simultaneously
2Strength
If microcapsules are prepared with high polymer wall material content, then structural integrity is improved, but the core material to wall material ratio becomes unbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the monomer concentration (5-20 wt% of total composition) and multifunctional acrylate content to achieve optimal polymer wall thickness that provides sufficient structural integrity while maintaining a high fragrance-to-polymer ratio for efficient fragrance delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule structure is formed as a composite of polymerized acrylate/methacrylate monomers with embedded fragrance molecules, creating an integrated shell-core structure where the polymer matrix itself serves as both the structural shell and the fragrance carrier medium
3Stability of the object's composition
If fragrance is loaded after capsule formation, then capsule structure is stable, but fragrance retention and release characteristics are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fragrance is incorporated into the polymerizing monomer mixture before polymerization occurs. The monomers are pre-mixed with the fragrance in the desired ratio, and the polymerization is then initiated to form capsules with fragrance already distributed throughout the polymer matrix, ensuring both stability and high loading capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical entrapment mechanisms with chemical incorporation, where fragrance molecules are integrated into the polymerizing monomer system and become part of the polymer matrix through chemical bonding and molecular distribution during polymerization, providing superior retention and controlled release
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The hydrogel capsules provide stable and efficient fragrance delivery in consumer products, offering improved fragrance retention and release characteristics, suitable for laundry care, personal care, and cosmetic applications.
Implementation Method 1
the fragrance is encapsulated in the hydrogel capsule during polymerization of at least one acrylic or methacrylic acid, or ester thereof contained in an oil phase
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is a hydrogel capsule with a fragrance encapsulated therein during the polymerization process. The hydrogel capsule is of use in fabric care or personal care formulations.