Microcapsule and method of producing same

Abstract

A microcapsule which is able to stably retain a benefit agent such as a volatile substance for an extended period, and which is also suitable for encapsulating fragrances and the like. Such capsule encapsulates a mixture comprising a volatile substance, and an additive that has a higher melting point than the volatile substance and is able to undergo mutual dissolution with the volatile substance, wherein the mixture exhibits a melting point range, and a portion of, or all of, that melting point range falls within a range from −20 to 60° C. The present invention also relates to consumer products including cleaning and/or treatment compositions comprising such microcapsules, and processes of making and using same.

1 . A microcapsule, which encapsulates a mixture comprising a volatile substance, and an additive that has a higher melting point than the volatile substance and is able to undergo mutual dissolution with the volatile substance, wherein the mixture exhibits a melting point range, and a portion of, or all of, the melting point range falls within a range from −20 to 60° C. 
     
     
         2 . The microcapsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the additive is a compound with a melting point within a range from 25 to 200° C. 
     
     
         3 . The microcapsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the additive is one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of alcohols, carboxylic acids, hydroxy acids, and paraffin. 
     
     
         4 . The microcapsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the mixture comprises from 10 to 200 parts by weight of the additive per 100 parts by weight of the volatile substance. 
     
     
         5 . The microcapsule according to  claim 1 , wherein the volatile substance is a fragrance. 
     
     
         6 . A method of producing the microcapsule according to  claim 1 , comprising: preparing an emulsion of the mixture comprising the volatile substance, and the additive that has a higher melting point than the volatile substance and is able to undergo mutual dissolution with the volatile substance; and adding a membrane material to the emulsion and conducting a polymerization, thereby forming a microcapsule which encapsulates the mixture. 
     
     
         7 - 16 . (canceled)