Microencapsulation

Abstract

A process for making microcapsules may include i) forming a solution of a cross-linker in a liquid; ii) forming a slurry of a surface-modified particulate inorganic material in an aqueous medium; and iii) dispersing the solution of step i) in the slurry of step ii) and causing or allowing the cross-linker to react with the surface-modified particulate inorganic material so as to form a cross-linked microcapsule wall.

1 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A microcapsule comprising an encapsulated material surrounded by a wall, characterized in that the wall comprises a particulate inorganic material that has been surface-modified and cross-linked. 
     
     
         31 . A microcapsule as claimed in  claim 30  which contains an active ingredient encapsulated within the core of the microcapsule. 
     
     
         32 . A microcapsule as claimed in  claim 30  in which the encapsulated material is selected from inks, flavours, cosmetics, perfumes, sunscreens, fragrances, adhesives, sealants, phase change materials, biocides, oilfield chemicals, flame retardants, food additives, bleaches, enzymes and surfactants, skin softeners, medically active compounds, fire retardant, flame retardant, antifouling, antibacterial, biocidal, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant compounds, and pharmaceuticals.