Encapsulation

Name:
Encapsulation
Detailed information:
The process in which a material or an assembly of small, discrete units is coated with or imbedded in a molten film, sheath, or foam, usually of an elastomer. A foam-forming plastic may be used to fill the spaces between various electrical or electronic components so that they are imbedded in and supported by the foam. Plastics and other materials used for this purpose are often called potting compounds. A specialized use of this technique is in growing crystals for semiconductors, in which a coating of liquid boric oxide is the encapsulating agent. Use of a glassy silicate coating to encapsulate nuclear waste for permanent disposal is under investigation.See Microencapsulation.