Fragrance Microencapsulation
Fragrance microencapsulation encloses perfume in microscopic capsules that protect it and release it gradually, mainly when they are rubbed or broken.
Each microcapsule has a core containing the perfume oil and a wall that isolates it, with a size in the order of micrometres. The wall can be made of synthetic polymers or of natural materials such as gelatine or gum arabic. While the capsule is intact, the fragrance evaporates much less than a free perfume. The scent is released when the wall breaks through friction or pressure or, depending on the type of wall, by slow diffusion or on dissolving.
It is used most in fabric softeners and laundry detergents: the capsules are deposited on the fibres during rinsing and, once the garment is dry, they break when it is worn or ironed and gradually release perfume. In liquid spray air fresheners, by contrast, the perfume is usually dissolved, so it acts immediately and does not depend on this mechanism.
The European Union restricts the intentional addition of synthetic polymer microparticles (Regulation (EU) 2023/2055); fragrance microcapsules with synthetic walls are affected, with a transitional period. That is why biodegradable or naturally derived walls are being researched.
Instaquim products whose technical data sheet states that they contain fragrance microcapsules:
- Power Soft + (pH 2.5; 5–10 g/kg of dry laundry, in the final rinse): concentrated fabric softener for self-service laundries.
- Blue Soft and Blue Soft + (pH 3; 5–10 g/kg of dry laundry, in the final rinse): fabric softeners with microcapsules so that laundry keeps its scent for longer.