Investigating the mechanical properties of perfume microcapsules and their performance in laundry applications

Gray, Andrew Trevor (2020). Investigating the mechanical properties of perfume microcapsules and their performance in laundry applications. University of Birmingham. Eng.D.

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Abstract

Perfume microcapsules (PMCs) are commercially used as perfume delivery agents in laundry products, and greater insights into the properties of the PMCs that influence performance, and development of new techniques to predict and monitor performance are sought as tools to give more guidance to the design process.

This thesis characterises Polyacrylate (PAC) PMC samples, to understand how physicochemical and structural characteristics relate to mechanical properties. The work then proceeds to outline a new validated methodology to complete a mass balance of PMCs in a washing machine, enabling quantification of PMCs, intact or broken, at any time or place during the wash. Performance of PMCs showed strong correlation to the PMC volume weighted rupture stress, providing a new quick screening method in PMC design. A new tribological methodology for analysing PMC rupture under friction is introduced, showing that friction as a force causing PMC rupture is impactful alongside compression, and requires further study, given the prevalence of friction as a force for PMCs embedded within fabrics.

It is believed that the collection of findings and techniques can be used as valuable tools to guide not only current PAC PMC design, but also future architectures, given the transferrable nature of the work.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Eng.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Eng.D.

Supervisor(s):