Comparison of release behaviour from microcapsules and microspheres

Journal article, 2010

The plasticizing effect of core oil in the polymer shell of core shell particles, so-called microcapsules, was here examined. The study involved release measurements of 4-nitroanisole into aqueous solution from two types of microparticles. In the first study, a microcapsule with PMMA shell and hexadecane core was examined. The second type of particle was a homogeneous PMMA microsphere containing no oil. Experimental data were compared to models that describe release by a diffusion mechanism out from core shell particles as well as homogeneous spherical particles. Results clearly show that the alkane oil has a plasticizing effect on the PMMA shell, thereby generating a faster release of 4-nitroanisole. In both types of microparticles, the diffusion coefficients of 4-nitroanisole could be determined. The findings increase our understanding of important parameters in the microcapsule design with regard to tuning the release behaviour. Using microparticles, the ambition is to prolong the protection of paint and other coatings against fouling.