ABSTRACT
Encapsulation of functional agents within micro-capsules is an attractive technique for
controlled delivery where the delivered material is either valuable or corrosive. Emulsion
templates are well known to be used for this purpose where the dispersed spherical droplets
includes the functional capsules upon being loaded with functional agents. The challenge of
stabilizing immiscible droplets in continuous medium can be met by particle-stabilized
emulsion system, widely known as Pickering emulsions. Partial wetting of the solid particles
by the two immiscible liquids leads to self assembly of particles at the liquid-liquid interface
during emulsification, providing stable water-in-oil emulsions. The resultant colloid system
provide controlled permeability, mechanical strength and viscoelastic behavior. In this
study, micron-sized aqueous capsules consisting functional anti-icing agents are embedded
into hydrophobic SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) copolymer medium, through particle
stabilization in emulsion templating method. Partially hydrophobic silica nanoparticles are
used to form Pickering emulsion. Gelling of the aqueous dispersed phase is investigated for
additional stability and enhanced control for the release of the anti-acing agent. Aqueous
agarose solution is used as a representative gel structure, and the stable emulsion is casted as
a membrane upon drying. SBS composite membrane is characterized with respect to
microstructure and surface water contact angle (WCA). Rheological studies demonstrated
that nanoparticle shells around functional beads enhance mechanical strength. The
hydrophobicity and thermoplastic nature of SBS polymer allows incorporation of the
composite into other mediums such as bitumen, thus opens possibility to functional delivery
of anti-icing agents through mediums which would otherwise not be compatible with polar
agents.