Microcapsules application in graphic arts industry: a review on the state-of-the-art

The process of oil-containing microcapsules production by complex coacervation of gelatine and gum arabic was patented in 1957. Microencapsulation technology gained importance in production of carbonless copy paper as one of the most important commercial products. Development of this technology in later years led to the emergence of different types of microcapsules and the production procedures for various application fields. Nowadays, they are mainly used in medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, construction industry, chemical industry, food industry, biotechnology, cosmetic industry, photography, electronics, textiles and printing industry. This review paper highlights the major types of microcapsules and their applications in production techniques in graphic arts and printing industry, various processing parameters that affect their important characteristics and methods for microcapsules characterization. This paper discusses the applications of microcapsules within printing industry, and feasible printing technologies related to the desired substrate materials. The analysis of these subjects offers a deeper insight into the mechanisms of microcapsule transfer processes, their behavior, and working conditions leading to the final products. It reveals the advantages and the drawbacks of certain printing technologies for microcapsules transfer, which enables the determination of favorable transfer procedure for specific microcapsule type and substrate materials. This paper also provides valuable recommendations and potential solutions on how to overcome the obstacles created by certain printing technologies.