Polyurea/polyurethane (PUa/PU) shell microcapsules (MCs), containing high loadings of isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) in the core, were developed to enable the production of mono-component, eco-friendly and safer adhesive formulations for the footwear industry. IPDI microencapsulation was obtained via oil–in–water (O/W) microemulsion combined with interfacial polymerization. A methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) compound (a commercial blend of monomeric and polymeric species), with higher reactivity than IPDI and low viscosity, was added to the O phase to competitively contribute to the shell formation, improving its quality. Four different active H sources were tested, aimed at achieving a high encapsulation yield. The successful encapsulation of IPDI was confirmed by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), while the MCs’ morphology and size distribution were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The incorporation of a multifunctional isocyanate silane in the O phase, as “latent” active H source, led to the formation of impermeable PUa/PU-silica hybrid shell MCs with more than 60 wt.% of pure encapsulated IPDI. A proof-of-concept study shows high peeling strength and a structural type of failure of the adhesive joint, revealing an effective IPDI release. These new engineered MCs are found to be promising crosslinkers for mono-component adhesives for high demanding applications.

The cement and concrete sectors are known for their significant contribution to CO₂ emissions. Carbonation curing of concrete precast elements in a CO₂-rich atmosphere is a sustainable approach to reducing the carbon footprint of these industries while simultaneously enhancing the mechanical properties of cement-based materials. This study systematically investigates the influence of mix design and pre- conditioning on CO₂ uptake efficiency and the mechanical performance of mortars. The findings highlight that both factors play a crucial role in optimizing carbonation efficiency. Notably, the study demonstrates that maximizing CO₂ sequestration of 3 wt.% of the mortar can be achieved through controlled pre-curing while mechanical properties are preserved or even improved. This study confirms that carbonation curing can be seamlessly integrated into the precast concrete manufacturing process without requiring additional processing steps. This breakthrough paves the way for practical implementation in industrial settings, offering the dual benefit of carbon reduction and material performance enhancement.