Liquid-filled microcapsules already find wide use in consumer products including carbonless paper,  pesticides, and fragrances.  Current applications are limited, however, to situations where the entrained liquids are not air sensitive or where the outgassing of volatiles can be tolerated.  Both limitations stem from the relatively poor barrier properties of polymer membranes. To reduce permeability, we developed a mild, aqueous synthesis for encapsulating a moisture sensitive diisocyanate liquid within a metal shell measuring less than 2 �m thick and 50 �m in diameter.  Through a combination of emulsification, interfacial polymerization, and electroless plating, one can microencapsulate water- or air-sensitive chemicals within a hermetic seal.  We also discuss the preparation of silica- or polytetrafluoroethylene-coated microcapsules in the context of mechanically-responsive materials such as self-healing paints and damage sensors.

Metal, glass, and PTFE-coated microcapsules for mechanically-responsive materials

246th National Meeting (2013)

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