Film coating and seed coating dispersant

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dispersant for a film coating composition, wherein the dispersant is a copolymer of acrylic acid, a hydrophobic monomer, an alkyl acrylate of a monoalkyl polyethylene glycol, and optionally a strong acid derivative of (meth) acrylic acid. The film coating may also comprise an agrochemical active or nutrient. The film coating composition comprises a copolymer ranging from 2% to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Also provided are a method of forming the film coating composition, a method of coating a seed by forming a seed coating comprising the film coating, a seed coated with the seed coating, and the use of the copolymer as a dispersant in a film coating. The dispersant provides both dispersion and binder properties while maintaining water solubility, as well as wetting agent properties and crystal growth inhibition, with low exfoliation and good wear resistance.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispersant for film coating and seed coating compositions, to a method of forming and coating film coating and seed coating compositions comprising the dispersant onto seeds, and to coated seeds coated with the composition.

[0002] Plant seeds are often coated before sowing, for example to protect the seeds from damage during handling and / or to improve handling characteristics.Seeds are often coated to provide useful substances (active ingredients) such as plant nutrients, growth stimulants and plant protection products to the seeds and the germinating seedlings.

[0003] There is a need for new water-based dispersants for seed coating and film coating, which dispersants also have good crystal growth inhibition, perform well as film formers, and additionally may be free of microplastics.

[0004] The present invention seeks to provide dispersants for film coating and seed coating compositions, wherein the dispersants provide suitable dispersing properties, act as film formers, and inhibit crystal growth. Furthermore, the resulting compositions provide desirable wet flow, abrasion resistance, flaking, germination, and plantability to seeds coated with the formulations and to plants formed from the coated seeds. Furthermore, compared to conventional binders that are generally insoluble in water, the present invention provides a water-soluble binder and film-forming properties, among other benefits.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a film coating composition comprising

[0006] i) a dispersant comprising a copolymer of acrylic acid, a hydrophobic monomer, an alkyl acrylate of a monoalkyl polyethylene glycol and optionally a strong acid derivative of (meth)acrylic acid,

[0007] ii) Optional agrochemical actives or nutrients

[0008] The amount of the copolymer ranges from 2 wt % to 40 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a film coating composition comprising combining:

[0010] i) a dispersant comprising a copolymer of acrylic acid, a hydrophobic monomer, an alkyl acrylate of a monoalkyl polyethylene glycol, and optionally a strong acid derivative of (meth)acrylic acid;

[0011] ii) Optional agrochemical actives or nutrients

[0012] The amount of the copolymer ranges from 2 wt % to 40 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of coating seeds, comprising applying to the seeds a seed coating composition comprising the film coating composition according to the first aspect.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seed having a seed coating, the seed coating composition comprising the film coating composition according to the first aspect.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect, a copolymer of acrylic acid, a hydrophobic monomer, an alkyl acrylate of a monoalkyl polyethylene glycol and optionally a strong acid derivative of (meth)acrylic acid is used as a dispersant and binder in a film coating composition for seeds, the copolymer being present in the range of 2 wt% to 40 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

[0016] The dispersants of the present invention have been found to provide dispersing and binding properties while being soluble in water. This is in contrast to existing binders used for seed coatings, which are typically acrylic binders that are insoluble in water and do not exhibit surfactant / dispersant properties. Dispersants can also function to provide wetting agent properties and crystal growth inhibition while maintaining good other properties such as exfoliation, abrasion resistance, etc.

[0017] As used herein, the terms 'for example', 'for example', 'such as' or 'including' are intended to introduce examples that further clarify the general subject matter. Unless otherwise specified, these examples are provided only to aid understanding of the applications described herein and are not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0018] The term 'seed' as used herein refers in particular to the mature ovule of gymnosperms and angiosperms, which contains a plumule surrounded by a protective covering. The protective covering can comprise a seed coat (outer seed coat). Some seeds comprise a pericarp or pericarp layer surrounding the seed coat. In particular, where this layer is closely attached to the seed, as in cereal grains, it is referred to as a caryopsis or achene in some cases. As used herein, the term 'seed coat' is intended to include caryopsis or achenes. The term 'seed' ('seed') includes any material that can be planted in agriculture to produce a plant, including pelleted seeds, sexual seeds, plant seedlings, rhizomes, regenerable and plant-forming tissues, and tubers or bulbs.

[0019] The term 'coating' as used herein refers to the application of a substance to the surface of a seed, e.g., a layer of material surrounding the seed. Coating includes film coating, pelleting, and shelling, or a combination of these techniques, as known in the art. The term 'film coating' should be understood to refer to a concentrated composition that can be diluted and formed into a slurry (to which other components, such as agrochemical actives, are added) to produce a 'seed coating', which is then applied to seeds or bulbs. The term 'seed coating composition' as used herein refers to a composition to be used for coating seeds.

[0020] The coating is preferably applied over substantially the entire surface of the seed, such as over 90% or more of the surface area of ​​the seed, thereby forming a layer. However, the coating may be complete or partial, such as over 20% or more, or 50% or more of the seed surface area.

[0021] It will be understood that when describing the number of carbon atoms in a substituent (e.g., 'C1 to C6 alkyl'), the number refers to the total number of carbon atoms in that substituent, including the number of carbon atoms present in any branching groups. Additionally, when describing the number of carbon atoms in, for example, a fatty acid, this refers to the total number of carbon atoms including the carboxylic acid and any branching groups.

[0022] The seeds are plant seeds, such as crop or field crop seeds, vegetable seeds, herb seeds, wildflower seeds, ornamental plant seeds, grass seeds, tree seeds, or shrub seeds.

[0023] Preferably, plant seeds are the seeds of crops.Seed can be from monocots or dicots.Suitable seeds include crop seeds such as soybean, cotton, corn, cereals include but are not limited to wheat, barley, oats and rye, oilseed rape (or rape (canola)) sunflower, beet, flax, rapeseed, tobacco, hemp seeds, alfalfa, armillaria (signalgrass), sorghum, chickpea, kidney bean, pea, rice, and sugarcane.The example of suitable vegetable seeds includes asparagus / asparagus (asparagus), chives, celery, leek, garlic, beetroot, spinach, beet, turnip, chicory, endive, parsley, fennel, radish, black salsify (black salsify), eggplant, carrot, onion, tomato, pepper, lettuce, snap bean, shallot, safflower, endive, and the crop of cruciferous or cucurbitaceae.

[0024] Preferably, the plant seeds are selected from crop seeds, more preferably selected from the group consisting of corn, soybean, cotton and wheat.

[0025] Preferably, the plant seeds are capable of germination. Optionally, the seeds may be shelled (so-called dehulled seeds or dehulled seeds).

[0026] The copolymer dispersant comprises a copolymer of acrylic acid, a hydrophobic monomer, an alkyl acrylate of a monoalkyl polyethylene glycol, and optionally a strong acid derivative of (meth)acrylic acid.

[0027] The acrylic monomer used to form the copolymer can be selected from (meth)acrylic acid or its salt, (meth)acrylamide, (meth)acrylonitrile, (meth)acrylic acid C 1-6 - alkyl esters such as ethyl (meth)acrylate, butyl (meth)acrylate or hexyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, substituted (meth)acrylate C1-6 - alkyl esters such as glycidyl methacrylate and acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate, di(C)(meth)acrylate 1-4 -alkylamino)C 1-6 - alkyl esters such as dimethylaminoethyl acrylate or diethylaminoethyl acrylate, amides formed from: C 1-6 -alkylamine, substituted C 1-6 -alkylamines such as 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, ammonium salts, or di(C 1-4 -alkyl-amino) C 1-6 -alkylamine and (meth)acrylic acid and its C 1-4 -alkyl halide adducts.

[0028] Preferably, the acrylic acid monomer can be acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, or a mixture thereof. More preferably, the monomer is acrylic acid.

[0029] The hydrophobic monomer may be selected from any monomer that is insoluble in water. In particular, the hydrophobic monomer may be selected from hydrophobic alkyl (meth)acrylates, styrene, and vinyl compounds, and vinyl aromatic monomers.

[0030] Especially, vinyl aromatic monomers may be preferred.

[0031] The vinyl aromatic monomer can be and suitably is native styrene or a substituted styrene, particularly a hydrocarbyl (suitably alkyl) substituted styrene wherein the substituents are on the vinyl group or on the aromatic ring of the styrene, for example alpha-methylstyrene and vinyltoluene.

[0032] Suitable vinyl aromatic monomers may preferably contain from 8 to 20 carbon atoms, most preferably from 8 to 14 carbon atoms.Styrene and substituted styrenes are preferred wherein the substituents, if present, are C1-C6 alkyl groups.

[0033] Examples of vinyl aromatic monomers are styrene, including substituted styrenes, 1-vinylnaphthalene, 2-vinylnaphthalene, 3-methylstyrene, 4-propylstyrene, t-butylstyrene, 4-cyclohexylstyrene, 4-dodecylstyrene, 2-ethyl-4-benzylstyrene, 4-(phenylbutyl)styrene, α-methylstyrene, and halogenated styrenes.

[0034] Preferably, the hydrophobic monomer can be styrene, α-methylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, tert-butylstyrene, or a combination thereof. More preferably, the hydrophobic monomer can be styrene.

[0035] Alkyl acrylates of monoalkyl polyethylene glycols may be preferred as nonionic hydrophilic monomers.

[0036] As part of the alkyl acrylate or monoalkyl group, the alkyl group can be independently selected from C1-C6 alkyl, and especially C1-C3 alkyl. The alkyl group can preferably be selected from methyl, ethyl, n-butyl, or tert-butyl. Preferably, the alkyl group is methyl.

[0037] The number average molecular weight of the monoalkyl polyethylene glycol (ie, the alkyl acrylate of only the PEG chain rather than the entire monoalkyl polyethylene glycol) may be at least 300 Daltons, preferably in the range of 350 to 900 Daltons, more preferably in the range of 400 to 600 Daltons.

[0038] Certain monoalkyl polyethylene glycols used as starting materials in the present invention are commercially available. Thus, methyl ethers having total molecular weights of 500 and 550 and designated commercially as methoxy polyethylene glycol 550 and methoxy polyethylene glycol 750, respectively, are commercially available.

[0039] Preferably, the alkyl acrylate of a monoalkyl polyethylene glycol is methoxy polyethylene glycol methacrylate (MPEGMA), and more particularly methoxy polyethylene glycol 500 methacrylate.

[0040] Strong acid derivatives of (meth)acrylic acid may include strong acids containing a sulfuric acid or sulfonic acid group (or a salt thereof). Examples of such monomers include acrylamidomethylpropylsulfonic acid (AMPS) and (meth)acrylic acid isethionic acid.

[0041] When present, the strong acid-modified monomer typically constitutes from 1 to 30 mole percent, more typically from 2 to 20 mole percent, and suitably from 5 to 15 mole percent of the acrylic acid monomers in the copolymer.

[0042] The polymer may be formed from hydrophobic monomers and may be a water-soluble polymer, the solubility occurring as a result of neutralization of the polymer.

[0043] It will be understood that the term 'copolymer' as used herein includes polymers having two components as well as trimers and tetramers and generally includes any polymer having two or more components.The copolymer may preferably be a random trimer or tetramer, optionally with a strong acid derivative of a (meth)acrylic acid monomer.

[0044] The copolymer may be formed by any suitable method and may include free radical solution polymerisation or controlled living polymerisation.The monomers may be added simultaneously over a period of time in a controlled manner with a suitable initiator.

[0045] The amount of acrylic acid monomer present in the polymer may range from 10% to 90% by weight, preferably from 15% to 60% by weight, more preferably from 20% to 50% by weight, and most preferably from 30% to 40% by weight.

[0046] The amount of vinyl aromatic monomer present in the polymer may range from 10% to 90% by weight. Preferably, from 15% to 60% by weight. More preferably, from 15% to 40% by weight. Most preferably, from 20% to 30% by weight.

[0047] The amount of polyethylene glycol alkyl acrylate monomer present in the polymer may range from 10% to 90% by weight. Preferably, 15% to 60% by weight. More preferably, 20% to 50% by weight. Most preferably, 30% to 40% by weight.

[0048] In embodiments, where present, strong acid-modified monomers typically constitute from 1 to 30 weight percent, more typically from 2 to 20 weight percent, suitably from 5 to 15 weight percent, and most preferably from 8 to 12 weight percent of the acrylic acid monomers in the copolymer.

[0049] Other monomers can be included, such as acidic monomers such as itaconic acid or maleic acid or anhydride; strongly acidic monomers such as methallyl sulfonic acid (or salts); or non-acidic acrylic monomers such as acrylic acid esters, which can be alkyl esters, particularly C1 to C6 alkyl esters such as methyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate or butyl acrylate, or hydroxyalkyl esters, particularly C1 to C6 hydroxyalkyl esters such as hydroxyethyl methacrylate or hydroxypropyl methacrylate; or vinyl monomers such as vinyl acetate. Generally, the proportion of such other monomers relative to the total monomers used will be no greater than about 10 mole percent, typically no greater than about 7 mole percent, and more typically no greater than about 5 mole percent.

[0050] Inclusion of monomers having strongly acidic substituents in the polymeric dispersant can provide improved dispersion formulations in the case of dispersion in hard water, particularly water having a hardness above 500 ppm, such as up to 1,000 ppm, up to 2,000 ppm, or even up to 5,000 ppm.

[0051] The polymer may have a weight average molecular weight of less than 500,000 Daltons. Preferably, it is less than 100,000 Daltons. More preferably, it is less than 75,000 Daltons. The molecular weight may range from 5000 to 75,000 Daltons. More preferably, it ranges from 10,000 to 60,000 Daltons. Still more preferably, it ranges from 15,000 to 50,000 Daltons. Most preferably, it ranges from 20,000 to 40,000 Daltons.

[0052] The molecular weight (weight average) of the wax emulsions described herein can be determined by techniques well known in the art, such as light scattering, size exclusion HPLC, or mass spectrometry, preferably mass spectrometry.

[0053] The polymer can be used as a free acid or as a salt. In practice, the form present in the formulation will depend on the acidity of the formulation. Suitably, the formulation will be close to neutral so that the vast majority of acid groups will exist as salts. The cation in any of the salts can be an alkali metal, particularly sodium and / or potassium, ammonium or an amine, including alkanolamines such as ethanolamine, particularly triethanolamine. In particular, sodium or potassium salt forms of the stabilized polymer are preferred.

[0054] The polymer or the monomers contained therein may be neutralized with at least 50% of the neutralizing agent. Preferably, at least 70% and preferably 75% to 85% of the neutralizing agent may be neutralized. Neutralization with sodium is preferred.

[0055] The pH of the polymer may be in the range of 4.0 to 11.0. More preferably, it is in the range of 5.0 to 10.0. Even more preferably, it is in the range of 5.5 to 9.0. Most preferably, it is in the range of 6.0 to 8.0.

[0056] The film coating composition and / or seed coating composition may also include other components as needed. These other components may be selected from those including the following:

[0057] ■ diluents, absorbents or carriers such as carbon black; talc; diatomaceous earth; kaolin; aluminum, calcium or magnesium stearate; sodium tripolyphosphate; sodium tetraborate; sodium sulfate; sodium silicate, aluminum silicate and mixed sodium-aluminum silicate salts; and sodium benzoate;

[0058] ■ disintegrants, such as surfactants, substances that swell in water, for example, carboxymethylcellulose, collodion, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and microcrystalline cellulose; swelling agents; salts such as sodium or potassium acetate, sodium carbonate, bicarbonate, or sesquicarbonate, ammonium sulfate, and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate;

[0059] Wetting agents such as alcohol ethoxylates and alcohol ethoxylate / propoxylate wetting agents;

[0060] Dispersants such as sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde condensates and acrylic copolymers such as comb copolymers with end-capped polyethylene glycol side chains on a polyacrylic acid backbone;

[0061] Antifoaming agents such as silicone antifoaming agents, typically in amounts of 0.005% to 10% by weight of the formulation;

[0062] Viscosity modifiers such as commercially available water-soluble or miscible gums, for example xanthan gum, and / or cellulosic materials, for example carboxymethyl, ethyl or propyl cellulose; and / or

[0063] ■ preservatives and / or antimicrobials such as organic acids or their esters or salts such as ascorbic acid, for example ascorbyl palmitate, sorbic acid, for example potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, for example methyl and propyl benzoate and 4-hydroxybenzoate, propionic acid, for example sodium propionate, phenols, for example sodium 2-phenylphenolate; 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one; or formaldehyde, as such or as paraformaldehyde; or inorganic materials, for example sulphurous acid and its salts, generally in amounts of 0.01 to 1% by weight of the formulation;

[0064] ■Pigment concentrates, effect and pearlescent pigments.

[0065] The amount of water in the seed coating composition is suitably less than 85%, preferably less than 80%, more preferably less than 75%, particularly 35 to 70%, and especially 45 to 65% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

[0066] The seed coating composition of the present invention may further comprise a surfactant such as a wetting agent, a dispersant and / or an emulsifier. The surfactant may help the wax and / or pigment particles to be mixed / emulsified / dispersed in the premix and the seed coating composition.

[0067] The seed coating composition of the present invention may comprise further components such as one or more selected from the group consisting of solvents, thickeners, defoamers, preservatives, and slip additives.

[0068] Suitable thickeners include agar, carboxymethylcellulose, carrageenan, chitin, fucoidan, gum ghatti, gum arabic, gum karaya, laminarin, carob bean gum, pectin, alginates, guar gum, xanthan gum, diutan gum, and tragacanth gum, bentonite clay, HEUR (hydrophobically modified, ethoxylated urethane) thickeners, HASE (hydrophobically modified, alkali swellable emulsion) thickeners, and polyacrylic acids. Gums are generally preferred due to their low cost, availability, and excellent ability to enhance the physical characteristics of the resulting film coating.

[0069] Examples of suitable defoamers include polyethylene glycol, glycerin, mineral oil defoamers, silicone defoamers, and non-silicone defoamers (such as polyethers, polyacrylics), dimethylpolysiloxane (silicone oil), arylalkyl modified polysiloxanes, polyether siloxane copolymers (containing fumed silica). The defoamer may be present in certain embodiments of the seed coating composition in an amount of at least 1 ppm by weight or 0.1 to 0.3% by weight based on the total weight of the seed coating composition.

[0070] The seed coating composition may further comprise one or more solvents other than water. The solvent may be selected from alcohols and hydrocarbons. Mixtures of solvents may also be used. Preferably, the solvent is liquid at 20°C and 1 atm.

[0071] Examples of suitable solvents include glycols and their esters and ethers, in particular ethylene glycol and propylene glycol and their esters and ethers, for example esters and ethers with C1-C6 alkyl and / or aromatic groups such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, benzyl and phenyl ethers, including mono- and dialkyl ethers, and esters of these ethers, such as acetates, and ethylene glycol and propylene glycol esters, for example ethylene glycol and propylene glycol esters of fatty acids; polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol and their esters, in particular esters with fatty acids; butyl cellosolve, butyl carbitol, polyethylene glycol; N-methylpyrrolidone, glycerol, alkyl alcohols having up to 10 carbon atoms such as ethanol, propanol and butanol.

[0072] Other examples of solvents include dipropylene glycol methyl ether and propylene glycol methyl ether. An important solvent is ethylene glycol. Other examples include propylene tetramer and synthetic ester oils such as lactic acid esters, particularly ethyl lactate and benzoic acid esters such as isopropyl or 2-ethylhexyl benzoate. Aromatic hydrocarbons such as xylene, aliphatic and alkane solvents, and vegetable oils can also be used as solvents. Aromatic solvents are less preferred.

[0073] The seed coating composition can also include components with a plasticizing effect, such as surfactants or antifreeze agents. Typical surfactants include amphiphilic organic compounds, typically containing branched, linear, or aromatic hydrocarbons, with fluorocarbon or siloxane chains as tails and a hydrophilic group. Some types of surfactants include nonionic, anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants, as well as organosilicon and organofluorine surfactants.

[0074] Some examples of surfactants include polyethylene glycol and polyoxypropylene ethers and esters, especially alkyl, aryl and alkyl aryl ethers thereof, and sulfates, phosphates and sulfonic acid compounds of said ethers, glucoside (alkyl) ethers, glycerides such as alkyl and fatty acid esters, sorbitan (alkyl) esters, acetylene compounds, cocamide compounds, block copolymers of polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Other examples of surfactants include alkylamine salts and alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, such as betaine type surfactants, amino acid type surfactants; and polyhydroxy alcohol fatty acid esters, especially C 12 -C 18 Fatty acid esters such as fatty acid esters of polyglycerol, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, sorbitan and sucrose, polyhydroxy alcohol alkyl ethers, fatty acid alkanolamides, and propoxylated and ethoxylated compounds such as fatty alcohol ethoxylates, polyethoxylated tallow amine and alkylphenol ethoxylates. Some examples of anionic surfactants include carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid copolymers, sulfates, sulfonic acid compounds and phosphates, such as lignin sulfonates and (linear) alkylaryl sulfonates.

[0075] Antifreeze agents include, for example, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and glycerol, with preferred glycols being ethylene glycol and propylene glycol.

[0076] The film and / or seed coating composition of the present invention may also contain one or more optional pigments whose function is to provide an aesthetic effect when coating the seed. The pigment is preferably an inorganic material and may be, for example, an effect pigment and / or a colored pigment known in the art.

[0077] Examples of suitable effect pigments include pearlescent pigments of varying particle sizes. Effect pigments having a particle size of 60 μm or less or 15 μm or less can be used. The particle size of the effect pigment is preferably no greater than 200 μm, more preferably no greater than 100 μm. Typically, the particle size of the effect pigment is 1 μm or greater. Another effect pigment can be aluminum. Effect pigments can be used to create an attractive appearance on seeds.

[0078] Examples of the colored pigment include Pigment Red 112 (CAS No. 6535-46-2), Pigment Red 2 (CAS No. 6041-94-7), Pigment Red 48:2 (CAS No. 7023-61-2), Pigment Blue 15:3 (CAS No. 147-14-8), Pigment Green 36 (CAS No. 14302-13-7), Pigment Green 7 (CAS No. 1328-53-6), Pigment Yellow 74 (CAS No. 6358-31-2), Pigment Orange 5 (CAS No. 3468-63-1), Pigment Violet 23 (CAS No. 6358-30-1), Pigment Black 7 (CAS No. 97793378), and Pigment White 6 (CAS No. 98084-96-9). The particle size of the colored pigment is preferably not greater than 100 μm, more preferably not greater than 50 μm. Typically, the particle size of the colored pigment is 25 μm or greater.

[0079] In addition to or as an alternative to the colored pigments, dyes such as anthraquinone, triphenylmethane, phthalocyanine and its derivatives, and diazonium salts can be used.

[0080] The amount of pigment in the film and / or seed coating composition, if present, is suitably in the range of 0.1 to 15%, preferably 1.0 to 8.0%, more preferably 2.0 to 5.0%, especially 2.5 to 3.5%, and especially 2.8 to 3.2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0081] Biocides can be included in certain embodiments of the seed coating composition, for example as preservatives to extend the shelf life of the seed coating composition prior to application to seeds, such as during storage. Examples of suitable biocides include MIT (2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; CAS No. 268220-4), BIT (1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one; CAS No. 2632-33-5), CIT (5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one), bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitro-propane-1,3-diol), and / or combinations thereof.

[0082] Agrochemical active agents are biocides, which in the context of the present invention are plant protection agents, more particularly chemical substances which are used in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, forestry and mosquito control and which kill different forms of living organisms. The class of biocides also includes so-called plant growth regulators.

[0083] The film or seed coating composition may comprise one or more biologically active ingredients (including plant enhancers, in particular plant protection products (also known as PPPs). Suitable examples of active ingredients, in particular plant enhancers, are fungicides, bactericides, insecticides, nematicides, molluscicides, biologicals, acaricides or scabicides, pesticides and biocides. Other possible active ingredients include disinfectants, microorganisms, rodenticides, weed killers (herbicides), attractants, (bird) repellents, plant growth regulators (such as gibberellic acid, auxins or cytokinins), nutrients (such as potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, iron chelates), plant hormones, minerals, plant extracts, germination stimulants, pheromones, biological preparations, etc.

[0084] The amount of the active ingredient used certainly depends strongly on the active ingredient type and seed type used. However, usually the scope of the amount of one or more active ingredients is 0.001 to 200g every kg seed. The technician can determine the active ingredient of the appropriate amount depending on the active ingredient and seed type used. The technician often uses and follows the advice of the active ingredient supplier (for example BASF, Bayer, Syngenta, Corteva etc.) in practice, such as using technical data sheets and / or following recommended content.

[0085] In agricultural chemistry, the logarithm of the ratio of the concentrations of an unionized solute in two solvents (octanol and water, respectively) is used as an index of pesticide lipophilicity and is called the octanol / water coefficient, logP. Agrochemical actives may have a logP value exceeding 2.5. More preferably, it ranges from 2.5 to 4.5.

[0086] Biocides used in the agrochemical formulations according to the invention are generally divided into two subclasses:

[0087] Pesticides, including fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, algaecides, molluscicides, acaricides and rodenticides, and

[0088] Antimicrobial agents, including bactericides, antibiotics, antibacterials, antivirals, antifungals, antiprotozoals, and antiparasitics.

[0089] In particular, biocides selected from pesticides (insecticides), fungicides or herbicides may be particularly preferred.

[0090] Typical agricultural chemicals used in the present invention may include:

[0091] Herbicides, for example flufenacet, bromoxynil octanoate, trifluralin, butylfluralin, isoxuron, metribuzin, cypermethrin, ametryn, dichlobanil, alachlor, linuron, diuron;

[0092] Fungicides such as blastifungin and chlorothalonil; azole fungicides selected from difenoconazole, cyproconazole, prothioconazole, epoxiconazole, tebuconazole, prochloraz, penconazole, flusilazole, metconazole, triadimenol, hexaconazole, flutriazole, triflumizole; Fenbucos selected from nazole, bromconazole, fluquinconazole, epoxiconazole, trichlorfonazole, triazimephone, and imipenem; strobilurin analogs such as kresoxim-methyl and pyraclostorubin; maneb, mancozeb, thiram, thiram;

[0093] Insecticides, such as dimethylethylsulfinylisopropylthiophosphate, fipronil (fipronil), mefenamic acid, phosalone, buprofezin, azoxystrobin, methyl isothiocyanate;

[0094] and mixtures thereof.

[0095] Most preferably, the active substance present in the agrochemical formulations of the present invention is selected from herbicides such as flufenacet or metribuzin; azole fungicides such as difenoconazole, thiophanate-methyl, cyproconazole, prothioconazole; or insecticides such as buprofezin, fipronil or azoxystrobin.

[0096] In particular, combinations of actives such as azoxystrobin with cyproconazole and / or difenoconazole may be preferred.

[0097] Examples of suitable biologicals include Bacillus, Trichoderma, Rhizobium (nitrogen fixing) and the like, which have been identified as seed treatments for protecting plants and / or enhancing their health and / or productivity.

[0098] These lists are not exhaustive and new active ingredients are continually being developed and can be incorporated into film and / or seed coating compositions.

[0099] Nutrients may be present in addition to or in place of the agrochemical active agents. In the formulations, the nutrients are generally in dry form.

[0100] The nutrients may preferably be solid nutrients. Solid nutrients are understood in the present invention to mean substances with a melting point above 20° C. (at standard pressure). Solid nutrients also include insoluble nutrient ingredients, i.e., nutrient ingredients whose solubility in water is such that a significant solid content is present in the concentrate after addition.

[0101] Nutrients are chemical elements and compounds that are desirable or necessary to promote or improve plant growth. Suitable nutrients are generally described as macronutrients or micronutrients. Suitable nutrients for use in the concentrates according to the invention are all nutrient compounds.

[0102] Micronutrients generally refer to trace metals or trace elements and are often administered in lower doses. Suitable micronutrients include trace elements selected from zinc, boron, chlorine, copper, iron, molybdenum, and manganese. Micronutrients can be in soluble form or included as insoluble solids and can be salts or chelated.

[0103] Macronutrients generally refer to those containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and include fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate, and water conditioners. Suitable macronutrients include fertilizers and other compounds containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and water conditioners.

[0104] Suitable fertilizers include inorganic fertilizers that provide nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium or sulfur. Fertilizers can be included in dilute formulations at relatively low concentrations or as more concentrated solutions, which at very high levels can include solid fertilizers as well as solutions.

[0105] It is contemplated that the inclusion of nutrients will depend on the specific nutrient, with micronutrients generally being included in lower concentrations and macronutrients generally being included in higher concentrations.

[0106] Biostimulants can enhance metabolic or physiological processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, nucleic acid uptake, ion uptake, nutrient delivery, or a combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of biostimulants include seaweed extracts (e.g., Ascophyllum nodosum), humic acid (e.g., potassium humate), fulvic acid, inositol, glycine, and combinations thereof.

[0107] Agrochemical active compounds including insecticides and fungicides require formulations that allow the active compound to be taken up by the coated seed.

[0108] The term 'agrochemical formulation' as used herein refers to a composition comprising an agrochemical active agent and is intended to encompass all forms of compositions. The dispersants of the present invention can be combined with other components to form an agrochemical film-coating formulation comprising at least one agrochemical active agent. The formulations of the present invention are water-based suspension concentrate-type formulations.

[0109] As described herein, film coatings are concentrated compositions that can be diluted and formed into a slurry (along with the addition of other ingredients such as agrochemical actives) to produce a seed coating, which is then applied to the seed. Film coatings can generally be used to encapsulate plant protection agents on treated seeds without increasing the weight of the seeds or changing their shape prior to planting.

[0110] The dispersant is suitably present in the film coating composition at a concentration ranging from 2 wt% to 40 wt%, preferably from 4 wt% to 25 wt%, more preferably from 5 wt% to 22 wt%, based on the total weight of the film coating composition.

[0111] A particular advantage of the present invention may be that the film coating composition and the resulting seed coating composition may be free or substantially free of microplastics and / or microplastic particles as defined by relevant regulatory agencies.

[0112] The terms 'microplastic' and 'microplastic particles' as used herein are intended to mean in particular a material consisting of solid particles comprising polymers to which additives or other substances may have been added, and wherein greater than 1% w / w of the particles have dimensions of from 1 nm to 5 mm, or for fibres from 3 nm to 15 mm in length and a length to diameter ratio greater than 3. The polymers shall exclude those which are natural and have not been chemically modified (except by hydrolysis), and shall exclude biodegradable polymers.

[0113] Preferably, the film coating composition and the resulting seed coating composition contain less than 5% by weight, more preferably less than 3% by weight, further preferably less than 2% by weight, even further preferably less than 1% by weight, and in particular less than 0.5% by weight of microplastics and / or microplastic particles, based on the total weight of the composition. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the film coating composition and the resulting seed coating composition may be free of any microplastic particles.

[0114] Yet another particular advantage of the present invention may be that the film coating composition and the resulting seed coating composition may be free or substantially free of polymeric binders.

[0115] Preferably, the film coating composition and the resulting seed coating composition contain less than 5 wt %, more preferably less than 3 wt %, further preferably less than 2 wt %, even further preferably less than 1 wt %, and in particular less than 0.5 wt % of a polymeric binder, based on the total weight of the composition. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the film coating composition and the resulting seed coating composition may be free of any polymeric binder.

[0116] The term 'polymeric binder' specifically refers to the function of the polymer component in a seed coating. Polymeric binders are generally film-forming. Film coating generally refers to film formation by the polymeric binder, typically after application of the polymeric binder to the seed and subsequent evaporation of the solvent. Polymeric binders include homopolymers and copolymers and include both natural and synthetic polymers.

[0117] Polymer binder can be an organic polymer binder, more preferably a synthetic polymer binder.Polymer binder can for example be polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, polyurethane, cellulose (comprising ethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose and hydroxymethyl propyl cellulose), polyvinyl pyrrolidone, dextrin, maltodextrin, starch, polysaccharide, fat, oil, protein, gum arabic, shellac, vinylidene chloride, vinylidene chloride copolymer, calcium lignin sulfonate, polyacrylic acid class, acrylic acid copolymer, polyethylene acrylic acid, zein, casein, gelatin, chitosan, pullulan, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, acrylamide polymer, acrylamide copolymer, polyhydroxyethyl acrylate, methacrylamide polymer, poly-(N-vinylacetamide), sodium alginate, polychloroprene and syrup.These adhesives can be used alone or in combination of two or three or more.

[0118] The polymeric binder may have a molecular weight (weight average) ranging from 1,000 to 40,000, preferably from 5,000 to 20,000, more preferably from 9,000 to 11,000, particularly from 9,500 to 10,500, and especially from 9,800 to 10,200.

[0119] Coating (coating) includes coating techniques known in the art. It is expected that the present invention is applicable to all such coating types.

[0120] The film coating composition of the present invention can be diluted and formed into a slurry (to which the other components are added) to prepare a seed coating composition, which is then applied to seeds or bulbs.

[0121] The seed coating composition of the present invention can be applied to seeds in a conventional manner.

[0122] Seeds may be primed or unprimed (having been treated to improve germination rate, e.g., osmopriming, water priming, substrate priming).

[0123] Preferably, the seed coating composition is applied as a liquid composition and / or emulsion and / or dispersion and / or latex composition and thereafter solidified (including solidification and / or drying) to form the seed coating. The term 'liquid coating composition' as used in this application is intended to include coating compositions in the form of suspensions, emulsions and / or dispersions, preferably dispersions.

[0124] Conventional coating means can be used for coating seeds. Various coating equipment can be used by those skilled in the art. Some well-known technologies include the use of drum coaters, fluidized bed technology, rotary coaters (with and without simultaneous drying) and spouted beds. Suitably, the seed coating composition provides a rotary coater, a rotary drying coater, a pan coater or a continuous processor to be applied to the seed.

[0125] Generally, the amount of seed coating composition applied to seeds can range from 0.1 to 200 g dry weight / kg seed, preferably 0.15 to 150 g dry weight / kg seed, more preferably 0.25 to 100 g dry weight / kg seed.

[0126] The seed coating composition can be applied, for example, by film coating, spraying, dipping or brushing the seed coating composition. Optionally, it is applied at a temperature of 25°C to 50°C, for example 5°C to 35°C, more typically 15°C to 30°C, for example at room temperature, such as 18°C ​​to 25°C. Preferably, the seed coating composition is applied to the seeds by film coating. The film coating can be suitably applied as follows: the liquid coating composition is sprayed onto the seeds, generally while the seeds are settling or flowing through the coating equipment. Preferably, the method for film coating the seeds is to apply the seed coating composition in the form of a film coating composition.

[0127] Preferably, the method comprises applying a seed coating composition to form a film coating or seed coating layer.

[0128] The seed coating composition is suitably applied to the seed such that the ratio of dry coating to seed is suitably 0.001 to 20:1, preferably 0.05 to 10:1, more preferably 0.01 to 1.0:1, particularly 0.05 to 0.5:1, and especially 0.1 to 0.2:1 by weight.

[0129] Seed coating generally involves forming a firmly adhered, moisture-permeable coating on the surface of the seed. The process generally involves applying a liquid seed coating composition to the seeds prior to planting.

[0130] Additional film coating layers may optionally be applied over the coating layers of the present invention to provide additional benefits including, but not limited to, improvements in appearance, coverage, actives, nutrients, and handling such as faster drying, seed flow, durability, and the like.

[0131] It should be recognized that dispersions contain particles of low water-soluble solids and therefore particle size and distribution are factors that reflect dispersion stability. It is important to have a homogeneous distribution of particles to ensure dispersion stability over a longer period of time. Additionally, an effective dispersant ensures that the particles do not aggregate and cause phase separation. Therefore, dispersions with small particle size, a homogeneous particle distribution, and limited particle size growth over time are likely to be more stable dispersions.

[0132] In terms of the form of a particle size distribution, the particles will have a median volume particle diameter value. It should be understood that the median volume particle diameter refers to the equivalent spherical diameter, which corresponds to the point on the distribution that divides the distribution population exactly into two equal halves. It is the point corresponding to 50% of the volume of all particles, read on a cumulative distribution curve that relates volume percentage to particle diameter, i.e., 50% of the distribution is above this value and 50% of the distribution is below this value. This value is called the "D(v,0.5)" value and is determined as described herein.

[0133] Additionally, "D(v,0.9)" values ​​can also be mentioned, and these values ​​may be the equivalent spherical diameter corresponding to 90% of the total particle volume (read from a cumulative distribution curve relating volume percentage to particle diameter), i.e. they are the points of the distribution at which 10% are above this value and 90% are below this value, respectively.

[0134] The particle size values ​​used to determine D(v,0.5) and D(v,0.9) values ​​are measured by the techniques and methods described in further detail herein. It is to be understood that the particle size values ​​defined below are based on the amounts of dispersant shown in the examples.

[0135] It is generally known that a particle size of 1-10 μm is preferred in order to obtain a dispersion with the desired properties.

[0136] The particles present in the dispersants of the present invention may have an initial D(v,0.5) value at day 0 ranging from 1.0 μm to 7.0 μm. Preferably, the range is 1.5 μm to 5.0 μm. More preferably, the range is 2.0 μm to 4.0 μm. Most preferably, the range is 2.5 μm to 3.5 μm.

[0137] The particles present in the dispersants of the present invention may have a D(v,0.9) value at day 0 ranging from 5.0 μm to 14.0 μm. Preferably, the range is 5.5 μm to 12.0 μm. More preferably, the range is 6.0 μm to 10.0 μm.

[0138] The particles present in the dispersants of the present invention may have a D(v,0.5) value at 14 days and 54°C ranging from 1.0 μm to 8.0 μm. Preferably, the range is 1.5 μm to 6.0 μm. More preferably, the range is 2.0 μm to 5.0 μm. Most preferably, the range is 2.5 μm to 4.0 μm.

[0139] The particles present in the dispersants of the present invention may have a D(v,0.9) value at 14 days and 54°C ranging from 5.0 μm to 16.0 μm. Preferably, the range is 6.0 μm to 12.0 μm. More preferably, the range is 6.5 μm to 10.0 μm. Most preferably, the range is 7.0 μm to 9.0 μm.

[0140] The particles present in the dispersion of the present invention maintained at 54°C have either or both of D(v,0.5) and D(v,0.9) that change by no more than 150% from day 0 to day 14, preferably by no more than 130%, and most preferably by no more than 110%.

[0141] The dispersions according to the invention thus provide good particle sizes and particle size distributions within the range desired for emulsion concentrates (emulsifiable concentrates). Furthermore, the emulsions according to the invention retain the desired particle sizes and particle size distributions over time under storage.

[0142] The dispersants of the present invention, when applied to the surface of seeds, provide germination rates that are not negatively affected compared to untreated seeds.

[0143] The coating also provides the coated seeds with good wet and dry flow properties. As a result, the seeds can be bagged and sold for later use or used directly, while seeds that are not so wetted can stick together during storage. The dispersants of the present invention, when applied to the seed surface, provide dry and wet flow properties that are not negatively impacted compared to untreated seeds.

[0144] The coating formed by the present invention also provides a desirable viscosity that allows for easy handling and application to any seed to be coated.

[0145] The coating provides good stripping and abrasion resistance, thereby reducing dust generation during seed movement and allowing the incorporation of lower amounts of active due to reduced coating loss.

[0146] The seed coating composition provides a more uniform coating on the seeds and good film forming properties and does not require the addition of a film former. The coating is also found to be a tough and flexible coating with good adhesion.

[0147] Additionally, dispersants can serve the dual function of acting as both dispersant and binder in film coatings and seed coatings, thus eliminating the need for a separate binder and freeing up valuable formulation space.

[0148] All features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination. Example

[0149] In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, reference is now made to the following description, by way of example.

[0150] It should be understood that all tests and physical properties listed are determined at atmospheric pressure and room temperature (ie, 25°C) unless otherwise indicated herein or unless otherwise noted in the test methods and procedures described.

[0151] Methods used

[0152] The formulations were tested after storage at room temperature (RT) for 24 hours and after storage at 54°C for 7 and 14 days and evaluated for the following:

[0153] - Visual evaluation of separation.

[0154] - Suspendability - according to standard ABNT NBR 13313.

[0155] - Viscosity - Standard method CIPAC MT192 was used, using the Brookfield method (30 RPM, LVT 63).

[0156] Particle Size and Particle Size Distribution - Dynamic light scattering analysis was performed using the standard method CIPAC MT187, using a Malvern Mastersizer with a Hydro 2000SM accessory, operating with water and set at 2,100 rpm. The refractive index of the material was set to 1.53 and the absorbance to 0.1. 12,000 snapshots were taken over 12 seconds to acquire the data. The final particle size was determined by averaging three replicates. The D(v, 0.5), D(v, 0.1), and D(v, 0.9) values ​​were readily determined from the obtained particle size values.

[0157] - Flowability - IH R&D WI 2049, wet flowability was tested after treatment and dry flowability was tested one day after treatment, both using a Niklas device with a funnel equipped with a 35 mm diameter stopper. The stopper was opened and a timer started simultaneously. A reference was first set three times using 3 kg of unprocessed seed. For wet flowability, the seed flow was repeated 15 times using 3 kg of wet seed. For dry seed, 3 kg of dry seed was used, with all other conditions remaining the same. The measurement was performed over 20 seconds.

[0158] - Exfoliation - Method IH RND WI 1179 was used, in which data for film-coated seeds were obtained according to the following industry standards. For each measurement, 100 grams of seed were subjected to a two-minute Heubach Dust Meter test in duplicate, and the results were averaged to calculate the total exfoliation per 100,000 kg of seed. The test was conducted at 20-25°C and 50% relative humidity. Heubach Dust Meter parameters included a rotation speed of 30 rpm, a gas flow rate of 20 L / min, a volume of 40 L, and a time of 120 seconds.

[0159] - Abrasion test - was performed as follows: wet abrasion was measured after treatment and dry abrasion was measured two weeks after treatment. The abrasion of corn seeds was measured after a 10 minute abrasion test, which was performed in a PharmaTest PTF20E with a friability test drum rotating at a speed of 25 rpm. The abrasion score is a visual quantification of the quality of the seeds after this abrasion test, which closely simulates industrial processing conditions. The abrasion score is assigned from 0 (high abrasion resistance / good quality seeds) to 5 (low abrasion resistance / poor quality seeds). The test was performed on freshly coated seeds to determine the wet abrasion score and on coated seeds after drying for 2 weeks to determine the dry abrasion score. For the different film coating formulations tested on corn, the results show dust (in g / 100,000 seeds) and the abrasion score determined after the 10 minute abrasion test (0: high abrasion resistance; 5: poor abrasion resistance).

[0160] - Germination - determined using the ISTA germination test standard (RAS.MAPA 2009).

[0161] Substances used

[0162] All substances used in this project are listed in the table below.

[0163] D1-MPEG-MA, AMPS, copolymer dispersant of acrylic acid and styrene

[0164] Zinc oxide-active

[0165] Chlorothalonil-active ingredient

[0166] Azoxystrobin-active ingredient

[0167] Cyproconazole-active ingredient

[0168] Fipronil-active ingredient

[0169] Atlas G-5002L(Croda)-Moisturizer

[0170] Silfoam SE 39 (Wacker)-Defoaming Agent

[0171] Proxel GXL (Lonza) - preservative

[0172] Propylene glycol (Dow) - antifreeze

[0173] Kelzan (CP Kelco) - Rheology Modifier

[0174] Accelerated Stability Example

[0175] Formulations

[0176] All formulations were prepared as follows: the antifoam was mixed with a portion of the total water, followed by the addition of propylene glycol and D1. The actives were added after thorough homogenization of the previous components.

[0177] The milling step ensured that the D(v,0.5) was below 5 μm and the D(v,0.9) was below 10 μm.Xanthan gum was prepared at 1.5 wt% in water with Proxel GXL and combined with the premix after milling.

[0178] Chlorothalonil SC formulations were prepared as described in Table 1. No grinding was required as the active ingredient was already micronized and available in the laboratory.

[0179] No wettability issues were observed when using only D1 in the formulation.

[0180] The formulations are described in the table below.

[0181] Table 1. Formulation composition: Chlorothalonil 720 g / L SC (C1)

[0182] Components Function g / L weight% Chlorothalonil Active ingredient 695.9 53.53％ Silfoam SE 39 defoaming agent 1.0 0.08％ ProxelGXL biocides 1.0 0.08％ D1 Dual function 69.6 5.35％ Atlox 4913 dispersants - - Propylene glycol antifreeze 52.0 4.00％ Kelzan AP thickener 2.6 0.20％ water solvent 477.8 36.76％

[0183] Fipronil FS formulation was prepared as described in Table 2, adding 10% of xanthan gum solution (1.5% in water and Proxel GXL) to the premix and the rest after the grinding process in order to avoid sedimentation.

[0184] Table 2. Formulation composition: Fipronil 250 g / L FS (F1)

[0185] Components Function g / L weight% Fipronil Active ingredient 250.0 21.74％ Silfoam SE 39 defoaming agent 0.9 0.08％ Acticide LA biocides 0.9 0.08％ D1 Multiple functions 141.5 12.30％ Propylene glycol antifreeze 46.0 4.00％ Kelzan AP thickener 2.3 0.20％ water solvent 708.4 61.60％

[0186] Accelerated stability data

[0187] The C1 formulation was subjected to accelerated stability evaluation at 54° C. The physicochemical data are shown in Table 3.

[0188] Table 3. Physicochemical data of C1 formulation

[0189] parameter Day 1, RT Day 14, 54°C Appearance Ns. 3% St. pH (as is) 7.53 7.22 Particle size D(v,0.5) 2.77 2.92 Particle size D(v,0.9) 7.17 7.5 Suspendability 94.5％ 95.5％ Viscosity 1192 1112

[0190] Ns. No separation; St. Top separation

[0191] For thiophanate-methyl, the C1 formulation showed good results in the accelerated stability test. After 14 days at 54°C, only a thin top layer was observed in both formulations.

[0192] The F1 formulation was subjected to accelerated stability evaluation. The physicochemical data are shown in Table 4.

[0193] Table 4. Physicochemical data of F1 formulations

[0194] parameter Day 1, RT Day 14, 54°C Appearance Ns. 9% St., redispersible pH (as is) 7.41 7.25 Particle size D(v,0.5) 2.96 2.94 Particle size D(v,0.9) 7.65 7.65 Suspendability 96.2％ 97.5％ Viscosity 515 530

[0195] Ns. No separation; St. Top separation

[0196] For the fipronil suspension, the F1 formulation showed good results after 14 days at 54° C. Only a thin top layer was observed after 14 days at 54° C. No wettability issues were observed with the D1 formulation.

[0197] Seed Coating Properties Example

[0198] Important to the success of any seed coating is a film former which will improve the adhesion of the ingredients, including the active ingredient, to the seed surface.

[0199] The addition of film formers requires fine processing precision, identification of the correct chemistry that will provide adhesion under mechanical stress to avoid peel release and wear performance without compromising flow and sprouting.

[0200] The dispersants of the present invention were therefore evaluated with reference to these properties.

[0201] Seed treatment suspension (FS) formulations

[0202] The mill base was prepared by mixing all ingredients except the rheology modifier under mechanical stirring (500-800 rpm).

[0203] The intermediate body is milled using a bead mill until the desired particle size is achieved. The milling of the base is completed with a rheology modifier under mechanical stirring (500-800 rpm) until complete homogenization is achieved.

[0204] The following formulation was obtained:

[0205] Table 5. Formulation Example 1 (FE1), fipronil 250 g / L, without binder

[0206] Components Function weight% g / L Fipronil technical Active ingredient 21.93％ 250.00 SAG 1572 defoaming agent 0.08％ 0.92 Acticide LA biocides 0.08％ 0.92 Metasperse 500L dispersants 2.20％ 25.39 Atlas G-5002L Wetting agent 1.10％ 12.69 Propylene glycol antifreeze 4.00％ 46.16 Sunsperse Red 48:2 pigment 12.30％ 141.94 Kelzan AP Rheology modifiers 0.20％ 2.31 water solvent 58.11％ 673.66 Table 6. Formulation Example 4 (FE2), fipronil 250 g / L, containing dispersant D1

[0207] Components Function weight% g / L Fipronil technical Active ingredient 21.93％ 250.00 SAG 1572 defoaming agent 0.08％ 0.92 Acticide LA biocides 0.08％ 0.92 Metasperse 500L dispersants 2.20％ 25.39 Atlas G-5002L Wetting agent 1.10％ 12.69 D1 adhesive 12.30％ 141.94 Propylene glycol antifreeze 4.00％ 46.16 Sunsperse Red 48:2 pigment 12.30％ 141.94 Kelzan AP Rheology modifiers 0.20％ 2.31 water solvent 45.81％ 531.72

[0208] Table 7. Formulation Example 5 (FE3), fipronil 250 g / L, containing D1, without other dispersants or wetting agents ("D1 alone")

[0209] Components Function weight% g / L Fipronil technical Active ingredient 21.93％ 250.00 SAG 1572 defoaming agent 0.08％ 0.92 Acticide LA biocides 0.08％ 0.92 D1 Binder / dispersant 12.30％ 141.94 Propylene glycol antifreeze 4.00％ 46.16 Sunsperse Red 48:2 pigment 12.30％ 141.94 Kelzan AP Rheology modifiers 0.20％ 2.31 water solvent 49.11％ 569.80

[0210] Film coating formulations

[0211] In addition, a number of film coating formulations were prepared using dispersant D1. This was achieved by mixing all components except the rheology modifier under mechanical stirring (500-800 rpm). The rheology modifier was then slowly added under mechanical stirring (500-1,000 rpm) until complete homogenization was achieved.

[0212] The following formulations were prepared:

[0213] Table 8. Formulation Example 6 (FE4), film coating without binder

[0214] Components Function weight% water solvent 59.30％ Tego Foamex 810 defoaming agent 0.10％ Acticide LA biocides 0.10％ Sanolin Ponceau 4RC 82 dye 1.00％ Zephrym PD3315 dispersants 1.00％ Aquacer 583 wax 7.50％ Sunsperse Red 48:2 pigment 10.00％ F034 Talc filler 20.00％ CrystaSense Sapphire Rheology modifiers 1.00％ Table 9. Formulation Example 9 (FE5), Film Coating Containing Dispersant D1

[0215] Components Function weight% water solvent 34.30％ Tego Foamex 810 defoaming agent 0.10％ Acticide LA biocides 0.10％ Sanolin Ponceau 4RC 82 dye 1.00％ Zephrym PD3315 dispersants 1.00％ Aquacer 583 wax 7.50％ Sunsperse Red 48:2 pigment 10.00％ F034 Talc filler 20.00％ CrystaSense Sapphire Rheology modifiers 1.00％ D1 adhesive 25.00％

[0216] Liquidity

[0217] Flowability tests were performed to understand the reduction in flow caused by the seed treatments. It was possible to observe that flowability was reduced due to increased abrasion of treated seeds compared to untreated seeds.

[0218] Low flowability levels can be disadvantageous and slowdowns in the packaging process or even possible equipment blockages can be observed during packaging or sowing of the treated seeds.

[0219] Seed treatment suspension (FS) formulations

[0220] The flowability of several formulations was evaluated. The formulations were applied to wheat, corn, soybean and cotton seeds. The results obtained are shown in Table 10.

[0221] Table 10. Flowability results for seed treatment suspension concentrate (FS) formulations

[0222]

[0223] The unit is kg seeds per second

[0224] Good flowability was observed for all seed types with little, if any, deleterious degradation.

[0225] Film coating formulations

[0226] In the case of application to corn seeds, the film coating formulations were evaluated with complete seed treatments. Corn seeds represent the greatest challenge for seed treatments using film coating formulations due to seed shape, size, and surface composition. The results obtained are shown in Table 11.

[0227] Table 11. Flowability results for film coating formulations

[0228]

[0229] The unit is kg seeds per second

[0230] The formulation containing dispersant D1 achieved excellent flowability results, better than untreated seeds, and did not require the addition of additional binders.

[0231] wear and tear

[0232] After seed treatment, considering the steps preceding the sowing operation, the seeds are susceptible to damage from physical processes. These processes can lead to frequent friction between the seeds during storage, during transportation, and during addition to the planting machinery. This can lead to undesirable removal of the applied product, so abrasion resistance is an important property of any seed coating.

[0233] Seed treatments were tested for wear on corn and soybeans. The scale used considered 5 to represent complete exposure of the seed to the treatment and 0 to be completely covered by the treatment.

[0234] Seed treatment suspension (FS) formulations

[0235] Several formulations were evaluated for their abrasion resistance. The formulations were applied to corn and soybean seeds. The results obtained are shown in Table 12.

[0236] Table 12. Abrasion results for seed treatment suspension concentrate (FS) formulations

[0237]

[0238] No unit, only comparative data

[0239] The formulations all maintained good abrasion resistance as shown in Table 12. As expected, dry abrasion showed a significant improvement in the abrasion test due to the time required to fully cure the film coating.

[0240] Film coating formulations

[0241] The film coating formulations were evaluated for abrasion resistance. The formulations were applied to corn seeds. The results obtained are shown in Table 13.

[0242] Table 13. Abrasion results of film coating formulations

[0243]

[0244] No unit, only comparative data

[0245] As shown in Table 13, good wear resistance was observed.

[0246] Exfoliation

[0247] The peeling test measures the amount of dust released from the seed. Treated seeds are placed in a Heubach Dustmeter device, which keeps the seeds in a small drum and circulates gently, through air flow, and captures dust particles with a glass fiber filter. This method measures the seed treatment agent (active ingredient or other component) that peels off or forms dust. In general, the seed treatment agent should desirably have high abrasion resistance and minimum dust loss.

[0248] Seed treatment suspension (FS) formulations

[0249] The formulations were evaluated for flaking. The formulations were applied to corn, wheat, and soybean seeds. The results obtained are shown in Table 14.

[0250] Table 14. Stripping results of seed treatment suspension concentrate (FS) formulations

[0251] Formulations corn wheat soybeans FE1 0.33 1.77 0.08 FE2 0.32 1.27 0.21 FE3 0.22

[0252] Unit: g / 100kg seeds

[0253] The stripping results were well within the desired limits for seed coating.

[0254] Film coating formulations

[0255] The film coating formulations were evaluated for peeling. The formulations were applied to corn seeds. The results obtained are shown in Table 15.

[0256] Table 15. Stripping results of film coating formulations

[0257] Formulations corn FE4 0.58 FE5 0.72

[0258] Unit: g / 100kg seeds

[0259] The level of peeling observed for the film coating comprising D1 was well within expected values.

[0260] germination

[0261] Seed treatment suspension (FS) formulations

[0262] Several formulations were evaluated for any effect on the germination of treated seeds. The formulations were applied to corn, soybean, cotton and wheat seeds. The results obtained are shown in Tables 16 and 17.

[0263] Table 16. Germination results of seed treatment suspension concentrate (FS) formulations on corn and soybean

[0264]

[0265] *G: Germinated / A: Abnormal / NG: Not Germinated

[0266] Table 17. Germination results of cotton and wheat using seed treatment suspension concentrate (FS) formulations

[0267]

[0268] *G: Germinated / A: Abnormal / NG: Not Germinated

[0269] Some dispersants / binders can negatively affect seed germination. However, no negative effects were observed when using formulations containing D1. As expected, the results showed that binder D1 did not adversely affect germination.

[0270] D1 shows good results as a water-soluble film-former with the dual benefit of being an aqueous dispersant. At high concentrations, D1 exhibits excellent multifunctionality as a dispersant, wetting agent, and film-former.

[0271] It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of the above described embodiments, which are merely illustrative descriptions and that many variations are possible.

Claims

1. A film coating composition comprising i) a dispersant comprising a copolymer of acrylic acid, a hydrophobic monomer, an alkyl acrylate of a monoalkyl polyethylene glycol and optionally a strong acid derivative of (meth)acrylic acid, ii) Optional agrochemical actives or nutrients The amount of the copolymer ranges from 2 wt % to 40 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

2. The film coating according to claim 1, wherein the acrylic acid monomer used to form the copolymer is selected from (meth)acrylic acid or its salts, (meth)acrylamide, (meth)acrylonitrile, C1-6-alkyl (meth)acrylates, butyl (meth)acrylate or hexyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, substituted C1-6-alkyl (meth)acrylates, di(C1-4-alkylamino)C1-6-alkyl (meth)acrylates, amides formed from C1-6-alkylamines, substituted C1-6-alkylamines, ammonium salts, or di(C1-4-alkyl-amino)C1-6-alkylamines and (meth)acrylic acid and its C1-4-alkyl halide adducts.

3. The film coating according to claim 1, wherein the acrylic acid monomer used to form the copolymer is selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, or a mixture thereof.

4. A film coating according to any preceding claim, wherein the hydrophobic monomer is selected from the group consisting of hydrophobic alkyl (meth)acrylates, styrene, and vinyl compounds, and vinyl aromatic monomers.

5. The film coating according to claim 4, wherein the vinyl aromatic monomer is styrene or an alkyl-substituted styrene.

6. A film coating according to any preceding claim, wherein the alkyl acrylate of a monoalkyl polyethylene glycol is methoxy polyethylene glycol methacrylate (MPEGMA).

7. A film coating according to any preceding claim, wherein the strong acid derivative of (meth)acrylic acid is selected from acrylamidomethylpropylsulfonic acid (AMPS) and (meth)acryloylisothioic acid.

8. A film coating according to any preceding claim, wherein the acrylic acid monomer is present in the polymer in an amount ranging from 10% to 90% by weight, the vinyl aromatic monomer is present in the polymer in an amount ranging from 10% to 90% by weight, and the polyethylene glycol alkyl acrylate monomer is present in the polymer in an amount ranging from 10% to 90% by weight.

9. A film coating according to any preceding claim wherein the polymer has a weight average molecular weight in the range of 5000 to 75,000 Daltons.

10. The film coating according to any preceding claim, wherein the film coating composition comprises less than 5 wt% microplastics and / or microplastic particles.

11. A method of forming a film coating composition comprising combining: i) a dispersant comprising a copolymer of acrylic acid, a hydrophobic monomer, an alkyl acrylate of a monoalkyl polyethylene glycol, and optionally a strong acid derivative of (meth)acrylic acid; ii) Optional agrochemical actives or nutrients The amount of the copolymer ranges from 2 wt % to 40 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

12. A method of coating seeds, comprising applying to the seeds a seed coating composition comprising a film coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. Seed having a seed coating, the seed coating composition comprising the film coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. Use of a copolymer of acrylic acid, a hydrophobic monomer, an alkyl acrylate of a monoalkyl polyethylene glycol and optionally a strong acid derivative of (meth)acrylic acid as a dispersant and binder in a film coating composition for seeds, said copolymer being present in the range of 2% to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

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