A two-component, water based micro encapsulation composition and method
for the cleanup of hydrocarbon spills or contaminates on various surfaces
and media. The two-part formulation includes a first solution including
water in a predetermined ratio of a water soluble alkaline silicate
solution having at least one alkali metal and a predetermined ratio of at
least one water soluble surfactant; and a second solution including
water, a predetermined ratio of water soluble acid, a predetermined ratio
of water dispersible polymer, a predetermined ratio of water soluble
hydrotrope, and a predetermined ratio of at least one water soluble
flocculating agent. A method of using the two-part formulation includes
preparing the two-part formulation, allowing the first solution to
contact the hydrocarbon or chemical contaminate; allowing the second
solution to contact the first solution and contaminate to form a
homogeneous mixture; and removing the homogeneous mixture.