The main objective of this study was to investigate the composition of microcapsules and the degree of curing of melamine-formaldehyde (MF) resin, which formed a shell of microcapsules, by the use of differential dynamic calorimetry (DSC). For this purpose, decane was chosen as core material. The microencapsulation of decane with MF resin was carried out at different temperatures and pH values. The temperature and pH value were kept constant during the process. The composition of the microcapsules and the degree of curing of the shell material were studied during and after the microencapsulation process. DSC analysis, in combination with scanning electron microscopy analysis, was revealed as an effective tool for the investigation of the microencapsulation process with MF resin. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 119: 3687-3695, 2011