A microcapsule comprising a core containing a hydrophobic liquid or wax and a polymeric shell formed from: i) 1 to 20% by weight of polymerizable silane compound, ii) 1 to 94% by weight of hydrophobic mono functional ethylenically unsaturated monomer, iii) 5 to 98% by weight of polyfunctional ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and iv) 0 to 60% by weight of other mono functional monomer(s), wherein components (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) total 100%, and in which the microcapsule also includes a hydrophilic polymer which is covalently bonded to the microcapsule. The invention includes a process for the manufacture of particles and the use of particles in articles, such as fabrics, and coating compositions, especially for textiles.