Preparation of polystyrene microcapsules and encapsulation of 3-Iodo-2-propynyl N-butylcarbamate (IPBC)

In the present work, we describe the procedure for neat synthesis of polystyrene (PS) microcapsules and PS capsules containing different amounts of the biocide (3-iodo-2-propynyl N-butylcarbamate, IPBC). We have used phase separation and solvent evaporation techniques for producing the PS microcapsules. The preparation of PS microcapsules was performed in the aqueous medium containing surface active molecules. During evaporation of the organic solvent, hard and round-shaped PS microcapsules were formed. The diameter of the PS microcapsules varied between 55-63 micrometers determined by laser diffractometer. The study comprises characterization of the microcapsules with and without biocide using different techniques. The presence and the amount of encapsulated IPBC were determined by SEM-EDS and HPLC technique. The release of the encapsulated IPBC into water from the micro-sized PS microcapsules was determined. The knowledge obtained from this study can be utilized in the development of active and protective anti-fouling surfaces