Microencapsulation

Microencapsulation is a process in which tiny particles or droplets are surrounded by a coating to give small capsules many useful properties. In a relatively simplistic form, a microcapsule is a small sphere with a uniform wall around it. The material inside the microcapsule is referred to as the core, internal phase, or fill, whereas the wall is sometimes called a shell, coating, or membrane. Most microcapsules have diameters between a few micrometers and a few millimeters. [taken from web].

The microencapsulation of PCMs is almost always directed towards the thermal aspect of what is obtainable. Many companies currently use microencapsulated PCMs in a variety of applications, but they usually work solely with the integration of these microcapsules into specific products. Different companies specialize with microencapsulation, some of which attend especially to PCMs.

Capzo International BV is the creator of Thermusol, which is a microencapsulated salt-hydrate (inorganic)PCM.

BASF is the manufacturer of Micronal, an encapsulation of a paraffin wax (organic) PCM.

Both types of these microencapsulated PCMs have different advantages and disadvantages, needs and performance abilities. Depending on the properties of the material the microcapsules are to work with, one may be better suited than the other. A list of advantages and disadvantages can be seen here.

When choosing a PCM to microencapsulate, it is important to target what properties are desireable, and a list of criteria can be viewed here.