Abstract

This invention relates to a process for making microscopic size capsules from an emulsion having an inner oily or hydrophobic phase (material to be encapsulated) and an outer hardenable hydrophilic phase. The process is characterized by the step of contacting said emulsion with a break-up fluid capable of dividing said emulsion into substantially separate capsules having an inner hydrophobic phase and an outer hardenable hydrophilic phase; and then hardening the hydrophilic phase of said capsules to form microscopic size capsules or microencapsulations.The separated capsules can contain clusters of capsules, or they may be made as separate, individual capsules. In the preferred embodiment, the break-up fluid contains a surfactant capable of enhancing the break-up function of the fluid so that the separated capsules are predominately individual capsules.This invention also relates to microscopic size capsules formed by this process.