Abstract
In this study we explored the implementation of the vapor induced phase separation (VIPS) to produce cellulose acetate microcapsules for the encapsulation of a complex mix of fragrances. VIPS is a technique used for membrane preparation, but barely mentioned for microencapsulation. We compared the products from VIPS and a more common microencapsulation process, the immersion precipitation technique (IPS). The capsules prepared via VIPS show a core-shell structure with a thin polymeric shell surrounding the internally empty space, conversely to those produced via IPS, showing an incomplete spherical morphology. This can be attributed to a better control of the precipitation rate of the encapsulation material in the non-solvent thanks to the longer exposition time to the vapor. The activity and encapsulation efficiency of the capsules, obtained through TGA analysis, reached a maximum of ≈75% and ≈90%, respectively. Moreover, a growing trend between the initial active concentration and the encapsulation efficiency is noticed.
Highlights
Fragrance chemicals are widely used nowadays to enhance the consumer’s enjoyment for several consumer goods, such as personal care products, laundry detergents, and fabric softeners [1]
The solvent diffuses into the coagulation bath, whereas the non-solvent will diffuse into the cast film
We focused our attention on the vapor induced phase separation (VIPS) technique, exploring the possibilities to implement the process for capsules preparation
Summary
Fragrance chemicals are widely used nowadays to enhance the consumer’s enjoyment for several consumer goods, such as personal care products, laundry detergents, and fabric softeners [1]. Among the technologies developed to overcome this issue, the most commonly used is the microencapsulation of the fragrance materials in a protective coating. Several preparation technologies for the encapsulation of core material have been reported and, among them, phase inversion precipitation is quite common. This technique is based on the interaction of at least three compounds: a polymer, a solvent for the chosen polymer, and a non-solvent for the polymer. Between the several different ways in which it is possible to induce the phase separation, the immersion precipitation technique (IPS) is probably the most common for microcapsules production. In that specific technique a polymer solution (polymer and solvent) is cast on a suitable support and immersed in a coagulation bath containing the non-solvent.
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