Preparation and characterization of microcapsules containing ammonium persulfate as core by in situ polymerization

•The microcapsules as gel breakers were prepared by in situ polymerization.•The microcapsules were composed of ammonium persulfate core and polypyrrole shell.•The release time of ammonium persulfate from the microcapsules was controllable.•The prepared microcapsules had good storage stability at room temperature.

A new series of microcapsules for the fabrication of gel breakers were prepared by in situ polymerization with polypyrrole and glycerol as shell materials and ammonium persulfate as core material. The morphology, shell wall thickness and size distribution of the microcapsules were characterized through transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and optical microscope. The controlled releases of ammonium persulfate in the microcapsules were studied at different temperatures. The release time and rate were completely controlled by changing the shell wall thicknesses, components and temperature.

Graphical abstractMicrocapsules containing APS as core materials are prepared as gel breakers by in situ polymerization of pyrrole and glycerol monomers. Meanwhile, APS in the microcapsules can be completely released, and its release rate and time is controllable in water.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide