Polyurea microcapsules: design, characterization, and applications

Polyurea microcapsules (PUMCs) serve as polymeric carriers of compounds that require targeted delivery, controlled release, and protection during material preparation, storage, or application. The renewed research interest in the PUMCs over the last 2decades has provided ample information about PUMCs formation mechanisms and the impact of synthesis parameters on capsule properties, composite or hybrid capsules, postmodification techniques and resulting in various PUMC-based systems. The extensive array of PUMCs applications encompasses sectors such as energy, healthcare, sustainability, construction, textile, among others, giving rise to novel products used for cosmetics, targeted and controlled drug delivery, self-healing materials, CO2 capture, and storage, environmental remediation of harmful substances, anticorrosion systems, and controlled herbicide release. PUMC functions can be engineered to regulate the release rate of encapsulated compounds, incorporate trigger mechanisms, and protect against different environmental elements. This chapter provides an overview of industrial PUMC applications and engineered properties.