Microcapsule Slurry Conductivity Control to Prevent Agglomeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agglomeration of microcapsules in slurry compositions leads to sieve blockage and undesirable aspects in consumer products, such as flocculation, coagulation, and sedimentation, which are difficult to prevent using conventional methods.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a monovalent and/or divalent inorganic salt into the microcapsule slurry with a conductivity above 5000 μS/cm to prevent agglomeration, allowing the slurry to pass through sieves without blocking and maintaining a homogeneous composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If microcapsules are dispersed in aqueous slurry without additives, then the slurry can be prepared simply, but agglomeration occurs leading to sieve blockage and product defects
Solution Approach 1:
Inorganic salts (such as sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, calcium chloride) are introduced as intermediary substances in the aqueous phase to mediate the interaction between microcapsules. These salts modify the electrical properties of the medium, creating repulsive forces that prevent direct contact and adhesion between microcapsules, thereby eliminating agglomeration without requiring complex equipment or procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical conductivity of the aqueous phase is modified by adding inorganic salts, changing the electrical parameters of the dispersion medium. This parameter change affects the electrostatic interactions between microcapsules, transforming the system from one prone to agglomeration to one with stable dispersion, thereby preventing sieve blockage and maintaining product quality
2Reliability
If conventional dispersants are used to prevent agglomeration, then microcapsule stability improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Common, inexpensive inorganic salts that are readily available and easily handled are used instead of specialized dispersants. These salts provide effective agglomeration prevention through their electrical effects on the aqueous phase, achieving the desired stability with simple, low-cost materials that do not require complex formulation or handling procedures
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 addition of inorganic salts effectively prevents agglomeration, ensuring smooth processing and maintaining the quality of consumer products by avoiding sieve blockage and undesirable physical changes.
Implementation Method 1
the aqueous phase comprises a monovalent and/or a divalent inorganic salt, wherein the conductivity of the microcapsule composition is above about 5000 μS/cm
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a microcapsule composition in the form of a slurry, comprising a plurality of core-shell microcapsules comprising a core comprising at least one functional material and a shell encapsulating the core, wherein the core-shell microcapsules represent about 25 wt % to about 50 wt % of the composition; and an aqueous phase, wherein the aqueous phase comprises a monovalent and/or a divalent inorganic salt, and wherein the conductivity of the microcapsule composition is above about 5000 μS/cm.