Aqueous emulsions and coatings formed with them

Description

1 / 31 “AQUEOUS EMULSIONS AND COATINGS FORMED WITH THEM” BACKGROUND

[0001] Dust formation can be problematic in various sectors, with consequences ranging from simple annoyances to serious health and safety risks. Like many small particles, dust represents a potential inhalation risk that can lead to adverse health effects, and under certain circumstances, fine dust particles can be subject to sudden ignition.

[0002] Seed handling and planting represent an area where dust formation can be problematic. For example, seeding equipment can lead to dust drift. Seeds can also be inherently prone to dust formation, as they can be small particles or contain small particles. Dust drift, also known as dust removal, is a measure of particle loss from seeds when they are handled. High dust removal values ​​are representative of excessive dust formation. Excessive dust removal can release active ingredients from seeds or a coating on them, such as fertilizers or herbicides, and thus impact crop effectiveness. Furthermore, studies have shown that excessive dust formation during seed planting can have negative environmental impacts, such as a deleterious effect on local bee populations.

[0003] Another problem commonly encountered when using seeding equipment is flowability, which refers to the ease with which dry seeds slide through the internal parts of the equipment. Low flowability values ​​can lead to problems such as seed clumping (sometimes called bridging in the technique), clogging of the seeding equipment in various locations, inconsistent seed flow through the equipment, and uneven seed planting, including placing multiple seeds per hole or missing seeds in some holes. All these factors can lead to inconsistent or suboptimal planting of a given plot of farmland and, in turn, to an undesirable loss of crop productivity. Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, p. 15 / 55 2 / 31

[0004] To discourage dust formation and encourage flowability, coatings are often applied to seeds, as well as other types of dust-prone substances. Polymeric coatings are frequently used for this purpose. Although polymeric coatings can suppress dust formation and promote greater flowability in some cases, many polymeric coatings are not easily dissolvable or biodegradable and therefore can persist as microplastics in the environment for long periods of time. In fact, the environmental problems associated with microplastics are so impactful that the European Union has mandated the phasing out of seed coatings capable of generating microplastics by the mid-2020s, and other countries are expected to follow suit in the coming years.

[0005] As another problem, many coatings fail to provide satisfactory dust removal and flow performance in combination, especially those that extensively use bio-based or biodegradable materials. Many conventional bio-based components for seed coatings and other types of coatings are facing ongoing supply chain problems or may exhibit lower-than-desired coating performance. Thus, there is a desire to make coatings for seeds and other surfaces more readily biodegradable and / or environmentally friendly by using higher percentages (or exclusively) of readily obtainable bio-based materials, while still producing coatings with exceptional performance for the intended application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the disclosure and should not be viewed as exclusive configurations. The disclosed object is subject to considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to someone with common knowledge of the art who benefits from such disclosure. Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, p. 16 / 55 3 / 31

[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an illustrative system for coating seeds using a drum coater according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a graph of abrasion resistance for coatings produced from various aqueous emulsions of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIGS. 3 and 4 are radar graphs showing the performance of seeds coated with a resin-free control and seeds coated with Sample E, respectively, each compared to a synthetic reference seed coating. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] This disclosure generally refers to emulsion and coating technologies and, more specifically, aqueous emulsions and coatings formed from them that may be free of microplastic-generating components.

[0011] As discussed above, dust formation can be problematic in several respects, including in seed handling and planting. Seed coatings containing polymers and other types of polymeric coatings can promote immediate flowability and suppress dust formation to varying degrees, but many types of these polymeric coatings may be based on chemicals or technologies that make them microplastics. As used herein, the term “microplastics” refers to polymer particles with a maximum size of about 5 mm in any dimension, where the polymer is not biopolymer in nature (i.e., does not occur naturally), is insoluble in water, and is non-biodegradable. As microplastics are a growing environmental concern, polymeric coatings defined as microplastics are currently being discontinued, both for seeds and other substrates.Currently, there are few viable alternatives to suppress dust formation and promote immediate flowability when forming coatings on seeds and other types of substrates, particularly using microplastic-free compositions.

[0012] This disclosure provides aqueous emulsions and coatings formed from them that are freely biodegradable and can be formed Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 17 / 55 4 / 31 primarily or exclusively from materials of biological origin or using synthetic materials that are, by themselves, environmentally friendly, including biodegradable and / or water-soluble materials. In the disclosure presented here, a material is considered water-soluble if it exhibits an aqueous solubility of approximately 2 g / L or greater at room temperature. Biodegradation can be determined by OECD test method 301D. Other standard test methods for determining biodegradation include OECD test methods 301B, C or F or OECD test method 310.

[0013] The thin film coatings of the present invention can be produced on the surface of seeds and other substrates using an aqueous emulsion comprising an aqueous fluid, at least one wax and at least one rosin acid that is at least partially neutralized with at least one base. Optionally, other additives, such as, for example, at least one biopolymer, at least one water-soluble polymer or any combination thereof, may also be present in the thin film coatings and aqueous emulsions, as discussed in more detail below.

[0014] In particular, aqueous emulsions suitable for carrying out the above may comprise: an aqueous fluid; 5% by weight to 60% by weight or 10% by weight to 60% by weight of at least one wax, on a total solids basis; and 0.1% by weight to 45% by weight or 3% by weight to 45% by weight of at least one rosin acid, on a total solids basis, the at least one rosin acid being at least partially neutralized with at least one base. Total solids refers to all non-liquid or non-gaseous components mixed into the aqueous emulsions, whether in dissolved or dispersed (suspended) form. Further details on the composition follow below.

[0015] The aqueous emulsions of the present disclosure and the thin-film coatings formed from them are substantially based on chemical substances that are not defined as microplastics and therefore do not persist in the environment for long periods of time, unlike currently used microplastic-based thin-film coatings. At a minimum, the aqueous emulsions of Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, p. 18 / 55 5 / 31 The present disclosure may contain fewer microplastic-generating components than conventional coatings. Preferably, aqueous emulsions may be microplastic-free and provide thin-film coatings that are also microplastic-free. Advantageously, the aqueous emulsions and thin-film coatings of the present disclosure may incorporate all bio-based (natural) materials in some cases to further improve environmental favorability. Even aqueous emulsions containing all bio-based materials may form robust thin-film coatings after drying on various types of surfaces. The thin-film coatings may demonstrate a high degree of abrasion resistance.

[0016] Thus, the aqueous emulsions of the present disclosure and the thin-film coatings formed from them represent a potentially disruptive technology for the formation of seed coatings and coatings on other types of base substrates. As naturally occurring materials are employed in the aqueous emulsions and thin-film coatings disclosed herein, they are more environmentally sustainable and renewable than current technologies. Although the aqueous emulsions of the present disclosure may be particularly advantageous for the formation of coated seeds, it should be recognized that aqueous emulsions may be equally beneficial for the formation of thin-film coatings on other types of base substrates as well.

[0017] Aqueous fluids suitable for use in the present description may comprise water or water mixed with a water-miscible organic solvent, such as an alcohol or a glycol. Such water-miscible organic solvents may sometimes be present as an antifreeze agent in aqueous emulsions, reducing the freezing point of the aqueous fluid. In other embodiments, the aqueous fluids may be free even of water-miscible organic solvents. The aqueous fluids and aqueous emulsions may be acidic, neutral, or basic, depending on the specific application requirements. A specific pH may be chosen to maintain the emulsion in the emulsified form or to Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 19 / 55 6 / 31 provide a specific protonation state for one or more components of the aqueous emulsion, for example. Buffering can be performed, for example, if necessary or desired. Thus, aqueous fluids and aqueous emulsions formed from them may have a pH ranging from about 1 to about 7, or about 2 to about 6, or about 1 to about 6, or about 6 to about 7, or about 6 to about 8, or about 7 to about 8, or about 7 to about 14, or about 8 to about 14, or about 8 to about 12, or about 7 to about 9. Preferably, to maintain at least partial neutralization of at least one rosin acid, aqueous emulsions may have a pH of about 5 or higher, or about 6 or higher, or about 7 or higher, or about 8 or higher, such as about 5 to about 10, or about 7 to about 12, or about 7.5 to about 11, or about 8 around 11.5.

[0018] The aqueous fluid may be present in the aqueous emulsions described herein in an amount of up to about 90% by weight, or up to about 80% by weight, or up to about 70% by weight, or up to about 60% by weight, or up to about 50% by weight, or up to about 40% by weight, or up to about 30% by weight, or up to about 20% by weight, or up to about 15% by weight, as from about 5% by weight to about 20% by weight, or from about 10% by weight to about 25% by weight, or from about 10% by weight to about 30% by weight, or from about 15% by weight to about 25% by weight, or from about 50% by weight to about 80% by weight. %, each measured based on the total mass of the aqueous emulsions.

[0019] The aqueous emulsions described herein may contain a high total solids load, some of which may be at least partially dissolved in the aqueous fluid and some of which may be dispersed or emulsified as particles in the aqueous fluid of the aqueous emulsion. For example, in non-limiting examples of the aqueous emulsions disclosed herein, wax may be dispersed as particles and at least one rosin acid, depending on the degree of neutralization, may be dispersed as particles and / or at least partially dissolved in the aqueous fluid of the aqueous emulsions. In illustrative embodiments, the aqueous emulsions described herein may contain about 5% in Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 20 / 55 7 / 31 weight to about 70% by weight of solids, or 5% by weight to about 70% by weight of solids, or about 5% by weight to about 60% by weight of solids, or about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight of solids, or about 15% by weight to about 60% by weight of solids, or about 15% by weight to about 55% by weight of solids, or about 20% by weight to about 50% by weight of solids, or about 35% by weight to about 55% by weight of solids, based on the total mass of the aqueous emulsion. In the above, solids refers to both dissolved solids and dispersed / emulsified solids. The aqueous fluid can constitute the mass equilibrium within aqueous emulsions. Particulate solids (emulsified / dispersed solids) may be present in aqueous emulsions with particle sizes ranging from about 50 nm to about 5 pm or from about 100 nm to about 5 pm, for example.

[0020] Suitable rosin acids may include acids such as abietic acid, pimaric acid, or any combination thereof. Other suitable rosin acids that may be present, alone or in combination with abietic acid and / or pimaric acid, include, for example, neoabietic acid, dehydroabietic acid, palustric acid, levopimaric acid, and isopimaric acid. The rosin acid(s) may be obtained from rosin gum and, preferably, are substantially free of liquid terpenes after being released from the rosin gum. Crude rosin gum, free of liquid terpenes, may be used directly as a source of rosin acid(s) in the formation of aqueous emulsions in some cases.

[0021] Rosin acids or at least a partially neutralized form thereof may be present in the aqueous emulsions described herein in an amount of up to about 50% by weight, or up to about 45% by weight, or up to about 40% by weight, or up to about 30% by weight, or up to about 20% by weight, such as about 0.1% by weight to 45% by weight, or about 1% by weight to about 45% by weight, or about 3% by weight to about 45% by weight, or about 3% by weight to about 25% by weight, or about 3% by weight to about 10% by weight, or about 5% by weight to about 45% by weight, or about Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, p. 21 / 55 8 / 31% by weight to about 40% by weight, or about 20% by weight to about 35% by weight, or about 20% by weight to about 45% by weight, each measured on the basis of the mass of total solids in the aqueous emulsions. Based on the combined mass of wax, rosin, base and optional surfactant(s), rosin may be present in the aqueous emulsions in an amount of 5% by weight to about 50% by weight, or about 10% by weight to about 20% by weight, or about 25% by weight to about 50% by weight, or about 30% by weight to about 40% by weight.

[0022] At least one rosin acid can be at least partially neutralized in the aqueous emulsions and thin film coatings disclosed herein, which includes total or partial neutralization. When totally neutralized, substantially all of the at least one rosin acid is converted into the corresponding rosin acid salt (e.g., an abietiate salt, a pimarate salt, and the like). When partially neutralized, a first portion of the at least one rosin acid is converted into at least one rosin acid salt and a second portion of the at least one rosin acid remains in the form of free carboxylic acid.In non-limiting examples, at least about 20% by weight, or at least about 30% by weight, or at least about 40% by weight, or at least about 50% by weight, or at least about 60% by weight, or at least about 70% by weight, or at least about 80% by weight, or at least about 90% by weight of at least one rosin acid is neutralized with a base. Preferably, when only a portion of at least one rosin acid is neutralized, about 50% to about 95% by weight, or about 60% to about 95% by weight, or about 70% to about 90% by weight, or about 75% to about 95% by weight, or about 80% to about 95% by weight, or about 90% to about 99% by weight of at least one rosin acid is neutralized.

[0023] When at least one rosin acid is completely neutralized or a substantial majority of at least one rosin acid is neutralized, at least one rosin acid may be dissolved in Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 22 / 55 9 / 31 aqueous fluid. For example, when at least about 80% or more, or about 85% or more, or about 90% or more, or about 95% or more, or about 97% or more, or about 99% or more of at least one rosin acid is neutralized, the at least one rosin acid may be dissolved in the aqueous fluid. When the at least one rosin acid is not neutralized or an insufficient amount of the at least one rosin acid is converted to a salt form, at least a portion of the at least one rosin acid may be dispersed as a plurality of solid particles in the aqueous fluid. The dispersion of the at least one rosin acid as a plurality of solid particles in aqueous emulsions may be aided by at least one surfactant, examples of which are discussed later.

[0024] Suitable bases for forming at least partially neutralized rosin acid may include, but are not limited to, aqueous ammonia, an amine (e.g., ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, trimethylamine, diethylamine, dimethylethylamine, triethylamine, and the like) or an alkali metal base (e.g., NaOH, KOH, or the like). Combinations of these bases may be used. Once at least one rosin acid has been at least partially neutralized and incorporated into an aqueous emulsion, as described above, the pH of the aqueous emulsion may be further adjusted if necessary. Suitable pH ranges are provided above.

[0025] A crosslinking agent may be present in aqueous emulsions, if desired. If an amine is used to neutralize at least one rosin acid, and excess amine groups remain present, the excess amine groups may react with epoxide groups in the crosslinking agent to promote the formation of covalent bonds. Suitable examples of crosslinking agents containing epoxide groups will be familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0026] Waxes are hydrophobic organic substances found in petroleum and other oilseeds, biosynthesized by plants and animals or obtained synthetically. Waxes are generally malleable solids at room temperature. Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 23 / 55 10 / 31 and may comprise one or more higher alkanes (paraffins), particularly normal or branched C16-C100 alkanes or C20-C50 alkanes, lipids and / or oils. In the present description, at least one wax may be dispersed as a plurality of solid wax particles in the aqueous fluid of the aqueous emulsion. At least one wax may remain as solid wax particles after the formation of a thin film coating from the aqueous emulsion.

[0027] Waxes suitable for use in the present invention may include, but are not limited to, paraffin waxes (including Fischer-Tropsch waxes), oxidized paraffin waxes, polyolefin waxes, oxidized polyolefin waxes, natural waxes, oxidized natural waxes, and any combination thereof. As used herein, a wax is considered oxidized if oxygenated functional groups, such as alcohols, carboxylic acids, epoxides, or the like, are introduced into an unsubstituted (paraffinic) hydrocarbon backbone. The amount of oxygenated functional groups introduced into a given oxygenated wax may, for example, be sufficient to reduce the hydrophobicity of the wax to a degree necessary to facilitate the formation of an emulsified form of the wax.

[0028] Specific examples of paraffin waxes and lipid waxes suitable for use in the disclosure herein may include, but are not limited to, crude wax, beeswax, hydrogenated lipids, refined wax, semi-refined wax, flake wax, microcrystalline wax, beeswax, vegetable-based waxes such as soy and palm waxes, carnauba wax, rice bran wax, montan ester wax, sugarcane wax, sunflower wax, shellac wax, hydrogenated castor oil, poly(3-hydroxybiroate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), synthetic waxes such as oligomer waxes derived from linear alpha-olefins or copolymers thereof, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, polyolefin waxes (e.g., polyethylene wax or polypropylene wax) and any combination thereof. Suitable waxes can be obtained as a wax emulsion in an aqueous fluid, which can then be formulated with at least one rosin acid to form the aqueous emulsions described herein.Examples of wax emulsions that can be used in the present invention include, among others, MICHEM® emulsions, such as... Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 24 / 55 11 / 31 as ME62330, ME93335, ME61335, ME52137 and ME24414 (Michelman).

[0029] Waxes particularly suitable for use in the present invention may be a wax obtained from a biological source (natural waxes / waxes of natural origin), such as any wax of vegetable or animal origin listed above, or a wax that is also biodegradable. Thus, in specific embodiments, at least one wax may comprise or consist of at least one wax of natural origin in the present invention. It should be noted, however, that certain synthetic waxes, such as some Fischer-Tropsch waxes, also allow the maintenance of microplastic-free formulations and may likewise be suitable for use in the present invention.Thus, in more specific examples from this disclosure, at least one wax may comprise or consist of at least one wax of natural origin (for example, carnauba wax, rice bran wax, montan ester waxes, vegetable waxes such as soybean or palm wax, beeswax, sugarcane wax, sunflower wax or the like), at least one FischerTropsch wax or any combination thereof.

[0030] Waxes suitable for incorporation into the aqueous emulsions of the present disclosure may have a melting point of about 50 °C or above and an average particle size (diameter), when emulsified, ranging up to about 50,000 nm (50 microns) in size, or up to about 1,000 nm in size, or up to about 500 nm in size, such as about 300 nm or less, or about 200 nm or less, or about 100 nm or less, preferably an average diameter ranging from about 10 nm to about 100 nm, or about 25 nm to about 50 nm, or about 50 nm to about 90 nm, or about 20 nm to about 75 nm.

[0031] Waxes may be present in the aqueous emulsions described herein in an amount of up to about 60% by weight, or up to about 50% by weight, or up to about 40% by weight, or up to about 30% by weight, as from about 5% by weight to about 60% by weight, or from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight, or from about 5% by weight to about 40% by weight, or from about 15% by weight to about 35% by weight, or from about 20% by weight to about 30% by weight, each measured on the basis of the mass of total solids within the emulsions. Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, p. 25 / 55 12 / 31 aqueous. Based on a combined mass of wax, rosin acid, base and optional surfactant(s), the wax may be present in the aqueous emulsions in an amount of 30% by weight to about 80% by weight, or about 35% by weight to about 50% by weight, or about 40% by weight to about 60% by weight, or about 60% by weight to about 80% by weight.

[0032] A mass ratio of at least one wax to at least one rosin acid (or at least a partially neutralized form thereof) may vary from about 1:1 to about 10:1, or about 1:1 to about 5:1, or about 1:1 to about 3:1, or about 1:1 to about 2:1, or about 1:1 to about 1.2:1, or about 1.2:1 to about 1.5:1, or about 1.5:1 to about 2:1.

[0033] Optionally, the aqueous emulsions and the coating formed from them may comprise up to about 30% by weight, or up to about 40% by weight, or up to about 50% by weight, or up to about 60% by weight, or up to about 70% by weight of additional additives, again based on total solids. Additional additives that may be present, alone or in combination with each other, include, but are not limited to, at least one biopolymer, at least one water-soluble synthetic polymer, at least one surfactant (preferably at least one anionic surfactant, optionally in additional combination with at least one neutral surfactant, more preferably where the at least one anionic surfactant and / or the at least one neutral surfactant are biodegradable), at least one biocide, at least one effect pigment, at least one crosslinking agent, at least one plasticizer, or any combination thereof.Other inert components, such as fillers, preservatives, buffers and the like, may also be present as additional additives.

[0034] In some embodiments, aqueous emulsions and coatings formed from them may include at least one biopolymer, at least one water-soluble synthetic polymer, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the at least one biopolymer and / or the at least one water-soluble synthetic polymer may be biodegradable. Biodegradability may be assessed as described above. Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 26 / 55 13 / 31

[0035] Examples of synthetic polymers exhibiting water solubility and / or biodegradability that may be suitable for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, a polyethylene glycol, a polyvinylpyrrolidone, a poly(vinyl alcohol), a poly(methacrylic acid), a poly(lactic acid), a poly(glycolic acid), any copolymer thereof, or any combination thereof. Although poly(methacrylic acid) may be considered a microplastic in some jurisdictions, this polymer can be used in aqueous emulsions and coatings where a microplastic-free standard does not necessarily need to be maintained, or a suitable comonomer can be introduced into the poly(methacrylic acid) to promote water solubility or biodegradability. Suitable copolymers of the above polymers may include any comonomer that allows the original polymer to maintain water solubility and / or biodegradability, for example.In some examples, the comonomer may be vinyl acetate. In more specific embodiments, aqueous emulsions may comprise one or more of the following: a poly(vinyl alcohol), a polyvinylpyrrolidone, a vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate copolymer, or any combination thereof.

[0036] If included, the plasticizer may be present in the aqueous emulsions described herein in an amount of up to about 30% by weight, or up to about % by weight, or up to about 15% by weight, or up to about 10% by weight, or up to about 5% by weight, or up to about 1% by weight, as from about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight, or from about 10% by weight to about 30% by weight, or from about 5% by weight to about 25% by weight, or from about 15% by weight to about 25% by weight, as measured on the basis of the total solids within the aqueous emulsion.

[0037] The aqueous emulsions disclosed herein may comprise a suitable plasticizer. Suitable examples of the plasticizer are believed to be not particularly limited, except that they are dispersible in an aqueous emulsion of the present disclosure and are capable of promoting the formation of a robust thin film once the aqueous emulsions are deposited on the Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, p. 27 / 55 14 / 31 surface of a base substrate and dry. Some examples of suitable plasticizers may be derived from a biological source, although plasticizers of non-biological origin may also be used. Specific examples of suitable plasticizers may include, but are not limited to, epoxidized soybean oil, epoxidized linseed oil, castor oil, tannic acid, milk proteins, polyethylene glycol, or any combination thereof. Still other examples of plasticizers may be suitable, such as, for example, epoxidized sunflower oil, cardanol and modified cardanol, glycidol, vegetable plasticizers containing chlorine and phosphate, vegetable oils modified with phosphaphenanthrene, tung oil esters containing hydroxyl and nitrogen groups, dimethyl oleate-based plasticizers, citric acid esters, and the like.

[0038] If included, the plasticizer may be present in the aqueous emulsions described herein in an amount of up to about 10% by weight, or up to about 5% by weight, or up to about 4% by weight, or up to about 3% by weight, or up to about 2% by weight, or up to about 1% by weight, as from about 0.1% by weight to about 1.5% by weight, or from about 0.5% by weight to about 2% by weight, or from about 0.7% by weight to about 1.7% by weight, or from about 0.8% by weight to about 2% by weight, as measured on the basis of the total solids within the aqueous emulsion.

[0039] Additional components may also be present in the aqueous emulsions disclosed herein, such as one or more of, for example, effect pigments (dyes), dyes, optical brighteners, crosslinking agents, antifoaming agents, antistatic agents, dispersants, thickeners, fillers, biocides, herbicides, rheology modifiers (e.g., hydrophobically modified ethoxylated polyurethanes and similar rheology-modifying polymers), flow aids, lubricants, preservatives (e.g., benzoisothiazolinones, methylisothiazolinones, methylchloroisothiazolinones and the like), coalescing aids, other emulsified polymers, buffers, cosolvents, surfactants and any combination thereof. Such additional components may be present in quantities conventionally found in emulsions. Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 28 / 55 15 / 31 aqueous emulsions are useful in coating applications. Other examples of additional components that may be present when aqueous emulsions are used to form a thin film coating on seeds may include, but are not limited to, fertilizers, nutrients, moisture modifiers, and the like. The total amount of additional components may be up to about 30% by weight, based on the total solids in the aqueous emulsions. Not all of the additional components mentioned above need necessarily be present in a given aqueous emulsion or thin film coating. None, one, or more of each type of additional component may be present in any combination in the aqueous emulsions and thin film coatings of this disclosure. Suitable examples of such additional components will be familiar to persons with common knowledge of the art of emulsion and coating technologies.

[0040] When used, additional components may be selected independently of one another to modify one or more properties of aqueous emulsions (for example, to promote the formation of a thin film coating) or to promote suitability for a particular application. For example, when used as a coating for seeds or other types of surfaces where coloration is important, one or more effect pigments or dyes may be present in the aqueous emulsions. In other cases, such as when used to form a primer coating on other surfaces, such as paper or cardboard, for example, effect pigments, dyes, and other colorants may optionally be omitted. Crosslinking agents may also be present or absent when forming a primer coating.

[0041] Illustrative surfactants that may be suitable for use in the aqueous emulsions disclosed herein are not considered particularly limited and may include any of the following: cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants, neutral surfactants (non-ionic surfactants), zwitterionic surfactants and any combination thereof. Preferably, to promote the dispersion of at least one rosin acid, particularly when at least one Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 29 / 55 16 / 31 If rosin acid is incompletely neutralized, at least one surfactant may comprise at least one anionic surfactant and, optionally, at least one neutral surfactant. Suitable surfactants may be present individually in an amount of up to about 25% by weight, or up to about 20% by weight, or up to about 15% by weight, or up to about 10% by weight, or up to about 8% by weight, or up to about 5% by weight, or up to about 4% by weight, or up to about 3% by weight, or up to about 2% by weight, or up to about 1% by weight, or up to about 0.5% by weight, as measured on the basis of total solids in aqueous emulsions. The total amount of surfactants in aqueous emulsions can be up to about 30% by weight, or up to about 25% by weight, or up to about 20% by weight, or up to about 15% by weight, or up to about 10% by weight, or up to about 5% by weight, or up to about 1% by weight.Illustrative nonionic surfactants that may be suitable for use in the disclosure herein include, but are not limited to, alkylaryl polyether alcohols, alkylphenol ethoxylates, alkyl ethoxylates, polyoxamers, fatty acid esters (e.g., glycerol esters of fatty acids, sorbitan esters of fatty acids, sorbitol esters of fatty acids (polysorbates), lecithin esters of fatty acids and the like), polyethylene sorbitan oxide fatty acid esters and any combination thereof. Illustrative anionic surfactants that may be suitable for use in the present invention include, among others, alkyl ethoxylate sulfates, alkyl ethoxylate sulfonates, alkylphenol ethoxylate sulfates, alkylphenol ethoxylate sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfates, alkylaryl sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, and any combination thereof. Phosphated anionic surfactants may also be used.Illustrative zwitterionic surfactants that may be suitable for use in the present invention include various betaines and sultaines.

[0042] Any of the components of aqueous emulsions and coatings formed from them may optionally be crosslinked, either with an organic crosslinking agent (for example, an amine in the case of crosslinking an epoxide) or with a metal atom that promotes crosslinking by means of Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 30 / 55 17 / 31 Metal-ion complexation. Suitable examples of crosslinking agents that can promote crosslinking via metal-ion complexation include, but are not limited to, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, ammonium carbonate, and zirconium and others, such as various transition metal compounds.

[0043] Coatings (thin film coatings) can be formed by providing a base substrate; contacting a surface of the base substrate with an aqueous emulsion of the present invention; and removing the aqueous fluid from the surface to produce a coated substrate comprising a thin film coating comprising at least one wax and at least one rosin acid. More specifically, such coated substrates may comprise a base substrate, a thin film coating formed on a surface of the base substrate and comprising from 10% by weight to 60% by weight of at least one wax, based on the total mass of the thin film coating, and from 3% by weight to 45% by weight of at least one rosin acid, based on the total mass of the thin film coating, wherein the at least one rosin acid is at least partially neutralized with at least one base.

[0044] The types of base substrates on which thin film coatings can be formed using the aqueous emulsions of this disclosure are not believed to be particularly limited, provided there is adequate adhesion between the surface of the base substrate and the thin film coating. By way of non-limiting examples, base substrates that can be coated using the aqueous emulsions include, but are not limited to, seeds, paper, cardboard and other types of packaging, wood (e.g., for architectural coatings), metal (e.g., a metal can), other polymers (e.g., in polymer-based printed circuit board assemblies) and the like. Similarly, the aqueous emulsions described herein can also be used to coat glued fibers.When used to form a coating on paper and other substrates where the coating needs to be discreet, aqueous emulsions can be formulated to provide clarity. Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, p. 31 / 55 18 / 31 optical once dry.

[0045] The application of the aqueous emulsion to the base substrate can be carried out by means of a variety of methods, such as immersion (dip coating), spraying, rod or roller coating, tumbling or by using equipment such as a bonding press, water tank, blade coater, casting coater, rod coater, air knife coater, curtain coater, film press coater, flexographic coater, batch coater, drum coater, similar or any combination thereof. The coating method chosen may depend on the specific type of base substrate to be coated.

[0046] In more specific examples, the base substrate may comprise a plurality of seeds. The resulting coated seeds may comprise a base seed and a thin film coating formed on the surface of the base seed, wherein the thin film coating comprises 5% by weight to 60% by weight or 10% by weight to 60% by weight of at least one wax, based on the total mass of the coating, and 0.1% by weight to 45% by weight or 3% by weight to 45% by weight of at least one rosin acid, based on the total mass of the coating, wherein the at least one rosin acid is at least partially neutralized with at least one base. Aqueous emulsions may be brought into contact with a plurality of base seeds to form the thin film coating by spraying the aqueous emulsion onto the plurality of seeds, agitating the plurality of seeds with the aqueous emulsion, or any combination thereof.

[0047] The thin film coating on a seed may have a coating weight of about 50 mL to about 200 mL, or about 200 mL to about 400 mL, or about 400 mL to about 900 mL, or about 900 mL to about 1350 mL, each per 45.4 kg of seed. Depending on the seed, the thin film coating may have a thickness of about 0.5 microns to about 5.0 microns. Examples of seeds that may have a thin film coating introduced onto them according to this disclosure include, for example, Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, p. 32 / 55 19 / 31 cereals, vegetables, ornamental plants and fruits. More specific examples of seeds that may be coated in accordance with this disclosure include, for example, soybean seeds, corn seeds, cotton seeds, rice seeds, oat seeds, rye seeds, barley seeds, vegetable seeds, wheat seeds, sunflower seeds, lettuce seeds, spinach seeds or similar.

[0048] The thin film coating thicknesses formed on other types of base substrates, according to the present disclosure, may vary from about 1 µm to about 400 µm, or from about 10 µm to about 100 µm, or from about 50 µm to about 300 µm, or from about 75 µm to about 225 µm. Coating thicknesses may be selected based on their suitability for a given application.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an illustrative system for coating seeds using a drum coater, according to various embodiments of the present description. As shown in FIG. 1, the seeds are cleaned, sorted, and added to the feed hopper 101. The seeds flow through the feed hopper 101 to the encrustation 102 and to the treatment vessel 103. The feed hopper 101 and the encrustation 102 control the seed flow rate to the treatment vessel 103. In the treatment vessel 103, the seeds pass through a zone of sprayed or atomized coating material. The seeds then pass from the treatment vessel 103 to the mixing drum 104.

[0050] Mixing drum 104 rotates the seeds and seed coating components, thus ensuring that each seed is substantially and completely coated with the coating. Evaporation of the aqueous fluid may occur during the course of this process, leaving the other components disposed on the outer surface of the seed as the thin film coating. Heating and / or vacuum application may occur in some cases to promote faster evaporation of the aqueous fluid. The coated seeds then exit through an opening in mixing drum 104. The seeds Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 33 / 55 20 / 31 coated tubes exiting the mixing drum 104 may come into contact with one or more conveyor belts 105 that transport the seeds to the bagging station 106.

[0051] The drum coater may include one or more metering pumps 107 that supply the aqueous emulsion to the vat treater 103. In particular, the metering pump 107 extracts the aqueous emulsion from one or more tanks 108 as directed by the control panel 109.

[0052] It should be understood that seed coatings with a composition such as that described herein do not necessarily need to be deposited from a single aqueous emulsion as defined above. That is, one or more components of the thin-film coating may be applied to a plurality of seeds, optionally in emulsified form, individually or in conjunction with an aqueous emulsion without one or more of these components. Consequently, the components comprising a thin-film coating on a seed or other type of base substrate may be coated onto the seed or other surface simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, regardless of whether or not they are mixed in a single aqueous emulsion prior to coating. Alternatively, the components of the thin-film coating may be applied to the seed or base substrate separately from one another at different times.When applied to a seed or other substrate at different times, the thin-film coating may exhibit a concentration gradient or discontinuity with respect to one or more components.

[0053] The options listed here include:

[0054] A. Aqueous emulsions. Aqueous emulsions comprise: an aqueous fluid; 5% by weight to 60% by weight of at least one wax, on a total solids basis; and 0.1% by weight to 45% by weight of at least one rosin acid, on a total solids basis, the at least one rosin acid being at least partially neutralized with at least one base.

[0055] B. Coated substrates. Coated substrates comprise: a Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 34 / 55 21 / 31 base substrate; and a thin film coating formed on the surface of the base substrate and comprising: 5% by weight to 60% by weight of at least one wax, based on the total mass of the coating; 0.1% by weight to 45% by weight of at least one rosin acid, based on the total mass of the coating, the at least one rosin acid being at least partially neutralized with at least one base.

[0056] C. Coating methods. The coating methods comprise: providing a base substrate; bringing a surface of the base substrate into contact with the aqueous emulsion of A; and removing the aqueous fluid from the surface of the base substrate to produce a substrate coated with a thin film coating comprising at least one wax and at least one rosin acid.

[0057] Each of the AC modes may have one or more of the following additional elements in any combination:

[0058] Element 1: wherein at least one rosin acid is substantially free of liquid terpenes.

[0059] Element 2: wherein at least one wax comprises at least one wax of natural origin.

[0060] Element 3: wherein at least one base comprises a base selected from the group consisting of aqueous ammonia, an amine, an alkali metal hydroxide and any combination thereof.

[0061] Element 4: wherein at least one wax is selected from the group consisting of at least one wax of natural origin, at least one Fischer-Tropsch wax and any combination thereof.

[0062] Element 4A: wherein at least one wax consists of one or more waxes of natural origin.

[0063] Element 5: wherein at least one wax of natural origin comprises at least carnauba wax, rice bran wax, montan ester wax, soy wax, palm wax, beeswax, sugarcane wax, sunflower wax or any combination thereof. Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, p. 35 / 55 22 / 31

[0064] Element 6: in which at least one rosin acid is completely neutralized with at least one base.

[0065] Element 7: in which at least one rosin acid is dissolved in the aqueous fluid.

[0066] Element 8: wherein the aqueous fluid comprises from about 15% by weight to about 70% by weight of solids, based on the total mass of the aqueous emulsion.

[0067] Element 9: wherein the aqueous emulsion further comprises at least one biopolymer, at least one water-soluble polymer, at least one surfactant, at least one biocide, at least one effect pigment or any combination thereof.

[0068] Element 10: in which at least one biopolymer, at least one water-soluble polymer or any combination thereof is present.

[0069] Element 11: wherein at least one surfactant is present and the at least one surfactant comprises at least one anionic surfactant, at least one neutral surfactant or any combination thereof.

[0070] Element 12: wherein at least one surfactant is biodegradable.

[0071] Element 13: wherein the base substrate comprises a plurality of seeds.

[0072] Element 14: wherein the contact comprises spraying the aqueous emulsion onto the plurality of seeds or tumbling the plurality of seeds with the aqueous emulsion.

[0073] As a non-limiting example, exemplary combinations applicable to AC include, but are not limited to, 2, 4, 4A or 5 and 3; 2, 4, 4A or 5 and 6; 2, 4, 4A or 5 and 6 and 7; 2, 4, 4A or 5 and 8; 2, 4, 4A or 5 and 9; 2, 4, 4A or 5 and 10; 2, 4, 4A or 5 and 11; 3 and 6; 3, 6 and 7; 3 and 8; 3 and 9; 3 and 10; 3 and 11; 6 and 8; 6-8; 6 and 9; 6 and 10; 6 and 11; 8 and 9; 8 and 10; 8 and 11; 9 and 10; 9 and 11; and 10 and 11. Any of the above items or any of items 1 to 12 may be additionally combined with 13 and / or 14.

[0074] To facilitate a better understanding of this disclosure, the following examples of various representative modalities are presented. The following examples should in no way be interpreted as a limitation or Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, p. 36 / 55 23 / 31 Definition of the scope of this disclosure. EXAMPLES

[0075] Aqueous wax emulsions were prepared by combining components as specified in Tables 1A and 1B. The wax emulsion was combined in various proportions with an aqueous rosin acid emulsion (Tables 2A and 2B) containing partially neutralized rosin acid or a rosin acid solution (Table 3) containing fully neutralized rosin acid to produce a combined aqueous emulsion suitable for the production of a thin film coating. Tables 4 to 7 (containing partially neutralized rosin acid, Samples A to D) and Tables 8 to 9 (containing fully neutralized rosin acid, Samples E to F) specify the final compositions of the various aqueous emulsions. Table 1A Wax Emulsion A Component % by weight based on total components added to water Carnauba wax 83.46 Non-ionic surfactant 16.23 Base 0.19 Preservatives 0.12 Table 1B Wax Emulsion B Component % by weight based on total components added to water Carnauba wax 83.02 Non-ionic surfactant 8.30 Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 37 / 55 24 / 31 Wax Emulsion B Component % by weight based on total components added to water Anionic surfactant 8.55 Preservatives 0.13 Table 2A Colophony Acid Emulsion A (emulsion particle size: 100 nm, 32.57% neutralization) Component % by weight based on total components added to water Colophony gum 63.61 Base 9.08 Non-ionic surfactants 27.18 Preservatives 0.13 Table 2B Emulsion of rosin B (emulsion particle size of 250 nm, 17.02% neutralization) Component % by weight based on total components added to water Rosin gum 75.49 Base 5.64 Non-ionic surfactant 5.64 Anionic surfactant 13.23 Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 38 / 55 25 / 31 Table 3 Rosin acid solution (100% neutralization) Component % by weight based on total components added to water Rosin acid 68.54 Base 29.37 Non-ionic surfactant 1.96 Preservatives 0.13 Table 4 Combined Emulsion - Sample A (Colophony Acid Emulsion B + Wax Emulsion B) Component % by weight based on total components added to water Carnauba wax 18.03 Colophony gum 11.77 Base 1.68 Non-ionic surfactants 6.84 Anionic surfactant 1.85 Other components 59.82 Table 5 Combined Emulsion - Sample B (Colophony Acid Emulsion B + Wax Emulsion B) Component % by weight based on total components added to water Carnauba wax 18.16 Colophony gum 14.58 Base 2.08 Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 39 / 55 26 / 31 Combined Emulsion - Sample B (Colophony Acid Emulsion B + Wax Emulsion B) Component % by weight based on total components added to water Non-ionic surfactants 8.05 Anionic surfactant 1.86 Other components 55.27 Table 6 Combined Emulsion - Sample C (Colophony Acid Emulsion B + Fischer-Tropsch Wax) Component % by weight based on total components added to water Fischer-Tropsch wax 25.12 Colophony gum 10.26 Base 0.77 Non-ionic surfactants 7.22 Anionic surfactant 1.79 Other components 54.85 Table 7 Combined Emulsion - Sample D (Acid Emulsion B + Wax Emulsion B) Component % by weight based on total components added to water Carnauba wax 17.32 Rosin gum 19.77 Base 1.48 Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, pages 40 / 55 27 / 31 Combined Emulsion - Sample D (Acid Emulsion B + Wax Emulsion B) Component % by weight based on total components added to water Non-ionic surfactants 3.20 Anionic surfactant 5.23 Other components 53.00 Table 8 Combined Emulsion - Sample E (Colophony Acid Solution + Wax Emulsion A) Component % by weight based on total components added to water Carnauba wax 41.67 Colophony gum 5.94 Base 2.65 Non-ionic surfactants 8.28 Other components 41.46 Table 9 Combined Emulsion - Sample F (Colophony Acid Solution + Wax Emulsion A) Component % by weight based on total components added to water Carnauba wax 19.21 Colophony gum 14.94 Base 6.45 Non-ionic surfactants 4.17 Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 41 / 55 28 / 31 Combined Emulsion - Sample F (Colophony Acid Solution + Wax Emulsion A) Component % by weight based on total components added to water Other components 55.23

[0076] Figure 2 is a graph of the relative abrasion resistance for base substrates coated with thin-film coatings produced from various aqueous emulsions of the present disclosure, compared with rosin-free controls and comparative commercial samples. As shown, the thin-film coatings of the present disclosure exhibited comparable or even superior performance to the commercial controls. The abrasion resistance in the rosin-free control thin-film coatings was considerably lower.

[0077] Seed Coating Procedure. Aqueous emulsions prepared as described above were coated onto corn or soybean seeds using standard seed coating procedures. Briefly, 20 grams of a suspension containing the aqueous emulsion and pesticides were placed in contact with 1 kg of seeds in a standard seed coating apparatus. After 30 seconds of contact, the seeds were retrieved from the seed coater and allowed to dry for 18 to 24 hours.

[0078] After the coating dried on the surfaces of the individual seeds, further tests were carried out to evaluate the dry flow and dust formation (dust removal) performance of the coated seeds. To measure dry flow performance, 400 g of seeds were placed in the seed flow meter. Flow was measured as the mass of seeds that flowed through the meter in 0.4 seconds. Dividing the mass by the flow time provided the reported dry flow rates. Dry flow measurements were performed 8 times and the results were averaged. For Heubach dust removal performance, 100 g of seeds were placed in a Heubach dust removal apparatus along with a pre-weighed filter. Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 42 / 55 29 / 31 After 300 rotation cycles, the seeds and filter were weighed. The mass collected in the filter was used to determine the reported dust removal values.

[0079] Figures 3 and 4 are radar charts showing the performance of seeds coated with a resin-free control and seeds coated with Sample E, respectively, each compared to a synthetic reference seed coating. As demonstrated, Sample E performed comparable to the synthetic reference seed coating. The resin-free control, on the other hand, performed worse in abrasion and dry flow.

[0080] All documents described herein are incorporated by reference for purposes in all jurisdictions where such practice is permitted, including any prior documents and / or test procedures, to the extent that they are not inconsistent with this text. As is evident from the foregoing general description and specific embodiments, although forms of disclosure have been illustrated and described, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Consequently, the disclosure is not intended to be limited by this. For example, the compositions described herein may be exempt from any component or composition not expressly mentioned or disclosed herein. Any method may not include any step not mentioned or disclosed herein. Similarly, the term “comprising” is considered synonymous with the term “including”.Whenever a method, composition, element, or group of elements is preceded by the transition phrase "comprising," it is understood that we are also considering the same composition or group of elements with the transition phrases "essentially consisting of," "consisting of," "selected from the group consisting of," or "is" preceding the recitation of the composition, element, or elements, and vice versa.

[0081] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, and so forth, used in this specification and associated claims, shall be understood as modified in all cases by the term Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, pages 43 / 55 30 / 31 “approximately”. Consequently, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and appended claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by embodiments of the present invention. At a minimum, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claim, each numerical parameter should at least be interpreted in light of the reported number of significant digits and applying common rounding techniques.

[0082] Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any range included within the range are specifically disclosed. In particular, each range of values ​​(of the form of approximately aa approximately b or, equivalently, approximately aab or, equivalently, approximately ab) disclosed herein is to be understood as representing each number and range encompassed by the broader range of values. Furthermore, the terms in the claims have their simple and common meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patent holder. Moreover, the indefinite articles a or an, as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more of the elements they introduce.

[0083] One or more illustrative embodiments are presented herein. Not all features of a physical implementation are described or shown in this application for the sake of clarity. It is understood that in developing a physical embodiment of this disclosure, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer’s objectives, such as compliance with system, business, government, and other constraints, which vary with the implementation and from time to time. While a developer’s efforts may be time-consuming, such efforts would nevertheless be a routine task for a person skilled in the art and benefiting from this disclosure.

[0084] Therefore, the present disclosure is well suited to achieve the purposes and Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, pages 44 / 55 31 / 31 advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent to them. The particular embodiments disclosed above are merely illustrative, as the present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different, yet equivalent, ways apparent to someone with common knowledge in the field who benefits from the teachings contained herein. Furthermore, no intended limitations are made to the construction or design details shown herein, except as described in the claims below. Therefore, it is evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The embodiments illustratively disclosed herein may be adequately practiced in the absence of any element not specifically disclosed herein and / or any optional element disclosed herein. Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, pages 45 / 55

Claims

1 / 5 CLAIMS 1. An aqueous emulsion characterized in that it comprises: an aqueous fluid; 5% by weight to 60% by weight of at least one wax, on a total solids basis; and 0.1% by weight to 45% by weight of at least one rosin acid, on a total solids basis, the at least one rosin acid being at least partially neutralized with at least one base.

2. Aqueous emulsion, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one rosin acid is substantially free of liquid terpenes.

3. Aqueous emulsion, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one wax comprises at least one wax of natural origin.

4. Aqueous emulsion, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one base comprises a base selected from the group consisting of aqueous ammonia, an amine, an alkali metal hydroxide and any combination thereof.

5. Aqueous emulsion, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one wax is selected from the group consisting of at least one wax of natural origin, at least one Fischer-Tropsch wax and any combination thereof.

6. Aqueous emulsion, according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one wax of natural origin comprises at least carnauba wax, rice bran wax, montan ester wax, soy wax, palm wax, beeswax, sugarcane wax, sunflower wax or any combination thereof.

7. Aqueous emulsion, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one wax consists of one or more waxes of natural origin. Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, p. 46 / 55 2 / 5 8. Aqueous emulsion, according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one wax of natural origin comprises at least carnauba wax, rice bran wax, montan ester wax, soy wax, palm wax, beeswax, sugarcane wax, sunflower wax or any combination thereof.

9. Aqueous emulsion, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one rosin acid is completely neutralized with at least one base.

10. Aqueous emulsion, according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one rosin acid is dissolved in the aqueous fluid.

11. Aqueous emulsion, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the aqueous fluid comprises from about 15% by weight to about 70% by weight of solids, based on the total mass of the aqueous emulsion.

12. Aqueous emulsion, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises: at least one biopolymer, at least one water-soluble polymer, at least one surfactant, at least one biocide, at least one effect pigment, or any combination thereof.

13. Aqueous emulsion, according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one biopolymer, at least one water-soluble polymer, or any combination thereof is present.

14. Aqueous emulsion, according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one surfactant is present and comprises at least one anionic surfactant, at least one neutral surfactant or any combination thereof.

15. Aqueous emulsion, according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one surfactant is biodegradable.

16. Coated substrate characterized in that it comprises: a base substrate; and Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 47 / 55 3 / 5 a thin film coating formed on the surface of the base substrate and comprising: 5% by weight to 60% by weight of at least one wax, based on the total mass of the coating; 0.1% by weight to 45% by weight of at least one rosin acid, based on the total mass of the coating, the at least one rosin acid being at least partially neutralized with the at least one base.

17. Coated substrate, according to claim 16, characterized in that at least one wax comprises at least one wax of natural origin.

18. Coated substrate, according to claim 16, characterized in that at least one base comprises a base selected from the group consisting of aqueous ammonia, an amine, an alkali metal hydroxide and any combination thereof.

19. Coated substrate, according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that at least one wax is selected from the group consisting of at least one wax of natural origin, at least one Fischer-Tropsch wax and any combination thereof.

20. Coated substrate, according to claim 19, characterized in that at least one wax of natural origin comprises at least carnauba wax, rice bran wax, montan ester wax, soy wax, palm wax, beeswax, sugarcane wax, sunflower wax or any combination thereof.

21. Coated substrate, according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that at least one wax consists of one or more waxes of natural origin.

22. Coated substrate, according to claim 21, characterized in that at least one wax of natural origin comprises at least carnauba wax, rice bran wax, montan ester wax, soy wax, palm wax, beeswax, sugarcane wax, sunflower wax or any combination thereof.

23. Coated substrate, according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that at least one rosin acid is completely neutralized with at least one base.

24. Coated substrate, according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that it further comprises: at least one biopolymer, at least one water-soluble synthetic polymer, at least one surfactant, at least one biocide, at least one effect pigment, or any combination thereof.

25. Coated substrate, according to claim 24, characterized in that at least one biopolymer, at least one water-soluble polymer, or any combination thereof is present.

26. Coated substrate, according to claim 24, characterized in that at least one surfactant is present and the at least one surfactant comprises at least one anionic surfactant, at least one neutral surfactant or any combination thereof.

27. Coated substrate, according to claim 26, characterized in that at least one surfactant is biodegradable.

28. Coated substrate, according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the base substrate comprises a plurality of seeds.

29. A method characterized in that it comprises: providing a base substrate; bringing a surface of the base substrate into contact with the aqueous emulsion as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4; and removing the aqueous fluid from the surface of the base substrate to produce a substrate coated with a thin-film coating comprising at least one wax and at least one rosin acid.

30. Method according to claim 29, characterized in that the base substrate comprises a plurality of seeds. Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 49 / 55 5 / 5 31. Method according to claim 30, characterized in that the contact comprises spraying the aqueous emulsion onto a plurality of seeds or stirring the plurality of seeds with the aqueous emulsion.

32. A method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that at least one wax is selected from the group consisting of at least one wax of natural origin, at least one Fischer-Tropsch wax, and any combination thereof.

33. A method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that at least one wax consists of one or more waxes of natural origin.

34. Method, according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that at least one rosin acid is completely neutralized with at least one base. Petition 870250088351, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, p. 50 / 55

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