| Encapsulation | General Topic Information | Encapsulation is the process of one material enclosing another. Several industries use encapsulation for a variety of different applications. One can encapsulate metal to optimize chemical reactions, and encapsulate metal surfaces to increase long-term corrosion protection. Encapsulation is also important for sealing off lead paint and protecting oil-soluble ingredients from oxidization. Encapsulation provides solutions to a wide range of problems. Microencapsulation also refers to the process of protecting oil...view more Encapsulation is the process of one material enclosing another. Several industries use encapsulation for a variety of different applications. One can encapsulate metal to optimize chemical reactions, and encapsulate metal surfaces to increase long-term corrosion protection. Encapsulation is also important for sealing off lead paint and protecting oil-soluble ingredients from oxidization. Encapsulation provides solutions to a wide range of problems. Microencapsulation also refers to the process of protecting oil-soluble ingredients against oxidization. Manufacturers use molecular encapsulation to mask tastes and odors, stabilize actives like light and temperature, increase the solubility of actives, and reduce volatility. Lead paint is highly toxic and is currently banned in households and other buildings in America. In homes built with lead paint (prior to the year 1978), encapsulation can solve the issue without replacing the paint. In this application, one can only use encapsulants approved by the State’s Register of Approved Products over lead paint. Encapsulation of lead paint is only effective as a barrier on surfaces in good condition, not those that are deteriorated or in high-traffic areas. Encapsulation of electronic parts and devices can lend protection from corrosion and abrasion. In the electronics industry, encapsulation can protect items such as circuit boards from moisture, dust, and harsh chemicals. view less | |
| Cross-Linker | General Topic Information | Cross-linking refers to the chemical bonding of two polymer chains. When one polymer chain bonds to another, it forms a cross-link. Cross-links can be ionic or covalent bonds between natural or synthetic polymer chains. In the chemical field, scientists typically use the term “cross-linking” to describe the process of bonding two polymers to define the differences between their physical properties. In the biological field, cross-linking is used to initiate protein-to-protein interactions. There are many kinds of cross-linkers and polymers available in chemical and biological settings. The cross-linking agent varies depending on the application. For example, calcium gluconate is a desirable cross-linker that controls biological microorganisms. This encapsulates biocontrol microorganisms in alginate beads with optimal survival and shelf life, according to researchers. Encapsulation via epoxidized linseed oil...view more Cross-linking refers to the chemical bonding of two polymer chains. When one polymer chain bonds to another, it forms a cross-link. Cross-links can be ionic or covalent bonds between natural or synthetic polymer chains. In the chemical field, scientists typically use the term “cross-linking” to describe the process of bonding two polymers to define the differences between their physical properties. In the biological field, cross-linking is used to initiate protein-to-protein interactions. There are many kinds of cross-linkers and polymers available in chemical and biological settings. The cross-linking agent varies depending on the application. For example, calcium gluconate is a desirable cross-linker that controls biological microorganisms. This encapsulates biocontrol microorganisms in alginate beads with optimal survival and shelf life, according to researchers. Encapsulation via epoxidized linseed oil as a cross-linker works best for controlling the release of a liquid reactant in a matrix of reactive polymers. There are many different cross-linkers and encapsulation products depending on the application. view less |
