Application Procedures of Microcapsules on Textile Substrates

Microcapsules can be applied on any fabric (woven, knitted, nonwoven or garments). The substrate may be wool, silk, cotton, flax, or synthetic fibers such as polyamide or polyester, or mixtures. Most of the microcapsules can be appHed using conventional finishing techniques without altering the feel and color of colored fabrics or printed patterns. Microcapsules can also be applied during the rinse cycle of a washing machine. 

Not only efficacy but also durability should be of prime concern. The major challenge is the durabihty of the microcapsules in relation to their effectiveness. In some end uses the microcapsules must survive at least 20 wash cycles, conventional ironing and other high-temperature processes such as tumble-drying without affecting the controlled release properties of the microcapsules. 

The best way to obtain most benefit from textiles treated with microcapsules is, of course, to wash them by hand. This minimizes the loss of actives during washing and maximizes their effect on the skin when the item is worn. 

Finally, it must be borne in mind that in the case of controlled release capsules the effect is still hmited - when all the capsules are empty they cannot be refilled. 

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