Nanoencapsulated Antimicrobial Finish

Recently, Ciba Specialty Chemicals introduced nanocapsules with antimicrobial products. Washing durabihty is obtained by engineering the cotton surfaces with a covalently bonded encapsulation system, which enables the controlled dehvery of antimicrobials. As a consequence of a slow-release mechanism, a small quantity of active material is released step-by-step. In short, the new system captures the best of both worlds permanently fixed capsules to achieve durability, and mobile antimicrobials to inhibit bacterial growth on the entire surface (Fig. 7.14). 

Incorporation of Microcapsules in Stimuli-Sensitive or Adaptive Coatings [29] 

They react to outside conditions in a selective manner The magnitude of their stimulus-driven response can be quite large, for example increasing 10- to 100-fold in volume when warmed or cooled sKghtly. 

Whereas numerous one-way systems are already used, the development of two-way responsive materials (i.e., capable of reversible switching between different properties) remains in its infancy. 

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