Nanoencapsulation of Isocyanates

Blocked isocyanates were successfully encapsulated into polystyrene and hydroxyl and amine functionalized polymeric nanospheres via emulsion polymerization.  The nanocapsules were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and transmission electronic microscopy.  The blocked isocyanates generated free isocyanate functionality upon thermal annealing of nanocapsules.  The research establishes a novel encapsulating method for release and retention of free isocyanates in aqueous media.  These nanocapsules can provide active isocyanates in coatings and adhesive applications, and represent a novel application of nanoencapsulated materials for controlled or delayed active material utilization.

TEM photomicrograph of nanocapsules containing isocyanates.