Nanocapsules to the rescue
Many industrial processes require a slow release of chemicals to function optimally, but this controlled release has often been difficult to achieve. The EU-funded project 'Nanocapsules for Targeted Controlled Delivery of Chemicals' (Nanocaps) developed nanomaterials and nanocomposite coatings to produce nanocapsules that release chemicals under specific conditions. These nanocapsules can help release chemicals in a myriad of applications such as metal painting and be used for anti-proliferating (i.e. reducing the porosity of a material). The project also sought to validate the feasibility of anti-proliferating and anti-allergic agents, as well as self-repair metal-plating applications. Nanocaps successfully developed new types of nanoparticles with naphthylacetic acid for anti-proliferating, as well as several acrylic monodisperse nanoparticle dispersions and polymer/silica composite nanoparticles for metal plating. It also produced nanosized emulsions for anti-proliferating and new ceramic membranes with better homogeneity and surface quality. In addition, nano-sized gel complex particles, microcapsules for anti-proliferating application and polyelectrolyte capsules with embedded drugs from porous calcium carbonate were also developed. Over and above this, theoretical models of capsules and capsule interactions were investigated as well. In parallel, lowering permeability was studied, and substances such as nanodiamonds and nanoalumina were recommended for membrane preparation. The project team also prepared new capsules with thermo-sensitive and pH-responsive properties to encapsulate model polymers. This was followed by novel methods for remote release of encapsulated polymers, time-dependent streaming, and new ways to study capsule attachment. These and many other successful experiments that furthered the project's objectives were communicated through 84 publications in scientific journals and through several international conferences. The project's work could have an important positive effect on health and environment, solving a plethora of issues that were initially deemed quite challenging.
