Microcapsule Composition for Controlled Release and Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microcapsule technologies face challenges in achieving high performance for applications like laundry, cleaning, and personal care, where quicker and easier release of active materials and precise control over capsule wall permeability are desired, while maintaining mechanical strength and olfactory intensity.
Innovation Solution
A microcapsule composition comprising polyurea or polyurethane microcapsules, an alkylnaphthalenesulfonate formaldehyde condensate, and polyvinylpyrrolidone, where the microcapsule core contains active materials and the wall is formed by reacting a polyisocyanate with a cross-linking agent in the presence of these components, allowing for controlled release and enhanced properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If polyurea or polyurethane capsules are used for rugged applications with slow time-release, then mechanical strength is improved, but release speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the capsule wall by incorporating specific polyisocyanates, polyols, or polyamines with controlled molecular weights and functional groups. This allows tuning of the wall's mechanical properties and permeability independently, enabling faster release rates while maintaining adequate mechanical strength for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite capsule wall structure combining multiple polymer components (polyisocyanate, polyol, polyamine) with different functional properties. This composite approach allows the wall to simultaneously provide mechanical strength from cross-linked structures and controlled permeability from hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance, resolving the contradiction between strength and release speed.
2Strength
If polyurea or polyurethane capsules are used for rugged applications, then mechanical strength is improved, but olfactory intensity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the chemical parameters of the capsule wall materials, specifically selecting polyisocyanates, polyols, or polyamines with appropriate hydrophilicity, molecular weight, and functional group density. These parameter changes optimize the wall's permeability to fragrance molecules, enhancing olfactory intensity while maintaining mechanical strength through cross-linking.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different material properties to different aspects of the capsule wall function: hydrophobic components provide mechanical strength and structural integrity, while hydrophilic components create pathways for fragrance molecule diffusion. This local differentiation of material properties within the wall structure simultaneously achieves strength and olfactory intensity.
3Speed
If capsule wall permeability is increased for quicker release, then release speed is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent independently adjusts the permeability parameter of the capsule wall by selecting polyisocyanates, polyols, or polyamines with specific hydrophilicity and molecular weight characteristics. This allows increasing fragrance molecule diffusion rates through the wall without compromising the cross-linked network's mechanical strength, as the two properties are controlled by different molecular characteristics.
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 provides improved release profiles and consumer benefits, such as increased fragrance intensity and stability, suitable for a wide range of consumer products including personal care items and industrial cleaners.
Implementation Method 1
Interfacial polycondensation is a known technique for preparing capsules and versatile capsule wall materials are used including polyureas and polyurethanes
Implementation Method 2
Microcapsules are used in a variety of different applications where there is a need to deliver, apply, or release an active material including a fragrance, flavor, and malodor counteraction agent to a target area in a time-delayed or controlled manner
Data Source
AI summary
A microcapsule composition is provided, which contains a polyurea or polyurethane microcapsule, an alkylnaphthalenesulfonate formaldehyde condensate, and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Also disclosed is a process of preparing the microcapsule composition and a consumer product having such a microcapsule composition.