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Flash NanoPrecipitation for the Encapsulation of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Compounds in Polymeric Nanoparticles
Published on: January 7, 2019
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Design of Experiment for Optimizing Microencapsulation by the Solvent Evaporation Technique.
Mónica V Loureiro1, António Aguiar1, Rui G Dos Santos1
1CERENA-Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambiente, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal.
Polymers
|January 11, 2024
Summary
Biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) microcapsules (MCs) were optimized to encapsulate isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) crosslinkers for high-performance adhesives. This advancement improves adhesive strength and dispersion, meeting footwear industry standards.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Adhesives Technology
Background:
- High-performance adhesives require effective crosslinking agents for optimal bond strength.
- Biodegradable polymers offer sustainable alternatives in material formulations.
- Microencapsulation is a key technique for controlled release of active agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) microcapsules (MCs) for encapsulating isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI).
- To investigate the impact of emulsifier concentration and phase ratio on MC size and encapsulation efficiency.
- To evaluate the performance of IPDI-loaded MCs as crosslinkers in high-performance adhesive formulations for footwear.
Main Methods:
- Microemulsion and solvent evaporation techniques were used for MC production.
- A Design of Experiments (DoE) approach optimized factors like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gum arabic (GA) concentrations, and oil-to-water ratio.
- Standard industry tests, including peel and creep tests, assessed adhesive performance.
Main Results:
- Average MC size was significantly reduced from 326 μm to 70 µm.
- High encapsulation yield of approximately 60% was maintained with satisfactory shelf life.
- Optimized MCs demonstrated improved dispersion in adhesive formulations.
- Adhesives formulated with MCs met or exceeded industry standards for peel strength and effective crosslinking.
Conclusions:
- Optimized biodegradable PCL MCs effectively encapsulate IPDI for use as crosslinkers.
- The developed microencapsulation process enhances crosslinker performance in adhesive applications.
- These findings support the use of MCs in developing advanced, high-performance adhesives, particularly for the footwear industry.
