Preparation of ethyl cellulose microcapsules and grafting via maleic acid to the cotton fibers

The use of Microcapsules has increased in the textile industry, because of the controlled release and higher stability. Encapsulation is a packaging method of materials to protect them from different environmental conditions. In this work, Lavender oil embedded ethylcellulose microcapsules were prepared by the phase separation method. The prepared capsules were analyzed by optical microscope. The Lavender oil content in the microcapsules was determined by using the extraction method. The effect of stirring speed on the encapsulation efficiency was investigated and showed that reducing the stirring speed increased the size and yield of microcapsules. Also, grafting of EC microcapsules onto cotton at 110°C for 2 min, by using maleic acid, was optimal condition.

Keywords:

Microcapsules , cotton , Ethylcellulose , lavender oil , oil content , Maleic acid.