Effects of Protective Colloids on the Formation of Polyurea Microcapsules

Cypermethrin-containing polyurea microcapsules were prepared by interfacial polymerization using aromatic 2,4-toluene diisocyanate(TDI) and Ethylene diamine(EDA) as wall forming materials. The effects of the protective colloids of polyvinylalcohol(PVA) and gelatin were investigated through experimentation. The mean size of the polyurea microcapsules was smaller and the surface morphology of the PVA was much smoother than gelatin. In addition the release behavior was much more controlled and better sustained. As the concentration of protective colloid increased, the wall membrane of the polyurea microcapsules became more stable, the thermal stability of the wall membrane increased, the mean particle size became smaller, and the particle distribution was more uniform. The release behavior of the core material changed according to the concentration. As the gelatin concentration was increased, a more controlled and sustained release behavior was observed. However, in the case of PVA, the increase of PVA concentration lead to a more rapid release rate.