Method for producing porous particles by means of a hybrid process of atomisation via drying-cooling

A method of obtaining particles with pore structure, by means of a hybrid process of atomization via drying-cooling, which comprises the steps of:

• a) providing a water-in-oil type emulsion, which comprises:
• i. a composition of a non-solubilized and in melt state matrix, in a concentration of up to 90% by weight of the total emulsion, made up of at least one wax and/or fat, where said matrix composition constitutes the continuous phase of the emulsion;
• and
• ii. an aqueous and/or water-soluble solvent composition, in a concentration of up to 60% by weight of the total emulsion, which optionally may contain a non-aqueous volatile solvent, where said solvent composition constitutes the dispersed phase of the emulsion;
• b) atomizing the emulsion obtained in step a), by means of the steps of:
• i. separating the water-in-oil type emulsion obtained in step a) into discrete particles and;
• ii. removing the solvent composition described in step a) by evaporation, allowing the formation of a pore structure;
• wherein the step b) is driven by the action of shear forces induced by an atomization gas flow, which is provided at a pressure of up to 10 atm and a temperature of up to 250° C.;
• and
• c) cooling the discrete particles obtained in step b), immediately after having removed the solvent composition, by contact with a gas flow cold enough to allow the discrete particles to solidify at a temperature below the point of fluidity of the matrix composition, and preserving the pore structure formed in step b), obtaining discrete particles in solid state, essentially free of solvents, with a pore structure.