Hollow polymeric microcapsules: Preparation, characterization and application in holding boron trifluoride diethyl etherate

A novel method was proposed to prepare boron trifluoride diethyl etherate ((C2H5)2O·BF3)-loaded microcapsules. To protect the high activity of (C2H5)2O·BF3, hollow microcapsules were prepared via UV-initiated polymerization in emulsion with the aid of CO2 microbubble templates, evacuation, and immersion in (C2H5)2O·BF3 allowing infiltration of the chemical. The selected photo-initiator induced rapid curing of the oil layer in the CO2/oil/water emulsion, ensuring production of the desired hollow capsules. Structure, geometry, morphology and properties of the resultants were carefully studied in relation to their synthesis conditions and loading behavior in liquid (C2H5)2O·BF3. The results indicated that the amount of (C2H5)2O·BF3 filled in the capsules can be adjusted by changing the shell composition. Having been encapsulated, (C2H5)2O·BF3 maintained its reactivity with epoxy.