Core-Shell Microcapsule Biodegradable Shell Leakage Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer products face challenges in achieving desired olfactive benefits with reduced levels of core-shell microcapsules due to the slow degradation of highly cross-linked materials like thermosetting resins, which are environmentally concerning.
Innovation Solution
An encapsulated composition comprising core-shell microcapsules with a perfume composition that includes a specific blend of biodegradable perfume ingredients, optimized to provide enhanced olfactive performance at lower concentrations, using a shell material like melamine-formaldehyde polymer to ensure imperviousness and controlled release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If highly cross-linked thermosetting resins are used as shell materials, then microcapsule reliability and fragrance leakage resistance are improved, but environmental degradation becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the shell material by using polyurethane resins with specific molecular weights (1000-10000 g/mol) and controlled cross-linking densities, creating a balance between leakage resistance and biodegradability. This resolves the contradiction by adjusting material parameters to achieve both reliability and environmental compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite shell materials combining polyurethane resins with natural plasticizers and cross-linking agents in specific ratios. This composite approach creates a shell that maintains fragrance containment while improving biodegradability, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and environmental harm.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If microcapsule levels in consumer products are reduced, then environmental impact is decreased, but olfactive performance weakens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the core-shell microcapsule parameters including shell thickness (5-50 μm), core composition (perfume concentration 5-50 wt%), and shell material composition to maximize olfactive performance at reduced microcapsule levels. This allows lower environmental impact while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances the local quality of the microcapsule core-shell structure by creating a dense shell network with optimized porosity and cross-linking, which improves fragrance containment efficiency. This localized optimization allows fewer microcapsules to provide the same overall performance, reducing environmental impact.
3Reliability
If conventional perfume ingredients are used, then olfactive performance is achieved, but biodegradability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of perfume ingredients by selecting molecules with specific functional groups and carbon chain lengths that enhance biodegradability while maintaining olfactive properties. This resolves the contradiction between performance and environmental compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts the principle of using biodegradable, easily degradable perfume ingredients that can be naturally broken down in the environment. These 'short-living' chemical structures provide the required olfactive performance during product use but decompose readily afterward, resolving the contradiction between performance and biodegradability.
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 composition allows for reduced microcapsule levels while maintaining strong olfactive performance, addressing environmental concerns through biodegradable ingredients and controlled release, as demonstrated in fabric care and personal care products.
Implementation Method 1
the shell is impervious or partially impervious to the functional material
Implementation Method 2
such resins are highly cross-linked and form dense networks with mesh sizes in the order of the molecular size of the encapsulated ingredients
Implementation Method 3
They are also used to assist in the deposition of fragrance ingredients onto substrates, such as skin, hair, fabrics or hard household surfaces
Implementation Method 4
they can act as a means of controlling the spatio-temporal release of the fragrance
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an encapsulated composition comprising a plurality of core-shell microcapsules and a use of such an encapsulated composition for making a consumer product.