Abstract: Clove essential oil made by steam distillation yielded many low boiling point components. In order to prevent the volatilization of clove essential oil, the processing technology of clove essential oil microcapsule by spray-drying method was studied and the structure of the product was observed by scanning electron microscope. The results showed that microcapsule was obtained in optimum conditions by spray-drying technology as follows: the gum acacia and maltodextrin proportion was 1: 1 in the wall materials, proportion of clove essential oil to wall materials was 1:12, emulsion concentration 20%, emulsifier used as 0.3% of the emulsion homogenizing time 15 minutes and speed 1.5×104～1.6×104r/min, temperature of entering air and out going air 220℃ and 180℃ respectively.

Key words: clove essential oil, microcapsule, spray-drying