Encapsulated active particles and methods for making and using the same

Abstract

The invention relates to preserving the properties of active particles through use of an encapsulant which may be removable. The encapsulant may protect the active particles against premature deactivation. If desired, the encapsulant may be removed to rejuvenate the active particles. Various processes can be implemented to introduce encapsulated particles to embedding substances which may be used in various products.

1 - 4 . (canceled)  
     
     
         5 . A method for incorporating active particles into an embedding substance, comprising: 
 encapsulating at least a portion of said active particles with at least one encapsulant, wherein at least a portion of said encapsulant is removable; and    introducing said encapsulated active particles to said embedding substance.    
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , further comprising: 
 producing a master batch which comprises at least said encapsulated particles and said embedding substance;    extruding said master batch into a material having said encapsulated particles incorporated therein; and    removing at least a portion of said encapsulant.    
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein said introducing comprises incorporating said encapsulated particles into said embedding substance.  
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 5 , further comprising subjecting said encapsulated active particles to one or more substances that could prematurely deactivate said active particles if said active particles were not encapsulated.  
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein said encapsulating and said introducing are performed in a single step.  
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 5 , further comprising using a predetermined process to introduce said encapsulated particles to said embedding substance.  
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein said predetermined process is selected from the group consisting of a master batch formulation process, an air dispersion process, a padding process, a xerographic process, and a solution preparation process.  
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein said embedding substance is a gas, liquid, solid, or combination thereof.  
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein said active particles can adsorb a gas.  
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein said active particles can adsorb a liquid.  
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein said active particles can adsorb a solid.  
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein said embedding substance is selected from the group consisting of polyesters, nylons, polyacrylics, thermalplastics, PTFES, polycarbonates, polyalkanes, poly-vinyl compounds, epoxies, siloxane based reaction polymers, glues, cross-linking polymers, polymers, fibers, cotton, acetates, acrylics, aramids, bicomponents, lyocells, melamines, modacrylics, olefins, PBIs, rayons, spandexes, water, oils, perfumes, aerosols, and any combination thereof.  
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 5 , further comprising: 
 removing at least a portion of said encapsulant from said active particles.    
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein said removing comprises reactivating or rejuvenating active particles.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said removing comprises dissolving said encapsulate.  
     
     
         20 . (canceled)  
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein said active particles are selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, graphite, aluminum oxide (activated alumina), silica gel, soda ash, aluminum trihydrate, baking soda, p-methoxy-2-ethoxyethyl ester Cinnamic acid (cinoxate), zinc oxide, zealites, titanium dioxide, molecular filter material, and any combination thereof.  
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein said active particles provide performance enhancing properties selected from the group consisting of odor adsorption, moisture management, ultraviolet light protection, chemical protection, bio-hazard protection, fire retardance, antibacterial protection, antiviral protection, antifungal protection, antimicrobial protection, and any combination thereof.  
     
     
         23 - 32 . (canceled)