Abstract: Microencapsulated delivery vehicles comprising an active agent are disclosed. In one embodiment, the microencapsulated delivery vehicles are heat delivery vehicles capable of generating heat upon activation. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles may be introduced into wet wipes such that, upon activation, the wet wipe solution is warmed resulting in a warm sensation on a user's skin. Any number of other active ingredients, such as cooling agents and biocides, can also be incorporated into a microencapsulated delivery vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanocapsule-type structure having an average particle diameter of 1 to 50 nm, said nanocapsule-type structure comprising an aqueous solution of a metal compound encapsulated in the inside thereof. Preferably, the nanocapsule-type structure is such that the nanocapsule structure is formed by self-organization of a surfactant in an organic solvent. This nanocapsule structure is in a nanometer size, and high in dispersibility even in a high-concentration region in an organic solvent, and does not undergo aggregation, and it is useful as a catalyst for a CVD method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microcapsular powder having a latent heat storage material as a capsule core and a capsule wall constructed of from 10% to 100% by weight of one or more C1-C24-alkyl esters of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid (monomers I), from 0% to 80% by weight of a water-insoluble or substantially water-insoluble bi- or polyfunctional monomer (monomers II), and from 0% to 90% by weight of other monomers (monomer III) all based on the total weight of the monomers, having an average particle size in the range of 150-400 ?m and having 80% by weight of particles ?90 ?m in diameter, to a process for its production and to its use in bindered building materials, textiles and dumped beds.

Abstract: Lipobeads (liposome-encapsulated hydrogels) combine properties of hydrogels and liposomes to create systems that are sensitive to environmental conditions and respond to changes in those conditions in a fast time scale. Lipobeads may be produced by polymerizing anchored or unanchored hydrogels within liposomes or by mixing anchored or unanchored hydrogels with liposomes. Giant lipobeads may be produced by shrinking unanchored nanogels in lipobeads and fusing the resulting lipobead aggregates, long-term aging of anchored or unanchored lipobeads, or mixing anchored or unanchored aggregated nanogels with liposomes. Poly(acrylamide), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-1-vinylimidazole) lipobeads were produced and characterized.

Abstract: The hollow polymer particles of the present invention comprise a shell wall having for a main component thereof a copolymer obtained by polymerizing a monomer group (I) including a radical polymerizable water-soluble monomer (A) and a radical polymerizable water-insoluble monomer (B), and have a thickness of the shell wall of 5 to 80 nm. In addition, in the hollow polymer particle production process of the present invention, a monomer group (I) including a radical polymerizable water-soluble monomer (A) and a radical polymerizable water-insoluble monomer (B) is radical-polymerized using a polymerization initiator in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A process for producing a microparticulate hardening catalyst, comprising the steps of jetting a liquid composition containing epoxy resin hardening catalyst (A), monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated group (B) and photopolymerization initiator (C) through a minute nozzle into a gas so as to form microparticles; and while the microparticles are floating, irradiating the same with high-energy rays to thereby effect polymerization of the monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated group (B).

Abstract: A core/shell polymer (A), comprising: a rubbery core comprising a crosslinked vinylidene fluoride copolymer (a) having a vinylidene fluoride content of 30-90 wt. % and a shell comprising a vinylidene fluoride polymer (b) having a vinylidene fluoride content which is larger than in the crosslinked vinylidene fluoride copolymer (a) and at least 80 wt. %, in a weight ratio (a)/(b) of 30/70-90/10. The vinylidene fluoride-based core/shell polymer (A) is excellent in mechanical properties including flexibility and resistance to nonaqueous electrolytic solutions, is capable of forming a composite electrode layer showing excellent flexibility and adhesion to an electroconductive substrate in combination with a powder active substance and is therefore suitable for use as a binder for nonaqueous electrochemical devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides nanoparticles, methods of making the nanoparticles, and methods of using the nanoparticles to deliver therapeutic agents and/or imaging agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for microencapsulation of active ingredients for topical application, whereby double-layer and triple-layer microcapsules are obtained. The microcapsules protect the active ingredients, maintain their original activity throughout processing, formulation and storage, and enable controlled release of the active ingredient only upon application onto the skin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a functionalized nanoparticle of a metal oxide. The nanoparticle has at its surface at least one organic moiety. The moiety is covalently bonded to the surface of the nanoparticle via at least one Si—O bond. The moiety has a functional group suitable for nucleophilic substitution. The nucleophilic substitution reaction can be used to attach any desired organic compound to the surface of the nanoparticle.

Abstract: An apparatus for a continuous encapsulation process is provided. The apparatus is a vibrating tubing used alone, in series, or in combination with an encapsulation apparatus, which is used alone or in series. The vibrating tubing is a flat coil, a standing spiral, or a flume. The encapsulation apparatus includes a winding having coils disposed in an aqueous gelling solution. The winding is rotatable about its longitudinal center axis. The winding has adjacently spaced coils forming a plurality of chambers. Objects to be encapsulated are added to the apparatus such that when the winding is rotated, the chambers transport a volume of objects through the length winding in the aqueous gelling solution in a predetermined time.

Abstract: A production process for heat-expanded microspheres includes the step of providing a gaseous fluid containing heat-expandable microspheres, which includes a shell of thermoplastic resin and a blowing agent encapsulated therein having a boiling point not higher than the softening point of the thermoplastic resin and have an average particle size from 1 to 100 ?m. The gaseous fluid is fed through a gas-introducing tube having a dispersion nozzle on its outlet that is fixed inside a conduit having a hot gas flow flowing therethrough. A jet of the gaseous fluid is emitted through the dispersion nozzle. Further, the gaseous fluid is collided on a collision plate fixed under the dispersion nozzle so as to disperse the heat-expandable microspheres in the hot gas flow. The dispersed heat-expandable microspheres are heated in the hot gas flow at a temperature not lower than their expansion initiating temperature and thus expanded.

Abstract: A novel method of forming water in oil microcapsules is disclosed. According to the invention microcapsules are obtained by steps comprising dispersing an oil soluble amine modified polyfunctional polyvinyl monomer and an oil soluble bi- or polyfunctional vinyl monomer along with a thermal or UV free radical initiator (optionally included in one or both of the oil or water phases) and an organic acid into an internal phase oil; heating or UV exposing for a time (and temperature) sufficient to oligomerize the amine modified polyfunctional polyvinyl monomer and oil soluble bi- or polyfunctional vinyl monomer forming a pre-polymer. Thereafter the process involves adding to the oil phase oil a water phase comprising a dispersion in water of an anionic emulsifier (and optionally initiator), and adding an emulsifying agent. Emulsifying the water phase into the oil phase (W/O) is controlled through the quantity of water employed.

Abstract: A fixing solution for fixing toner to a recording medium, includes aliphatic ester held by solvent in a soluble manner, and having solubility or swelling property with respect to resin included in the toner.

Abstract: A barrier coating composition includes a polymer material and a structuring agent dispersed in said polymer material, wherein the structuring agent decreases oxygen or water permeability through the polymer material. The barrier coating composition can be used to coat a core component, which can be oxygen or water sensitive, to form a microencapsulated material. The microencapsulated material can be formed by microencapsulation methods, which include atomization or coacervation methods, including forming an oil emulsion of an oil phase and an aqueous phase, the oil phase including the core component and the aqueous phase including the polymer material, adding the structuring agent to one of the oil phase and the aqueous phase, mixing the oil emulsion to form desired particle sizes of the core component, forming the shell component around the core component to form the microencapsulated material, and extracting the formed microencapsulated material from the oil emulsion.

Abstract: Cellulosic fibers having enhanced reversible thermal properties and applications of such cellulosic fibers are described. In one embodiment, a cellulosic fiber includes a fiber body including a cellulosic material and a set of microcapsules dispersed in the cellulosic material. The set of microcapsules contain a phase change material having a latent heat of at least 40 J/g and a transition temperature in the range of 0° C. to 100° C., and the phase change material provides thermal regulation based on at least one of absorption and release of the latent heat at the transition temperature. The cellulosic fiber can be formed via a solution spinning process, and can be used in various products where thermal regulating properties are desired.

Abstract: Coatings and methods are provided. An embodiment of the coating includes microcapsules that contain at least one of a corrosion inhibitor, a film-forming compound, and an indicator. The microcapsules are dispersed in a coating vehicle. A shell of each microcapsule breaks down in the presence of an alkaline condition, resulting from corrosion.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for making a paper material having a reduced tendency to cut human skin. The method includes providing a papermaking furnish containing cellulosic fibers and from about 0.5 to about 5.0 wt % by weight dry basis expandable microspheres, forming a paperboard web from the papermaking furnish, drying the web, and calendaring the web to a caliper of from about 11.0 to about 18.0 mils and a density ranging from about 7.0 to about 12.0 lb/3000 ft2/mil. Papers formed according to the method and articles formed therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: Among other things, a process for producing an agglomerated superabsorbent polymer particle and an agglomerated superabsorbent polymer particle are disclosed. The process comprises the steps of: (A) bringing superabsorbent polymer fine particles having at least about 40 wt. %, a particle size of less than about 150 ?m into contact with a fluid comprising to more than about 10 wt. % a cross-linkable, uncrosslinked polymer based on polymerized, ethylenically unsaturated, acid group-bearing monomers or salts thereof; and (B) cross-linking the uncrosslinked polymer by heating the superabsorbent polymer fine particles and the fluid to a temperature from about 20 to about 300° C., so that the cross-linkable, uncrosslinked polymer at least partially crosslinks.

Abstract: Injectable hydrogel microspheres are prepared by forming an emulsion where hydrogel precursors are in a disperse aqueous phase and polymerizing the hydrogel precursors. In a preferred case, the hydrogel precursors are poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and N-isopropylacrylamide and the continuous phase of the emulsion is an aqueous solution of dextran and a dextran solubility reducer. The microspheres will load protein, e.g., cytokines, from aqueous solution.

Abstract: A system for accumulating mechanical energy comprising a carrier fluid and a plurality of porous particles distributed in the carrier fluid is disclosed. The plurality of particles are broken fragments of a lyophilic starting material having at least one pore open to an exterior of the starting material and defined by an interior surface of the starting material, wherein the exterior and interior surfaces of the lyophilic starting material comprise a coating that is lyophobic with respect to the carrier fluid.

Abstract: A novel method of forming oil in water process is disclosed. According to the invention process are obtained by steps comprising dispersing an oil soluble amine modified polyfunctional polyvinyl monomer and an oil soluble bi- or polyfunctional vinyl monomer along with a thermal or UV free radical initiator (optionally included in one or both of the oil or water phases) and an organic acid into an internal phase oil; heating or UV exposing for a time (and temperature) sufficient to oligomerize the amine modified polyfunctional polyvinyl monomer and oil soluble bi- or polyfunctional vinyl monomer forming a pre-polymer. Thereafter the process involves adding to the oil phase oil a water phase comprising a dispersion in water of an anionic emulsifier (and optionally initiator), and adding an emulsifying agent. Emulsification of the oil phase into the water phase (O/W) is controlled through the quantity of water employed.

Abstract: Microcapsules comprising an agglomeration of primary microcapsules, each individual primary microcapsule having a primary shell and the agglomeration being encapsulated by an outer shell, may be prepared by providing an aqueous mixture of a loading substance and a shell material, adjusting pH, temperature, concentration and/or mixing speed to form primary shells of shell material around the loading substance and cooling the aqueous mixture until the primary shells agglomerate and an outer shell of shell material forms around the agglomeration. Such microcapsules are useful for storing a substance and for delivering the substance to a desired environment.

Abstract: A fixing solution for fixing toner to a recording medium, includes aliphatic ester held by solvent in a soluble manner, and having solubility or swelling property with respect to resin included in the toner.

Abstract: A flame-resistant microcapsule that comprises a core comprising a phase change material and a wall material encapsulating the core. The microcapsules includes at least one of: a flame retardant applied to the wall material and a phase change material having a boiling point of about 230° C. to about 420° C. to provided enhanced flame resistance. The phase change material may have a boiling point of about 280° C. to about 400° C. or about 300° C. to about 390° C.

Abstract: The invention provides a low density paperboard material and associated method for use in producing an insulated container, and is especially well-suited for making cups. The paperboard material comprises a paperboard web including wood fibers and expanded microspheres, and has a relatively low density ranging from about 6 to about 10 lb/3MSF/mil, a relatively high caliper ranging from about 24 to about 35 mil, and an internal bond strength of at least about 80×10?3 ft-lbf., preferably at least 100×10?3 lft-lbf. For applications such as cups the material is also coated on one or both sides with a barrier coating, preferably low density polyethylene, to limit liquid penetration into the web. The low density paperboard material of the invention is convertible for manufacture of containers, particularly cups, and exhibits insulative properties comparable to higher cost materials conventionally used to make cups.

Abstract: Microcapsules wherein the capsule wall is formed from an organic polymer (capsule wall polymer for short) and the core of the microcapsules comprises compounds containing carbodiimide groups (carbodiimide compound for short).

Abstract: The invention teaches an encapsulated curable adhesive composition especially adapted for use as a structural adhesive. The adhesive composition enables formation of a thin layer reactive composition of microcapsules and a two-part curative. The adhesive composition comprises a first population of microcapsules encasing a monomer and a first-part curative comprising an initiator. The adhesive composition further comprises a second-part curative. The second-part curative comprises an activator and a catalyst. At least the activator of the second-part curative is preferably encapsulated in a second population of microcapsules. The catalyst and the second population of microcapsules can be dispersed in a binder material, along with the first population of microcapsules. The first population of microcapsules contain encapsulated within the core a monomer having a Tg 35° C. or less and the first-part curative. The first population microcapsules contain encapsulated within the core a monomer having a Tg 35° C.

Abstract: Lipobeads (liposome-encapsulated hydrogels) combine properties of hydrogels and liposomes to create systems that are sensitive to environmental conditions and respond to changes in those conditions in a fast time scale. Lipobeads may be produced by polymerizing anchored or unanchored hydrogels within liposomes or by mixing anchored or unanchored hydrogels with liposomes. Giant lipobeads may be produced by shrinking unanchored nanogels in lipobeads and fusing the resulting lipobead aggregates, long-term aging of anchored or unanchored lipobeads, or mixing anchored or unanchored aggregated nanogels with liposomes. Poly(acrylamide), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-1-vinylimidazole) lipobeads were produced and characterized.

Abstract: The invention discloses a population of selected permeability microcapsule particles comprising an oil soluble or dispersible core material and a wall material at least partially surrounding the core material. The microcapsule wall material comprises the reaction product of a first composition in the presence of a second composition comprising an anionic emulsifier. The first composition comprises a reaction product of i) an oil soluble or dispersible amine with ii) a multifunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomer or oligomer, an oil soluble acid and an initiator. The anionic emulsifier comprises a water soluble or water dispersible acrylic acid alkyl acid copolymer, an optional initiator and an alkali or alkali salt. The reaction product of the first composition and second composition can result in the formation of a low permeability microcapsule wall. Optionally, one or both of the first composition initiator or water phase initiator is an energy-activated initiator, such as a UV initiator.

Abstract: Embolic polymer particles are described.

Abstract: Cellulosic fibers having enhanced reversible thermal properties and applications of such cellulosic fibers are described. In one embodiment, a cellulosic fiber includes a fiber body including a cellulosic material and a set of microcapsules dispersed in the cellulosic material. The set of microcapsules contain a phase change material having a latent heat of at least 40 J/g and a transition temperature in the range of 0° C. to 100° C., and the phase change material provides thermal regulation based on at least one of absorption and release of the latent heat at the transition temperature. The cellulosic fiber can be formed via a solution spinning process, and can be used in various products where thermal regulating properties are desired.

Abstract: There is provided a method of forming a barrier over a polar liquid phase or a non-polar liquid phase including the steps of: providing a liquid system including the polar liquid phase or non-polar liquid phase and a monomer having a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion, monomer being located at one or more boundaries of the polar liquid phase or non-polar liquid phase; and polymerising the monomer so as to form a polymeric barrier at the one or more boundaries.

Abstract: A composite material includes an elastomer matrix, a set of first capsules containing a polymerizer, and a set of second capsules containing a corresponding activator for the polymerizer. The polymerizer may be a polymerizer for an elastomer. The composite material may be prepared by combining a first set of capsules containing a polymerizer, a second set of capsules containing a corresponding activator for the polymerizer, and a matrix precursor, and then solidifying the matrix precursor to form an elastomeric matrix.

Abstract: Colloidosomes having tunable properties, methods for making the same, and applications thereof are described. Colloidosomes described herein are responsive to certain external stimulus to alter one or more properties of the colloidosome. Methods for making colloidosomes include forming a shell of colloidal particles on a core material where the colloidal particles and the core material have attractive interactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microencapsulated compositions of isothiazolone derivatives and other water insoluble biocides or antifouling agents. In particular, the present invention relates to microencapsulated 4,5 dichloro 2 n-octyl-3(2H)-isothiazolone(DCOIT), useful in marine antifouling coatings and paints.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsification method and an emulsification apparatus, capable of attaining easy control of particle size and particle size distribution, and simple scale-up and maintenance, and providing an emulsifying amount sufficient for industrial production. Namely, the method comprises continuously and successively passing two or more types of liquids which are substantially immiscible with each other through two or more mesh members disposed at certain intervals in the presence of an emulsifier to thereby perform emulsification, and the emulsification apparatus as an apparatus for carrying out the method comprises liquid feed pumps for feeding two or more types of liquids which are substantially immiscible with each other, and a cylindrical flow passage to which the two or more types of liquids are fed by the liquid feed pumps, the cylindrical flow passage including a predetermined number of wire gauzes disposed therein at a predetermined interval.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing composite particles by encapsulation of an organic-phase-depleted emulsion by polymerization, said emulsion consisting of droplets of inorganic emulsion comprising an organic phase and inorganic nanoparticles distributed in said organic phase, characterized in that the polymerization is carried out using, as the polymerization monomer, from 60% to 100% of at least one crosslinking agent and from 0% to 40% of at least one hydrophobic monomer, it being understood that at least 95% of the crosslinking agent(s) are hydrophobic. The invention further relates to the particles thus obtained, and their use in diagnostics.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for making a paper material having a reduced tendency to cut human skin. The method includes providing a papermaking furnish containing cellulosic fibers and from about 0.5 to about 5.0 wt % by weight dry basis expandable microspheres, forming a paperboard web from the papermaking furnish, drying the web, and calendaring the web to a caliper of from about 11.0 to about 18.0 mils and a density ranging from about 7.0 to about 12.0 lb/3000 ft2/mil. Papers formed according to the method and articles formed therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a complex coacervation process based on the use of type B gelatin as polycationic colloid, for the preparation of “Halal” certified flavor-containing microcapsules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microcapsular powder having a latent heat storage material as a capsule core and a capsule wall constructed of from 10% to 100% by weight of one or more C1-C24-alkyl esters of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid (monomers I), from 0% to 80% by weight of a water-insoluble or substantially water-insoluble bi- or polyfunctional monomer (monomers II), and from 0% to 90% by weight of other monomers (monomer III) all based on the total weight of the monomers, having an average particle size in the range of 150-400 ?m and having 80% by weight of particles ?90 ?m in diameter, to a process for its production and to its use in bindered building materials, textiles and dumped beds.

Abstract: A composition includes a plurality of capsules, and a polymerizer in the capsules. The capsules have an average outer diameter less than 10 micrometers. The capsules can be made by sonicating an emulsion to form a microemulsion, where the emulsion includes water, a surfactant, a first polymerizer and a second polymerizer, and then polymerizing the first polymerizer. The capsules may be present in a composite material that includes a polymer matrix and an activator.

Abstract: The invention provides a hollow nano-particle comprising a crosslinked shell and a void core; and a preparation method thereof. The hollow nano-particle may be used in rubber composition, tire product, and pharmaceutical delivery system etc.

Abstract: Microcapsules for smart textile materials, containing an active product and with reactive groups, with the objective of chemically binding the microcapsules to the fibres. The microcapsules contain active products such as PCM (phase change materials), or can be of controlled release of products such as fragrances, essential oils, antibacterial and others with the objective to add specific functional properties to the textile materials. They can be applied by padding and spraying followed by thermofixation. In case of products such as knitwear the application process can also be by exhaustion process, given that the microcapsules acquire affinity towards the fibres and react with the fibres during the process. The chemical bond of the controlled release microcapsules with the fibres confers them a higher resistance to washing than the existing microcapsules glued to the fabric by printing or padding.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for encapsulating a liquid, which method comprises the steps of providing a suspension of droplets of the liquid to be encapsulated; stabilizing the suspension of droplets with a surfactant; adding a layered inorganic material to the stabilized suspension; and subjecting the suspension to a treatment which establishes that a shell of a hybrid material is formed around the droplets, which hybrid material comprises at least part of the inorganic material and at least part of the surfactant. The invention further provides encapsulated liquid droplets obtainable by said method.

Abstract: Self-healing coatings incorporate microcapsules of about 60-150 microns diameter that contain film formers and dust suppression compounds suitable for controlling spalling of lead dust, for example. In one embodiment, a primer paint is mixed with these microcapsules and applied by brushing or rolling. After the coating has cured, any physical compromise of the coating results in microcapsules bursting to release liquid that fills and seals the compromised volume. The microcapsule contents protect the underlying substrate from damage and repair some of the outer coating. In one application, embodiments of these self-healing coatings seal existing lead-based paint for suppression of lead dust. In another embodiment, microcapsules are provided separately to enhance commercially available products.

Abstract: It is to provide an improved method for preparation of microsphere from an emulsion wherein an organic phase containing an organic solvent having a boiling point lower than that of water and a hardly-water-soluble polymer is emulsified in an aqueous phase by an in-water drying method, which comprises: (1) using an apparatus equipped with a gas separation membrane; (2) supplying the emulsion to be subjected to in-water drying to one side of said gas separation membrane; (3) evaporating off the organic solvent contained in said emulsion to the other side of said gas separation membrane, which can remove the organic solvent with high efficiency and can be carried out in a closed system and hence is favorable from the environmental viewpoint.

Abstract: Microencapsulated particles having improved resistance to moisture and extended release capabilities are produced by microencapsulating the particles in a film-forming, cross-linked, hydrolyzed polymer.

Abstract: A cost-effective, scalable technique for producing microspheres loaded with biologically active solid proteins is provided. The microspheres degrade over time and release biologically active VEGF, as demonstrated by the proliferation of HUVECs in vitro compared to negative controls. A defined concentration of microspheres can deliver a quantifiable level of VEGF with known release kinetics. The invention can be used with other growth factors and applied to tissue engineering applications such as the regeneration of peripheral nerve, bone, adipose tissue, and solid organs.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of intravenous administration of nanoparticulate drug formulations to a mammal to avoid adverse hemodynamic effects: by reducing the rate and concentration of the nanoparticles in the formulations; or by pre-treating the subject with histamine; or by pretreating the subject with a desensitizing amount of the nanoparticulate drug formulations.