Gürbüz Gülümser

Microencapsulation of Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil by Using Simple Coacervation Method

Abstract Glutaraldehyde (GA) crosslinked gelatin (G) microcapsules containing tea tree oil (TTO) were prepared by the simple coacervation technique. The effects of variations in concentrations of the G, TTO and GA used during the microencapsulation process, on the oil load of the microcapsules, the oil content, the encapsulation efficiency and the release rate of oil were determined. The size distribution and the morphology of the microcapsules were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy. It was determined by FTIR studies that there was no evidence for any significant interaction between G and TTO

Nanocomposites Based On Montmorillonite/Acrylic Copolymer for Aqueous Coating of Soft Surfaces

Nanocomposites based on layered silicate organically modified montmorillonite (Cloisite 20A) and acrylic comonomers (butyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate) were prepared by simple “in situ” batch emulsion polymerization method. The particle size and zeta potential of the emulsions were analyzed. The structural characterizations of the nanocomposites were performed by FTIR, thermal behaviors of the films were investigated by DSC, mechanical properties of the films were tested by DMA and intercalation success was viewed by XRD. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were improved significantly especially at the temperatures above Tg. The ultrasonication process was found to be useful for increasing the homogeneity of the emulsions and intercalation success. The obtained nanocomposite emulsions were applied on garment leathers in a finishing formulation as aqueous binders sharing good film forming ability and elasticity.