Biodegradable Microcapsules of Poly(Butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate) (PBAT) as Isocyanate Carriers and the Effect of the Process Parameters

Abstract

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), a biodegradable flexible, and tough polymer is herein used, for the first time, to encapsulate and protect isocyanate derivatives. Isocyanates are essential building blocks widely employed in the chemical industry for the production of high-performing materials. Microencapsulation of isocyanates eliminates the risks associated with their direct handling and protects them from moisture. In light of this, and having in mind eco-innovative products and sustainability, we present a straightforward process to encapsulate isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) using this biodegradable polymer. Spherical and core-shell microcapsules (MCs) were produced by an emulsion system combined with the solvent evaporation method. The MCs present a regular surface, without holes or cracks, with a thin shell and high isocyanate loadings, up to 79 wt%. Additionally, the MCs showed very good isocyanate protection if not dispersed in organic or aqueous solutions. Effects of various process parameters were systematically studied, showing that a higher stirring speed (1000 rpm) and emulsifier amount (2.5 g), as well as a smaller PBAT amount (1.60 g), lead to smaller MCs and narrower size distribution.