Synthesis of self-healing microcapsules based on dicyclopentadiene

Introduction. The study aims to explore the possibility of creating microcapsules using a carbamide-formaldehyde shell (coat) that contains dicyclopentadiene. Materials and methods. The following reagents were used to synthesize carbamide-formaldehyde microcapsules: distilled water; carbamide (urea) with a purity of 99%; technical formalin; sodium hydroxide (Pro Analysis «PA»); neem seed oil (NSO); polysorbate Twin-80; dicyclopentadiene with a purity of 98%; absolute ethyl alcohol (dehydrated); hydrochloric acid (Pro Analysis «PA»). Results and discussion. Organic microcapsules were obtained by polymerization of carbamide-formaldehyde resin. Filling of microcapsules with dicyclopentadiene has been carried out by establishing equilibrium between concentrated solution of dicyclopentadiene in alcohol and capsule contents. Average size of capsules was ~100 μm. Capsules have spherical shape and solid shell. Fourier-transform IR (FTIR) spectrum confirmed required compositions of capsule shell and filler. Analysis of DSC curve (Differential scanning calorimetry curve) showed that filling of capsules with dicyclopentadiene was successful. Conclusion. The result of the research done is the successful synthesis of microcapsules using a carbamide-formaldehyde shell. This synthesis of microcapsules and its application in building materials technology opens up new prospects for creating composites with selfhealing properties.