Microcapsule in Slurry

Engineered for uniform dispersion, stability and versatile application

In slurry form, microcapsules are dispersed in water at varying concentrations, depending on the end use of the product. The size of slurry microcapsules can range from 20 to 500 microns. The slurry form is the ideal solution for all production processes involving the integration of microencapsulated active ingredients into aqueous or semi-aqueous formulations, where uniform dispersion and suspension stability over time are fundamental requirements.

Production technology: coacervation

IPS slurry microcapsules are produced through coacervation, one of the most established and versatile microencapsulation techniques in the industrial sector. In the coacervation process, the lipophilic substance to be encapsulated is dispersed in an aqueous solution containing gelatin as the wall polymer. When process conditions are modified (pH, temperature, concentration), the polymers coacervate and progressively deposit around the droplets of the lipophilic substance, forming a thin, continuous membrane. The result is a microcapsule with a core-shell structure: the core contains the protected active substance, while the gelatin shell ensures its stability, protection from external agents and controlled release.

Technical parameters

Below are the main technical parameters of IPS slurry microcapsules, useful for assessing their compatibility with your production process.

Parameter	Value / notes
Physical form	Aqueous suspension (slurry)
Microcapsule size	20 – 500 µm
Wall material (shell)	Gelatin
Concentration	Customisable based on application
Storage temperature	10°C – 40°C (in enclosed environment)

For specific requirements or to assess compatibility with your production process, please contact the IPS team.

Slurry Microcapsules vs. Dry Microcapsules: WHEN TO CHOOSE WHICH

The choice between microcapsules in slurry and dry form depends primarily on the customer’s production process and the type of final formulation.

	Slurry Microcapsules	Dry Microcapsules
Physical form	Aqueous suspension	Fine powder
Process integration	Ideal for aqueous processes: impregnation, coating, padding	Ideal for solid formulations and dry processes
Dosage	Volumetric dosing of the suspension	Easy gravimetric dosing (weighing)
Compatibility	Textile, paper, tissue, non-woven, industrial personal care	Dry mixing processes, powders, patches, transdermal patches
Microcapsule size	20 – 500 µm	50 – 1.500 µm

Technical specifications

Le microcapsule in slurry sono progettate per garantire prestazioni costanti e affidabili in ogni fase del processo produttivo. Di seguito le principali caratteristiche tecniche:

Uniform distribution
Microcapsule dispersion is homogeneous.
Concentration
Microcapsule concentration can be adjusted to meet the requirements of specific applications.
Stability
Microcapsules remain uniformly dispersed over time without aggregating.
Storage temperature
Slurries can be stored between 10°C and 40°C without compromising their functional properties.

Applications

Slurry microcapsules integrate into highly diverse production processes, from textile finishing to the manufacture of absorbent materials. Below are the main application areas:

Textile sector and functional finishing
The aqueous suspension integrates easily into finishing processes by impregnation, coating or padding:
• Formulations for applying active substances, fragrances or thermosensitive elements to yarns and fabrics
• Antibacterial finishes for technical textiles and medical materials
Paper, tissue and non-woven
• Formulations for incorporating active ingredients (fragranced or antibacterial) in the production of scented insoles, nappies and underpads, handkerchiefs and wipes.
• Paper and tissue materials with olfactory properties for special applications

IPS Slurry Microcapsules Application Examples

Examples of already developed products and achievable solutions using IPS Slurry Microcapsules. These cards bring together the application cases and concepts that use this process. Do you have a specific requirement or a new project in mind? Contact IPS for more information: we will assess the most suitable solution together.

Concept

Functional Textiles and Non-Wovens with microencapsulated essential oils

System for functionalising water-based paints through microcapsules in slurry integrated into the...

Case Study

Integration of slurry microcapsules into insole materials

How to integrate microencapsulated fragrances and antibacterial agents directly into insole materials,...

Case Study

Insect-repellent patches with microencapsulated essential oils

How to integrate natural active ingredients into a patch system with prolonged...

FAQ — Slurry Microcapsules

Frequently asked questions about aqueous microcapsule suspensions for industrial applications

What are slurry microcapsules?

Slurry microcapsules are aqueous suspensions in which microcapsules containing fragrances, active ingredients or other lipophilic materials are homogeneously dispersed in a liquid phase. The slurry form is ideal for production processes requiring the integration of microencapsulated active ingredients into aqueous or semi-aqueous formulations.

What technology is used to produce IPS slurry microcapsules?

IPS slurry microcapsules are produced through coacervation. In this process, the lipophilic substance to be encapsulated is dispersed in an aqueous solution containing gelatin. By modifying the process conditions (pH, temperature, concentration), the gelatin coacervates and deposits around the droplets of the active substance, forming a thin membrane (core-shell structure).

What is the wall material (shell) of the microcapsules?

The wall material used is gelatin.

What is the size of slurry microcapsules?

The size can range from 20 to 500 microns, depending on the microencapsulated raw material and the characteristics of the final application.

How should slurry be stored?

Slurry microcapsules should be stored in a cool and dry environment, at a temperature between 10°C and 40°C.

What is the difference between slurry microcapsules and dry microcapsules?

The main difference concerns the physical form and the type of production process they integrate into. Slurry microcapsules are an aqueous suspension, ideal for impregnation, coating and padding processes in the textile, paper and non-woven sectors. Dry microcapsules come in powder form, ideal for solid formulations and dry processes such as the production of patches and transdermal patches. Slurry microcapsules range in size from 20–500 µm, dry ones from 50–1,500 µm.

In which production processes does slurry integrate?

Slurry integrates easily into the following processes: padding (passing the fabric through the impregnation bath), coating on fabrics, paper or non-woven, immersion of textile materials, coating on paper and non-woven substrates.

Which active ingredients can be microencapsulated in slurry form?

IPS has experience in slurry microencapsulation of: fragrances and essential oils (citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, mint and many others), antibacterial active ingredients. For raw materials not included in the standard list, a feasibility assessment can be requested from the IPS team.

Is the microcapsule concentration in the suspension fixed or customisable?

The concentration is customisable based on the specific requirements of the final application and the customer's production process.

How can I request samples or initiate a technical evaluation?

To request samples or initiate an evaluation, you can fill in the contact form or contact the IPS team directly. IPS follows a structured process → Find out more:

Analysis of raw materials
Definition of the microencapsulation strategy
Experimentation and prototyping
Optimisation and industrialisation

We develop microencapsulation projects through a structured process:

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