Non-aqueous organic liquid delivery systems containing dispersed poly(organic acid) to improve availability of macro- and micronutrients to plants

Abstract

This invention relates to improving the efficiency of artificial and / or natural organic-based animal manure fertilizers by applying formulations containing poly(organic acid) [P(OA)] and / or its salts dispersed in a non-aqueous organic solvent delivery system (NOSDS). The use of NOSDS allows for the coating of all components of the fertilizer formulation with a layer of [P(OA)] and / or its salts, including but not limited to urea, manure, monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), solid micronutrients (such as lime, zinc chloride, etc.). The layer of [P(OA)] and / or its salts releases micronutrient metals and macronutrients bound to the soil as insoluble salts and complexes in a plant-available form. As a carboxylic acid, carboxylic anhydride, and / or carboxyl imide dispersed within NOSDS, the carboxyl group of [P(OA)] can be neutralized by one or more metals and / or nitrogen-containing compounds (such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or organic amines) in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, and metal carbonates to form a stable dispersion that may contain fully complexed micronutrients and provide a carrier for transporting these nutrients to the soil and / or as a mulch to the surface of fertilizer particles and seeds.

Description

[0001] This invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 160,918, filed May 13, 2015, and U.S. Application No. 14 / 740,327, filed June 16, 2015, pursuant to 35 USC 119(e) and 35 USC 120, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to improving the efficiency of artificial and / or natural organic-based animal manure fertilizers by applying formulations containing poly(organic acid) [P(OA)] and / or its salts dispersed in a non-aqueous organic solvent delivery system (NOSDS). The use of NOSDS allows all components of the fertilizer formulation to be coated with a layer of [P(OA)] and / or its salts, said components including, but not limited to, urea, manure, monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), solid micronutrients (such as lime (quicklime / hydrated lime), zinc chloride, etc.), and the layer of [P(OA)] and / or its salts releases micronutrient metals and macronutrients bound to the soil as insoluble salts and complexes in a plant-available form. As carboxylic acids, carboxylic anhydrides, and / or carboxyl imides dispersed within NOSDS, [P(OA)] may be present within [P(OA)]. The carboxyl group of [P(OA)] may be neutralized by one or more metals and / or nitrogen-containing compounds (such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or organic amines) in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, and metal carbonates to form a stable dispersion that may contain fully complexed micronutrients and provide a carrier for transporting these nutrients to the soil and / or as a coating to the surface of fertilizer granules and seeds. One of the reactants, the metal or metal moiety, may be further defined by the present invention as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, or Ni. Organic amines are formed by a C 1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 Amines, tri-C 1-6 One or more of the following groups are included: amines, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropylamine, diisopropylamine, triisopropylamine, diethylamine, diethylenetriamine, triethyltetraamine, and tetraethylpentamine. It has also been found that [P(OA)] and / or its salts can be produced in situ in NOSDS using organic acids and / or ester monomers dispersed / suspended within NOSDS, heated to polymerization temperature with or without a catalyst, and then neutralized / reacted with one or more macronutrients and / or micronutrients. Liquid compositions of [P(OA)] in NOSDS and methods for producing [P(OA)] within NOSDS produce flowable, low-moisture liquids that can be readily mixed with liquid fertilizers or safely, rapidly, uniformly, and economically applied to the surface of solid fertilizer granules, soil, and seeds. Background Technology

[0003] Macronutrients (N, K, Ca, Mg, P, and S) and micronutrients (Fe, B, Mn, Zn, Cu, Mo, Co, and Ni) are essential for plant growth, development, disease resistance, and various metabolic pathways such as photosynthesis. Micronutrient deficiencies in plants are caused by traditional tillage methods that deplete the soil and by micronutrient metals existing as water-insoluble salts and complexes. Many water-insoluble forms in soil involve metal cations and boron, sulfur, or phosphorus-based anions. Micronutrient deficiencies lead to suboptimal plant growth and development, resulting in reduced yields (Mortvedt 1990). Plants require macronutrients and micronutrients as little as parts per million in plant tissues. It is known that increasing the availability of micronutrient metal ions to plants can significantly alleviate soil deficiencies and support plant development, growth, and disease resistance by adding complexed metal ions to the soil or plant leaves, or by releasing micronutrients bound in the soil as insoluble salts or complexes in a form that can be absorbed by the plant.

[0004] Phosphorus is the second most limiting macronutrient after nitrogen. In the case of phosphate fertilizers, 40% of garden soils are considered to contain insufficient phosphorus levels for woody plant growth. Moreover, because most phosphorus in the soil exists in a water-insoluble form and is therefore not readily available to plants, it is largely unusable. In some cases, only 0.01% of total soil phosphorus is in a water-soluble ionic form, which is the only form that can be absorbed by plants. Sufficient and usable soil phosphorus is essential for optimal crop yields. Phosphorus enables plants to store and transfer energy, promotes the development of roots, flowers, and fruits, and allows for early maturity. Phosphorus is also involved in several processes crucial to plant development, such as photosynthesis, in which plants utilize organic phosphorus compounds to convert sunlight into energy. Without sufficient phosphorus in the soil, plants cannot develop adequate root structures, which are crucial for their ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Furthermore, woody plants cannot maintain a balance between roots and shoots without sufficient root structure, which is critical for withstanding drought, windy weather, and / or pests. Many nutrients required by plants are locked in water-insoluble salts and complexes, making them unavailable to plants. To overcome these challenges, the agricultural industry has shifted towards chelates and anionic polymer-based products to form water-soluble complexes containing metal cations (such as micronutrients Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, Co, Ni, Zn, and Mo), thereby releasing bound macronutrients such as phosphorus. Current technologies for delivering chelate and polymer-based products rely on water. Water is not only an excellent dissolving / dispersing medium for chelates and [P(OA)], but it also solubilizes high-load water-soluble metal salts. However, the use of water-soluble metal salts results in the formation of insoluble complexes whose chemical properties allow them to be available in the soil but not to plants.

[0005] Coating fertilizers with water-based products can lead to severe clumping of fertilizer granules during mixing, or gelation of [P(OA)] due to high electrolyte content caused by fertilizer granules dissolved in water. Clumping negatively impacts the effectiveness of the fertilizer in complexing with metal cations and / or necessitates a drying step for seed coating to prevent premature germination or fungal growth and mold that ultimately damage the seeds. The use of water-based systems also has detrimental effects on the urease inhibitor NBPT. The agricultural industry needs technologies that can easily, safely, uniformly, and economically coat fertilizer granules and seeds with non-aqueous liquid formulations containing [P(OA)], where [P(OA)] forms water-soluble metal cation complexes and releases bound macronutrients such as phosphorus.

[0006] Description of related technologies

[0007] To date, several products have been developed to test this approach:

[0008] • Improve the efficiency of releasing macronutrients such as phosphorus from fertilizer formulations in a form that can be absorbed by plants.

[0009] • Release nutrients bound in the soil as insoluble salts and complexes

[0010] • Fertilizer formulations containing micronutrients are delivered in a form that can be absorbed by plants.

[0011] • Develop seed coatings:

[0012] It is not water-based, because high moisture content may be detrimental to seed health and development.

[0013] It can deliver the micronutrients needed during seed germination.

[0014] It can provide a hydrophilic coating that acts as a water pump to help ensure that the seeds do not dry out after being distributed on the soil when the outer seed coating has begun to deteriorate, thereby allowing moisture to penetrate into the coating containing [P(OA)] dispersed in NOSDS.

[0015] The vast majority of these products share a similar mechanism of action. When phosphorus-containing fertilizers are applied to the soil, most of the phosphorus is in the form of water-soluble phosphate ions, the only form of phosphorus readily absorbed by plants. However, in the presence of moisture, these soluble phosphate anions can form complexes with metal cations such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and aluminum. These salts are very poorly soluble in water and therefore not readily absorbed by plants. Polymers with negatively charged ions can complex with metal cations, thereby producing free water-soluble phosphate anions in a form of metal cation usable by plants. The phosphate anions complexed with the cations and [P(OA)] are now more readily available for absorption by plants.

[0016] Various methods or variations of the above mechanisms are set forth in the following patents, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. These methods for releasing nutrients bound in soil, delivery systems for transporting micronutrients to soil and seeds, and manufacturing processes for producing complexed [P(OA)] metal cations have been proposed and developed.

[0017] Boehmke (US Patent No. 4,839,461) taught how to synthesize and use artificial polyaspariic acid and its salts to prevent the formation of scale (incrustation) by metal ions responsible for hard water. Boehmke further disclosed that the compound could be used as a fertilizer.

[0018] Ashmead (US Patent No. 4,172,072) discloses the use of protein-derived metalloprotein salts in biologically acceptable forms. Others disclose carboxyl-containing entities as monomers or polymers, such as Danzig (US Patent No. 4,799,953) using polymers of thiolactic acid or mercaptoacetic acid and thiolactic acid, dithiobispropanoic acid, and dithiodiacetic acid; Kinnersley (US Patent No. 4,813,997) using glycolic acid and / or lactic acid; and Young (US Patent Nos. 4,863,506 and 5,059,241) disclosing that d-lactic acid can promote increased plant growth, increased chlorophyll concentration, and increased root formation rate.

[0019] Gill (US Patent No. 5,047,078) utilizes scale inhibitory compounds, such as polymers based on alkenyl unsaturated carboxylic acids and / or maleic acid / anhydride monomers and / or phosphorus-based chelates such as dihydroxyethylidene diphosphate, to make nutrients bound in the soil as insoluble salts and complexes available, thereby improving growth and yield.

[0020] Kinnersley (US Patent Nos. 5,350,735 and 5,593,947) and Koskan (US Patent Nos. 5,783,523 and 5,814,582) taught the use of poly(organic) acids, such as poly(amino) acids like poly(aspartic acid), to enhance fertilizer absorption and promote plant growth.

[0021] Sanders (US Patent Nos. 6,753,395, 6,756,461, 6,818,039 and 8,043,995) demonstrated that synthetic [P(OA)] based on maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride and / or citraconic anhydride can be used to enhance the absorption of nutrients by plants.

[0022] Sanders (US Patent Nos. 8,016,907 and 8,025,709) demonstrate the importance of having a fast-drying product that allows it to be applied to the surface of fertilizer granules. Sanders achieves this by using 10-50% volatile alcohols, such as methanol.

[0023] Currently, many such products are publicly available on the market. A 30% aqueous solution of sodium salt of maleic acid-itaconic acid copolymer (US Patent No. 6,515,090, Sanders) is marketed under the trade name Avail. Another polymer containing a 40% aqueous solution of sodium polylysine is marketed in the US under the trade name P-Max. Polyaspartate, a similar polymer, is also used for this purpose (US Patent No. 5,350,735, Kinnersley). Compositions containing a 30% aqueous solution of sodium polyaspartate are marketed as X10D (Flexible Solution International). These products have been shown to increase the presence of macronutrients and micronutrients in plant tissues.

[0024] However, all these products share the same drawbacks. Most fertilizer components tend to be solid granules and water-soluble. The patents stated above are almost entirely based on aqueous solutions and / or contain more than 5% water. In many cases, applying solid fertilizers coated with aqueous solutions / dispersions can create clumps that clog field application facilities and make it difficult to ensure uniform distribution of the fertilizer in the field. If these fertilizer granules are already coated with water-sensitive urease inhibitors, such as alkyl thiophosphate triamides, the presence of moisture from water-based products can cause these important urease inhibitors to degrade, thus negatively impacting / limiting their performance. Due to the presence of water, some innovative products have had to be marketed as expensive stand-alone application products. While other inventions teach that polymers are dried to form powder and then incorporated into fertilizer compositions, or that [P(OA)] or its salts are bound to fertilizer granules via liquid polymers acting as glue, this methodology typically requires drying to remove the binder solvent to promote [P(OA)] adhesion to the granule surface. Newer technologies utilize volatile organic solvents to facilitate rapid drying; however, this approach increases VOC release and utilizes low-flash-point alcohols such as methanol, thereby increasing the risk of unnecessary combustion in fertilizer treatment. Furthermore, these methods cannot utilize simple equipment such as stirrers or mixers to safely, rapidly, uniformly, and economically apply formulations comprising layers of [P(OA)] and / or their salts to the surface of solid fertilizer granules, soil, and seeds.

[0025] To coat seeds with micronutrients, many technologies utilize aqueous delivery systems that require an additional drying step. Due to the heat sensitivity of seeds, most drying is accomplished via vacuum extraction or drying over a low-temperature airflow. The drying process is typically slow, resulting in seeds being dried below the moisture level required for good seed development and increasing the cost of seed production. Various methods or variations of the above mechanisms are set forth in the patents below, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0026] Barclay (US Patent No. 5,994,265) discloses a seed coating composition comprising molybdenum (molybdenum trioxide), a sulfur-containing component (gypsum), and an aqueous binder (polyethylene glycol) to improve seed and seedling performance. Barclay also recognized the importance of limiting the moisture content of the seed / coating for seed quality and developmental capacity.

[0027] Johnson (US Patent No. 7,001,869) taught how to produce coated seeds through treatment based on an aqueous formulation that includes macronutrients, micronutrients, antibacterial agents, and other additives.

[0028] Obert (US Patent No. 6,557,298) taught the benefits of dry seed coating and its ability to help avoid the problems of spoilage and premature germination associated with the use of high moisture content. However, in practice, the application of such powders is accompanied by significant and undesirable dust generation during processing and application.

[0029] To address these issues, there is a need for a non-aqueous liquid formulation that can easily, safely, uniformly, and economically coat fertilizer granules and seeds without causing clumping during mixing and storage. These non-aqueous liquid formulations contain components that release bound nutrients, are safe for human and animal contact, have low moisture content, are environmentally friendly, and can be applied as a mulch to fertilizers and seeds using simple mixing facilities. Summary of the Invention

[0030] The present invention includes one or more organic solvents that produce a non-aqueous organic solvent delivery system (NOSDS), and one or more poly(organic acid), [P(OA)], and / or salts thereof, which produce a stable non-aqueous dispersion that can easily, safely, uniformly and economically coat fertilizer particles and seeds.

[0031] In one embodiment, the present invention provides fertilizer producers and farmers with greater flexibility to produce fertilizers designed for specific soils, which simultaneously include one or more of NOSDS / [P(OA)] formulations, nitrification inhibitors, urease inhibitors, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and micronutrients.

[0032] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to improving the efficiency of artificial and / or natural organic-based animal manure fertilizers by applying formulations containing poly(organic acid) [P(OA)] and / or its salts dispersed in a non-aqueous organic solvent delivery system (NOSDS). The use of NOSDS allows all components of the fertilizer formulation to be coated with a layer of [P(OA)] and / or its salts, said components including, but not limited to, urea, manure, monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), solid micronutrients (such as lime, zinc chloride, etc.), and the layer of [P(OA)] and / or its salts releases micronutrient metals and macronutrients bound to the soil as insoluble salts and complexes in a plant-available form. As carboxylic acids, carboxylic anhydrides, and / or carboxyl imides dispersed within NOSDS, [P(OA)] may be present within [P(OA)]. The carboxyl group of [P(OA)] may be neutralized by one or more metals and / or nitrogen-containing compounds (such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or organic amines) in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, and metal carbonates to form a stable dispersion that may contain fully complexed micronutrients and provide a carrier for transporting these nutrients to the soil and / or as a mulch to the surface of fertilizer granules and seeds. One of the reactants, the metal or metal moiety, may be further defined by the present invention as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, Ni. Organic amines are formed by a C 1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 Amines, tri-C 1-6 One or more of the group consisting of amines, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropylamine, diisopropylamine, triisopropylamine, diethylamine, diethylenetriamine, triethyltetraamine, and tetraethylpentamine. It has also been found that [P(OA)] and / or its salts can be produced in situ within NOSDS using organic acids and / or ester monomers dispersed / suspended within NOSDS, heated to polymerization temperature with or without a catalyst, and then neutralized / reacted with one or more macronutrients and / or micronutrients. Liquid compositions of [P(OA)] in NOSDS and methods for producing [P(OA)] within NOSDS produce flowable, low-moisture liquids that can be readily mixed with liquid fertilizers or safely, rapidly, uniformly, and economically applied to the surface of solid fertilizer granules, soil, and seeds.

[0033] In this invention, a salt of [P(OA)] is defined as one or more of the carboxyl groups of [P(OA)] present in [P(OA)] as carboxylic acids, carboxylic anhydrides, and / or carboxyl imides, reacting / neutralizing with one or more metals in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, and metal carbonates, and / or with nitrogen-containing compounds (such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or organic amines), thereby producing a stable dispersion of the salt of [P(OA)] in NOSDS. One of the reactants, the metal or metal moiety, may be further defined by this invention as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, and / or Ni. Organic amines are formed by the reaction of a C... 1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 Amines, tri-C 1-6 One or more of the group consisting of amines, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropylamine, diisopropylamine, triisopropylamine, diethylamine, diethylenetriamine, triethyltetraamine, and tetraethylpentamine.

[0034] In various embodiments, the present invention also relates to modified solvent formulations (NOSDS) for [P(OA)] and / or its salts, for application to artificial and / or natural organic-based animal manure fertilizers. In one variant, [P(OA)] may be a solid chemical dissolved in a suitable NOSDS to allow application in the field at low levels. Furthermore, non-aqueous solutions of [P(OA)] may be desirable when to be incorporated into components of granular mixed fertilizers, enabling them to be deposited as coatings in a controlled and homogeneous layer. In one embodiment, the formulation may be heated to a polymerization temperature with or without a catalyst using starting organic acid / ester monomers dispersed / suspended within NOSDS, followed by neutralization / reaction of the formulation with one or more macronutrients and / or micronutrients to generate [P(OA)] in situ. The composition may be used to coat fertilizer granules and seeds, and / or added to liquid fertilizers. In one embodiment, the present invention proposes a formulation of NOSDS comprising a mixture of aprotic and / or protic solvents, which is more environmentally friendly and safe for manufacturers, transporters and other personnel working with or handling the composition / formulation.

[0035] In one embodiment, improved liquid delivery formulations have been developed that deliver effective levels of [P(OA)] and / or its salts, capable of releasing nutrients bound in the soil as insoluble salts and complexes. It has been found that the liquid delivery formulations of the present invention provide a liquid carrier NOSDS for delivering a uniform and non-caking layer of desired [P(OA)] and / or its salts to the surface of fertilizer granules and / or seeds. These novel liquid delivery formulations for [P(OA)] and / or its salts are non-aqueous organic solvent delivery systems (NOSDS) that improve the shelf life of fertilizers containing urease inhibitors, such as alkylthiophosphate triamides, acetyloxyoxime acids and their derivatives, and phosphoryldiamines, compared to those formulations containing more than 1% water. In fact, due to the present invention, it is now possible to combine [P(OA)] and / or its salts, nitrification inhibitors, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and nitrification inhibitors and urease inhibitors in a single product by mixing dispersions of each active ingredient or by combining pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and nitrification inhibitors and urease inhibitors in the same modified one or more solvent formulations of NOSDS.

[0036] In various embodiments, the present invention is a composition / formulation of [P(OA)] and / or its salts in NOSDS, wherein:

[0037] • It is environmentally safe;

[0038] • Has a flash point above 145°F;

[0039] • It is inherently safe for contact with humans and animals;

[0040] • Provide a stable dispersion of [P(OA)] or its salt at a level of 1-50% in NOSDS at a storage temperature of at least 10°C;

[0041] • Provides improved uniform application of the coating on fertilizer granules and seeds without causing clumping of fertilizer granules, premature seed germination, or inhibiting the growth of mold and mildew on the seeds;

[0042] It will not adversely affect the stability of alkylthiophosphate triamide.

[0043] In one embodiment, it has been found that, although various organic solvents may meet some of the above criteria, the delivery system of the present invention can be optimized to provide a formulation with a high concentration of [P(OA)] and / or its salts, while maintaining a low freezing point by combining two or more organic solvents into NOSDS. In one embodiment, a process for preparing the formulation of the present invention involves heating the combined solvents to a temperature of 60-100°C, then filling [P(OA)] and / or its salts to a combined level of 10-60% of the total formulation composition, while the formulation composition is dissolved in the NOSDS by slow stirring.

[0044] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an efficient solvent combination comprising dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which can be used in combination with another liquid organic solvent having a low freezing point and good solubility properties. In addition to the advantages listed above, DMSO also has the advantage of being a potential source of the important nutrient sulfur. Detailed Implementation

[0045] In one embodiment, the invention includes one or more organic solvents in a stable non-aqueous dispersion for generating a non-aqueous organic solvent delivery system (NOSDS), and one or more poly(organic acid) [P(OA)] and / or salts thereof, the dispersion being capable of easily, safely, uniformly and economically coating fertilizer particles and seeds.

[0046] In this invention, a salt of [P(OA)] is defined as the neutralization of one or more of the carboxyl groups (carboxyl groups) of [P(OA)], which may be present as carboxylic acids, carboxylic anhydrides, and / or carboxyl imides within [P(OA)], with one or more metals and / or nitrogen-containing compounds (such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or organic amines) in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, and metal carbonates, thereby producing a stable dispersion of the salt of [P(OA)] in NOSDS. One of the reactants, the metal or metal moiety, may be further defined by this invention as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, and / or Ni. Organic amines are formed by the neutralization of one C... 1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 Amines, tri-C 1-6 One or more of the group consisting of amines, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropylamine, diisopropylamine, triisopropylamine, diethylamine, diethylenetriamine, triethyltetraamine, and tetraethylpentamine.

[0047] These delivery formulations not only provide a liquid carrier for delivering a uniform and non-caking coating of desired [P(OA)] and / or its salts to the surface of fertilizer granules and / or seeds, but also demonstrate that formulations based on non-aqueous organic solvent delivery systems (NOSDS) do not negatively affect the shelf life of important urease inhibitors such as alkyl thiophosphate triamides (e.g., NBPT). Alkyl thiophosphate triamides have been proven to be extremely effective urease inhibitors, but if present in combination with aqueously dispersed [P(OA)] and / or its salts, they suffer degradation upon storage once exposed to moisture in the presence of the aqueous dispersion. Therefore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to substantially anhydrous compositions.

[0048] In one embodiment, the stable dispersion of one or more [P(OA)] and / or its salts in a non-aqueous organic solvent delivery system (NOSDS) may contain one or more of the following:

[0049] • One or more urease inhibitors;

[0050] • One or more nitration inhibitors;

[0051] Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides

[0052] • Food colorings or dyes, which can be used to improve visual evidence of complete coverage and act as visual markers;

[0053] • Fragrances or masking agents used to improve the odor of formulations;

[0054] • Nonionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric, and / or amphoteric surfactants used to improve the formulation and application performance of fertilizer granules.

[0055] • Buffers, micronutrients and / or flow modifiers, such as silica, zinc stearate, calcium stearate, etc.

[0056] In one embodiment, the improved solvent formulation NOSDS of the present invention meets one or more of the following criteria: they:

[0057] • It is environmentally safe;

[0058] • Has a flash point above 145°F;

[0059] • It is inherently safe for contact with humans and animals;

[0060] • Provide a stable dispersion of [P(OA)] or its salt at a level of 1-50% in NOSDS at a storage temperature of at least 10°C;

[0061] • Provides improved uniform application of the coating on fertilizer granules and seeds without causing clumping of fertilizer granules, premature seed germination, or inhibiting the growth of mold and mildew on the seeds;

[0062] It will not adversely affect the stability of alkylthiophosphate triamide.

[0063] In one embodiment, a stable non-aqueous liquid formulation can be produced comprising sodium polyaspartate (polymer amount = 500 to 10000, or alternatively about 1000-7500, or alternatively 1500-5000, or alternatively about 1750-3000) and NOSDS. In one embodiment, the formulation can be manufactured by dissolving sodium polyaspartate in NOSDS, wherein NOSDS comprises one or more of the following: a) one or more proton solvents from the group consisting of:

[0064] 1) From C 1-10 Alcohols of the alkanol family, 2) polyols selected from the group consisting of trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol and sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose and / or glycerol, 3) poly(C 1-10 4) Alkylene glycols selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol and / or butylene glycol, 5) isopropylidene glycerol, 6) alkylene glycol alkyl ethers selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether and / or dipropylene glycol butyl ether, 7) ethyl lactate, propyl lactate or butyl lactate, 8) alkanolamines selected from the group consisting of ethanolamine, diethanolamine, dipropanolamine, methyl diethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine and / or triethanolamine, and / or 9) glyceryl carbonate.

[0065] b) and / or one or more aprotic solvents from the group consisting of:

[0066] 1) Dimethyl sulfoxide and / or 2) Dialkyl sulfoxide, diaryl sulfoxide or alkylaryl sulfoxide having the following molecular formulas:

[0067] R1S(O) x R2

[0068] Where R1 and R2 are independently C 1-6 alkylene, aromatic or

[0069] C 1-3 Alkylenearyl group, or R1 and R2 forming a 4- to 8-membered ring with the sulfur to which they are attached, wherein R1 and R2 together are C2.1-6 Alkylene, which optionally contains one or more atoms in the ring selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se, Te, N and P, and x is 1 or 2.

[0070] 3) An alkylene carbonate selected from the group consisting of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, and / or butyl carbonate; 4) A polyol capped with an acetate or formic acid group, wherein the polyol portion may be one or more of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol, butanediol, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol and sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose and / or glycerol; 5) A dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, tripropylene glycol methyl ether acetate Alkylene glycol alkyl ether acetates comprising esters and / or tripropylene glycol butyl ether acetates, and / or 6) isophorone, 7) dimethyl succinate, dimethyl adipate, diethyl glutarate and / or dimethyl glutarate, 8) dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, dimethyl-2-imidazolinone, 9) hexamethylphosphoramide, 10) 1,2-dimethyloxethane, 2-methoxyethyl ether, 11) cyclohexylpyrrolidone, and / or 12) limonene.

[0071] Additionally, the liquid delivery formulation of the present invention may optionally contain one or more of the following:

[0072] • One or more urease inhibitors;

[0073] • One or more nitration inhibitors;

[0074] Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides

[0075] • Food colorings or dyes, which can be used to improve visual evidence of complete coverage and act as visual markers;

[0076] • Fragrances or masking agents used to improve the odor of formulations;

[0077] • Nonionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric, and / or amphoteric surfactants used to improve the formulation and application performance of fertilizer granules.

[0078] • Buffers, micronutrients and / or flow modifiers, such as silica, zinc stearate, calcium stearate, etc.

[0079] In one embodiment, the formulation may contain one or more [P(OA)] and / or salts thereof, said [P(OA)] and / or salts thereof comprising the following monomers present in NOSDS at effective levels as homopolymers, copolymers and / or terpolymers, wherein they may be present in an amount between about 5-50% of the total formulation. [P(OA)] may be:

[0080] Aspartic acid

[0081] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of aspartic acid

[0082] ·Glutamic acid

[0083] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of glutamic acid

[0084] Maleic anhydride

[0085] Itaconic anhydride

[0086] · Limonene anhydride

[0087] Citric acid

[0088] • C1-C6 esters or triesters of citric acid

[0089] ·acrylic acid

[0090] • C1-C6 esters or full esters of acrylic acid

[0091] · Methacrylic acid

[0092] • C1-C6 partial or complete esters of methacrylic acid

[0093] Maleic acid

[0094] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of maleic acid

[0095] Itaconic acid

[0096] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of itaconic acid

[0097] ·Citrine

[0098] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of citralic acid

[0099] In one embodiment, a mixture of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethylene glycol in an 80 / 20 to 20 / 80 ratio is prepared, and subsequently polyaspartic acid (or its salt or ester) is added, wherein the polyaspartic acid salt constitutes about 5-45% of the total composition by weight. In one embodiment, the polyaspartic acid salt is added to the combined solvent during stirring, wherein the combined solvent has been heated in a mixing vessel to a desired temperature of about 0°C to 150°C, or alternatively to a temperature of about 10°C to 120°C, or alternatively to a temperature of about 20°C to 100°C, or alternatively to a temperature between about 50°C and 100°C, and mixed until the polyaspartic acid is completely dissolved. In this embodiment, the heated mixing vessel may be jacketed, and the temperature is carefully controlled. In one embodiment, the mixing action should allow for complete mixing without excessive aeration. In a variation, heating can be accomplished using hot water or low-pressure steam to control any hot spots on the vessel walls, thereby preventing thermal degradation. At this stage, the mixture can be cooled to approximately 35°C, then NBPT can be added and stirred until completely dissolved. The mixture can be cooled to 25°C or below, and if necessary, one or more of the following can be added:

[0100] • One or more urease inhibitors;

[0101] • One or more nitration inhibitors;

[0102] Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides

[0103] • Food colorings or dyes, which can be used to improve visual evidence of complete coverage and act as visual markers;

[0104] • Fragrances or masking agents used to improve the odor of formulations;

[0105] • Nonionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric, and / or amphoteric surfactants used to improve the formulation and application performance of fertilizer granules.

[0106] • Buffers, micronutrients and / or flow modifiers, such as silica, zinc stearate, calcium stearate, etc.

[0107] It should be recognized that the temperature range given above is designed to allow for the full dissolution of a variety of compounds. The inventors recognized that if compounds with temperature stability issues need to be added, they can be added under reduced pressure to prevent temperature-sensitive degradation of one or more compounds while still allowing them to dissolve in NOSDS.

[0108] In one embodiment, polysuccinimide (PSI) powder (molecular weight 1000 to 10000) can be added at a level of 5-50% relative to the composition containing ethylene glycol, under stirring and at a temperature of 60-80°C. The mixture is then heated to 100-180°C and maintained until all particles are dissolved. An alkaline or acidic catalyst, such as KOH or pTSA, can be added to improve the conversion from PSI to polyaspartate (Poly-EG) ester. This batch is then cooled to 50-80°C. In one embodiment, KOH flakes are slowly filled, the temperature is maintained at 50-100°C, and mixing is carried out until all KOH flakes are dissolved. In one embodiment, the mixing action may include one or more high-shear devices, such as cowles, colloid mills, rotors / stators, and / or ball mills.

[0109] In one embodiment, polysuccinimide (PSI) powder (molecular weight 3000 to 5000) can be added at a level of 5-50% relative to the composition comprising ethylene glycol, under stirring and at a temperature of 60-80°C. The mixture is then heated to 100-180°C and held until all particles are dissolved and the PSI is converted to polyaspartate (Poly-EG) ester. An alkaline or acidic catalyst, such as KOH or pTSA, can be added to improve the conversion from PSI to polyaspartate (Poly-EG) ester. This batch is then cooled to 50-80°C, and the EG ester groups are partially saponified by sufficient amounts of one or more metals in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, and metal carbonates, and / or by nitrogen-containing compounds (such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or organic amines) to form a stable dispersion within the ethylene glycol. One of the reactants, a metal or metallic moiety, can be further defined by this invention as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, and / or Ni. Organic amines are composed of a C... 1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 amines, tri-C 1-6 One or more of the group consisting of amines, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropylamine, diisopropylamine, triisopropylamine, diethylamine, diethylenetriamine, triethyltetraamine, and tetraethylpentamine.

[0110] In one embodiment, the mixing action may include one or more high-shear devices, such as cowles, colloid mills, rotors, stators, and / or ball mills.

[0111] In another embodiment, the polyaspartate ammonium salt may be present at a level of 10-50% in a solution of DMSO and ethylene glycol mixed in a ratio of about 80 / 20 to 20 / 80. In this embodiment, the polyaspartate ammonium salt can be added to NOSDS as a blend of protons and proton solvents under stirring, wherein the protons and proton solvents have been heated in a mixing vessel to a desired temperature of about 0°C to 60°C, or alternatively, to a temperature of about 10°C to 50°C, and alternatively, to a temperature of about 20°C to 40°C, and mixed until the polyaspartate ammonium salt is completely dissolved. Similarly, in this embodiment, the heated mixing vessel may be jacketed, and the temperature controlled. In one embodiment, the mixing action may allow for complete mixing without excessive aeration. In one embodiment, the mixing action may include one or more high-shear devices, such as cowles, colloid mills, rotors, stators, and / or ball mills. Heating can be accomplished using hot water and / or low-pressure steam to control any hot spots on the vessel walls, which prevents thermal degradation. At this stage, the mixture can be cooled to 25°C or below, and one or more of the following can be added if necessary:

[0112] • One or more urease inhibitors;

[0113] • One or more nitration inhibitors;

[0114] Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides

[0115] • Food colorings or dyes, which can be used to improve visual evidence of complete coverage and act as visual markers;

[0116] • Fragrances or masking agents used to improve the odor of formulations;

[0117] • Nonionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric, and / or amphoteric surfactants used to improve the formulation and application performance of fertilizer granules.

[0118] • Buffers, micronutrients and / or flow modifiers, such as silica, zinc stearate and / or calcium stearate.

[0119] In one embodiment, polyaspartic acid salt and / or its acid can be added at a level of 5-50% relative to the composition containing ethylene glycol. In this embodiment, the polyaspartic acid can be added to a solvent that has been heated in a mixing vessel to a temperature of approximately 0°C to 60°C under stirring, and mixing is carried out until the polyaspartic acid (salt) is completely dissolved. In one embodiment, the heated mixing vessel can be jacketed, and the temperature can be controlled. In a variation, the mixing action allows for complete mixing without excessive aeration. Heating can be accomplished using hot water and / or low-pressure steam to control any hot spots on the vessel walls, thereby preventing thermal degradation. During this stage, the mixture can be cooled to 25°C or below, and one or more of the following can be added if desired:

[0120] • One or more urease inhibitors;

[0121] • One or more nitration inhibitors;

[0122] Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides

[0123] • Food colorings or dyes, which can be used to improve visual evidence of complete coverage and act as visual markers;

[0124] • Fragrances or masking agents used to improve the odor of formulations;

[0125] • Nonionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric, and / or amphoteric surfactants used to improve the formulation and application performance of fertilizer granules.

[0126] • Buffers, micronutrients and / or flow modifiers, such as silica, zinc stearate and / or calcium stearate.

[0127] In one embodiment, polyaspartate ammonium salt can be incorporated at a level of 5-50% relative to the amount of ethylene glycol. In this embodiment, the polyaspartate ammonium salt can be added to a protic solvent under stirring, the protic solvent having been heated in a mixing vessel to a temperature of approximately 0°C to 60°C, and mixed until the polyaspartate ammonium salt is completely dissolved. The heated mixing vessel can be jacketed, and the temperature can be controlled. In a variation, the mixing action allows for complete mixing without excessive aeration. Heating can be accomplished using hot water or low-pressure steam to control any hot spots on the vessel walls to prevent thermal degradation. In a variation, the mixing action may include one or more high-shear devices, such as cowles, colloid mills, rotors, stators, and / or ball mills. During this stage, the mixture can be cooled to 25°C or below, and if desired, one or more of the following can be added:

[0128] • One or more urease inhibitors;

[0129] • One or more nitration inhibitors;

[0130] Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides

[0131] • Food colorings or dyes, which can be used to improve visual evidence of complete coverage and act as visual markers;

[0132] • Fragrances or masking agents used to improve the odor of formulations;

[0133] • Nonionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric, and / or amphoteric surfactants used to improve the formulation and application performance of fertilizer granules.

[0134] • Buffers, micronutrients and / or flow modifiers, such as silica, zinc stearate and / or calcium stearate.

[0135] In one embodiment, an organic peroxide can be used as a catalyst and a process known to those skilled in the art can be used to produce polymaleic anhydride in a solvent (such as xylene). The resulting solvated poly(organic acid) undergoes solvent displacement via a feed of aprotic NOSDS, which includes one or more of the following: 1) dimethyl sulfoxide and / or 2) dialkyl sulfoxide, diaryl sulfoxide, or alkylaryl sulfoxide having the following molecular formula:

[0136] R1S(O) x R2

[0137] Where R1 and R2 are independently C 1-6 alkylene, aromatic or

[0138] C 1-3 The alkylene aryl group, or R1 and R2, forms a 4- to 8-membered ring with the sulfur to which they are attached, wherein R1 and R2 together are C2. 1-6 Alkylene, which optionally contains one or more atoms in the ring selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se, Te, N and P, and x is 1 or 2.

[0139] 3) Alkyl carbonates selected from the group consisting of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, and / or butyl carbonate; 4) Polyols end-capped with acetate or formic acid groups, wherein the polyol portion may be one or more of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol, butanediol, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol and sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose, and / or glycerol; 5) Dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, tri ... The group consisting of propylene glycol methyl ether acetate and tripropylene glycol butyl ether acetate, and / or 6) isophorone, 7) dimethyl succinate, dimethyl adipate, diethyl glutarate and / or dimethyl glutarate, 8) dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, dimethyl-2-imidazolinone, 9) hexamethylphosphoramide, 10) 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 2-methoxyethyl ether, 11) cyclohexylpyrrolidone, and / or 12) limonene.

[0140] The unwanted solvent can then be removed by passing it through different boiling points or by using a vacuum (such as by using a rotary evaporator) until the unwanted solvent level is reduced to at least about 1%. Polymaleic anhydride can be neutralized to the desired pH in NOSDS by one or more metals in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, and metal carbonates, and / or by nitrogen-containing compounds (such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or organic amines), thereby producing a stable dispersion of [P(OA)] salts in NOSDS. The metal or metal moiety of the reactants can be further defined as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, and Ni, or mixtures thereof. Organic amines are formed by the reaction of a C 1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 Amines, tri-C 1-6 One or more of the following groups: amine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropylamine, diisopropylamine, triisopropylamine, diethylamine, diethylenetriamine, triethyltetraamine, and tetraethylpentamine.

[0141] If water is generated due to neutralization or the addition of aqueous solutions of these bases, it can be removed by means of temperature or by removal at lower temperatures / vacuum (such as by using a rotary evaporator) to ensure a low-moisture formulation. Other known methods of water removal can be used, for example, by using molecular sieves or by adding a desiccant (such as Na₂SO₄ or MgSO₄) followed by filtration.

[0142] In one embodiment, a quantity of potassium polyaspartate can be incorporated, which is about 10-45% of a formulation mixture containing ethylene glycol and propylene glycol in a ratio of about 80 / 20 to 20 / 80. In one embodiment, the potassium polyaspartate is added to a combined solvent under stirring, the combined solvent having been heated in a mixing vessel to a temperature of about 0°C to 150°C, or alternatively to a temperature of about 20°C to 130°C, or alternatively to a temperature of about 40°C to 120°C, or alternatively to a temperature of about 50°C to 100°C, and mixed until the potassium polyaspartate is completely dissolved. In one embodiment, the heated mixing vessel may be jacketed, and the temperature carefully controlled. In a variation, the mixing action allows for complete mixing without excessive aeration. Heating can be accomplished using hot water or low-pressure steam to control any hot spots on the vessel walls to prevent thermal degradation of the potassium polyaspartate. Alternatively, mixing can be carried out under reduced pressure, in an inert atmosphere (such as, but not limited to, nitrogen, argon, and / or carbon dioxide) to limit thermal or oxidative degradation, and / or the mixing process may include one or more high-shear devices, such as cowles, colloid mills, rotors, stators, and / or ball mills. During this stage (after initial mixing), the mixture may be cooled to approximately 25°C or below, and if desired, one or more of the following may be added:

[0143] • One or more urease inhibitors;

[0144] • One or more nitration inhibitors;

[0145] Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides

[0146] • Food colorings or dyes, which can be used to improve visual evidence of complete coverage and act as visual markers;

[0147] • Fragrances or masking agents used to improve the odor of formulations;

[0148] • Nonionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric, and / or amphoteric surfactants used to improve the formulation and application performance of fertilizer granules.

[0149] • Buffers, micronutrients and / or flow modifiers, such as silica, zinc stearate and / or calcium stearate.

[0150] In another variation, the mixture of [P(OA)] in NOSDS can be subjected to high-shear stirring (e.g., but not limited to, an overhead stirrer configured with cowles blades or a rotor-stator mixer) to help reduce the viscosity of the mixture. In one embodiment, the invention relates to the production of a stable, non-aqueous dispersion of a polyaspartic acid salt in NOSDS. In one variation, polysuccinimide is heated to 100-160°C in the presence of excess protonated NOSDS, thereby forming a polyaspartic acid ester dispersed in the protonated NOSDS, which is subsequently saponified by one or more metals in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, and metal carbonates, and / or by nitrogen-containing compounds (such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or organic amines), thereby producing a stable dispersion of the [P(OA)] salt in NOSDS. The metal or metal fraction of the reactants can be further defined as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, and Ni. Organic amines are formed by the reaction of a C 1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 Amines, tri-C 1-6 The composition comprises one or more of the following: amines, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropylamine, diisopropylamine, triisopropylamine, diethylamine, diethylenetriamine, triethyltetraamine, and tetraethylpentamine. In one variation, proton and / or aproton solvents may be added to the free proton solvent to impart the desired coating properties to the composition.

[0151] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the manufacture of liquid compositions that can be readily mixed with liquid fertilizers or safely, rapidly, uniformly, and economically applied to the surface of solid fertilizer granules, soil, and seeds. In one variant, polysuccinimide is heated to 100-160°C in the presence of an excess proton solvent, thereby forming a polyaspartic ester dispersed in the proton solvent, which subsequently reacts with oxides, hydroxides, and carbonates of zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, cobalt, and / or nickel, thereby producing a stable dispersion of the micronutrient salt of polyaspartic ester in NOSDS. In one variant, the micronutrient salt of polyaspartic ester in NOSDS can be completely neutralized with one or more metals in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, and metal carbonates and / or with nitrogen-containing compounds (such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or organic amines), thereby producing a stable dispersion of [P(OA)] salt in NOSDS. The metals or metallic moieties of the reactants can be further defined as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, and Ni. Organic amines are formed by a single carbon atom (C). 1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 Amines, tri-C 1-6The composition comprises one or more of the following: amines, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropylamine, diisopropylamine, triisopropylamine, diethylamine, diethylenetriamine, triethyltetraamine, and / or tetraethylpentamine. NOSDS is freely permitted to be a component of the organic solvent system of the composition. In one variant, the complexed micronutrient has also been shown to possess urease inhibitory properties and thus can function as both a micronutrient and a urease inhibitor.

[0152] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the manufacture of a liquid composition that can be readily mixed with liquid fertilizers or safely, rapidly, uniformly, and economically applied to the surface of solid fertilizer granules, soil, and seeds. In one variation, polysuccinimide is heated to 40-80°C and mixed in the presence of aprotic NOSDS until the polysuccinimide is completely dissolved. The dispersed [P(OA)] can be partially or completely neutralized with one or more metals in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, and metal carbonates and / or with nitrogen-containing compounds (such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or organic amines) to produce a stable dispersion of [P(OA)] salts in NOSDS. The metal or metal moiety of the reactants can be further defined as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, and Ni. Organic amines are formed by the reaction of a C 1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 Amines, tri-C 1-6 One or more of the group consisting of amines, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropylamine, diisopropylamine, triisopropylamine, diethylamine, diethylenetriamine, triethyltetraamine, and / or tetraethylpentamine. The reactor vessel may be placed under vacuum to remove any residual water formed or introduced.

[0153] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the manufacture of liquid compositions that can be readily mixed with liquid fertilizers or safely, rapidly, uniformly, and economically applied to the surface of solid fertilizer granules, soil, and seeds. In one variant, in the presence of a molar excess of protonated NOSDS, a reactive monomer or blend of reactive monomers (such as, but not limited to, aspartic acid and / or glutamic acid) is heated to 100-185°C to form a poly(organic ester), which is subsequently saponified by one or more metals in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, and metal carbonates and / or by nitrogen-containing compounds (such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or organic amines), freeing NOSDS into a component of the organic solvent system, thereby producing a stable dispersion of [P(OA)] salts in NOSDS. The metal or metal moiety of the reactants may be further defined as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, and Ni. Organic amines are formed by the reaction of a C1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 amines, tri-C 1-6 The NOSDS is one or more of the group consisting of amines, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropylamine, diisopropylamine, triisopropylamine, diethylamine, diethylenetriamine, triethyltetraamine, and / or tetraethylpentamine. In one variant, the molar ratio of NOSDS to the reactive monomer is 1.2:1. In another variant, the molar ratio of NOSDS to the reactive monomer is 6:1. In another variant, the molar ratio of NOSDS to the reactive monomer is 2:1. In another variant, the molar ratio of NOSDS to the reactive monomer is 10:1. In one variant, the molar ratio can be any ratio between 0.5:1 and 10:1. In one variant, the weight ratio of NOSDS to the reactive monomer is 10%:90%. In another variant, the weight ratio of NOSDS to the reactive monomer is 90%:10%.

[0154] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the manufacture of a liquid composition that can be readily mixed with liquid fertilizers or safely, rapidly, uniformly, and economically applied to the surface of solid fertilizer granules, soil, and seeds. In one variant, in the presence of a molar excess of protonated NOSDS, and via a free radical catalyst (such as, but not limited to, ammonium persulfate, benzoyl peroxide, and / or di-tert-butyl peroxide), a reactive monomer or blend of reactive monomers (such as, but not limited to, acrylic acid, maleic anhydride, maleic acid, citraconic anhydride, itaconic anhydride, and / or itaconic acid) is heated to 60-140°C to form a poly(organic ester), which is subsequently saponified by one or more metals in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, and metal carbonates and / or by nitrogen-containing compounds (such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or organic amines), thereby producing a stable dispersion of [P(OA)] salts in NOSDS. The metals or metallic moieties of the reactants can be further defined as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, and Ni. Organic amines are formed by a single carbon atom (C). 1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 amines, tri-C 1-6 One or more of the group consisting of amines, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropylamine, diisopropylamine, triisopropylamine, diethylamine, diethylenetriamine, triethyltetraamine and / or tetraethylpentamine.

[0155] In one variation, the molar ratio of NOSDS to the reactive monomer is 1.2:1. In another variation, the molar ratio of NOSDS to the reactive monomer is 6:1. In yet another variation, the molar ratio of NOSDS to the reactive monomer is 2:1. In yet another variation, the molar ratio of NOSDS to the reactive monomer is 10:1. In one variation, the molar ratio can be any ratio between 0.5:1 and 10:1.

[0156] In one variant, the weight ratio of NOSDS to the reactive monomer is 10% to 90%. In another variant, the weight ratio of NOSDS to the reactive monomer is 90% to 10%.

[0157] In one embodiment, polyacrylic acid can be produced in a solvent (such as methyl ethyl ketone) using a peroxide catalyst and a process known to those skilled in the art. The resulting solvated poly(organic acid) undergoes solvent displacement via a feed of aprotic NOSDS, which includes one or more of the following: 1) dimethyl sulfoxide and / or 2) dialkyl sulfoxide, diaryl sulfoxide, or alkylaryl sulfoxide having the following molecular formula:

[0158] R1S(O) x R2

[0159] Where R1 and R2 are independently C 1-6 alkylene, aromatic or

[0160] C 1-3 The alkylene aryl group, or R1 and R2, forms a 4- to 8-membered ring with the sulfur to which they are attached, wherein R1 and R2 together are C2. 1-6 Alkylene, which optionally contains one or more atoms in the ring selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se, Te, N and P, and x is 1 or 2.

[0161] And / or 3) alkyl carbonate esters such as ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, and / or butyl carbonate, and / or 4) polyols end-capped with acetate or formic acid groups, wherein the polyol portion may be one or more of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol, butanediol, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol and sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose, and / or glycerol, and 5) such as tripropylene glycol. alkylene glycol alkyl ether acetates such as methyl ether acetate and tripropylene glycol butyl ether acetate, and / or 6) isophorone, 7) dimethyl succinate, dimethyl adipate, diethyl glutarate and / or dimethyl glutarate, 8) dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, dimethyl-2-imidazolinone, 9) hexamethylphosphoramide, 10) 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 2-methoxyethyl ether, 11) cyclohexylpyrrolidone, and / or 12) limonene.

[0162] Subsequently, the unwanted solvent can then be removed by passing through different boiling points or by using a vacuum until the unwanted solvent is reduced to at least about 1%. Polyacrylic acid can be neutralized to the desired pH in new NOSDS by one or more metals in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, and metal carbonates, and / or by nitrogen-containing compounds (such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or organic amines), thereby producing a stable dispersion of [P(OA)] salts in NOSDS. The metal or metal moiety of the reactants can be further defined as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, and Ni. Organic amines are formed by the reaction of a C 1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 Amines, tri-C 1-6 One or more of the group consisting of amines, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropylamine, diisopropylamine, triisopropylamine, diethylamine, diethylenetriamine, triethyltetraamine, and / or tetraethylpentamine. If water is generated due to neutralization or the addition of aqueous solutions of these bases, it can be removed by means of temperature or by removal at a lower temperature / vacuum (such as by using a rotary evaporator) to ensure a low-moisture formulation. Alternatively, molecular sieves or desiccants and filtration can be used.

[0163] In one embodiment, one or more additional urease inhibitors, one or more additional [P(OA)] and / or one or more additional nitrification inhibitors may be added to the formulation of the present invention. In one embodiment, the additional urease inhibitors, [P(OA)] and / or nitrification inhibitors may be dissolved in the mixture. In one embodiment, the useful mixture may be prepared by dilution or by mixing with a liquid fertilizer.

[0164] Examples of this formulation include: adding the liquid invention to an aqueous mixture of urea and ammonium nitrate (UAN), or coating the mixture with the liquid invention by contacting it with a formulation of solid fertilizer components (such as, but not limited to, urea, manure, monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), and solid micronutrients (such as lime, zinc chloride, etc.). In one embodiment, the coated granular fertilizer can be prepared using any commercially available facility in which the granular product is mixed with the liquid invention or sprayed with the liquid invention. A flow aid, silica, or a surfactant (such as soap) or nonionic surfactant may be added prior to the addition of the liquid to improve dispersibility.

[0165] In one embodiment, the resulting coated fertilizer can be applied to the soil in liquid and / or granular form to provide improved nutrient retention in the soil for plant life absorption.

[0166] In one embodiment, the active ingredient comprises one or more nitrification inhibitors, one or more urease inhibitors, one or more pesticides, one or more fungicides, one or more herbicides, and / or one or more insecticides, dispersed in a stable liquid formulation comprising one or more polyaspartic acid and / or its salts, as well as NOSDS (such as those described herein).

[0167] In one embodiment, the composition may comprise one or more of surfactants, buffers, fragrances / odor masking agents, colorants, micronutrients, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and / or flow modifiers.

[0168] In one embodiment, the composition is substantially anhydrous.

[0169] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to fertilizer additives. In one embodiment, the fertilizer additive includes one or more nitrification inhibitors, one or more pesticides, one or more fungicides, one or more herbicides, one or more insecticides, and one or more urease inhibitors in a stable liquid formulation, the stable liquid formulation comprising one or more [P(OA)] and / or their salts, and NOSDS.

[0170] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to fertilizers or seed additives comprising one or more of the following:

[0171] a) One or more fungicides, such as, but not limited to: azoxystrobin, Bacillus licheniformis, boscalid, captan, dimethoate, chlorothalonil, sulfamethoxam (chlorpyrifos), chlorpyrifos, fludioxonil, fluopyram, aluminum fosetyl-aluminum, iprodione, mancozeb, metalaxyl, cyproconazole, potassium phosphite, polyoxin D, propiconazole, azoxystrobin, tebuconazole, thiophanate-methyl, thiram, triadimefon, azoxystrobin, vinclozolin;

[0172] b) One or more herbicides, such as, but not limited to: 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, acetochlor, trifluralin, metolachlor, atrazine, atrazine, chlorpyrifos, fluroxypyr, bensulfuron-methyl, dimethoate, thiamethoxam, chlorpyrifos, bromobenzyl, sulfadiazine, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos, clethodim, isoxaflutole, dichloropyridine, chlorpyrifos-methyl, glyphosate, DCPA (dimethoate), betaine, dicamba, dichlorvos The following herbicides are listed: haloxyfop-R-methyl, succinylsulfuron-methyl, flupyrazole, methyl thiamethoxam, diquat, diuron, DSMA (disodium methyl arsenate), sildenafil, EPTC (sildenafil), butyrazosulfuron, ethoxysulfuron-methyl, haloxyfop-R-methyl, fluazinam, fluazinam, fluazinam, propyzoxystrobin, fenpropathrin, fluazinam, fluazinam, formamide, glufosinate, glyphosate, chlorpyrifos. Cyclomethrin, imazalil, methoxyfenozide, methyl methazine, imazalil quinolinic acid, imazalil ethionyl acetonitrile, isoxaflutole, isoxaflutole, quizalofop-P-ethyl, linuron, MCPA (2,4-D), MCPB (2,4-D butyric acid), mesotrione, metolachlor, cyprodinil, metsulfuron-methyl, methyl arsenate, doxycycline, nicosulfuron, doxycycline, amoxicillin, oxadiazon, ethoxyflufenoxam, paraquat The following herbicides are listed: calciferol, nonanoic acid, pendimethalin, betaine, chlorpyrifos, flusulfuron, ambroxol, promethazine, chlorpyrifos, flusulfuron, chlorpyrifos, pyrazosulfuron, quizalofop-p-ethyl, sulfadiazine, cyclohexane, simazine, mesotrione, pyrazosulfuron, sulfonylsulfuron, butyrazosulfuron, tebufenozide, thiamethoxam, thifensulfuron, quizalofop-p-ethyl, trifluralin, fensulfuron-methyl, bensulfuron-methyl, chlorpyrifos, flusulfuron-methyl, flusulfanilamide;

[0173] c) and / or one or more insecticides, such as, but not limited to: bifenthrin, cypermethrin, permethrin, synergist, lambda-cyhalothrin, S-acetamiprid, deltamethrin, permethrin, cypermethrin, pyriproxyfen, fipronil, fenpropathrin, deltamethrin, carbofuran, chlorpyrifos, phorate, cypermethrin, methamidophos, malathion, permethrin, phorate, fenpropathrin, terbufos, chlorpyrifos, allicin, neonicotinoids, azadirachtin, carvacrol, d-limonene, matrine, nicotine. , nicotine, oxymatrine, pyrethroids, citronella oleoresin, jasmine oleoresin, quassin, rhododendron toxin, rotenone, ryania, veratrine (sabadilla), sanguisorbin, triptolide, carbamate insecticides, benzofuran methyl carbamate insecticides, dimethyl carbamate insecticides, carbamate oxime ester insecticides, methyl carbamate phenyl ester insecticides, pennitrophenol, DNOC (dinitrocresol), fluorinated insecticides, formamidins insecticides, amitraz, chlorfenapyr, chlorfenapyr, acaricide, chlorfenapyr, chlorfenapyr, chlorfenapyr;

[0174] The stable liquid formulation comprises one or more [P(OA)] and / or their salts, as well as NOSDS. In one variant, one or more nitration inhibitors and one or more urease inhibitors may be added to the stable liquid formulation.

[0175] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to seed additives. In one embodiment, the seed additive comprises one or more nitrification inhibitors, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and one or more urease inhibitors in a stable liquid formulation, the stable liquid formulation comprising one or more [P(OA)] and / or their salts, and NOSDS.

[0176] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the manufacture of compositions and fertilizer and / or seed additives. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a composition to be added to fertilizer and / or seeds, wherein the method comprises:

[0177] Heating a mixture containing one or more [P(OA)] and / or their salts from NOSDS;

[0178] Cool the mixture to a temperature that optionally allows the addition of one or more of surfactants, buffers, fragrances / odor maskers, colorants, micronutrients, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and / or flow modifiers.

[0179] In a variation of the method, the method includes further adding the composition to fertilizer and / or seeds.

[0180] In one embodiment, the stable liquid formulation composition comprises one or more protonated NOSDS [P(OA)] and / or their salts, wherein the protonated NOSDS includes one or more of the following: 1) derived from C 1-10 Alkyl alcohols, 2) polyols selected from the group consisting of trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol and sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose and glycerol, 3) poly(C 1-10 4) Alkylene glycols selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol and butanediol, 5) Isopropylglycerin, 6) Alkylene glycol alkyl ethers selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether and dipropylene glycol butyl ether, 7) Ethyl lactate, propyl lactate or butyl lactate, 8) Alkyl alcoholamines selected from the group consisting of ethanolamine, diethanolamine, dipropanolamine, methyl diethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine and triethanolamine, and / or 9) Glyceryl carbonate.

[0181] In one embodiment, the formulation may contain one or more [P(OA)] and / or salts thereof, said [P(OA)] and / or salts thereof comprising the following monomers present in NOSDS at effective levels as homopolymers, copolymers and / or terpolymers, wherein they may be present in an amount between about 5-50% of the total amount:

[0182] Aspartic acid

[0183] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of aspartic acid

[0184] ·Glutamic acid

[0185] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of glutamic acid

[0186] Maleic anhydride

[0187] Itaconic anhydride

[0188] · Limonene anhydride

[0189] Citric acid

[0190] • C1-C6 esters or triesters of citric acid

[0191] ·acrylic acid

[0192] • C1-C6 esters or full esters of acrylic acid

[0193] · Methacrylic acid

[0194] • C1-C6 partial or complete esters of methacrylic acid

[0195] Maleic acid

[0196] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of maleic acid

[0197] Itaconic acid

[0198] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of itaconic acid

[0199] • Limonene, and / or

[0200] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of citralic acid

[0201] In one variant, the composition may contain protonated NOSDS derived from one or more of the group consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, glycerol, tripropylene glycol, and / or their methyl ethers.

[0202] In one variant, one or more proton NOSDS constitute about 90 / 10 to 10 / 90 of the composition.

[0203] In one variant, one or more [P(OA)] and its salts are potassium aspartate in the formulation, wherein potassium aspartate is present in an amount between about 10-45% of the total amount of the formulation, and the formulation also contains a mixture of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, wherein the ratio between ethylene glycol and propylene glycol is between 20 / 80 and 80 / 20.

[0204] In one embodiment, the composition may further comprise one or more of the following: surfactant, buffer, fragrance / odor masking agent, colorant, micronutrient, dispersed one or more urease inhibitors, dispersed one or more nitrification inhibitors, dispersed pesticides, dispersed fungicides, dispersed herbicides, dispersed insecticides, and / or flow modifiers.

[0205] In one variant, the composition is essentially anhydrous.

[0206] In one embodiment, the composition comprises a stable dispersion of one or more [P(OA)] and / or their salts in NOSDS, wherein the NOSDS include:

[0207] a) One or more protic solvents selected from the group consisting of: 1) solvents derived from C 1-10 Alcohols of the alkanol family, 2) polyols selected from the group consisting of trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol and sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose and / or glycerol, 3) poly(C 1-104) Alkylene glycols selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol and / or butanediol, 5) isopropylglycerin, 6) alkylene glycol alkyl ethers selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether and / or dipropylene glycol butyl ether, 7) ethyl lactate, propyl lactate or butyl lactate, 8) alkanolamines selected from the group consisting of ethanolamine, diethanolamine, dipropanolamine, methyl diethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine and / or triethanolamine, and / or 9) glyceryl carbonate.

[0208] b) and / or one or more aprotic solvents derived from the group consisting of: 1) dimethyl sulfoxide and / or 2) dialkyl sulfoxide, diaryl sulfoxide or alkylaryl sulfoxide having the following molecular formulas:

[0209] R1S(O) x R2

[0210] Where R1 and R2 are independently C 1-6 alkylene, aromatic or

[0211] C 1-3 The alkylene aryl group, or R1 and R2, forms a 4- to 8-membered ring with the sulfur to which they are attached, wherein R1 and R2 together are C2. 1-6 Alkylene, which optionally contains one or more atoms in the ring selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se, Te, N and P, and x is 1 or 2.

[0212] 3) Alkyl carbonates selected from the group consisting of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, and / or butyl carbonate; 4) Polyols end-capped with acetate or formic acid groups, wherein the polyol portion may be one or more of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol, butanediol, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol and sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose, and / or glycerol; 5) Alkyl carbonates selected from dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, tri ... Alkylene glycol alkyl ether acetates comprising the group consisting of diol methyl ether acetate and / or tripropylene glycol butyl ether acetate, and / or 6) isophorone, 7) dimethyl succinate, dimethyl adipate, diethyl glutarate and / or dimethyl glutarate, 8) dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, dimethyl-2-imidazolinone, 9) hexamethylphosphoramide, 10) 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 2-methoxyethyl ether, 11) cyclohexylpyrrolidone, and / or 12) limonene.

[0213] In one variant, the composition may contain one or more [P(OA)] and / or salts thereof, said [P(OA)] and / or salts thereof comprising the following monomers present in NOSDS at effective levels as homopolymers, copolymers and / or terpolymers, wherein they may be present in an amount between about 5-50% of the total amount:

[0214] Aspartic acid

[0215] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of aspartic acid

[0216] ·Glutamic acid

[0217] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of glutamic acid

[0218] Maleic anhydride

[0219] Itaconic anhydride

[0220] · Limonene anhydride

[0221] Citric acid

[0222] • C1-C6 esters or triesters of citric acid

[0223] ·acrylic acid

[0224] • C1-C6 esters or full esters of acrylic acid

[0225] · Methacrylic acid

[0226] • C1-C6 partial or complete esters of methacrylic acid

[0227] Maleic acid

[0228] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of maleic acid

[0229] Itaconic acid

[0230] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of itaconic acid

[0231] ·Citrine

[0232] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of citralic acid

[0233] In one embodiment, the composition may contain proton NOSDS, which includes one or more of the following: ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, glycerol, and tripropylene glycol methyl ether.

[0234] In one variant, aprotic NOSDS includes one or more of the following: dimethyl sulfoxide, propylene carbonate, dimethyl succinate, diethyl glutarate, or dimethyl glutarate.

[0235] In one variant, the ratio of proton NOSDS to non-proton NOSDS is between 90 / 10% and 10 / 90%, and the total solvation system is between about 10% and 90% of the final composition.

[0236] In one variant, one or more [P(OA)] and / or their salts comprise sodium aspartate in the formulation, wherein sodium aspartate is present in an amount between about 10-45% of the total amount of the formulation, and the formulation also contains: a) ethylene glycol and / or propylene glycol and b) propylene carbonate in a ratio between about 20 / 80 and 80 / 20.

[0237] In one variant, the composition is essentially anhydrous.

[0238] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a stable liquid fertilizer and / or seed additive comprising one or more NOSDS [P(OA)] and / or salts thereof, wherein the NOSDS comprises one or more of the following: a) a proton solvent derived from the group consisting of: 1) from C 1-10 Alcohols of the alkanol family, 2) polyols selected from the group consisting of trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol and sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose and / or glycerol, 3) poly(C 1-10 4) Alkylene glycols selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol and / or butanediol, 5) isopropylglycerin, 6) alkylene glycol alkyl ethers selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether and / or dipropylene glycol butyl ether, 7) ethyl lactate, propyl lactate or butyl lactate, 8) alkanolamines selected from the group consisting of ethanolamine, diethanolamine, dipropanolamine, methyl diethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine and / or triethanolamine, and / or 9) glyceryl carbonate.

[0239] b) and / or one or more aprotic solvents derived from the group consisting of: 1) dimethyl sulfoxide and / or 2) dialkyl sulfoxide, diaryl sulfoxide or alkylaryl sulfoxide having the following molecular formulas:

[0240] R1S(O) x R2

[0241] Where R1 and R2 are independently C 1-6 alkylene, aromatic or

[0242] C 1-3 The alkylene aryl group, or R1 and R2, forms a 4- to 8-membered ring with the sulfur to which they are attached, wherein R1 and R2 together are C2. 1-6 Alkylene, which optionally contains one or more atoms in the ring selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se, Te, N and P, and x is 1 or 2.

[0243] 3) Alkyl carbonates selected from the group consisting of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, and / or butyl carbonate; 4) Polyols end-capped with acetate or formic acid groups, wherein the polyol portion may be one or more of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol, butanediol, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol and sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose, and / or glycerol; 5) Alkyl carbonates selected from dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, tri ... Alkylene glycol alkyl ether acetates comprising the group consisting of diol methyl ether acetate and / or tripropylene glycol butyl ether acetate, and / or 6) isophorone, 7) dimethyl succinate, dimethyl adipate, diethyl glutarate and / or dimethyl glutarate, 8) dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, dimethyl-2-imidazolinone, 9) hexamethylphosphoramide, 10) 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 2-methoxyethyl ether, 11) cyclohexylpyrrolidone, and / or 12) limonene.

[0244] In one variant, the fertilizer and / or seed additive may contain one or more [P(OA)] and / or salts thereof, said [P(OA)] and / or salts thereof comprising the following monomers present in NOSDS at effective levels as homopolymers, copolymers and / or terpolymers, wherein they may be present in an amount between about 5-50% of the total:

[0245] Aspartic acid

[0246] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of aspartic acid

[0247] ·Glutamic acid

[0248] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of glutamic acid

[0249] Maleic anhydride

[0250] Itaconic anhydride

[0251] · Limonene anhydride

[0252] Citric acid

[0253] • C1-C6 esters or triesters of citric acid

[0254] ·acrylic acid

[0255] • C1-C6 esters or full esters of acrylic acid

[0256] · Methacrylic acid

[0257] • C1-C6 partial or complete esters of methacrylic acid

[0258] Maleic acid

[0259] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of maleic acid

[0260] Itaconic acid

[0261] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of itaconic acid

[0262] ·Citrine

[0263] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of citralic acid

[0264] In one variant, the fertilizer additive may also contain one or more pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and / or insecticides.

[0265] In one variant, the fertilizer additive may further comprise one or more nitrification inhibitors, wherein the one or more nitrification inhibitors are selected from the group consisting of 2-chloro-6-trichloromethylpyridine, 4-amino-1,2,4-6-triazole-HCl, 2,4-diamino-6-trichloromethyltriazine CL-1580, dicyandiamide, thiourea, 1-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole, 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate, and 2-amino-4-chloro-6-methylpyrimidine.

[0266] In one embodiment, the fertilizer additive may further comprise one or more urease inhibitors, wherein the one or more urease inhibitors are selected from the group consisting of phosphoric triamide, thiophosphoric triamide, and alkylated thiophosphoric triamide, wherein the alkylated thiophosphoric triamide has one or more alkyl groups that independently contain 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0267] In one variant, the fertilizer and / or seed additive may contain one or more nitrification inhibitors, wherein the one or more nitrification inhibitors contain dicyandiamide, one or more [P(OA)] contain polyaspartic acid, and one or more urease inhibitors contain phosphoric acid triamine. Alternatively, one or more urease inhibitors may include phosphoramide.

[0268] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a composition to be added as a coating to the surface of fertilizer granules and / or seeds, the method comprising:

[0269] Heating a mixture containing one or more [P(OA)] and / or their salts from NOSDS, wherein the NOSDS comprises: a) one or more protic solvents derived from the group consisting of: 1) solvents derived from C 1-10 Alcohols of the alkanol family, 2) polyols selected from the group consisting of trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol and sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose and / or glycerol, 3) poly(C 1-10 4) Alkylene glycols selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol and / or butanediol, 5) isopropylglycerin, 6) alkylene glycol alkyl ethers selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether and / or dipropylene glycol butyl ether, 7) ethyl lactate, propyl lactate or butyl lactate, 8) alkanolamines selected from the group consisting of ethanolamine, diethanolamine, dipropanolamine, methyl diethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine and / or triethanolamine, and / or 9) glyceryl carbonate.

[0270] b) and / or one or more aprotic solvents derived from the group consisting of: 1) dimethyl sulfoxide and / or 2) dialkyl sulfoxide, diaryl sulfoxide or alkylaryl sulfoxide having the following molecular formulas:

[0271] R1S(O) x R2

[0272] Where R1 and R2 are independently C 1-6 alkylene, aromatic or

[0273] C 1-3 The alkylene aryl group, or R1 and R2, forms a 4- to 8-membered ring with the sulfur to which they are attached, wherein R1 and R2 together are C2. 1-6 Alkylene, which optionally contains one or more atoms in the ring selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se, Te, N and P, and x is 1 or 2.

[0274] 3) Alkyl carbonates selected from the group consisting of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, and / or butyl carbonate; 4) Polyols end-capped with acetate or formic acid groups, wherein the polyol portion may be one or more of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol, butanediol, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol and sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose, and / or glycerol; 5) Alkyl carbonates selected from dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, tri ... Alkylene glycol alkyl ether acetates comprising the group consisting of glycol methyl ether acetate and / or tripropylene glycol butyl ether acetate, and / or 6) isophorone, 7) dimethyl succinate, dimethyl adipate, diethyl glutarate and / or dimethyl glutarate, 8) dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, dimethyl-2-imidazolinone, 9) hexamethylphosphoramide, 10) 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 2-methoxyethyl ether, 11) cyclohexylpyrrolidone, and / or 12) limonene;

[0275] The mixture is then cooled to a temperature that optionally allows the addition of one or more of the following: surfactants, buffers, fragrances / odor maskers, colorants, micronutrients, dispersed one or more urease inhibitors, dispersed one or more nitrification inhibitors, one or more pesticides, one or more herbicides, one or more fungicides, and / or flow modifiers.

[0276] In one embodiment, the method may further include adding the composition to fertilizer and / or seeds.

[0277] In one variant, the fertilizer and / or seed additive may contain one or more [P(OA)] and / or salts thereof, said [P(OA)] and / or salts thereof comprising the following monomers present in NOSDS at effective levels as homopolymers, copolymers and / or terpolymers, wherein they may be present in an amount between about 5-50% of the total:

[0278] Aspartic acid

[0279] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of aspartic acid

[0280] ·Glutamic acid

[0281] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of glutamic acid

[0282] Maleic anhydride

[0283] Itaconic anhydride

[0284] · Limonene anhydride

[0285] Citric acid

[0286] • C1-C6 esters or triesters of citric acid

[0287] ·acrylic acid

[0288] • C1-C6 esters or full esters of acrylic acid

[0289] · Methacrylic acid

[0290] • C1-C6 partial or complete esters of methacrylic acid

[0291] Maleic acid

[0292] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of maleic acid

[0293] Itaconic acid

[0294] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of itaconic acid

[0295] • Limonene, and / or

[0296] • C1-C6 esters or diesters of citralic acid

[0297] One or more of [P(OA)] are present at a level between about 5% and 50% of the total composition.

[0298] In one variant, the method may use a dispersed nitration inhibitor selected from one or more elements chosen from the group consisting of 2-chloro-6-trichloromethylpyridine, 4-amino-1,2,4-6-triazaphene-hydrochloride, 2,4-diamino-6-trichloromethyltriazabenzene CL-1580, dicyandiamide, thiourea, 1-hydrothio-1,2,4-triazaphene, 2-amino-4-chloro-6-methylpyrimidine, and 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate.

[0299] In one embodiment, the method may include one or more dispersed urease inhibitors, wherein they are one or more elements selected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid triamine, thiophosphoric acid triamine and alkyl thiophosphoric acid triamine, wherein the alkyl thiophosphoric acid triamine has one or more alkyl groups that independently contain 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0300] In one variant, the method may include a dispersed nitration inhibitor and a dispersed urease inhibitor, wherein the dispersed nitration inhibitor comprises dicyandiamide and the dispersed urease inhibitor comprises phosphoryltriamine. Alternatively, the dispersed urease inhibitor may comprise phosphoramide.

[0301] In one variation, the method can use a substantially anhydrous composition. "Substantially anhydrous" means less than about 1% water.

[0302] In one variation, the present invention relates to a composition comprising one or more poly(organic acid) [P(OA)] and / or salts thereof, and one or more non-aqueous organic solvent delivery systems (NOSDS), wherein the composition is ideally suited for coating stable dispersions of artificial and / or natural fertilizer components and / or seeds, wherein [P(OA)] is a homopolymer, copolymer, and / or terpolymer comprising one or more of the following monomers:

[0303] Aspartic acid, glutamic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, citraconic acid, citric acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, and citraconic acid, their C 1-6 Esters, acid anhydrides, and imides, or their salts;

[0304] And NOSDS include one or more of the following:

[0305] a) Protic solvents, selected from the group consisting of:

[0306] 1) C1-10 alcohols, 2) one or more polyols selected from the group consisting of trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol and sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose and glycerol, 3) poly(C1-10 alkylene) glycols, 4) alkylene glycols selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol and butanediol, 5) isopropylglycerin, 6) alkylene glycol alkyl ethers selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether and dipropylene glycol butyl ether, 7) ethyl lactate, propyl lactate or butyl lactate, 8) alkanolamines selected from the group consisting of ethanolamine, diethanolamine, dipropanolamine, methyl diethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine and triethanolamine, and 9) glyceryl carbonate.

[0307] and / or

[0308] b) One or more aprotic solvents, including one or more of the following: 1) dimethyl sulfoxide, 2) dialkyl sulfoxide, diaryl sulfoxide or alkylaryl sulfoxide having the following molecular formula:

[0309] R1S(O) x R2

[0310] Where R1 and R2 are independently C 1-6 alkyl, aromatic or

[0311] C 1-3 The alkylene aryl group, or R1 and R2, forms a 4- to 7-membered ring with the sulfur to which they are attached, wherein R1 and R2 together are C64-76 ... 1-6 Alkylene, which optionally contains one or more atoms in the ring selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se, Te, N, and P, and x is 1 or 2, or

[0312] 3) Alkyl carbonates selected from the group consisting of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, and butyl carbonate; 4) Polyols end-capped with acetate or formic acid groups, wherein the polyol portion is one or more of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol, butanediol, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose, or glycerol; 5) Dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, tripropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, etc. The group consisting of alkylene glycol alkyl ether acetates and tripropylene glycol butyl ether acetates, 6) isophorone, 7) dimethyl succinate, dimethyl adipate, diethyl glutarate and / or dimethyl glutarate, 8) dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, dimethyl-2-imidazolinone, 9) hexamethylphosphoramide, 10) 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 2-methoxyethyl ether, 11) cyclohexylpyrrolidone, and / or 12) limonene.

[0313] In one embodiment, the salt is derived from a metal, a metal hydroxide, a metal alkylate, a metal carbonate, ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or an organic amine.

[0314] In one embodiment, the metal in the metal, metal hydroxide, metal alkylate, or metal carbonate includes one or more of Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, or Ni.

[0315] In one variant, organic amines include a C 1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 amines, tri-C 1-6 One or more of the following: amine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, or tetraethylenepentamine.

[0316] In one variant, the composition comprises one or more protic solvents or one or more aprotic solvents.

[0317] In one embodiment, the composition:

[0318] The environment is safe;

[0319] ii. It has a flash point above 145°F;

[0320] iii. Contact with humans and animals is inherently safe;

[0321] iv. Provide a stable dispersion of [P(OA)] or its salt at a level of 1-50% in NOSDS at a storage temperature of at least 10°C;

[0322] v provides improved uniform application of the coating on fertilizer granules and seeds without causing clumping of fertilizer granules, premature seed germination, or inhibiting the growth of mold and mildew on the seeds; and

[0323] vi will not adversely affect the stability of alkylthiophosphate triamides.

[0324] In one variant, NOSDS comprises one or more proton solvents, wherein the ratio of [P(OA)] to one or more proton solvents is between about 90 / 10 and 10 / 90.

[0325] In one variant, one or more [P(OA)] comprise potassium polyaspartate, wherein the potassium polyaspartate is present in an amount between about 10-45% of the total composition, and the NOSDS of the formulation is ethylene glycol.

[0326] In one embodiment, the composition may further comprise one or more of the following: surfactant, buffer, fragrance / odor masking agent, colorant, micronutrient, dispersed one or more urease inhibitors, dispersed one or more nitrification inhibitors, one or more pesticides, one or more fungicides, one or more herbicides, one or more insecticides, or flow modifiers.

[0327] In one embodiment, the composition is substantially anhydrous.

[0328] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for producing a composition, wherein the process includes obtaining one or more of the following monomers:

[0329] Aspartic acid, glutamic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, citraconic acid, citric acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, and citraconic acid, their C 1-6 Esters, acid anhydrides, and imides, or their salts; and dispersing one or more of the said monomers in an aprotic solvent to form a dispersion, wherein said aprotic solvent comprises one or more of: 1) dimethyl sulfoxide, 2) dialkyl sulfoxide, diaryl sulfoxide, or alkylaryl sulfoxide having the following molecular formula:

[0330] R1S(O) x R2

[0331] Where R1 and R2 are independently C 1-6 alkylene, aromatic or

[0332] C 1-3 The alkylene aryl group, or R1 and R2, forms a 4- to 8-membered ring with the sulfur to which they are attached, wherein R1 and R2 together are C2. 1-6Alkylene, which optionally contains one or more atoms in the ring selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se, Te, N, and P, and x is 1 or 2.

[0333] 3) Alkyl carbonates selected from the group consisting of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, and butyl carbonate; 4) Polyols end-capped with acetate or formic acid groups, wherein the polyol portion is one or more of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol, butanediol, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose, and / or glycerol; 5) Alkyl carbonates selected from dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, tri ... The group consisting of alkylene glycol alkyl ether acetate and tripropylene glycol butyl ether acetate, 6) isophorone, 7) dimethyl succinate, dimethyl adipate, diethyl glutarate and / or dimethyl glutarate, 8) dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, dimethyl-2-imidazolinone, 9) hexamethylphosphoramide, 10) 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 2-methoxyethyl ether, 11) cyclohexylpyrrolidone, and / or 12) limonene;

[0334] With or without a catalyst, the dispersion is heated to the polymerization temperature and maintained at the polymerization temperature until a molecular weight of 1500 to 10000 g / mol is achieved.

[0335] In one embodiment, the process may further include neutralizing one or more monomers with one or more metals, wherein the one or more metals include elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, or metal carbonates, or neutralizing with one or more nitrogen-containing compounds, wherein the nitrogen-containing compounds include ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or organic amines.

[0336] In one embodiment of the process, one or more metals selected from elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, or metal carbonates include Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, or Ni.

[0337] In one variant, organic amines include a C 1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 Amines, tri-C 1-6 One or more of the following: amine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, or tetraethylenepentamine.

[0338] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for producing a composition.

[0339] The process described herein includes obtaining one or more of the following monomers:

[0340] Aspartic acid, glutamic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, citraconic acid, citric acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid and citraconic acid, their anhydrides and imides, or their salts;

[0341] One or more of the monomers are dispersed in one or more protic solvents, wherein the molar ratio of the protic solvent to one or more monomers can be any ratio between about 0.5:1 and 10:1, and / or the weight ratio of NOSDS to the reactive monomer is between 10%:90% and 90%:10%, and the monomers are heated to 120-190°C to form esters.

[0342] One or more proton solvents are selected from the group consisting of:

[0343] 1) From C 1-10 Alkyl alcohols, 2) polyols selected from the group consisting of trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose, and glycerol, 3) poly(C 1-10 4) Alkylene glycols selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol and butanediol, 5) isopropylglycerin, 6) alkylene glycol alkyl ethers selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether and dipropylene glycol butyl ether, 7) ethyl lactate, propyl lactate or butyl lactate, 8) alkanolamines selected from the group consisting of ethanolamine, diethanolamine, dipropanolamine, methyl diethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine and triethanolamine, and 9) glyceryl carbonate;

[0344] Furthermore, with or without a catalyst, the dispersion is heated to the polymerization temperature until a molecular weight of 1500 to 10000 g / mol is achieved;

[0345] Optionally, one or more aprotic solvents may be added thereto, wherein the one or more aprotic solvents comprise: 1) dimethyl sulfoxide, 2) dialkyl sulfoxide, diaryl sulfoxide or alkylaryl sulfoxide having the following molecular formula:

[0346] R1S(O) x R2

[0347] Where R1 and R2 are independently C 1-6 alkylene, aromatic or

[0348] C 1-3 The alkylene aryl group, or R1 and R2, forms a 4- to 7-membered ring with the sulfur to which they are attached, wherein R1 and R2 together are C64-76 ... 1-6 Alkylene, which optionally contains one or more atoms in the ring selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se, Te, N and P, and x is 1 or 2;

[0349] 3) Alkyl carbonates selected from the group consisting of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, and butyl carbonate; 4) Polyols end-capped with acetate or formic acid groups, wherein the polyol is one or more of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol, butanediol, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose, and / or glycerol; 5) Dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, tripropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, etc. The group consisting of alkylene glycol alkyl ether acetates and tripropylene glycol butyl ether acetates, 6) isophorone, 7) dimethyl succinate, dimethyl adipate, diethyl glutarate and / or dimethyl glutarate, 8) dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, dimethyl-2-imidazolinone, 9) hexamethylphosphoramide, 10) 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 2-methoxyethyl ether, 11) cyclohexylpyrrolidone, and / or 12) limonene.

[0350] In a variation of the process, the ester can be further saponified to produce a carboxylate, wherein the salt is derived from a metal, a metal hydroxide, a metal alkylate, a metal carbonate, ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or an organic amine.

[0351] In one variant, the metal in the metal, metal hydroxide, metal alkylate, or metal carbonate is Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, and / or Ni.

[0352] In one variant, organic amines include a C 1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 Amines, tri-C 1-6 One or more of the following: amine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, or tetraethylenepentamine.

[0353] In one variation, the present invention relates to a process for producing a composition.

[0354] The process includes obtaining a polymer comprising polysuccinimide, polyaspartic acid, polyglutamic acid and / or copolymers of aspartic acid and / or salts thereof;

[0355] in

[0356] The polymer is dispersed in NOSDS at a polymer:NOSDS weight ratio of 10:90% to 90:10%, wherein the NOSDS comprises a) one or more protic solvents heated to 120-190°C to form an ester, and wherein the one or more protic solvents are selected from the group consisting of:

[0357] 1) From C 1-10Alkyl alcohols, 2) polyols selected from the group consisting of trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose, and glycerol, 3) poly(C 1-10 4) Alkylene glycols selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol and butanediol, 5) Isopropylglycerin, 6) Alkylene glycol alkyl ethers selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether and dipropylene glycol butyl ether, 7) Ethyl lactate, propyl lactate or butyl lactate, 8) Alkylamines selected from the group consisting of ethanolamine, diethanolamine, dipropanolamine, methyl diethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine and triethanolamine, and 9) Glyceryl carbonate.

[0358] In one variant, the ester can be saponified.

[0359] In one embodiment, the salt may be derived from a metal, a metal hydroxide, a metal alkylate, a metal carbonate, ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or an organic amine, and the metal in the metal, metal hydroxide, metal alkylate, or metal carbonate is one or more of Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, or Ni.

[0360] In one variant, organic amines include a C 1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 amines, tri-C 1-6 One or more of the following: amine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, or tetraethylenepentamine.

[0361] The following examples illustrate some embodiments of the present invention:

[0362] Example 1

[0363] 400 g of ethylene glycol was fed into a vessel, placed under vigorous stirring, and then heated to 60°C. 222.2 g of potassium polyaspartate / 90% NVS was then slowly fed into the vessel and mixed until completely dissolved. Once dissolved, the mixture was subjected to high-shear stirring using an overhead mixer equipped with cowles, while maintaining the batch temperature at 60-80°C for 1 hour. After one hour, the vessel was sealed, and a vacuum of 200 mm or less was applied to remove water. The mixture was cooled to <30°C and then packaged in suitable containers.

[0364] Example 2

[0365] 120 grams of the product from Example 1 was heated to 60°C under stirring, and 80 grams of propylene glycol were then fed into a vessel. This mixture was mixed for 30 minutes, then cooled to <40°C and packaged.

[0366] Example 3

[0367] 120 grams of the product from Example 1 was heated to 60°C under stirring, and 80 grams of glycerol was then fed into a container. This mixture was mixed for 30 minutes, then cooled to <40°C and packaged.

[0368] Example 4

[0369] 120 g of the product from Example 1 was heated to 60°C under stirring, and 40 g of ethylene glycol and 40 g of tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether were then fed into a vessel. This mixture was mixed for 30 minutes, then cooled to <40°C and packaged.

[0370] Example 5

[0371] 450 g of ethylene glycol was fed into a vessel, placed under vigorous stirring, and then heated to 60°C. 300 g of polysuccinimide (5000 average molecular weight) was then slowly fed into the vessel and mixed until completely dispersed. The mixture was then heated to 140°C and held until all particles were dissolved (approximately 1.5 hours). The mixture was then cooled to 50°C. 147 g of KOH flakes was slowly fed into the mixture at a rate maintaining a temperature of 60–80°C. The formulation was mixed until all KOH flakes (100%) were dissolved. The mixture was then cooled to 40°C and then subjected to high-shear stirring using an overhead mixer equipped with cowles blades, while maintaining the batch temperature at 60–80°C for 1 hour. After one hour, an FTIR scan was performed to determine if the presence of esters had been eliminated. The mixture was sampled every 30 minutes until traces of esters had been eliminated. The mixture was cooled to <30°C and then packaged in a suitable container.

[0372] Example 6

[0373] 58.54 g of the product from Example 5 was fed into a vessel and then placed under vigorous stirring, and then heated to 60°C. 65.4 g of ethylene glycol was then fed into the vessel and mixed for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the mixture was cooled to 38°C and then packaged into a suitable container.

[0374] Example 7

[0375] 58.54 g of the product from Example 5 was fed into a vessel and then placed under vigorous stirring, and then heated to 60°C. 35.4 g of ethylene glycol and 30 g of dimethyl glutarate were then fed into the vessel and mixed for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the mixture was cooled to 38°C and subsequently packaged into a suitable container.

[0376] Example 8

[0377] 58.54 g of the product from Example 5 was fed into a vessel and then placed under vigorous stirring and heated to 60°C. 65.4 g of glycerol was then fed into the vessel and mixed for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the mixture was cooled to 38°C and then packaged into a suitable container.

[0378] Example 9

[0379] 104.3 g of the product from Example 5 was fed into a vessel and then placed under vigorous stirring, and then heated to 60°C. 45.7 g of ethylene glycol was then fed into the vessel and mixed for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the mixture was cooled to 38°C and then packaged into a suitable container.

[0380] Example 10

[0381] 183.12 g of dimethyl sulfoxide was fed into a vessel, placed under vigorous stirring, and then heated to 60 °C. 78.48 g of polysuccinimide (5000 average molecular weight) was then slowly fed into the vessel and mixed until completely dispersed. 72.74 g of DI water (deionized water) was fed into the vessel, followed by a slow feeding of 49.07 g of NH4OH / 28%, thus maintaining the temperature of the mixture at 60–80 °C. Mixing was carried out for one hour and then placed under a 50 mm vacuum with a slight nitrogen injection until distillation was terminated. The mixture was then cooled to 40 °C and subsequently packaged into suitable containers.

[0382] Example 11

[0383] 282.52 g of dimethyl sulfoxide was fed into a vessel, placed under vigorous stirring, and then heated to 60 °C. 146.23 g of partially sodium hydroxide-neutralized polyacrylic acid (Kemira 5847) was then fed into the vessel and mixed for 15 minutes. A vacuum of 38 mm was applied until distillation was terminated. The mixture was then cooled to 40 °C and subsequently packaged into suitable containers.

[0384] Example 12

[0385] 150 g of ethylene glycol, 150 g of L-aspartic acid, and 1.5 g of 85% phosphoric acid were fed into a vessel, then placed under vigorous stirring and heated to 185 °C. After 5 hours, 64.3 g of distillate was collected, and the batch was cooled to 60 °C. 97.44 g of KOH flakes (100%) were then slowly fed into the vessel at a rate allowing the batch temperature to remain between 60 and 80 °C, and mixed until completely dissolved. The mixture was subjected to high-shear stirring using an overhead mixer equipped with cowles, while maintaining the batch temperature at 60–80 °C for 1 hour. After one hour, an FTIR scan was performed to determine if the presence of esters had been eliminated. The mixture was sampled every 30 minutes until traces of esters had been eliminated. After the ester peaks had been eliminated, 281.08 g of ethylene glycol was fed, and the resulting mixture was mixed for 30 minutes. The mixture is then cooled to 40°C and then packaged in a suitable container.

[0386] Example 13

[0387] 71.58 g of acetone was fed into the vessel, followed by 12.48 g of maleic anhydride, 16.49 g of itaconic anhydride, and 0.98 g of benzoyl peroxide. Stirring was very slow until the maleic lumps were dissolved. The vessel was then sealed and inertized with N2, and the batch was heated to 60°C and maintained at 55-65°C for five hours. After five hours, the batch was cooled to 35°C, and 43.45 g of ethylene glycol was fed. A vacuum was then applied to the vessel, slowly reducing the pressure based on the distillation rate while the batch was heated back to 55-65°C. When distillation was complete, the vacuum was broken with N2, and 15.39 g of 100% KOH flakes were slowly fed to maintain the temperature at 60-80°C. Once the KOH flakes were completely dissolved, the mixture was subjected to high-shear stirring using an overhead mixer equipped with cowles, while maintaining the batch temperature at 60-80°C for 1 hour. Subsequently, the mixture was examined using FTIR scanning. FTIR scans were performed every 30 minutes to check for the disappearance of the ester peak. After the ester peak disappeared, 89.63 g of ethylene glycol was fed, and the batch was then mixed for 30 minutes and cooled to <40°C before being offloaded into a suitable container.

[0388] Example 14

[0389] 45 grams of the product from Example 12 were mixed with 10 grams of N-Yield (a urease inhibitor in a non-aqueous liquid), 40 grams of N-Bound (a nitration inhibitor in a non-aqueous liquid), and 5 grams of glycerol. The resulting fluid product was then unloaded into a suitable container.

[0390] Example 15

[0391] 99.5 g of DMSO, 99.5 g of L-aspartic acid, and 1.0 g of phosphate (85%) were fed into a vessel, then placed under vigorous stirring and heated to 155 °C. After 4.5 hours, 28.49 g of distillate was collected, and the batch was cooled to 80 °C. 85.09 g of NH4OH (28%) was then slowly fed into the vessel at a rate allowing the batch temperature to remain at 60-80 °C for more than 5 hours. The reactor was sealed, heated to 95 °C, and held for 17 hours, and then checked by IR to ensure ester elimination. 352.88 g of DMSO was fed, and then heated again to 80 °C. 68.07 g of DCD was fed and mixed until all particles were dissolved. The batch was cooled to 35 °C, and then 17.02 g of NBPT was fed and mixed until all particles were dissolved. 51.05 g of propylene glycol was fed and mixed for 15 minutes. The mixture was then packaged, with 50 g placed in an oven at 50°C for 3 days. After 3 days at 50°C, the product showed no signs of instability.

[0392] Example 16

[0393] 43.57 g of polysuccinimide (molecular weight 3000-5000) and 119.12 g of ethylene glycol were fed into the reactor, stirred, and heated to 140°C until all particles were solubilized. While maintaining the temperature at 120°C, 2.41 g of zinc oxide was fed until the mixture changed from turbid to translucent. The reactor was then cooled to 40°C, and 19.19 g of KOH / 45% was slowly fed while maintaining the temperature below 80°C. The product was then cooled to <40°C and packaged.

[0394] Example 17

[0395] 250 g of ethylene glycol, 250 g of L-aspartic acid, and 2.94 g of 85% phosphoric acid were fed into a vessel, then placed under vigorous stirring and heated to 150 °C. After 5 hours, no particles were observed, and 67.6 g of distillate was collected. This batch was cooled to 120 °C, and 23.67 g of magnesium oxide was slowly fed in and dispersed within 15 minutes with stirring. 10.57 g of distilled water was then fed into the vessel, and the container was stirred until it became clear in approximately 5.5 hours. The container was then cooled to 60 °C, and 103.21 g of KOH flakes (100%) were slowly fed into the vessel at a rate that allowed the batch temperature to be maintained at 60–80 °C, and mixed until completely dissolved. Mixing was then continued for one hour. After one hour, an FTIR scan was performed to determine if the presence of esters had been eliminated. The mixture was sampled every 30 minutes until traces of esters were eliminated. After the ester peaks were eliminated, the batch was cooled to 40°C and then subjected to high-shear stirring using a rotor-stator mixer while maintaining the batch temperature below 80°C using an ice bath and by slowly increasing the mixer's RPM (speed) to 10,000 over a period of more than 1 hour. Following high-shear mixing, 233.66 g of ethylene glycol was fed, and the resulting mixture was mixed for 30 minutes. The mixture was cooled to <40°C and then packaged into suitable containers.

[0396] Example 18

[0397] 128.46 g of ethylene glycol, 62.06 g of L-aspartic acid, and 0.99 g of 85% phosphoric acid were fed into a vessel and then heated to 150°C under vigorous stirring. After 5 hours, no particles were observed, and 16.22 g of distillate was collected. The batch was cooled to 120°C, and 7.67 g of zinc oxide was slowly fed in and dispersed within 15 minutes with stirring. 1.70 g of distilled water was then fed into the vessel, and the container was stirred until it became clear in approximately 8.5 hours. The container was then cooled to 60°C, and 14.27 g of KOH flakes (100%) were slowly fed into the vessel at a rate that allowed the batch temperature to be maintained at 60–80°C, and mixed until completely dissolved. Mixing was then continued for one hour. After one hour, an FTIR scan was performed to determine if the presence of esters had been eliminated. The mixture was sampled every 30 minutes until traces of the ester had been eliminated. After the ester peaks had been eliminated, the batch was then cooled to <40°C and then packaged in suitable containers.

[0398] Example 19

[0399] 333.9 g of DMSO was fed into the reactor under stirring, and 477 g of sorbitol / 70% was then fed into the reactor. The mixture was then heated to 75°C and placed under a 20 mm vacuum to remove residual water. Once distillate formation was terminated, the mixture was cooled to 40°C, and 611.59 g of DMSO / sorbitol was recovered. In a mixing vessel, 71.3 g of the product from Example #5 was fed, followed by 31.1 g of the DMSO / sorbitol mixture and 31.1 g of DMSO. The mixture was mixed for 15 minutes, and then 16.5 g of KOH flakes were slowly fed to maintain the temperature below 80°C. The product was cooled to below 40°C and packaged.

[0400] Example 20

[0401] In the reactor, 122.24 g of L-aspartic acid and 76.77 g of propylene glycol were fed under stirring and heated to 170 °C. The temperature was maintained at 170 °C until all particles disappeared. 199.04 g of PG and 14.92 g of zinc oxide were then fed into the reactor while the batch temperature was maintained at 120–160 °C. After the batch transitioned from turbid to translucent, it was cooled to 40 °C, and 61.81 g of KOH / 45% was slowly fed into the reactor while the batch temperature was maintained below 80 °C. The product was mixed at 80 °C for 14 hours to saponify all ester chains. The batch was then cooled to below 40 °C and packaged.

[0402] Example 21

[0403] In the reactor, 450.77 g of glycerol and 300 g of polysuccinimide (molecular weight 3000-5000) are fed and heated to 140°C and maintained at that temperature until all particles have reacted / dissolved. The mixture is then cooled to 40°C.

[0404] Example 22

[0405] In a stirred mixing vessel, 48.8 g of the product from Example 21 and 28.6 g of glycerol were fed. Then, 22.6 g of KOH / 45% was slowly fed to maintain the temperature below 80°C during the feeding process. After the KOH was fed, the temperature was maintained at 80°C until all ester chains were saponified. The mixture was then cooled to below 40°C and packaged.

[0406] Example 23

[0407] In a stirred mixing vessel, 48.8 g of the product of Example 22 and 28.6 g of glycerol were fed. 22.6 g of KOH / 45% was fed slowly to maintain the temperature below 80°C during the feeding process. After the KOH was fed, the temperature was maintained at 80°C until all ester chains were saponified. The mixture was then cooled to below 40°C and packaged.

[0408] Example 24

[0409] 60.55 g of ethylene glycol, 130.01 g of L-aspartic acid (ethylene glycol / aspartic acid molar ratio of 1:1 and weight ratio of 32% to 68%), and 0.95 g of phosphoric acid (85%) were fed into a vessel and then placed under very slow stirring and slowly heated to 170 °C over a five-hour cycle. The heating rate depended on the ability to increase the stirring speed to a level that allowed for a solid product and viscosity that did not allow for combustion. After 5 hours, no particles were observed, and 37.33 g of distillate was collected. 279.42 g of ethylene glycol was then fed, and the batch was cooled to 60 °C. 49.82 g of KOH flakes (100%) were then slowly fed into the vessel at a rate that allowed the batch temperature to be maintained at 60–80 °C and mixed until completely dissolved. The mixture was then heated to 80 °C and held for another hour. The mixture was cooled to <40°C and then packaged in a suitable container.

[0410] Example 25

[0411] 48.4 g of ethylene glycol was fed into the reactor, placed under stirring and nitrogen injection, and heated to 90°C. 113.7 g of polysuccinimide (molecular weight 3000-5000) was slowly added to the reactor while stirring was increased as needed and the temperature was maintained between 80°C and 100°C. The very viscous product was then heated to 120°C, and 37.9 g of added polysuccinimide (molecular weight 3000-5000) was slowly fed into the reactor, thereby increasing the molar ratio of PSI to ethylene glycol to 1:0.5 and the weight ratio to 75.8% to 24.2%. Stirring could be increased as long as the product viscosity allowed. After 30 minutes, the batch temperature was raised to 150°C. After 60 minutes at 150°C, all particles were dissolved. 384.48 g of ethylene glycol was fed, and the batch was cooled to 60°C. 63.46 g of KOH (100%) was slowly fed into the reactor while the batch temperature was maintained at 60-80°C using a cooling tank to help remove heat generated from the exothermic neutralization process. After all the KOH had been fed and dissolved, the batch temperature was maintained at 80°C for 3 hours with vigorous stirring. The batch was then cooled to <40°C and packaged in suitable containers.

[0412] Example 26

[0413] Dyes are needed to determine the effectiveness of the coating.

[0414] 20 grams of the product of each embodiment were placed under stirring, and 0.4 grams of 20% FD&C Blue#1 in solvent was added to the 20 grams of the product of each embodiment. After adding the dye, the products of each embodiment were mixed for 15 minutes. Two aqueous products were included in the testing.

[0415] Avail & P-Max

[0416] Sample ID prepared for coating inspection

[0417]

[0418]

[0419] Example 27

[0420] 200 grams of industrial-grade DAP was fed into a 1000 ml glass beaker. The beaker was then placed under a top-mounted stirrer with anchor-type stirrer blades. The height of the beaker was adjusted so that the bottom of the anchor-type stirrer blades was close to the bottom of the glass beaker. The RPM (speed) of the top-mounted stirrer was adjusted to 200 RPM's, and the DAP was stirred for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, 2.0 grams of the sample from Example 21 was fed in over 10 seconds. A stopwatch was used to time the entire coating process (visually: when 95% of the DAP particles turned blue). This process was repeated for each test sample from Example 26.

[0421] After coating, 200 grams of coated DAP were poured into one-quart flasks, and a 200-gram weight was placed on top of each sample in the flask. After 48 hours, the weight was removed, and a lid was placed on each flask. Each flask was then inverted, and flowability was assessed. If the contents of the flask did not flow within 5 minutes, the wooden handle of a 4-inch spatula was used to unscrew the flask to promote flow. Flow ratings were as follows:

[0422] grade Inverted actions 1 Immediate flow 2 >70% flow within 1 minute 3 >70% flow within 1-3 minutes 4 >70% flow within 3-5 minutes 5 After 1-2 unscrewing cycles, >70% flow rate 6 After 3-4 rotations, >70% flow rate 7 After 5-6 rotations, >70% flow rate 8 After 5-6 rotations, the flow rate is 40-60%. 9 After 5-6 rotations, the flow rate is 20-40%. 10 After 5-6 unscrewing cycles, flow rate is 0-20%.

[0423] Sample performance on DAP

[0424]

[0425] *Due to the mixed and discontinuous colors, it is difficult to determine the coating time.

[0426] Example 27

[0427] 200 grams of industrial-grade magnesium sulfate was fed into a 1000 ml glass beaker. The beaker was then placed under a top stirrer with anchor-type stirrer blades. The height of the beaker was adjusted so that the bottom of the anchor-type stirrer blades was close to the bottom of the glass beaker. The RPM (speed) of the top stirrer was adjusted to 200 RPM's, and the magnesium sulfate was stirred for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, 2.0 grams of the sample from Example 21 was fed in over 10 seconds. A stopwatch was used to time the entire coating process (visually: when 95% of the magnesium sulfate particles turned blue). The process was repeated for each sample to be tested.

[0428] After coating, 200 grams of coated magnesium sulfate were poured into a one-quart flask, and a 200-gram weight was placed on top of each sample in the flask. After 48 hours, the weight was removed, and a lid was placed on each flask. Each flask was then inverted, and the flowability was assessed. If the contents of the flask did not flow within 5 minutes, the wooden handle of a 4-inch spatula was used to unscrew the flask to promote flow. Flow ratings were as follows:

[0429] grade Inverted actions 1 Immediate flow 2 >70% flow within 1 minute 3 >70% flow within 1-3 minutes 4 >70% flow within 3-5 minutes 5 After 1-2 unscrewing cycles, >70% flow rate 6 After 3-4 rotations, >70% flow rate 7 After 5-6 rotations, >70% flow rate 8 After 5-6 rotations, the flow rate is 40-60%. 9 After 5-6 rotations, the flow rate is 20-40%. 10 After 5-6 unscrewing cycles, flow rate is 0-20%.

[0430] Sample properties on magnesium sulfate

[0431]

[0432]

[0433] *Due to the mixed and discontinuous colors, it is difficult to determine the coating time.

[0434]

[0435] *Due to the mixed and discontinuous colors, it is difficult to determine the coating time.

[0436] Example 28

[0437] 120 grams of granular urea, 20 grams of fertilizer-grade potassium sulfate, 40 grams of fertilizer-grade diammonium phosphate, 10 grams of fertilizer-grade zinc sulfate, and 10 grams of fertilizer-grade ferric sulfate were fed into a 1000 ml glass beaker. The beaker was then placed under a top-mounted agitator with anchor-type stirrer blades. The height of the beaker was adjusted so that the bottom of the anchor-type stirrer blades was close to the bottom of the glass beaker. The RPM (speed) of the top-mounted agitator was adjusted to 200 RPM's, and the container of the compound fertilizer was stirred for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, 2.0 grams of each sample to be tested were fed over 10 seconds. A stopwatch was used to time the entire coating process (visually: when 95% of the magnesium sulfate granules turned blue). This process was repeated for each sample to be tested.

[0438] After coating, 200 grams of the coated compound fertilizer was poured into a one-quart flask, and a 200-gram weight was placed on top of each sample in the flask. After 48 hours, the weight was removed, and a lid was placed on each flask. Each flask was then inverted, and the flowability was assessed. If the contents of the flask did not flow within 5 minutes, the wooden handle of a 4-inch shovel was used to unscrew the flask to promote flow. Flow rates were as follows:

[0439] grade Inverted actions 1 Immediate flow 2 >70% flow within 1 minute 3 >70% flow within 1-3 minutes 4 >70% flow within 3-5 minutes 5 After 1-2 unscrewing cycles, >70% flow rate 6 After 3-4 rotations, >70% flow rate 7 After 5-6 rotations, >70% flow rate 8 After 5-6 rotations, the flow rate is 40-60%. 9 After 5-6 rotations, the flow rate is 20-40%. 10 After 5-6 unscrewing cycles, flow rate is 0-20%.

[0440] Example 29

[0441] 100 grams of uncoated "tall" fescue seeds were fed into a 1000 ml glass beaker. The beaker was then placed under a top-mounted mixer with anchor blades. The height of the beaker was adjusted so that the bottom of the anchor blades was close to the bottom of the glass beaker. The RPM (speed) of the top-mounted mixer was set to 100 RPM's, and the seeds were stirred for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, 2.0 grams of the sample was fed in over 10 seconds. The seeds were stirred until 95% of the seeds were coated.

[0442] After coating, 1 gram of coated seeds was added to a 150 ml glass beaker, ensuring the seeds were evenly distributed at the bottom. The top of the beaker was sealed with plastic wrap and placed in a dark environment at 30°C. Germination signs were checked on days 7, 14, and 21, and the percentage of germinated seeds was estimated.

[0443] After 60 days, the plastic wrap covering was torn off, and a prepared Contec test strip was inserted and placed directly above the seeds to check for the presence of mold and mildew.

[0444] grade Seed germination % 0 none 1 0-5％ 2 5-10％ 3 10-20％ 4 20-30％ 5 ＞30％

[0445] Sample performance on tall fescue seeds

[0446]

[0447] Table 1 below summarizes the compositions that appear in each example. The presence of "X" in Table 1 indicates that a particular example composition contains that particular component.

[0448] Table 1

[0449]

[0450]

[0451] DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide); TPGME (tripropylene glycol methyl ether); PG (propylene glycol); DPG (dipropylene glycol); EG (ethylene glycol); DMG (dimethyl glutarate)

[0452] The safety and environmental characteristics of the samples from Examples 1-25 were evaluated, and the results are shown in Table 2 below:

[0453] Table 2

[0454]

[0455]

[0456] Human health rating is based on the HMIS (Hazardous Materials Information System) health rating of any organic solvent component greater than 2%.

[0457] Flash point is based on the flash point of any organic solvent component >5%.

[0458] Aquatic organism toxicity ratings are based on any level of any organic solvent component.

[0459] The following references are incorporated into this paper in their entirety through citation.

[0460]

[0461] It is contemplated that any feature described above can be combined with any other feature described above, and this is therefore also within the scope of the invention. If mixtures, formulations, and / or compositions are discussed, it should be understood that those mixtures, formulations, and / or compositions are contemplated as portions of larger mixtures, formulations, and / or compositions. Furthermore, if a composition is listed, methods of use and methods of manufacturing that composition are also contemplated and are therefore within the scope of the invention. If an interval is discussed, it is contemplated that any value falling within that interval is contemplated as an endpoint generating multiple sub-intervals within that interval, and this is therefore also within the scope of the invention. For example, if an interval of 1-10 is given, then 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are all contemplated as endpoints generating sub-intervals within the range of the listed interval. Additionally, it should be understood that minor modifications that can be made to the compositions and methods of the invention are contemplated. In summary, the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Use of a composition for coating artificial and / or natural fertilizer components and / or seeds, said composition comprising: One or more poly(organic acid) [P(OA)] salts, and one or more non-aqueous organic solvent delivery systems (NOSDS). The composition comprises the [P(OA)] salt that is completely dissolved in one or more non-aqueous organic solvent delivery systems (NOSDS). The [P(OA)] therein is a homopolymer and / or copolymer composed of one or more of the following monomers: Aspartic acid, glutamic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, acrylic acid, and methacrylic acid, their C 1-6 Esters, their anhydrides and their imides, or their salts; wherein the NOSDS include one or more of the following: a) One or more proton solvents selected from the group consisting of: 1) Glycerol, 2) Alkylene glycols selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol and butanediol, and 3) Alkylene glycol alkyl ethers selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl ether and dipropylene glycol butyl ether. The weight ratio of the [P(OA)] salt to the one or more proton solvents is between 90 / 10 and 10 / 90. and / or b) Aprotic solvents, including one or more of the following: 1) Dimethyl sulfoxide, and / or 2) dimethyl succinate, dimethyl adipate, diethyl glutarate and / or dimethyl glutarate, in, The composition is substantially anhydrous. And wherein, the composition: The environment is safe; ii has a flash point higher than 145℉; iii. Contact with humans and animals is inherently safe; iv. Provide a solution of [P(OA)] salt at a level of 1-50% in the NOSDS, stable at a storage temperature of at least 10°C; v provides uniform application of a coating on fertilizer granules and seeds without causing clumping of the fertilizer granules, premature seed germination, or inhibiting the growth of mold and mildew on the seeds; and vi will not adversely affect the stability of alkylthiophosphate triamides.

2. The use according to claim 1, wherein, The cation of the salt is derived from a metal, a metal hydroxide, a metal alkylate, a metal carbonate, ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or an organic amine.

3. The use according to claim 2, wherein, The metal in the metal, metal hydroxide, metal alkylate or metal carbonate includes one or more of Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo or Ni.

4. The use according to claim 2, wherein, The organic amine includes -C 1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 Amines, tri-C 1-6 One or more of the following: amine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, or tetraethylenepentamine.

5. The use according to claim 1, wherein, The composition comprises one or more proton solvents or one or more aproton solvents.

6. The use according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more [P(OA)] salts include potassium polyaspartate, wherein the amount of potassium polyaspartate is between 10-45% of the total composition, and the NOSDS of the composition is ethylene glycol.

7. The use according to claim 1, wherein, The composition further comprises one or more of the following: surfactant, buffer, fragrance / odor masking agent, colorant, micronutrient, dissolved one or more urease inhibitors, dissolved one or more nitrification inhibitors, and one or more pesticides or flow modifiers.

8. The use according to claim 1, wherein, The composition further comprises one or more of a fungicide, a herbicide, or an insecticide.

9. The use according to claim 1, wherein, The [P(OA)] is a terpolymer.

10. A process for producing the composition of claim 1, wherein, The process includes: Obtain one or more of the following monomers: aspartic acid, glutamic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, acrylic acid, and methacrylic acid, whose C... 1-6 Esters, acid anhydrides, and imides, or their salts; One or more of the monomers are completely dissolved in an aprotic solvent to form a solution, wherein the aprotic solvent comprises one or more of the following: 1) dimethyl sulfoxide, and / or 2) dimethyl succinate, dimethyl adipate, diethyl glutarate and / or dimethyl glutarate. With or without a catalyst, the solution is heated to the polymerization temperature and maintained at the polymerization temperature until a molecular weight of 1500 to 10000 g / mol is reached; and The monomers are neutralized by one or more metals, wherein the one or more metals include elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, or metal carbonates, or by one or more nitrogen-containing compounds, wherein the nitrogen-containing compounds include ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or organic amines.

11. The process according to claim 10, wherein, The element, metal oxide, metal hydroxide, metal alkylate, or metal carbonate, includes one or more metals such as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, or Ni.

12. The process according to claim 10, wherein, The organic amine includes -C 1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 Amines, tri-C 1-6 One or more of the following: amine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, or tetraethylenepentamine.

13. A process for producing the composition of claim 1, the process comprising: Obtain one or more of the following monomers: aspartic acid, glutamic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, their anhydrides and their imides, or their salts; One or more of the monomers are completely dissolved in one or more protic solvents at a NOSDS / monomer molar ratio ranging from 0.5 / 1 to 10 / 1 and / or at a monomer / protic solvent weight ratio ranging from 10 / 90% to 90 / 10%, and the mixture is heated to 120-190°C to form an ester; wherein the one or more protic solvents are selected from the group consisting of: 1) glycerol, 2) alkylene glycols selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol and butanediol, and 3) alkylene glycol alkyl ethers selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl ether and dipropylene glycol butyl ether. With or without a catalyst, the solution is heated to the polymerization temperature until a molecular weight of 1500 to 10000 g / mol is achieved. Optionally, one or more aprotic solvents may be added, wherein the one or more aprotic solvents include one or more of the following: 1) dimethyl sulfoxide, and / or 2) dimethyl succinate, dimethyl adipate, diethyl glutarate and / or dimethyl glutarate; as well as The ester is saponified to produce a carboxylate, wherein the cation of the salt is derived from a metal, a metal hydroxide, a metal alkylate, a metal carbonate, ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or an organic amine.

14. The process according to claim 13, wherein, The metal in the metal, metal hydroxide, metal alkylate or metal carbonate is Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo and / or Ni.

15. The process according to claim 13, wherein, The organic amine includes -C 1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 Amines, tri-C 1-6 One or more of the following: amine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, or tetraethylenepentamine.

16. A process for producing the composition of claim 1, the process comprising: A polymer is obtained, said polymer comprising polysuccinimide, polyaspartic acid, polyglutamic acid and / or copolymers of aspartic acid and / or salts thereof; The polymer is completely dissolved in NOSDS at a polymer:NOSDS weight ratio of 10:90% to 90:10%; wherein the NOSDS comprises a) one or more protic solvents heated to 120-190°C to form esters, and wherein the one or more protic solvents are selected from the group consisting of: 1) glycerol, 2) alkylene glycols selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol and butanediol, and 3) alkylene glycol alkyl ethers selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl ether and dipropylene glycol butyl ether; and The ester is then saponified.

17. The process according to claim 16, wherein, The cation of the salt is derived from a metal, a metal hydroxide, a metal alkylate, a metal carbonate, ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or an organic amine, and the metal in the metal, metal hydroxide, metal alkylate, or metal carbonate is one or more of Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, or Ni.

18. The process according to claim 17, wherein, The organic amine includes -C 1-6 amines, di-C 1-6 Amines, tri-C 1-6 One or more of the following: amine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, or tetraethylenepentamine.

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