FRAGRANCE MICROENCAPSULATION BY OIL-IN-WATER IN SITU POLYMERIZATION: CARTIONIC SURFACE FUNCTIONALIZATION FOR LONG-TERM DISPERSION STABILITY

http://doi.org/10.71284/jasem202615

Abstract

Today, many commercially available fabric softeners contain encapsulated fragrances to provide consumers with prolonged release of the fragrance even after extended storage periods. Among various techniques, in situ polymerization is one of the most common methods, as it offers a cost-effective and easily scalable method for fragrance encapsulation. In that regard, the primary performance requirements are generally fragrance protection and prolonged release. On the other hand, the dispersion stability of the microcapsules prior to addition to a fabric softener formulation is as important as the primary requirements since in many commercial applications, capsule systems are supplied as ready-to-use capsule dispersions. In this context, this study investigates the preparation of fragrance-loaded microcapsules using methanol-modified melamine-formaldehyde resin (MMF) and their post-curing modification with glycidyl trimethylammonium chloride to improve long-term dispersion stability. Optical microscopy and SEM analyses revealed predominantly spherical microcapsules with sizes in the 20-30 μm range, and TGA was conducted to support the presence of the thermally resistant MMF shell. It was found that modification with glycidyl trimethylammonium chloride did not alter the performance but provided long-term dispersion stability and suggested improved deposition and retention on the fabric after laundering.