CALCIUM-BASED CARRIER PARTICLES
The present invention relates to a method for forming a calcium-based carrier particle consisting of the calcium-based material, an active, with or without a surface modification, a stabilizing agent, and the related composition. The calcium-based particle is illustrated by the general formula Cax(PO4)y(OH)zR and may also include a silica or silica oxide substituent. R is an active or actives such as an organic or inorganic molecule that includes markers, amines, thiols, epoxies, organosilicones, organosilanes, sulfates, and water soluble agents and, as needed, a surface modification, S, which may be either organic or inorganic. A stabilizing agent may be necessary to maintain dispersion of the particles in aqueous media. Examples of a surface modifying material and stabilizing agents are inorganic salts of aluminum and boron or organic materials such as organosilanes or low molecular weight polymers. As such, the particle can be used in a variety of applications including any of a variety of high temperature, at acidic, neutral, or basic pH, or pressure environments. The carrier particles have applications as diverse as papermaking, water treatment, chemical tracing, personal care, microbiological control, oil recovery, delivery of polymers, for example.