Abstract: A method for making shaped articles at room ambient temperatures without the addition of extraneous heat comprising the sequential steps:(1) forming a plurality of particles comprising a foamed admixture of starch, biodegradable polymer and water;(2) at room ambient temperature, applying to the surface of the particles finely divided drops of unheated water to effect wetting and softening of the outer surfaces of the particles;(3) without the addition of heat, compressing the surfaces of the surface softened particles to effect cohesion between the wetted outer surfaces of the particles, densification of the particles and formation of a shaped article; and(4) without the addition of heat, maintaining the particles under such compression for a time sufficient to render the outer surface of the particles nontacky by adsorption of water into the particles and by evaporation of water from the surface of the particles and(5) forming a protective skin on the outer surface of the compressed, non-tacky particles by h

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for the encapsulation of liquids within a continuous impervious coating of thermoplastic material. The method is carried out with continuous agitation during which the adsorbent and adsorbate are coated with a plurality of sprayed layers of thermoplastic coating material while maintaining the adsorbent in free-flowing powder consistency during the coating steps. The method is especially advantageous for the encapsulation of volatile liquids.