Research on the Development of Microcapsules and Their Potential Applications in Tibet Plateau

Abstract

Microcapsule refers to some miniature containers or packages with polymer wall shells developed from natural or synthetic polymer materials. The shape is generally spherical, and the particle size is generally from a few microns to a few hundred. Microcapsule is a micro packaging technology that can wrap solids, liquids, and gases. The process of preparing microcapsules is called microencapsulation, which has the advantages of isolating the core material to reduce the influence of external environmental factors, enhancing the stability of the core material, concealing unpleasant odors, reducing the toxicity of the core material, increasing the utilization rate of the core material. With the continuous development of technology, the application prospects of microcapsules are gradually broad in the fields of food, cosmetics, medical engineering, production and construction, textiles and other fields. In this paper, firstly the development, fabrication techniques of microcapsules, and the materials forming cores and walls were reviewed. Secondly the applications of microcapsules in various areas were summarized. Because of the wide range of application scenarios, they hold great potential for the environmental applications in Tibet Plateau, such as the water treatment, nutrient regulation of the characteristic plants for Tibetan medicine.