A process for developing droplets for encapsulation

• Encapsulation using emulsion and stabilisation technology is a process we operate in the industry. The technology used at MCT is a membrane microencapsulation process, also called “core-shell”. This technology produces emulsions composed of droplets of different sizes, which will produce microcapsules of the same size and have different characteristics according to their diameter.
• This particle size distribution will play an important role in the stability and efficiency of the microparticles present, such as spray-drying.
• This stability, but also the droplet size or the ratio between oil and water will be important factors in the emulsion/stabilisation encapsulation process.

Our technologies and know-how in the emulsification and stabilisation of microparticles

• The particles during emulsion/stabilization have a size between 1µm and 50µm. The quality of the microencapsulation and the stability of the emulsions are closely linked and therefore influence the quality of the finished powder products, for example during spray-drying when these microcapsules are introduced into solid detergents. Our technologies are reliable and produce results.
• Stabilisation of emulsions can be achieved using conventional emulsifiers, which are often found in laboratories or in industry. We prefer not to use such products, but obtain this stabilisation through the wall of the microcapsule itself. This avoids the harmful effects of surfactants during encapsulation, such as extractions of the internal phase, i.e. of certain constituents of the fragrances.
• This process ensures that the polymers and active agents retain all their physical and chemical properties, with the main task of minimizing the deterioration of the microcapsules under the effect of the aggressions suffered in the environments where they are used, thereby creating optimal microcapsules for detergents and softeners.

The powers of fragrance concentration through emulsification/stabilisation

• The final form of encapsulation through the emulsion/stabilisation method is preferably dispersion in water, known as “slurry”. The more this slurry contains active ingredients, the payload, the more attractive the microcapsules are for the customer, who will also benefit from a more attractive cost price.
• The strong point of our microcapsules is that they have a high payload, on average 40% and even up to 45%.
• Emulsion stabilisation is also possible with biodegradable polymers, but here the payload is rather lower due to the viscosity achieved during encapsulation. However, this type of microcapsules will continue to be developed as it responds to future legislation and the population’s environmental concerns.