Microcapsule functionalization enables rate-determining release from cellulose nonwovens for long-term performance.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Textile Engineering
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Functional textiles require sustained release of active agents for prolonged efficacy.
• Conventional methods like impregnation lead to rapid, uncontrolled release, causing inefficiency and environmental pollution.
• Microencapsulation offers a potential solution for controlled release in textiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of microcapsules for sustained release of actives in textile materials.
• To compare the release kinetics of encapsulated actives versus conventional impregnation methods.
• To demonstrate the extended functionality of textiles using microencapsulation.

Main Methods:

• Hydrophobic pyrene was encapsulated in poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) microcapsules.
• Microcapsules were loaded into cellulose nonwovens via solution blowing.
• Release rates were compared between microencapsulated and impregnated pyrene.

Main Results:

• Microencapsulation reduced the apparent diffusion coefficient by 100 times compared to impregnation.
• Microcapsules provided rate-limiting barrier properties, significantly slowing down active release.
• Functional textile performance extended from hours to weeks.

Conclusions:

• Microencapsulation is an effective strategy for achieving sustained release in functional textiles.
• This approach enhances resource efficiency and reduces environmental pollution associated with active agents.
• Microencapsulation technology offers a promising pathway for advanced textile functionalities.