Microencapsulation

Description

A technique that encloses a material, such as an adhesive, in dissolvable or breakable capsules. The capsule may be made from glass, silica, synthetic resins or gelatin. The internal substance can be released quickly, as when the capsule is broken, or released over a lengthy period of time, as in time-release medicine. Microencapsulated adhesives are designed to act instantly when the capsules are broken. Microencapsulated dyes are used in carbonless copy paper where pressure breaks the capsules and releases the ink.

Synonyms and Related Terms

microencapsulation (Fr.)