Hydrophobic-core microcapsules and their formation

US9233394B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Luz M. Calle · Merritt Island, US
• Wenyan Li · Orlando, US
• Jerry W. Buhrow · Viera, US
• Scott T. Jolley · Mentor, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 13, 2010
• Grant date: Jan 12, 2016
• Expiry date: Jul 13, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/2998
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Hydrophobic-core microcapsules and methods of their formation are provided. A hydrophobic-core microcapsule may include a shell that encapsulates a hydrophobic substance with a core substance, such as dye, corrosion indicator, corrosion inhibitor, and/or healing agent, dissolved or dispersed therein. The hydrophobic-core microcapsules may be formed from an emulsion having hydrophobic-phase droplets, e.g., containing the core substance and shell-forming compound, dispersed in a hydrophilic phase. The shells of the microcapsules may be capable of being broken down in response to being contacted by an alkali, e.g., produced during corrosion, contacting the shell.