Microcapsule Core with Non-Continuous Polymer Matrix
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microencapsulation technologies face challenges in encapsulating solid water-soluble biologically active compounds, particularly agrochemicals, due to issues like phase inversion, migration of solids, and unstable dispersions, which affect their release rate and efficacy in aqueous environments.
Innovation Solution
The development of microcapsules with a non-continuous polymer matrix distributed throughout, formed via interfacial polymerization of an oil-in-water emulsion, where the solid agrochemical is dispersed in a water-immiscible liquid, allowing for controlled release and stability in aqueous media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid water-soluble agrochemicals are encapsulated using conventional microencapsulation technologies, then the agrochemicals can be contained and released, but phase inversion, migration of solids, and unstable dispersions occur affecting release rate and efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the polymer matrix from liquid to solid, and from continuous to non-continuous distribution. This parameter change prevents phase inversion and solid migration while maintaining stable dispersion of water-soluble agrochemicals in aqueous environments
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure combining solid polymer matrix with water-immiscible liquid, forming a non-continuous distributed system within the microcapsule core that stabilizes the agrochemical dispersion
2Productivity
If water-soluble agrochemicals are released rapidly into aqueous environments, then immediate bioavailability is achieved, but leaching and wash-off increase reducing efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic release system where the solid polymer matrix gradually dissolves or degrades over time, controlling the release rate of agrochemicals from fast to slow depending on environmental conditions, thereby reducing leaching while maintaining bioavailability
Solution Approach 2:
The non-continuous distribution of solid polymer matrix creates localized regions with different release characteristics, allowing controlled release in areas of high water flow while maintaining retention in other areas
3Manufacturing precision
If a continuous polymer matrix is used in microcapsules, then the agrochemical can be uniformly distributed, but the release rate cannot be effectively controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polymer matrix from continuous to non-continuous distribution, creating discrete polymer regions within the microcapsule core that enable controlled release while maintaining adequate distribution of agrochemicals
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
This approach enables a wide range of release rates for the biologically active compounds, from slow to rapid, and significantly reduces leaching and wash-off, enhancing their performance in soil and turf applications, and providing long-lasting residual deposits.
Implementation Method 1
interfacial polymerization in which the walls of the microcapsules are generally formed of polymeric material produced by a polymerisation reaction which preferably takes place at the interface between two phases, usually an aqueous phase and a water-immiscible organic phase
Implementation Method 2
interfacial polymerisation in which the walls of the microcapsules are generally formed of polymeric material produced by a polymerisation reaction which preferably takes place at the interface between two phases, usually an aqueous phase and a water-immiscible organic phase. Thus, they may be produced from a water-in-oil emulsion or more usually an oil-in-water emulsion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A product comprising microcapsules which themselves comprise (a) a polymeric shell; and (b) a core which comprises (i) a solid agrochemical dispersed in a matrix and (ii) a water-immiscible liquid characterized in that the matrix is distributed non-continuously throughout the water-immiscible liquid.