Polymer coating composition

Abstract

Emulsion polymer systems suitable for use in agrochemical formulations to coat seed. The emulsion polymer system comprises a core polymer and a stabilizer polymer, where the core is a polymer having a low glass transition temperature (-100 DEG C to 10 DEG C), and the stabilizer has a high glass transition temperature (30 DEG C to 300 DEG C). A method of making the core-stabilizer system is also provided. The core-stabilizer system is suitable for seed coating formulations, providing dust removal, germination, and good flow.

Description

[0001] This invention patent application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 201780031603.X, application date May 25, 2017, and invention title "Polymer Coating Composition". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to polymer-based coating compositions and formulations for agricultural applications, and polymers for said coating compositions. The invention also includes methods for treating crops with such formulations. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, coating compositions have been increasingly used in commercial agricultural practices. Typically, these coating compositions are used to bind various components, such as agrochemical actives, to the surface of plants or seeds.

[0004] The purpose of a coating composition can include a variety of functions, including adhering agricultural chemical actives to the surface of seeds or plants, adhering pigments to the surface of seeds or plants, or simply increasing the volume or size of seeds. In all cases, coatings are desirable for being easy to apply, holding firmly to the surface of seeds or plants, allowing water and / or air to pass through, resisting dust, and forming a uniform coating. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide polymer compositions suitable for use as coating compositions in agricultural chemical formulations, wherein the dispersant overcomes the aforementioned problems. Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide coatings that, when applied to the surface of seeds or plants, possess desired properties such as adhesion, penetration, and water retention.

[0006] The present invention also provides the use of the coating composition in agricultural chemical coating compositions formed by dilution of a concentrated emulsion. The present invention further seeks to provide the use of the diluted coating composition for treating crops and seeds.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, an emulsion polymer system for use in agricultural chemicals is provided, comprising a core-stabilizer copolymer, said copolymer comprising:

[0008] A stabilizer polymer comprising an acid-based group and a hydrophobic monomer, having a weight / quantity ratio of said acid to hydrophobic component of 10-90:90-10, a Tg of 30°C-300°C, and a molecular weight of less than 100,000; and

[0009] Core polymers with a Tg ranging from -100°C to 10°C.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for preparing an emulsion polymer system for use in agricultural chemicals according to the first aspect is provided, the method comprising mixing:

[0011] A stabilizer polymer comprising an acid group and a hydrophobic monomer, having a weight / quantity ratio of said acid to hydrophobic component of 10-90:90-10, a Tg of 30°C-300°C, and a molecular weight of less than 100,000; and

[0012] Monomers suitable for forming core polymers with a Tg of -100°C to 10°C.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an emulsion polymer system for use in agricultural chemicals is provided, comprising:

[0014] i) Stabilizing polymers formed from acrylic monomers and vinyl aromatic monomers; and

[0015] ii) Core polymers formed from vinyl aromatic monomers and alkyl esters of acrylic or alkyl acrylic monomers.

[0016] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, an emulsion polymer system as a film-forming agent as defined in the first or third aspect is provided, which also optionally includes at least one of an agrochemical active ingredient, micronutrients, dyes, pigments and / or compatibilizers, for use as a film-forming agent for coating grasses, plants and / or seeds.

[0017] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a diluted emulsion polymer system according to the first or third aspect is provided, comprising a total of 0.0001-10 wt% of the core-stabilizer copolymer.

[0018] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a method is provided for coating seeds by applying an agricultural chemical composition comprising an agricultural chemical compound or substance and a core-stabilizer copolymer as defined in the first or third aspect.

[0019] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, a coated seed is provided, wherein the coating comprises a stabilizer polymer having a Tg of 30°C to 300°C and a molecular weight of less than 100,000, and a core polymer having a Tg of -100°C to 10°C.

[0020] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, a method is provided for treating herbs, plants and / or seeds to provide micronutrients, active ingredients, dyes, pigments and / or compatibilizers by applying a coating formulation comprising an emulsion polymer of the first or third aspect to the herbs or seeds.

[0021] According to the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention relates to the following:

[0022] Item 1. An emulsion polymer system for use in agricultural chemicals, comprising a core-stabilizer copolymer, said copolymer comprising:

[0023] A stabilizer polymer comprising an acid group and a hydrophobic monomer, having a weight / quantity ratio of said acid to hydrophobic component of 10-90:90-10, a Tg of 30°C-300°C, and a molecular weight of less than 100,000; and

[0024] Core polymers with a Tg ranging from -100°C to 10°C.

[0025] Item 2. The emulsion polymer according to Item 1, wherein the stabilizer polymer has a Tg of 50°C-160°C.

[0026] Item 3. The emulsion polymer according to Item 1 or Item 2, wherein the stabilizer polymer has a molecular weight of 2,000-25,000.

[0027] Item 4. The emulsion polymer according to any of the preceding items, wherein the stabilizer polymer may be a styrene (meth)acrylic acid copolymer.

[0028] Item 5. The emulsion polymer according to any of the preceding items, wherein the stabilizer polymer is in the form of a sodium or potassium salt.

[0029] Item 6. An emulsion polymer according to any of the preceding items, wherein the core polymer has a Tg of -70°C to 0°C.

[0030] Item 7. An emulsion polymer according to any of the preceding items, wherein the core polymer comprises a vinyl aromatic monomer and an alkyl ester of acrylic acid or alkyl acrylic acid.

[0031] Item 8. A method for preparing an emulsion polymer system for use in agricultural chemicals according to any one of items 1-7, said method comprising mixing:

[0032] A stabilizer polymer comprising an acid group and a hydrophobic monomer, having a weight / quantity ratio of said acid to hydrophobic component of 10-90:90-10, a Tg of 30°C-300°C, and a molecular weight of less than 100,000; and

[0033] Monomers suitable for forming core polymers with a Tg of -100°C to 10°C.

[0034] Item 9. Emulsion polymer systems for use in agricultural chemicals, comprising:

[0035] i) Stabilizing polymers formed from acrylic monomers and vinyl aromatic monomers; and

[0036] ii) Core polymers formed from vinyl aromatic monomers and alkyl esters of acrylic or alkyl acrylic monomers.

[0037] Item 10. An emulsion polymer system used as a film-forming agent according to any one of items 1-7 or 9, which also optionally contains at least one of an agrochemical active ingredient, micronutrient, dye, pigment and / or compatibilizer, is used as a film-forming agent for coating grasses, plants and / or seeds.

[0038] Item 11. The diluted emulsion polymer system according to any one of items 1-7 or 9 contains a total of 0.0001-10 wt% of the core-stabilizer copolymer.

[0039] Item 12. A method of coating seeds by applying an agricultural chemical composition comprising an agricultural chemical compound or substance and a core-stabilizer copolymer as defined in any one of items 1-7 or 9.

[0040] Item 13. Coated seeds, wherein the coating comprises a stabilizer polymer having a Tg of 30°C to 300°C and a molecular weight of less than 100,000, and a core polymer having a Tg of -100°C to 10°C.

[0041] Item 14. A method of treating herbs, plants and / or seeds to provide micronutrients, active ingredients, dyes, pigments and / or compatibilizers by applying a coating formulation comprising an emulsion polymer as defined in any one of Items 1-7 or Item 9 to the herbs or seeds.

[0042] Item 15. An emulsion polymer system for use in agricultural chemicals, comprising a core-stabilizer copolymer, said copolymer comprising:

[0043] A stabilizer polymer comprising an acid group and a hydrophobic monomer, having a weight / quantity ratio of said acid to hydrophobic component of 10-90:90-10, a Tg of 30°C-300°C, and a molecular weight of less than 100,000; and

[0044] Core polymers with a Tg ranging from -100°C to 10°C; and

[0045] The second polymer has a Tg of 30°C to 300°C.

[0046] It has been found that emulsion polymer systems comprising a combination of stabilizer polymers and core polymers as defined herein provide coating compositions that, when used in agrochemical formulations, provide a seed coating with desired properties and allow water to flow from the surrounding environment to the so-coated herb / plant / seed. Furthermore, it has been found that the seed coatings of the present invention do not inhibit or impede the release of agrochemical actives contained in the coating.

[0047] As used herein, the terms “for example,” “say,” “like,” or “including” refer to instances that introduce further clarification of the overarching subject. Unless otherwise specified, these instances are provided only to aid in understanding the applications described in this disclosure and are not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0048] It should be understood that when describing the number of carbon atoms in a substituent (e.g., "C1-C6 alkyl"), the value refers to the sum of the number of carbon atoms present in the substituent, including any carbon atom present in any branched group. Furthermore, when describing the number of carbon atoms in, for example, fatty acids, this refers to the total number of carbon atoms, including one carbon atom at the carboxylic acid and any carbon atoms present in any branched group.

[0049] As used herein, the term "seed" specifically refers to the mature ovule of gymnosperms and angiosperms, which contains a plumule surrounded by a protective husk. In particular, the term encompasses cereal kernels. This protective husk may include the seed coat (outer seed coat). Some seeds include a pericarp or pericarp surrounding the seed coat. Specifically, when this layer adheres tightly to the seed, as in cereal kernels, it is sometimes called a caryopsis or achene. The term "seed coat" as used herein includes caryopsis or achenes. In practice, the term "seed" includes, but is not limited to, any substance that can be cultivated in agriculture to produce plants, including grain seeds, true seeds, plant seedlings, rhizomes, plant cuttings, and plant parts such as tubers or bulbs.

[0050] As used herein, the term "coating" broadly refers to applying material to the surface of a seed, for example, as a layer of material surrounding the seed. Coating includes film coating, granulation, and shelling. Granules obtained by granulation are also called seedpills. Preferably, the coating is applied to substantially the entire surface of the seed, for example, over 90% or more of the seed's surface area, to form a layer. However, the coating can be complete or partial, for example, over more than 20% or more than 50% of the seed's surface area.

[0051] The glass transition temperature (Tg) is known for many polymers and, if necessary, can be determined according to, for example, ASTM E1356-08 (2014), "Standard Test Method for Assignment of the Glass Transition Temperatures by Differential Scanning Calorimetry". For example, by using a DSC sample of 10-15 mg size, dried at 110°C for one hour to eliminate the effects of water and / or solvents, and subjected to a DSC at 20°C / min from -100°C to 100°C, the Tg is defined as the midpoint of the transition region. The minimum film-forming temperature (MFFT) can be measured, for example, according to ASTM D2354-10e1.

[0052] The stabilizer polymer can be formed from a copolymer of an acidic monomer and a hydrophobic monomer and can be a water-soluble polymer, the solubility of which increases due to the neutralization of the polymer or monomer contained therein.

[0053] The stabilizer polymer can have a Tg of 30℃-300℃, preferably 50℃-160℃, more preferably 70℃-150℃, and most preferably 80℃-120℃.

[0054] A specific range of Tg values ​​is desired to ensure that the resulting emulsion polymer does not produce an overly tacky coating, through which coated seeds may simply stick together. The Tg value of the stabilizer polymer can be controlled by the proper selection of the comonomer.

[0055] Stabilizing polymers must have a low molecular weight to function as stabilizers. This means the polymer has a molecular weight of less than 100,000. Higher molecular weight polymers will produce high-viscosity aqueous emulsion final products, which is detrimental to both manufacturing and use. This aspect can be controlled through the polymerization method.

[0056] The stabilizer polymer can have a molecular weight of less than 50,000. Preferably, less than 35,000. More preferably, less than 25,000. The molecular weight can be in the range of 2,000-25,000. More preferably, in the range of 4,000-18,000. Further preferably, in the range of 6,000-12,000. Most preferably, in the range of 7,500-10,000.

[0057] The preferred stabilizer polymer is a copolymer of acrylic acid with alkyl methacrylate or styrene having a molecular weight of less than 20,000 and a Tg of greater than 30°C.

[0058] The acidic monomers of the stabilizer polymer can be selected from a wide range of acid-containing monomers, such as carboxylic acid monomers, sulfonic acid monomers, and phosphonic acid derivatives. The choice of monomers allows the stabilizer to be soluble in water, both in its neutralized form and when copolymerized with hydrophobic monomers.

[0059] The stabilizer polymer may have a carboxylic acid to hydrophobic weight ratio of 10-90:90-10, preferably 12-50:50-88, more preferably 15-40:85-60, and most preferably 20-30:80-70.

[0060] The acidic monomer of the stabilizer polymer may be selected from monomers of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid, crotonic acid, sulfuric acid derivatives of (meth)acrylic acid, sulfonic acid monomers such as AMPS, styrene sulfonic acid, vinyl sulfonic acid, allyl sulfonic acid, phosphonic acid derivatives such as vinylphosphonic acid, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. More preferably, the monomer is methacrylic acid.

[0061] In an alternative embodiment, the stabilizer polymer may be a homopolymer of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and the homopolymer may be hydrolyzed at a rate greater than 70%.

[0062] The hydrophobic monomer can be a vinyl monomer or a vinyl aromatic monomer. Alternatively, the vinyl aromatic monomer can be replaced by other suitable monomers such as methyl methacrylate or other suitable alternatives.

[0063] Suitable vinyl aromatic monomers preferably contain 8-20 carbon atoms, most preferably 8-14 carbon atoms. Examples of vinyl aromatic monomers are styrene, including substituted styrene, 1-vinylnaphthalene, 2-vinylnaphthalene, 3-methylstyrene, 4-propylstyrene, tert-butylstyrene, 4-cyclohexylstyrene, 4-dodecylstyrene, 2-ethyl-4-benzylstyrene, 4-(phenylbutyl)styrene, α-methylstyrene, and halogenated styrene.

[0064] The vinyl aromatic monomer (one or more) may be, and preferably is, styrene itself or substituted styrene, especially hydrocarbon-based, preferably alkyl-substituted styrene, wherein the substituent (one or more) is on the vinyl group or on the aromatic ring of the styrene, such as α-methylstyrene and vinyltoluene.

[0065] The styrene monomer can be or includes a styrene monomer containing a strong acid, especially a sulfonic acid substituent. When present, such a strong acid-modified monomer generally accounts for 1-30 mol% of the styrene monomer in the copolymer, more typically 2-20 mol%, and preferably 5-15 mol%.

[0066] Preferably, the vinyl aromatic monomer is styrene, α-methylstyrene, or a combination thereof.

[0067] When the vinyl aromatic monomer is a mixture of styrene and substituted styrene, the monomer mixture may contain 80-95 wt% styrene and 5-20 wt% substituted styrene.

[0068] Preferably, the stabilizer polymer can be a styrene (meth)acrylic acid copolymer. The repeating units in the copolymer are suitably considered as residues of the monomer components.

[0069] In the water-dispersible styrene (meth)acrylic acid copolymers used in this invention, the molar ratio of the residues of (meth)acrylic acid monomers (one or more) to those of styrene monomers (one or more) is generally 20:1 to 1:5, more typically 10:1 to 1:2, and especially 3:1 to 1:1.

[0070] Accordingly, the proportion of monomer residues by weight is typically 93 wt%-10 wt%, more often 87 wt%-25 wt%, especially 67 wt%-40 wt% (meth)acrylic acid monomers (one or more) and 7 wt%-90 wt%, more often 13 wt%-75 wt%, especially 33 wt%-60 wt% styrene monomers (one or more).

[0071] (Meth)acrylic acid monomers (one or more) may include other monomers that are (meth)acrylic acid derivatives. (Meth)acrylic acid derivatives may contain strong acids, particularly strong acids containing sulfuric acid or sulfonic acid groups (or their salts). Examples of such monomers include acryloylaminomethylpropyl sulfonate (AMPS) and hydroxyethyl sulfonate (meth)acrylic acid.

[0072] When present, this strong acid-modifying monomer typically accounts for 1-30 mol% of the acrylic monomer in the copolymer, more commonly 2-20 mol%, and preferably 5-15 mol%.

[0073] It may contain other monomers, such as acidic monomers such as itaconic acid or maleic acid or anhydrides; strongly acidic monomers such as methyl allyl sulfonic acid (or salts); or non-acidic acrylic monomers such as alkyl esters, especially C1-C6 alkyl esters of acrylics such as methyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate or butyl acrylate, or hydroxyalkyl esters, especially C1-C6 hydroxyalkyl esters of acrylics such as hydroxyethyl methacrylate, or hydroxypropyl methacrylate; or vinyl monomers such as vinyl acetate. The weight percentage of other monomers will typically not exceed about 30 wt%, usually not more than about 20 wt%, and more typically not more than about 10 wt%.

[0074] The polymer can be a single styrene-acrylic acid copolymer or a blend containing two or more such copolymers. In particular, when strong acid residues are included in the polymer dispersant, the dispersant can be a blend of a copolymer containing strong acid residues and a copolymer not containing such residues. In such blends, the proportion of such copolymers by weight is typically 1:10 to 10:1, and more usually 5:1 to 1:5. Specifically, the proportion of the copolymer containing strong acid residues by weight is preferably at least 25%, and more usually at least 40% of the polymer.

[0075] Including monomers with strongly acidic substituents in polymer dispersants can provide improved dispersion of solid components in formulations (e.g., solid granular agrochemical actives).

[0076] The polymer can be used as a free acid or as a salt. In practice, the form present in the formulation will be determined by the acidity of the formulation. Desiredly, the formulation will be close to neutral, so that most acid groups will be present as salts. The cation in any such salt can be an alkali metal, especially sodium and / or potassium, ammonium, or an amine, including alkanolamines such as ethanolamine, especially triethanolamine. In particular, the sodium or potassium salt form of the stabilizer polymer is preferred. Sodium salts may be especially preferred.

[0077] Neutralization with at least 80% sodium is preferred, 90% is more preferred, and more preferably greater than 95%.

[0078] The polymer used in the formulations of this invention can be entirely a styrene (meth)acrylate copolymer or it can contain other dispersant materials such as the conventional dispersants described above, such as naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensates, sulfonated lignin, maleic anhydride copolymers, and condensed phenol sulfonic acids and their salts. When used in such a combination, the weight ratio of the styrene (meth)acrylate copolymer (one or more) to such conventional dispersants will typically be 16-2:1, more typically 12-4:1, and especially 10-6:1.

[0079] The stabilizer is preferably anionic.

[0080] The amount of acrylic monomer present in the stabilizer polymer can range from 10 wt% to 70 wt%. Preferably, it is 20 wt% to 60 wt%. More preferably, it is 25 wt% to 50 wt%. Most preferably, it is 30 wt% to 40 wt%.

[0081] The amount of vinyl aromatic monomers present in the stabilizer polymer can be in the range of 90 wt% to 30 wt%. Preferably, it is 80 wt% to 40 wt%. More preferably, it is 75 wt% to 50 wt%. Most preferably, it is 70 wt% to 60 wt%.

[0082] The pH value of the stabilizer can be in the range of 5-10. More preferably, it is in the range of 6-9. Even more preferably, it is in the range of 7-9. Most preferably, it is in the range of 7.5-8.5.

[0083] Stabilizing polymers can be prepared by free radical-initiated polymerization, for example using peroxides or redox initiators, especially by solution polymerization of the constituent monomers, and optionally by chain transfer agents such as alkyl thiols, which act to control the molecular weight of the polymer. Suitable methods are described, for example, in EP 0697422.

[0084] Stabilizer polymers can also be prepared by adding monomer feed and initiator to a hydrophilic solvent mixture, such as an IPA / water mixture, via a solvent swap method, where the monomer reacts, and then is simultaneously distilled and neutralized.

[0085] The core polymer is preferably a water-insoluble, soft, hydrophobic polymer. Preferably, the core polymer does not contain water-soluble monomers and / or acidic monomers. The core polymer is preferably a neutral polymer.

[0086] The core polymer can have a Tg of -100°C to 0°C, preferably -70°C to 0°C, more preferably -55°C to -10°C, and most preferably -40°C to -10°C.

[0087] The core polymer may contain vinyl aromatic monomers and alkyl esters of acrylic acid or alkyl acrylic acid. Typically, the core polymer consists of hydrophobic alkyl methacrylates, styrene, and vinyl compounds.

[0088] Preferred are soft alkyl methacrylates, such as homopolymers of butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, or copolymers with styrene.

[0089] The alkyl ester of acrylic acid or alkyl acrylic acid monomer can be selected from alkyl esters of acrylic acid or alkyl esters of methacrylic acid. Preferably, it is an alkyl ester of acrylic acid.

[0090] Suitable alkyl esters of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid are, for example, methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, amyl acrylate, hexyl acrylate, and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate. Preferably, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.

[0091] Suitable vinyl aromatic monomers, such as those already specified for stabilizer polymers.

[0092] The amount of vinyl aromatic monomers present in the stabilizer polymer can range from 10 wt% to 70 wt%. Preferably, it is 15 wt% to 55 wt%. More preferably, it is 20 wt% to 45 wt%. Most preferably, it is 25 wt% to 35 wt%.

[0093] The amount of alkyl esters of acrylic or alkyl acrylic monomers present in the stabilizer polymer can range from 30 wt% to 90 wt%. Preferably, it is 45 wt%. More preferably, it is 55 wt%. Most preferably, it is 65 wt%.

[0094] Other examples of core polymers include those selected from acrylic polymers, styrene polymers and their hydrogenated products, vinyl polymers and their derivatives, polyolefins and their hydrogenated or epoxidized products, aldehyde polymers, epoxy polymers, polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, sulfone-based polymers, and natural polymers and their derivatives.

[0095] Examples of acrylic monomers are (meth)acrylic acid or its salts, (meth)acrylamide, (meth)acrylonitrile, and (meth)acrylic acid C. 1-6 Alkyl esters such as ethyl (meth)acrylate, butyl (meth)acrylate, or hexyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, and substituted C-methacrylates 1-6 Alkyl esters such as glycidyl methacrylate and acetyl acetoxyethyl methacrylate, di(meth)acrylate 1-4 (alkylamino)C 1-6 Alkyl esters, such as dimethylaminoethyl acrylate or diethylaminoethyl acrylate, are derived from C 1-6 Amides formed from alkylamines, with substituted C 1-6 Alkylamines such as 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, ammonium salts, or di(C) ... 1-4 (alkylamino)C 1-6 Alkylamines and (meth)acrylic acid and their C 1-4 Alkyl halide adducts.

[0096] Examples of acrylic polymers are poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(butyl methacrylate), as well as carboxylated acrylic copolymers, such as those sold by Ciba under the trade names Ciba® Glascol® LE15, LS20 and LS24, styrene acrylic copolymers, such as those sold by Ciba under the trade names Ciba® Glascol® LS26 and Ciba® Glascol® C44, and polyacrylic polymers, such as those sold by Ciba under the trade name Ciba® Glascol® E11.

[0097] Examples of styrene monomers are styrene, 4-methylstyrene, and 4-vinylbiphenyl. Examples of styrene polymers are styrene-butadiene-styrene block polymers, styrene-ethylene-butadiene block polymers, styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block polymers, and styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers.

[0098] Examples of vinyl monomers are vinyl alcohol, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, vinyl isobutyl ether, and vinyl acetate. Examples of olefin monomers are ethylene, propylene, butadiene, and isoprene, and their chlorinated or fluorinated derivatives such as tetrafluoroethylene. Examples of maleic acid monomers are maleic acid, maleic anhydride, and maleimide.

[0099] Examples of vinyl polymers are polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, and methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymers. Examples of their derivatives are carboxyl-modified polyvinyl alcohol, acetoacetyl-modified polyvinyl alcohol, diacetone-modified polyvinyl alcohol, and silicone-modified polyvinyl alcohol.

[0100] Examples of polyolefins are polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutadiene, and isopropylene-maleic anhydride copolymers.

[0101] Examples of aldehyde monomers are formaldehyde, furfural, and butyral. Examples of alcohol monomers are phenol, cresol, resorcinol, and xylenol. Examples of polyols are polyvinyl alcohol. Examples of amine monomers are aniline and melamine. Examples of urea monomers are urea, thiourea, and dicyandiamide.

[0102] An example of an aldehyde polymer is polyvinyl butyral, which is formed from butyral and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0103] Examples of epoxide monomers are epichlorohydrin and glycidyl ether. Examples of alcohol monomers are phenol, cresol, resorcinol, xylenol, bisphenol A, and glycol. Examples of epoxide polymers are phenoxy resins, which are formed from epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A.

[0104] Examples of monomers containing amide groups are caprolactam. Examples of diamines are 1,6-diaminohexane. Examples of dicarboxylic acids are adipic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid. Examples of polyamides are polyhexamethylene adipamide and polycaprolactam.

[0105] Examples of monomers containing hydroxyl and carboxyl groups are adipic acid. Examples of diols are ethylene glycol. Examples of monomers containing lactone groups are caprolactone. Examples of dicarboxylic acids are terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid. Examples of polyesters are polyethylene terephthalate. Alkyd resins are also considered polyester polymers.

[0106] Examples of diisocyanate monomers are hexamethylene diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate, and diphenylmethane diisocyanate.

[0107] Examples of sulfone-based polymers are polyarylsulfone, polyethersulfone, polyphenylsulfone, and polysulfone. Polysulfone is a polymer formed from 4,4-dichlorodiphenylsulfone and bisphenol A.

[0108] Examples of natural polymers are starch, cellulose, gelatin, casein, and natural rubber. Examples of derivatives are oxidized starch, starch-vinyl acetate graft copolymers, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and acetyl cellulose.

[0109] The core polymer may also be a mixture of polymeric binders, and / or it may be a mixture of liquid monomers and suitable photoinitiators, which, upon coating, form one of the listed core polymers under UV radiation.

[0110] Preferably, the core polymer is selected from acrylic polymers, styrene polymers, vinyl polymers and their derivatives, polyolefins, polyurethanes and natural polymers and their derivatives.

[0111] More preferably, the core polymer is selected from acrylic polymers, styrene-butadiene copolymers, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, methyl vinyl ether maleic anhydride copolymers, carboxyl-modified polyvinyl alcohol, acetoacetyl-modified polyvinyl alcohol, diacetone-modified polyvinyl alcohol and silicone-modified polyvinyl alcohol, isopropylene-maleic anhydride copolymers, polyurethane, cellulose, gelatin, casein, oxidized starch, starch-vinyl acetate graft copolymers, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose and acetyl cellulose.

[0112] Most preferably, the core polymer is selected from copolymers of acrylates and styrene. The acrylate is selected from the list including 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, sec-butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, acrylic acid, acrylamide, isobutyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, or combinations thereof. The styrene is selected from the list including styrene, tert-butylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, or combinations thereof.

[0113] The polymers hopefully have a molecular weight of up to 10,000.

[0114] Core polymers are known in the art and can be prepared by known methods, such as polymerization starting from a suitable monomer. When forming an emulsion polymer with a pre-formed stabilizer polymer, the core polymer can preferably be formed in situ.

[0115] Emulsion polymers can be prepared by any known method, especially by emulsion polymerization. In particular, core polymers can be formed in situ during emulsion polymerization to form core polymers stabilized with low molecular weight stabilizers.

[0116] It should be understood that other methods can be used to form polymers, such as bulk polymerization.

[0117] The reaction method used can form polymer droplets or particles.

[0118] Preferred emulsion polymers may be selected from the following:

[0119] The core polymer is 75% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and 25% styrene. The stabilizer polymer is 65% acrylic acid, 35% styrene, and sodium salt (100%). The molecular weight is ~10,000 Da. The core:stabilizer ratio is 70:30. The solids percentage is 46%.

[0120] The core polymer is 75% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and 25% styrene. The stabilizer polymer is 52% acrylic acid, 48% styrene, and sodium salt (100%). The molecular weight is ~6,500 Da. The core:stabilizer ratio is 60:40. The solids percentage is 44%.

[0121] The core polymer is 75% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and 25% styrene. The stabilizer polymer is 28% acrylic acid, 72% styrene, and a mixture of sodium (66%) and ammonium (33%) salts. The molecular weight is ~8,000 Da. The core:stabilizer ratio is 70:30. The solids percentage is 43%.

[0122] The core polymer is 75% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and 25% styrene. The stabilizer polymer is 28% acrylic acid, 72% styrene, and a mixture of sodium (66%) and ammonium (33%) salts. The molecular weight is ~8000 Da. The core:stabilizer ratio is 70:30. The solids percentage is 46.5%.

[0123] The core polymer is 75% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and 25% styrene. The stabilizer polymer is 28% acrylic acid, 72% styrene, and sodium salt (100%). The molecular weight is ~8,000 Da. The core:stabilizer ratio is 70:30. The solids percentage is 55%.

[0124] The core polymer is 75% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and 25% styrene. The stabilizer polymer is 28% acrylic acid, 72% styrene, and sodium salt (100%). The molecular weight is ~8,000 Da. The core:stabilizer ratio is 60:40. The solids percentage is 50.5%.

[0125] The core polymer is 75% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and 25% styrene. The stabilizer polymer is 28% acrylic acid, 72% styrene, and sodium salt (100%). The molecular weight is ~8,000 Da. The core:stabilizer ratio is 65:35. The solids percentage is 45%.

[0126] The core polymer is 75% butyl acrylate and 25% styrene. The stabilizer polymer is 28% acrylic acid, 72% styrene, and sodium salt (100%). The molecular weight is ~8,000 Da. The core:stabilizer ratio is 70:30. The solids percentage is 45%.

[0127] The core polymer is 75% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and 25% methyl methacrylate. The stabilizer polymer is 28% acrylic acid, 72% styrene, and sodium salt (100%). The molecular weight is ~8,000 Da. The core:stabilizer ratio is 70:30. The solids percentage is 45%.

[0128] The core polymer is 75% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and 25% styrene. The stabilizer polymer is 35% acrylic acid, 65% methyl methacrylate, and sodium salt (100%). The molecular weight is ~6,500 Da. The core:stabilizer ratio is 70:30. The solids percentage is 45%.

[0129] The core polymer is 75% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and 25% styrene. The stabilizer polymer is 35% methacrylic acid, 65% styrene, and sodium salt (100%). The molecular weight is ~6,500 Da. The core:stabilizer ratio is 70:30. The solids percentage is 45%.

[0130] The ratio of stabilizer polymer to core polymer in the emulsion polymer can be 50:50. More preferably, 40:60. Even more preferably, 30:70. Most preferably, the stabilizer is present in an amount of 15-25%, while the core is present in an amount of 85-75%.

[0131] The emulsion polymer is preferably water-soluble and water-swellable.

[0132] The emulsion polymers and / or stabilizer polymers have a certain degree of grafting, and according to the present invention, the term "emulsion polymer" refers to a system of two polymers that are not pure blends of each individual polymer and can be considered as copolymers. It has been shown that emulsion polymers are not pure blends of individual polymers, and simple blends of polymers do not provide the effects seen when using the emulsion polymers of the present invention.

[0133] Polymers bonded together in an emulsion copolymer can be considered incompatible, but binding them together and forming a certain grating between them allows normally incompatible polymers to bond together.

[0134] Unnecessarily, the stabilizer core copolymer can be crosslinked, and the preparation method of the emulsion polymer may include the addition of a crosslinking agent, wherein the specific selection of the crosslinking agent can be determined by a person skilled in the art.

[0135] The viscosity of the emulsion polymer at 100 rpm can be less than 100 cP. Preferably, it is less than 80 cP. More preferably, it is less than 50 cP.

[0136] The viscosity of the emulsion polymer at 10 rpm can be less than 200 cP. Preferably, it is less than 150 cP. More preferably, it is less than 100 cP.

[0137] The solids content of the emulsion polymer is preferably in the range of 20-80%. More preferably, 30-70%. Most preferably, 40-60%.

[0138] In terms of particle size distribution, polymer particles will have a median volumetric particle diameter value. It should be understood that the D(v, 0.9) particle diameter refers to the equivalent sphere diameter corresponding to a point where the equivalent sphere diameter corresponds to either 90% or 10% of the volume of all particles, respectively, read from a cumulative distribution curve relating volume percentage to particle diameter; that is, it is the point where 10% of the distribution is above this value and 90% is below it.

[0139] The particle size values ​​used to determine the D(v,0.9) value were determined by dynamic light scattering analysis using a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 with a Hydro2000SM attachment, operated on water at 2,100 rpm. The refractive index of the material was set to 1.53, with an absorptivity of 0.1. Data were obtained by taking 12,000 snapshots over 12 seconds. The final particle size was determined using the average of three tests. From the obtained particle size values, the D(v,0.9) value was readily determined.

[0140] The polymer particles can have a D(v, 0.9) value of 1,000 nm to 20 nm. Preferably, it is in the range of 500 nm to 30 nm. More preferably, it is in the range of 400 nm to 40 nm. Most preferably, it is in the range of 200 nm to 50 nm.

[0141] The emulsion polymer composition may also contain additional components selected from colorants (pigments and dyes), micronutrients, agrochemical actives, compatibilizers, and combinations thereof. These additional components may be collectively referred to herein as "agrochemical compounds or substances".

[0142] Suitable compatibilizers can be those materials that are relatively inert or do not present any compatibility issues, but contribute volume to the seed coating. Compatibilizers can be selected from inorganic particles such as talc, powder, silicate particles, carbonate particles, sulfate particles, or other inert particles.

[0143] Examples of suitable silicate particles are silicate minerals, including clay minerals (e.g., kaolinite, illite, smectite, montmorillonite, vermiculite, talc, palygorskite, and pyrophyllite) and mica (e.g., phlogopite, biotite, lepidolite, smectite, muscovite, glauconite, and brittle mica). Preferred silicate particles include kaolinite, talc, and mica.

[0144] Suitable carbonate particles include carbonate minerals such as calcium carbonate (commonly known as chalk), magnesium carbonate, sodium carbonate, barium carbonate, and dolomite (e.g., CaFe(CO3)2, CaMg(CO3)2, CaZn(CO3)2, and BaCa(CO3)2). Preferred carbonate particles include calcium carbonate and dolomite.

[0145] Suitable sulfate particles include calcium sulfate, strontium sulfate, and barium sulfate. Barium sulfate is the preferred sulfate.

[0146] Other inorganic particles that can be used according to the present invention include quartz, zeolite, pumice, perlite, diatomaceous earth, igneous silica, Sb2O3, TiO2, zinc barium white, ZnO and hydrated alumina.

[0147] The seed coating composition may contain at least two of silicate particles, carbonate particles and sulfate particles.

[0148] If present, the amount of particles in the seed coating composition of the present invention may be 35 wt%, or more, for example 40 wt% or more, or 50 wt% or more, based on the total weight of the coating composition. Lower concentrations of particles in the composition generally result in greater adhesion to the coated seed surface. The upper limit for the amount of particles in the seed coating composition of the present invention may be 98 wt%, for example 95 wt%, 90 wt%, or 80 wt%, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

[0149] Suitable agrochemical actives for use in formulations according to the invention are all agrochemical active compounds that are solid or liquid at room temperature. The emulsion polymer compositions of the invention are intended to have broad applicability to all types of agrochemical actives.

[0150] Agricultural chemical actives refer to biocides, which in the context of this invention are plant protectants, and more particularly, are chemical substances used in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, forestry, and mosquito control that can eliminate various forms of living organisms. The category of biocides also includes so-called plant growth regulators.

[0151] In addition, agricultural chemical actives include biopesticides. Biopesticides can be selected from any combination of bacteria, fungi, viruses, nematodes, protozoa, and yeasts, among which such biopesticides are capable of killing unwanted living organisms.

[0152] Biocides used in the agricultural chemical formulations of this invention are generally classified into two subcategories:

[0153] • Pesticides, including fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, algaecides, and molluscicides.

[0154] Agents, acaricides, and rodenticides, and

[0155] Antimicrobial agents, including bactericides, antibiotics, antimicrobial agents, antiviral agents, and antifungal agents.

[0156] Antimicrobial agents, antiprobiotic agents, and antiparasitic agents.

[0157] In particular, biocides that are insecticides, fungicides, or herbicides are especially preferred.

[0158] The term "pesticide" should be understood to refer to any substance or mixture of substances intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate any pests or diseases. Pesticides can be chemical or biological agents (such as viruses or bacteria) used to combat pests and diseases, including insects, plant pathogens, weeds, mollusks, birds, mammals, fish, nematodes (roundworms), and microorganisms that compete with humans for food, damage property, spread diseases, or become nuisances. In the examples below, pesticides suitable for agricultural chemical compositions according to the present invention are provided.

[0159] Fungicides are chemical agents used to control fungi. They are chemical substances used to prevent the spread of fungi in gardens and crops. Fungicides are also used to combat fungal infections. Fungicides can be contact or systemic. Contact fungicides kill fungi when sprayed onto their surfaces. Systemic fungicides must be absorbed by the fungi to subsequently kill them.

[0160] According to the present invention, suitable examples of fungicides include the following categories: (3-ethoxypropyl)mercuric bromide, 2-methoxyethylmercuric chloride, 2-phenylphenol, 8-hydroxyquinoline, 8-phenylmercuric hydroxyquinoline, acibenzolar, acyl amino acid fungicides, acypetacs, aldimorph, aliphatic nitrogen fungicides, allyl alcohol, amide fungicides, ampropylfos, fenbendazole, acylaniline fungicides, antibiotic fungicides, aromatic fungicides, aureofungin, oxycyclazole, azithiram, pyraclostrobin, barium polysulfide, benzoyl peroxide, benomyl, quinone oxime hydrazone, benta Luron, benthiavalicarb, benzalkonium chloride, benzamacril, benzamide fungicide, benzamorf, benzoylaniline fungicide, benzimidazole fungicide, benzimidazole precursor fungicide, benzimidazole carbamate fungicide, benzohydroxyxamic acid, benzothiazolium fungicide, bethoxazin, chlorpyrifos, biphenyl, bifenthrin triazole, thiochlorophenol, cymoxanil, Bordeaux mixture, boscalid, brined diphenyl fungicide, furazolidone, ethirimol sulfonate, Bordeaux mixture, thiodimethyl sulfadiazine, butylamine, calcium polysulfide, captan, carbamate fungicide, phosmet, phenylcarbamate / ester fungicide, carbendazim, oxychloride Ling, cyproterenol, carvone, Cheshunt mixture, abamectin, chlobenthiazone, dimethomorph, tetrachloroquine, chlorfenazole, dinitronaphthalene, chlorobenzyl, chloropicrin, chlorothalonil, tetrachloroquinoline, ethoxyfen, ciclopirox, imidacloprid, clotrimazole, conazole fungicide, conazole fungicide (imidazo), conazole fungicide (triazole), copper acetate (II), basic copper carbonate (II), copper fungicide, copper hydroxide, copper naphthenate, copper oleate, copper oxychloride, copper sulfate (II), basic copper sulfate, copper zinc chromate, cresol, thiozamide ( Cufraneb, cuprobam, cuprous oxide, cyazofamid, cyclophosphamide, cyclic dithiocarbamate / ester fungicides, actinomycete, cycloflubenzuron, cymoxanil, cyproconazole, pyraclostrobin, dazomet, DBCP, imidacloprid, decafentin, dehydroacetic acid, dicarboximide fungicides, benzylsulfonamide, dichloronaphthoquinone, dichlorophenol, dichlorophenyl, dicarboximide fungicides, sclerotinib, benzyltriazole, diclofenac, pyridaben, chlorpyrifos, ethylcarbamide, diethyl pyrocarbonate, difenoconazole, fluopyram, dimethomorph, dimethomorph, tebuconazole, dinitrophenol fungicides, acaricides.Dinitrocrotonate, Diocton, Diopenton, Diosulphon, Dinotyl nitrate, Dioterbon, Diphenylamine, Dipyrithione, Disulfiram, Phosphate, Dicyananthraquinone, Dithiocarbamate / ester fungicides, DNOC, Dodecyl Morpholine, Dodecyl, Doxorubicin, Donatodine, Hydrazine, Difenoconazole, Fluconazole, Etiazole, Mancozeb, Thiazolamide, Ethylpyrimethanil, Ethoxyquinoline, 2,3-Dihydroxypropylthioethylmercuric acid Ethylmercuric acetate, ethylmercuric bromide, ethylmercuric chloride, ethylmercuric phosphate, tebuconazole, oxadiazon, imidacloprid, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, imidacloprid, chlorpyrifos, cyproconazole, methomylamide, cyclophosphamide, seed dressing ester, isoprothiolane, seed dressing agent, benzyl benzoate, butyl morpholine, triphenyltin, ferrous sulfate, pyraclostrobin, fluazinam, fluazinam, fluopyram, fluchloropyraclostrobin, triflufenazole, flupyraclostrobin, fluquinazole, flusilazole, sulfadiazine, fluamide, fenpyroximate, captan, formaldehyde, fosetyl-acid, fenvalerate, furazolidone, furazolidone, furoylpyraclostrobin, furoamide fungicide, furanilide Fungicides, dimethoamide, furazolidone, furazolidone, furfural, seed dressing amine, thiophanate-methyl, chlorothalonil, griseofulvin, biguanidine, quinoline acrylate, hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorobutadiene, cymoxanil, hexazole, cyclophosphamide, mercaptan. Methylcarbendazim, imidacloprid, imidacloprid, imidazole, guanidine octylamine, inorganic fungicides, inorganic mercuric fungicides, iodomethyl, tebuconazole, isoprothiolane, iprodione, valerate, isoprothiolane, isoblast-e, kasugamycin, azoxystrobin, lime sulfur, mancozeb, mancozeb, mancozeb, o-amide, mecarbinzid, pyraclostrobin, methamidophos, mercuric chloride, mercuric oxide, mercurous chloride, mercuric fungicide, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M, methamphetamine, metazoxolon, tebuconazole, sulfadiazine, furazolidone, methyl bromide, methyl isothiocyanate, methylmercury benzoate, methylmercury dicyandiamide dicyandiamide), pentachlorophenol methylmercury salt, mancozeb, phenoxymethyl, metrafenone, thiamethoxam, mancozeb, morpholine fungicide, cyproconazole, methylphenidate, N-(ethylmercury)-p-toluenesulfonyl aniline, sodium mancozeb, natamycin, nitrosylstyrene, phthalimide, flufenoxuron, OCH, octathione, furazolidone, organomercury fungicides, organophosphate fungicides, organotin fungicides, oximethiophanate-methyl. Frost-like fungicide, oxathione-based fungicide. Azoxystrobin fungicide, quinoline copper, Imidazole, oxychloride, isoprothiolane, tebuconazole, pendimethalin, pendimethalin, pendichlorophenol, penthiophanate-methyl, phenylmercuric urea, phenylmercuric acetate, phenylmercuric chloride, catechol phenylmercuric derivative, phenylmercuric nitrate, phenylmercuric salicylate, phenylsulfonamide fungicide, chlorpyrifos, tetrachlorophthalide, phthalimide fungicide, azoxystrobin, piperazine, mancozeb, polymeric dithiocarbamate / ester fungicide, polyoxorim, polysulfide Compound fungicides, potassium azide, potassium polysulfide, potassium thiocyanate, allylbenzyl thiophanate, prochloraz, iprodione, cymoxanil, propiconazole, propineb, propineb, propoxyquin, thiophanate-methyl, prothioconazole, pyranolin, pyraclostrobin, pyrazole fungicide, pyraclostrobin, pyridine fungicide, azoxystrobin, pyridaben, pyrimiphos, pyrimiphos fungicide, pyraclostrobin, pyroxychloride, pyrrolidine fungicide, quinacetol, quinazamid. Quinconazole, quinoline fungicide, quinone fungicide, quinoxaline fungicide, quinoxyfen, pentachloronitrobenzene, rabenzazole, salicylanilide, siliconethiocarbamate, siloxane, sodium azide, sodium o-phenylphenolate, sodium pentachlorophenolate, sodium polysulfide, spirocycline, streptomycin, strobilurin fungicide, sulfonyl aniline fungicide, sulfur, sulfadiazine, T CMTB, Tetraconazole, Tetrachloronitrobenzene, Tecoram, Tetrafluthrin, Thiadifluor, Thiazole fungicide, Thiabifenamide, Thiaflutamide, Thiochlorfenphim, Thimerosal, Thiamethoxam, Thiophanate fungicide, Acaricide, Thiram, Thiazole amide, Tioxymid, Tetrafluthrin, Thiophanate-methyl, Tolylmercury Acetate), triadimefon, triazole, phosmet, triarimol, chlorpyrifos, triazine fungicides, triazole fungicides, imidazosin, tributyltin oxide, salicylamide, tricyclazole, azoxystrobin, fluopyram, cymoxanil, tebuconazole, unclassified fungicides, undecenoic acid, uniconazole, urea fungicides, valinamide fungicides, vinclozolin, cyazofamid, zinc naphthenate, zineb, thiram, benzoyl sulfadiazine and mixtures thereof.

[0161] Herbicides are pesticides used to kill unwanted plants. Selective herbicides kill specific targets while leaving desired crops relatively unharmed. Some of them work by interfering with weed growth and are often based on plant hormones. Herbicides used to clear wasteland are non-selective and kill all plant matter they come into contact with. Herbicides are widely used in agriculture and in the management of landscape lawns. They are used in Total Plant Control (TVC) projects to maintain roads and railways. Smaller quantities are used in forestry, pasture systems, and to manage wildlife habitat areas.

[0162] Suitable herbicides may be selected from the group comprising: aryloxycarboxylic acids such as MCPA, aryloxyphenoxypropionates / esters such as clodinafop, cyclohexanedione oximes such as oxadiazine, hydroxybenzonitrile such as bromobenzonitrile, sulfonylureas such as nicosulfuron, triazolopyrimidines such as penflusulfonamide, triones such as mesotrione, triazine herbicides such as cyprodinil, cycloazinone, or atrazine; sulfonylurea herbicides such as chlorsulfuron; uracil herbicides such as cyclosporine, cyclosporine, or terbuprofen; urea herbicides such as linuron, diuron, cyclosporine, or fenproxuron; acetylphenanilide herbicides such as metolachlor or isopropylmetolachlor; and thiocarbamate / ester herbicides such as doxycycline and fenproxuron. diazolone herbicides, for example Acetyl ketone; iso ketone Herbicides such as pyrazosulfuron-methyl, phenoxyacetic acid; diphenyl ether herbicides such as quizalofop-P-ethyl, trifluralin, cyhalofop-P-ethyl, or ethoxysulfuron; dinitroaniline herbicides such as trifluralin; organophosphonate / ester herbicides such as glyphosate salts and esters and glyphosate salts and esters; and / or dihalobenzonitrile herbicides such as bromobenzonitrile or iodobenzonitrile, benzoic acid herbicides, dipyridilium herbicides such as paraquat; and other herbicides such as isosulfuron-methyl. Herbicides, pyrazosulfuron, and sulfonylpyrazosulfuron.

[0163] Particularly preferred herbicides may be selected from 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), atrazine, dicamba as benzoic acid, glyphosate, glufosinate, metolachlor as an imidazolinone, metolachlor as a chloroacetamide, chlorpyrifos, picolinate and chlorpyrifos as pyridine carboxylic acids or synthetic auxins, their corresponding water-soluble salts and esters, and mixtures thereof.

[0164] Pesticides are agricultural pesticides used to combat insects at all developmental stages, including ovicides and larvicides used to control insect eggs and larvae. Pesticides are used in agriculture, medicine, industry, and household applications.

[0165] Suitable insecticides may include those selected from the following: chlorinated insecticides such as toxaphene, DDT, hexachlorocyclohexane, γ-hexachlorocyclohexane, methoxydichlorophene, pentachlorophenol, TDE, aldrin, chlordane, chlordane, chlorpyrifos, dieldrin, endosulfan, isodrin, heptachlor, methamidophos, and mixtures thereof; organophosphorus compounds such as acephate, phosmet, dimethoate, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos, methyl chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dichlorvos (DDVP), phosmet, dimethoate, ethion, phosmet, fenpyrophos, fenitrothion, phosmet, thiamethoxam, malathion, methamidophos, chlorpyrifos, methyl parathion, phosmet, dibromophos, omethoate, sulfoxide, parathion, phorate, phosmet ... Stebupirim, methyl pyrimiphos, profenofos, terbufos, trichlorfon, and mixtures thereof; carbamates such as aldicarb, carbofuran, carbaryl, methomyl, 2-(l-methylpropyl)phenylmethylcarbamate and mixtures thereof; pyrethroids such as allethrin, bifenthrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, benzalkonium chloride, sumithrin, fenpropathrin, tetrabromopyrethrin, tetrafluorobenzene, and mixtures thereof; plant toxin-derived compounds such as rotenone, pyrethrum, neem, nicotine, caffeine, and mixtures thereof; neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid; abamectins such as emamectin benzoate. Diazine derivatives such as indoxacarb and / or anthranilic diamide derivatives such as chlorantraniliprole (rynaxypyr).

[0166] Acaricides are pesticides used to kill mites. Antibiotic acaricides, carbamate acaricides, formazan acaricides, mite growth regulators, organochlorine acaricides, permethrin, and organophosphate acaricides all belong to this category. Molluscicides are pesticides used to control mollusks such as woodworms, slugs, and snails. These substances include metaldehyde, thiocarb, and aluminum sulfate. Nematicides are a type of chemical pesticide used to kill parasitic nematodes (worms).

[0167] Most preferably, the active ingredient present in this invention is selected from insecticides and / or fungicides. Preferably, the insecticide and / or fungicide is a systemic insecticide and / or fungicide.

[0168] The concentration of the agricultural active chemical in the diluted formulation is not crucial to the purpose of this invention and can be determined by other factors as needed. The concentration of the concentrated agricultural active chemical is preferably in the range of 10 g / L to 800 g / L. More preferably, it is in the range of 75 g / L to 350 g / L. Most preferably, it is in the range of 90 g / L to 180 g / L.

[0169] Examples of colorants include dyes or pigment dispersions colored by pigments.

[0170] The emulsion polymer composition may contain pigments, and this may be combined with active ingredients, micronutrients, and / or compatibilizers. In one embodiment, the emulsion polymer composition may contain only pigments without active ingredients, micronutrients, and / or compatibilizers, and this may be suitable when color finishing, flow enhancement, or dust reduction properties are desired and active ingredients are not required.

[0171] Examples of suitable dyes include anthraquinones, triphenylmethanes, phthalocyanines and their derivatives, and diazonium salts. Pigment dispersions may contain pigments such as 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. 97793-37-8), and Pigment White 6 (CAS No. 98084-96-9).

[0172] The colorant may be present in the seed coating composition in an amount of 0-50 wt%, for example 1-10 wt%, based on the total weight of the coating composition.

[0173] Examples of suitable effect pigments include pearlescent pigments in various particle sizes. Effect pigments with a particle size of 15 μm or less, or 60 μm or less, are commonly used. The particle size of effect pigments typically does not exceed 200 μm, preferably not exceeding 100 μm. Typically, the particle size of effect pigments is 1 μm or larger. Another type of effect pigment can be aluminum. All effect pigments are commonly used to create a beautiful cosmetic appearance on seeds.

[0174] Emulsion polymer compositions may contain at least one micronutrient. In such concentrates, the micronutrient is typically in a dry form.

[0175] Nutrients are chemical elements and compounds that are desired or necessary to promote or improve plant growth. Nutrients are generally described as macronutrients or micronutrients. Suitable nutrients used according to the present invention are micronutrient compounds, preferably those that are solid or partially soluble at room temperature.

[0176] Micronutrients typically refer to trace metals or elements and are often administered in low doses. Suitable micronutrients include trace elements selected from zinc, boron, chlorine, copper, iron, molybdenum, and manganese. The dispersant of the present invention is expected to have broad applicability to all types of micronutrients.

[0177] Micronutrients may be in soluble form or comprise insoluble solids, and may be in the form of salts or chelates. Preferably, micronutrients are in the form of carbonates or oxides.

[0178] Preferably, the micronutrient can be selected from zinc, calcium, molybdenum or manganese, or magnesium. Particularly preferred micronutrients used in this invention can be selected from zinc oxide, manganese carbonate, manganese oxide or calcium carbonate.

[0179] The amount of micronutrients present is typically 5 wt%–40 wt%, more commonly 10 wt%–35 wt%, and especially 15 wt%–30 wt%, based on total concentrate.

[0180] Typically, when formulations are mixed in during preparation, the average particle size of solid agrochemicals is 50 μm-100 μm, but formulations are typically wet-milled after mixing to reduce the average particle size to 1 μm-10 μm, more preferably 1 μm-5 μm.

[0181] The present invention may also include at least one macronutrient. Macronutrients typically 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, or sulfur, and water conditioners.

[0182] Suitable fertilizers include inorganic fertilizers that provide nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, or sulfur. Examples of such fertilizers include:

[0183] For nitrogen as a nutrient: nitrates and / or ammonium salts such as ammonium nitrate, including those conjugated with urea, such as urethane-type materials, calcium ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate sulfate, ammonium phosphate, especially mono-ammonium phosphate, di-ammonium phosphate and poly-ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, and less commonly used calcium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate and ammonium chloride;

[0184] For phosphorus as a nutrient: phosphorus in acidic forms such as phosphoric acid, pyrophosphate or polyphosphate, but more commonly in salt forms such as ammonium phosphate, especially mono-ammonium phosphate, di-ammonium phosphate and polyphosphate, potassium phosphate, especially potassium dihydrogen phosphate and potassium polyphosphate.

[0185] For sulfur as a nutrient: ammonium sulfate and potassium sulfate, such as magnesium-containing mixed sulfates.

[0186] If only dust reduction performance is desired, the emulsion polymer composition may not contain pigments, dyes, active ingredients, micronutrients, or compatibilizers.

[0187] The emulsion polymer composition may also include other components as needed. These other components may be selected from those including:

[0188] • Adhesives, especially those readily soluble in water to provide low viscosity at high adhesive concentrations.

[0189] Binders for solvent-based solutions, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; polyvinyl alcohol; carboxymethyl cellulose; gum arabic; sugars such as sucrose or sorbitol; starch; ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, sucrose, and alginate.

[0190] • Diluents, absorbents, or carriers such as carbon black; talc; diatomaceous earth; kaolin; hard

[0191] Aluminum stearate, calcium stearate, or magnesium stearate; sodium tripolyphosphate; sodium tetraborate; sodium sulfate; sodium silicate, aluminum silicate, and mixed sodium silicate-aluminum salts; and sodium benzoate.

[0192] • Disintegrants, such as surfactants, and materials that swell in water, such as carboxymethyl groups.

[0193] Cellulose, collodion, polyvinylpyrrolidone and microcrystalline cellulose swelling agents; salts such as sodium acetate or potassium acetate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate or sodium sesquicarbonate, ammonium sulfate and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate;

[0194] • Wetting agents such as alcohol ethoxylates and alcohol ethoxylate / propoxylate wetting agents;

[0195] • Dispersants such as sulfonated naphthaldehyde condensates and acrylic copolymers, for example, in poly…

[0196] A comb-shaped copolymer with end-capped polyethylene glycol side chains on an acrylic backbone;

[0197] • Emulsifiers such as alcohol ethoxylates, ABA block copolymers, or castor oil ethoxylates

[0198] Basic compounds;

[0199] • Defoamers, such as polysiloxane defoamers, are typically administered at 0.005 wt% of the formulation.

[0200] -10 wt% amount;

[0201] • Viscosity improvers, such as commercially available water-soluble or miscible colloids, such as xanthan gum.

[0202] Gum, and / or cellulose materials, such as carboxy-methyl, ethyl, or propyl cellulose; and / or

[0203] • Preservatives and / or antimicrobial agents, such as organic acids or their esters or salts, such as ascorbic acid

[0204] Examples include ascorbyl palmitate, sorbic acid such as potassium sorbate, benzoic acid such as benzoic acid and methyl and propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, propionic acid such as sodium propionate, phenol such as sodium 2-phenylphenol; 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one; or formaldehyde itself or as oligooxyformaldehyde; or inorganic materials such as sulfite and its salts, typically in amounts of 0.01 wt% to 1 wt% of the formulation.

[0205] The emulsion polymer composition according to the invention may also contain components, such as surfactant materials formed as part of an emulsifier system. The surfactant may include surfactant dispersants.

[0206] The emulsion polymer may include, in particular, additional polymers. These additional polymers may have a Tg of 30°C to 300°C and may be selected from polymers described herein as stabilizer polymers.

[0207] Therefore, according to a ninth aspect of the invention, an emulsion polymer system for use in agricultural chemicals is provided, comprising a core-stabilizer copolymer, said copolymer comprising:

[0208] A stabilizer polymer comprising an acid group and a hydrophobic monomer, having a weight / quantity ratio of said acid to hydrophobic component of 10-90:90-10, a Tg of 30°C-300°C, and a molecular weight of less than 100,000; and

[0209] Core polymers with a Tg ranging from -100°C to 10°C; and

[0210] The polymer, wherein the copolymer has a Tg of 30°C to 300°C.

[0211] Other auxiliaries not within the scope of this invention, such as surfactants, may be included in and used in the compositions and formulations of this invention. Examples include alkyl polysaccharides (more appropriately referred to as alkyl oligosaccharides); fatty amine ethoxylates such as coconut oil alkylamine 2EO; and derivatives of alkyl(alken) succinic anhydrides, especially those described in PCT applications WO 94 / 00508 and WO 96 / 16930.

[0212] The emulsion polymer composition may also contain water in an amount of 30-70 wt%, preferably 40-50 wt%.

[0213] Emulsion polymer systems are designed to be diluted with water (or an aqueous liquid) to form appropriate application formulations. The compositions include those in liquid form (e.g., solutions, emulsions, or dispersions) and those in solid form (particularly in water-dispersible solids forms), such as granules or powders.

[0214] As used herein, the term "coating formulation" means that a composition is intended to include all forms of the composition, including diluted concentrates and spray formulations. Unless otherwise specified, the coating formulations of the present invention may be in the form of diluted emulsion polymer compositions or sprayable formulations.

[0215] The emulsion polymer system can be diluted for use as needed by the user to obtain a diluted coating composition. The resulting concentration of the emulsion polymer system in the diluted coating (formulation) can be approximately 0.2 wt% to approximately 2 wt%.

[0216] When using emulsion polymer compositions, the emulsion polymer compositions are typically diluted to form coating formulations. They can be diluted with 1-10,000, especially 10-1,000, times the total weight of the emulsion polymer composition to form coating formulations.

[0217] Coating formulations may include solvents (other than water) such as propylene glycol, and oils that may be vegetable or mineral oils such as spray oils (including oils used as non-surfactant auxiliaries in spray formulations), in connection with the first and co-auxiliaries. Such solvents may include solvents as auxiliaries and / or as wetting agents, such as, in particular, propylene glycol. When used, such solvents will typically be included in amounts of 5 wt% to 500 wt%, and preferably 10 wt% to 100 wt%, based on the weight of the auxiliaries. Such combinations may also include salts such as ammonium chloride and / or sodium benzoate, and / or urea, particularly as gel-inhibiting auxiliaries.

[0218] The present invention also includes methods for treating plants or seeds using coating formulations as defined herein. Emulsion polymers can be used in coating compositions for applying or coating any part of seeds or plants. Emulsion polymers can be used, in particular, in coating compositions for coating seeds.

[0219] Accordingly, the present invention also includes a method of use, comprising providing micronutrients, active ingredients, dyes, pigments and / or compatibilizers to plants or seeds by applying a coating formulation comprising at least one emulsion polymer composition as described in the first aspect to the plants or seeds.

[0220] Coatings incorporating the emulsion polymer system of the present invention provide good adhesion to the surface of plant seeds or other parts and reduced wash-off. The coating formulation may contain active ingredients, pigments, etc., as indicated herein, and retain those components on the seed or plant surface.

[0221] A particularly advantageous effect of the emulsion polymer of the present invention is that it improves seed germination, which is believed to be a result of the increased water retention provided by the polymer system in the coating on the seed.

[0222] When applied to the surface of seeds, the emulsion polymer system of the present invention provides at least 100%, more preferably 150%, and most preferably 200% increase in germination at seed realization stage 6 during a 6-day incubation period compared to untreated seeds.

[0223] The emulsion polymer system of the present invention, when applied to the surface of seeds, provides an increase of at least 5%, more preferably 8%, and most preferably 10% in achieving a higher average growth stage in seeds during a 6-day incubation period compared to untreated seeds.

[0224] Therefore, germination is faster, and more seeds reach the later stages of germination. It can be seen that the mass increases after coating and water is absorbed when immersed, indicating the water absorption properties provided by the coating containing the emulsion polymer.

[0225] The specific methods for germination tests at the average growth stage and stage 6 are as described in this article.

[0226] Coatings containing emulsion polymer systems also offer good dust and abrasion resistance, thereby reducing dust generated during seed movement and allowing for lower amounts of active material loss due to reduced coating loss.

[0227] The emulsion polymer also provides a coating that is more uniform along the seed and has good film-forming properties without the need for additional film-forming agents. The coating was also found to be a tough and flexible coating with good adhesion.

[0228] Coatings containing emulsion polymer systems also provide good wet and dry flow for the coated seeds. As a result, the seeds can be bagged and sold for later or immediate use without wetting them, which would cause them to stick together during storage.

[0229] The resulting coating, which contains the emulsion polymer of the present invention, also provides the required viscosity, which allows for easy handling and application to any seed to be coated.

[0230] All the features described herein can be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination. Detailed Implementation

[0231] To make the invention easier to understand, reference will now be made to the following description with reference to embodiments.

[0232] It should be understood that all tests and physical properties listed are measured at atmospheric pressure and room temperature (i.e., 25°C), unless otherwise stated herein or in the cited test methods and procedures.

[0233] The following test methods are used to determine the performance of the auxiliary composition.

[0234] Viscosity - Test the sample on a Brookfield DV-2 viscometer using a small sample fitting with a 27-pin spindle. Obtain viscosity readings after 1 minute at 10 rpm and 100 rpm.

[0235] Wet & Dry Flow - Conduct flow tests (wet and dry) according to the tests described in WO 2011 / 014720.

[0236] Germination test - Conduct the germination test according to the following test method:

[0237] Fold a tissue paper about 1 meter long (4 squares) and moisten it with 20 mL of water.

[0238] • Spread 50 coated seeds on the wet wipe

[0239] Then roll up the paper towel containing the seeds.

[0240] Then place it in a container with another 20 ml of water, cover it with a plastic bag and secure it.

[0241] Fixed (see image 1)

[0242] • Place the container in a growth chamber and maintain it for 5 nights to 6 days (temperature controlled at 25°C).

[0243] In the darkness)

[0244] Then sort and count the seeds (see image 2 for guidance).

[0245] After completing the above procedures, the seeds are divided into six categories: no germination, visible buds, visible roots and buds, visible multiple roots and buds, multiple roots and large buds, and multiple roots and large buds with a clearly visible first leaf.

[0246] The conditions are consistent with the International Standards for Seed Testing (ISTA).

[0247] Water absorption - the method is as follows:

[0248] Accurately weigh 10 seeds (treated or untreated) to 3 dp and place them in another beaker containing 20 ml of deionized water. Stir the mixture using a magnetic stir bar and, after a relevant period, allow the contents to pass through a sieve to capture the seeds. Then weigh the moistened seeds and record their wet weight.

[0249] The seeds were then returned to the stirred water to await the next time interval for repeating the experiment. The amount of water absorbed during the intervention period was then calculated and expressed as a percentage increase in mass over time for each treatment.

[0250] Dust – Measured according to industry standards using the Heubach dust method provided by the European Seed Association. This is an accepted evaluation of the free-floating dust and abrasive particles in treated seeds as a parameter of the quality of the treated seeds. Three 100-gram portions of seeds are submitted to a five-minute Heubach test, and the results are averaged as total dust removed / 100 kg of seeds.

[0251] synthesis

[0252] stabilizer

[0253] The reaction method used is solution polymerization, in which all monomer components are added to a solvent mixture of water and isopropanol and reacted together.

[0254] Set the water bath temperature to 90°C. Degas the equipment under nitrogen for 1 hour. Add reactor components to the reactor with stirring and reflux. Load the monomer feed and feed it over 3 hours. Simultaneously load the initiator feed and feed it over 4 hours. Once all feed has been added, maintain the system for another hour to ensure all monomers have reacted.

[0255] Then allow the polymer solution to cool. Once cooled, remove the polymer solution from the container. Distill the polymer using a rotary evaporator and neutralize with sodium hydroxide or ammonium hydroxide, as indicated.

[0256] The stabilizer polymers listed in Table 1 were all synthesized using the detailed methods described above.

[0257] Table 1. Reaction formulations of the prepared stabilizer polymers

[0258]

[0259] In addition, the following stabilizer polymers are used.

[0260] SP3 - Stabilizer 28% acrylic acid, 72% styrene, MW~8000, 100% sodium salt

[0261] Ammonium salt versions of SP4-SP3

[0262] SP5 - Stabilizer 50% methacrylic acid, 50% styrene, MW <15,000, 100% sodium salt

[0263] SP6 - Stabilizer 35% acrylic acid, 65% styrene, MW <15,000, 100% sodium salt

[0264] emulsion polymers

[0265] An emulsion polymer containing the stabilizer polymers listed in Table 1 is formed. The reaction method used is emulsion polymerization, where the formulation follows Table 2. The polymers prepared in Table 1 are used as stabilizers, and additional monomers are added to form polymer droplets.

[0266] Use a water bath and set it at 90°C. Degas the equipment under nitrogen for 1 hour. Add reactor components to the reactor with stirring and reflux. Load monomer and initiator feeds. Feed monomer and initiator into the reactor simultaneously over 3 and 4 hours, respectively. After all monomer and initiator have been added to the vessel, maintain for another 1 hour, then allow the emulsion polymer to cool. Once the emulsion polymer has cooled to room temperature, remove the resulting polymer from the vessel and evaluate the solids content by generating a dry weight measurement.

[0267] Table 2. Reaction formulations for all prepared seed emulsion polymers

[0268]

[0269] Further details are provided for the emulsion polymers prepared and listed in Table 2:

[0270] EP1-core is 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and styrene. The stabilizer is 65% acrylic acid and 35% styrene. The core:stabilizer ratio is 70 / 30, and the % solids content is 46.2%.

[0271] EP2-core is 75% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and 25% styrene. The stabilizer is 52% acrylic acid and 48% styrene. The stabilizer molecular weight is ~6500 and it contains 100% sodium salt. The core-to-stabilizer ratio is 60 / 40, and the % solids content is 44.2%.

[0272] EP3-core is 75% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and 25% styrene. The stabilizer is 28% acrylic acid, 72% styrene, with a molecular weight of ~8000, 33% NH3 salt and 66% Na salt. The core:stabilizer ratio is 70 / 30, and the % solids content is 43.4%.

[0273] EP4-core is 75% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and 25% styrene. The stabilizer is 28% acrylic acid and 72% styrene. The stabilizer molecular weight is ~8000, and it contains 66% NH3 salt and 33% Na salt. The core:stabilizer ratio is 70 / 30, and the % solids content is 46.53%.

[0274] EP5-core is 75% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 25% styrene, stabilizer is 28% acrylic acid, 72% styrene, stabilizer molecular weight ~8000, 100% sodium salt, core:stabilizer ratio is 70 / 30, % solids is 55%.

[0275] EP6-core is 75% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 25% styrene, stabilizer is 28% acrylic acid, 72% styrene, stabilizer molecular weight ~8000, 100% sodium salt, core:stabilizer ratio is 60 / 40, % solids is 50.51%.

[0276] In addition, the following seed emulsion polymers were prepared:

[0277] EP7-core is 75% 2-docosyl acrylate, 25% styrene, stabilizer is SP3, core:stabilizer ratio is 70 / 30, % solids is 45.1%.

[0278] EP8-core is 75% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 25% methyl methacrylate, stabilizer is SP3, core:stabilizer ratio is 70 / 30, %solids is 45%.

[0279] EP9-core is 75% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 25% styrene, stabilizer is SP5, core:stabilizer ratio is 65 / 35, % solids is 44.9%.

[0280] EP10-core is 75% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 25% styrene, stabilizer is SP6, core:stabilizer ratio is 65 / 35, %solids is 45.3%.

[0281] Preparations

[0282] Prepare coating formulations for each of the emulsions listed in Table 2 using the following method. Combine all components except premixed water, xanthan gum, Vangel B, and imidacloprid under stirring at 500 rpm. Add imidacloprid while continuously stirring.

[0283] The slurry was then ground at 3,500 rpm for 15 minutes using an Eigar Torrence micro electric mill. The remaining ingredients, as a premix, were added with stirring at 500 rpm, and the mixture was stirred at 500 rpm until homogeneous.

[0284] The following coating formulations are formed.

[0285] • CON - No emulsion polymer (control sample), deionized water (solvent) 40.74

[0286] w / w%

[0287] ·CF1-12.83 w / w% EP1, deionized water (solvent) 27.905 w / w%

[0288] • CF2-13.47 w / w% EP1, deionized water (solvent) 27.265 w / w%

[0289] ·CF3-13.05 w / w% EP1, deionized water (solvent) 27.685 w / w%

[0290] ·CF4-12.74 w / w% EP1, deionized water (solvent) 27.995 w / w%

[0291] ·CF5-10.78 w / w% EP1, deionized water (solvent) 31.915 w / w%

[0292] ·CF6-11.73 w / w% EP1, deionized water (solvent) 30.965 w / w%

[0293] ·CF7-13.16 w / w% EP1, deionized water (solvent) 27.58 w / w%

[0294] All paint formulations also contain:

[0295] Atlox 4913 (dispersant) 4.83 w / w%

[0296] Atlas G5002L (wetting agent) 0.97 w / w%

[0297] Unisperse Red 3RS-E2 (pigment dispersion) 4.00 w / w%

[0298] Imidacloprid (95.1%) (active ingredient) 48.25 w / w%

[0299] Vangel B (structuring agent) 0.175 w / w%

[0300] Propylene glycol (liquid plasticizer) 1.00 w / w%

[0301] Xanthan gum (structuring agent) 0.04 w / w%

[0302] Seed treatment

[0303] The resulting formulation was applied as a seed treatment after 24 hours at room temperature. The treatment was applied to winter wheat seeds at a treatment rate of 0.6 g AI / kg (e.g., Wood Head seeds).

[0304] The formulation was diluted to a slurry ratio of 10.4 ml / kg (according to Valent patent US2012 / 088806) and the slurry was formed using 1.03 ml FS and 9.37 ml deionized water.

[0305] Treat seeds for 1 minute in the Winterseiger seed processor, where 500g of winter wheat is treated with 1.04ml / 100g (5.2ml total) of slurry.

[0306] Viscosity & Flowability

[0307] The stability, viscosity, and flowability of the emulsion polymers were tested using the methods described herein. The form of the emulsion was also observed. The results are shown in Table 3. The results are for emulsion polymers prior to the addition of components to prepare formulations containing agrochemical active ingredients. Stability and flowability were visually observed based on whether the emulsion had undergone any separation.

[0308] Table 3. Viscosity & Flowability Results

[0309]

[0310] The results in Table 4 show that the emulsion polymers consistently exhibit low viscosity, stability, and flowability. These properties are desirable for ease of formulation, handling, and use. The desired properties are still achieved even when using high molecular weight stabilizers (~10,000 Daltons).

[0311] wet flow

[0312] Wet flow of seeds treated with formulations containing emulsion polymers were tested using the methods described herein. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0313] Table 4. Moisture flow of treated seeds

[0314]

[0315] The seeds all provide good wet flow results. The values ​​represent the amount flowing through the funnel, and all values ​​are within the desired range.

[0316] dry flow

[0317] The dry flow of seeds treated with formulations containing emulsion polymers were tested using the methods described herein. The results are shown in Table 5.

[0318] Table 5. Dry flow of treated seeds

[0319]

[0320] The seeds all provided good dry flow results. The values ​​indicate that the seeds have dried, and this is evident because the values ​​are significantly higher compared to wet flow results.

[0321] Germination test

[0322] The germination of seeds treated with formulations containing emulsion polymers were tested using the methods described herein. A control group of untreated seeds was also tested. The results are shown in Table 6.

[0323] Table 6. Germination results of treated seeds

[0324]

[0325] Count the seeds and categorize them as outlined in the methodology above. Once this is complete, record the number of seeds in each growth stage (1-6). Then, obtain the average by multiplying the number of seeds in each stage by the stage number and dividing by 50 (the total number of seeds). An example calculation is shown below.

[0326] (Number of stages 1 x 1 + Number of stages 2 x 2 + Number of stages 3 x 3 + Number of stages 4 x 4 + Number of stages 5 x 5 + Number of stages 6 x 6) / 50

[0327] This then gives the average growth stage reached by the group of 50 seeds. The higher this value, the more seeds reached the later growth stages in the experiment.

[0328] Table 7. Germination results of treated seeds

[0329]

[0330] The results in Table 7 show the percentage of seeds that germinated to stage 6 during the 6-day incubation period, and the percentage improvement when compared to the baseline of untreated seeds.

[0331] It should be noted that all treated seeds showed improved germination compared to untreated seeds, and more seeds reached the later stages of germination compared to uncoated seeds.

[0332] At each germination stage, seeds treated with the emulsion polymer reached a much more mature growth level compared to untreated seeds. This was demonstrated by the observed increase in the number and length of roots and the emergence of the first true leaf from the coleoptile.

[0333] Absorbent

[0334] The water absorption of seeds treated with formulations containing emulsion polymers were tested using the methods described herein. A control group of untreated seeds was also tested. The results are shown in Table 8.

[0335] Table 8. Water absorption results of treated seeds over time

[0336]

[0337] The results showed the water absorption of all polymers, with all polymer-treated seeds exhibiting increased water absorption compared to the polymer-free formulation. This increased water absorption was observed at both the initial and longer time intervals.

[0338] dust

[0339] The dust removal effect of seeds treated with a formulation containing an emulsion polymer was tested using the methods described herein. A control group of untreated seeds was also tested. The results are shown in Table 9.

[0340] Table 9. Dust removal results of treated seeds over time

[0341]

[0342] The dust removal performance of the treated seeds was significantly improved compared with that of the untreated seeds.

[0343] In the case of treated wheat seeds, untreated seeds release 1.2 grams of dust per 100 kg of seeds, while this can be reduced by a quarter when the coating composition contains CF5 or by almost 40% when it contains CF6 as an emulsion polymer as described in the examples herein. Less dust also means more coating remains on the seeds.

[0344] Overview

[0345] The results showed that the emulsion polymer exhibited improved wet and dry flow, very low viscosity (~100 cps), good germination enhancement, and good water absorption enhancement.

[0346] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above embodiments, which are described for illustrative purposes only. Many variations are possible.

Claims

1. An emulsion polymer system for use in agricultural chemicals, comprising a core-stabilizer copolymer, said copolymer comprising: A stabilizer polymer comprising an acid group and a hydrophobic monomer, having a weight / quantity ratio of said acid to hydrophobic component of 10-90:90-10, a Tg of 50°C-160°C, and a molecular weight of 2,000-25,000, wherein the acid group monomer is acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, and the hydrophobic monomer is a vinyl monomer, a vinyl aromatic monomer, or methyl methacrylate; and A core polymer having a Tg of -70°C to 0°C, and the core polymer having a molecular weight of up to 10,000, wherein the core polymer comprises an alkyl ester of a vinyl aromatic monomer and an acrylic or alkyl acrylic monomer.

2. The emulsion polymer system according to claim 1, wherein the stabilizer polymer may be a styrene (meth)acrylic acid copolymer.

3. The emulsion polymer system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizer polymer is in the form of a sodium or potassium salt.

4. The emulsion polymer system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core polymer comprises a vinyl aromatic monomer and an alkyl ester of acrylic acid or alkyl acrylic acid.

5. A method for preparing an emulsion polymer system for use in agricultural chemicals according to any one of claims 1-4, the method comprising mixing: A stabilizer polymer comprising an acid group and a hydrophobic monomer, having a weight / quantity ratio of said acid to hydrophobic component of 10-90:90-10, a Tg of 50°C-160°C, and a molecular weight of 2,000-25,000, wherein the acid group monomer is acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, and the hydrophobic monomer is a vinyl monomer, a vinyl aromatic monomer, or methyl methacrylate; and Monomers suitable for forming core polymers having a Tg of -70°C to 0°C, wherein the core polymer comprises alkyl esters of vinyl aromatic monomers and acrylic or alkyl acrylic monomers.

6. The emulsion polymer system used as a film-forming agent according to any one of claims 1-4, which may also optionally contain at least one of agricultural chemical actives, micronutrients, dyes, pigments and / or compatibilizers, for use as a film-forming agent for coating grasses, plants and / or seeds.

7. The diluted emulsion polymer system according to any one of claims 1-4, comprising a total of 0.0001-10 wt% of the core-stabilizer copolymer.

8. A method of coating seeds by applying an agricultural chemical composition comprising an agricultural chemical compound or substance and a core-stabilizer copolymer as defined in any one of claims 1-4.

9. A method of treating grasses, plants and / or seeds to provide micronutrients, active ingredients, dyes, pigments and / or compatibilizers by applying a coating formulation comprising an emulsion polymer as defined in any one of claims 1-4 onto the grasses or seeds.

10. An emulsion polymer system for use in agrochemicals, comprising a core-stabilizer copolymer, said copolymer comprising: A stabilizer polymer comprising an acid group and a hydrophobic monomer, having a weight / quantity ratio of said acid to hydrophobic component of 10-90:90-10, a Tg of 50°C-160°C, and a molecular weight of 2,000-25,000, wherein the acid group monomer is acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, and the hydrophobic monomer is a vinyl monomer, a vinyl aromatic monomer, or methyl methacrylate; and A core polymer having a Tg of -70°C to 0°C, wherein the core polymer comprises an alkyl ester of a vinyl aromatic monomer and an acrylic or alkyl acrylic monomer; and The second polymer has a Tg of 30°C to 300°C.

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