Patent ID: 6190591
Filing Date: 2001-02-20
Classification: A23L,A23P,A61K,B01J,B29B,B29C,B29K,Y02A

Abstract:
A method for continuously encapsulating or embedding a component in a matrix comprising:a. admixing at least one plasticizable matrix material with at least one plasticizer and at least one component for controlling the rate of release of an encapsulant, said admixing being under low shear conditions to plasticize the plasticizable material without substantially destroying the at least one plasticizable material and to obtain a substantially homogeneous plasticized mass,b. reducing the plasticizer content of said plasticized mass,c. reducing the temperature of the plasticized mass to obtain a cooled, plasticized mass,d. admixing at least one encapsulant with said cooled, plasticized mass to obtain a formable mixture, said admixing being under low shear mixing conditions at a plasticized mass temperature which avoids substantial thermal destruction of said at least one encapsulant,e. extruding said formable mixture through a die to obtain an extrudate, andf. cutting said extrudate into pieces.