Polymer Film Coating

Applicant(s): Devan 
Inventor(s): Sofie Depluverez [BE]; Hugo Soens [BE]; Teixeira Roberto Fernando Almeida [PT]
Patent number: WO2026052702A1
Publication date: 2026-03-12
Field: Polymer materials and functional coatings

This invention concerns an innovative polymer film coating based on a combination of polyvinyl alcohol (or related copolymers) and polysaccharides, forming a stable polymer network. Within this network, a water‑immiscible liquid payload is encapsulated.

The technology covers both the applications of these functional coatings and the methods used to produce them, offering new possibilities for controlled delivery and advanced coating solutions.

Microcapsules are widely used to deliver active ingredients to surfaces, enabling functional properties such as temperature regulation, antimicrobial activity, or protection. However, conventional microcapsules based on synthetic polymers face increasing regulatory and environmental constraints. 

While biodegradable alternatives exist, they often suffer from low payload capacity, higher material use, and negative effects on product performance, particularly in textile applications. 

This creates a need for more efficient, sustainable payload delivery systems.

The solution is a polymer film coating that combines polyvinyl alcohol and polysaccharides to form a stable network capable of encapsulating water‑immiscible liquid payloads. The coating can be applied directly to substrates, enabling efficient and controlled delivery of active liquids through a scalable formulation and processing approach.

• Improved biodegradability and lower environmental impact compared to synthetic polymer microcapsules, helping to address concerns such as microplastic pollution.
• High payload loading capacity, exceeding that of existing biodegradable microcapsules and enabling effective functionalization with less material.
• Versatile, sustainable and cost‑effective solution for active payload delivery on a wide range of substrates, particularly textiles.
• Strong adhesion and excellent wash durability, ensuring long‑lasting performance on treated substrates.