Inorganic Capsule Shell Formation for Low-Permeability Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microencapsulation technologies face challenges in achieving a balance of low shell permeability, mechanical properties, and rupture profile, particularly in surfactant-based matrices, while being environmentally safe and human-friendly, especially for encapsulating small molecules.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a green emulsification technique using a selective choice of primary and secondary shell components, nanoparticles, core-shell ratio, and shell thickness, forming inorganic capsules with a dense, strong shell using precursors like silicon, titanium, and aluminum compounds, and a second shell component to enhance mechanical integrity and reduce permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymeric capsules are used to achieve low shell permeability and mechanical properties, then shell integrity is improved, but environmental safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material composition parameters from conventional polymeric materials to inorganic materials (metal oxides, semi-metal oxides like silica). This parameter change maintains shell integrity through inorganic material properties while simultaneously improving environmental safety by eliminating polymer degradation products and toxic substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite inorganic shell structures combining multiple metal oxide or semi-metal oxide materials. This composite approach achieves the required mechanical properties and low permeability through synergistic material combinations while maintaining environmental compatibility, as inorganic composites avoid the harmful effects of synthetic polymers.
2Speed
If silane monomers are used to form capsules, then reaction speed is improved, but shell permeability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines silane monomers with inorganic nanoparticles to form a composite shell structure. The silane provides fast reaction kinetics while the inorganic nanoparticle framework creates a dense, low-permeability network. This composite approach allows the rapid polymerization of silane to proceed without compromising shell integrity, as the inorganic scaffold maintains structural density throughout the fast reaction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The inorganic nanoparticle framework acts as an intermediary structure that maintains shell density during the rapid silane reaction. The nanoparticle network serves as a template that guides the fast-forming silane polymer to create a dense, low-permeability shell, mediating between the fast reaction kinetics and the required shell integrity.
3Device complexity
If mechanical rupture is used for benefit agent release, then release mechanism is simplified, but controlled release timing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality modifications to the inorganic shell by creating regions with different mechanical properties through controlled nanoparticle distribution and shell thickness variations. This allows the shell to maintain overall integrity while having specific localized weak points that rupture at predetermined moments, enabling controlled release timing through simple mechanical rupture without complex mechanisms.
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 method produces capsules with low permeability and mechanical robustness, ensuring stability and controlled release of benefit agents in harsh environments, suitable for consumer goods applications.
Implementation Method 1
The advantage of using such monomers is that they react faster than prepolymers made from similar monomers... This fast reaction time is due to their higher water solubility once partially hydrolyzed compared to larger precursors
Implementation Method 2
the partially hydrolyzed monomers that are in an excess of water start condensing and forming ever larger particulate sols that are drawn to oil/water interfaces
Implementation Method 3
curing the emulsion under conditions to solidify the hydrolyzed and condensed precursor, thereby forming a first shell component around the oil droplets
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a population of capsules, the capsules can include a core including a benefit agent and a shell surrounding the core, wherein the shell can include a first shell component.