Pigment composition for seed coating

Abstract

To provide a pigment composition comprising one or more filler particles and one or more pigments, which is useful as a seed coating.SOLUTION: A pigment composition comprises one or more filler particles and one or more pigments. The pigment comprises one or more metal oxide-coated filler particles. The pigment composition is suitable for use as a seed coating.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application hereby claims the benefit of a provisional patent application of the same name (serial number 62 / 728,923), filed on September 10, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] Seeds are coated with colored coatings to allow farmers and seed dealers to quickly distinguish between seeds of different strains and treatments. For this reason, brightly colored seeds are desirable to facilitate rapid identification. Seed coatings are often applied as aqueous mixtures and allowed to dry at room temperature after application. If the coating does not dry efficiently, the seeds may stick together, reducing flowability and causing clogging of agricultural seed application equipment. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] A pigment composition comprising one or more filler particles and one or more pigments is useful as a seed coating. The pigment comprises one or more metal oxide coated filler particles. The composition does not include materials that are not suitable for seed coating. The coated seed is coated with the pigment composition.

[0004] These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the detailed description.

[0005] Seeds are often treated with coatings containing pigments to act as visual identifiers and distinguish one type of seed or one type of seed treatment from another. For example, seeds are often coated to ensure that pesticide-treated seeds are easily identifiable and do not enter the food stream. Pigment compositions aid in the aesthetics of the seed coating by providing effects ranging from a smooth, uniform surface to a glossy shimmer, and they range in a wide range of colors. When coating seeds, it is desirable to add effects that are eye-catching under sunlight. By using pigment compositions in combination with organic pigments as seed coatings, the loss of chroma of the organic pigments can be minimized. When pearlescent pigments alone are mixed with organic pigments, the chroma of the organic pigments is reduced. When platelet fillers are mixed with organic colorants, the glossy shimmer effect is not achieved. Also, by using pigment compositions as seed coatings, the uniformity of the seed coating is improved.

[0006] The pigment composition, once dispersed in a pigment seed coating system or as a pigment seed coating, can aid in seed drying and improve flowability. In addition to drying and flowability, the composition exhibits a reduction in bleached or washed-out color produced by organic colorants while providing a unique luster and uniformly colored seed. When used as a seed coating, the pigment composition dries well on the seed and provides good flowability while maintaining high color saturation and good iridescence. Poor drying and flowability of the seed coating can cause the seeds to bind together and cause clogging of agricultural equipment that introduces the seeds, both of which slow down the rate at which farmers can plant seeds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] For example, when a pearlescent pigment is used in combination with an organic chromophore, the seeds exhibit an iridescent effect and good flowability and drying properties, but the color becomes whitish and only pastel colors can be obtained. In addition, when an organic pigment is used alone, the color is strong, but the drying properties are poor, the iridescent effect is not obtained, and the coating is often uneven. By using the pigment composition of the present invention, it is possible to produce coated seeds with strong iridescent colors that have good flowability and drying properties. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The pigment composition includes one or more filler particles and one or more pigments. The pigment includes one or more metal oxide coated filler particles. The composition is suitable for seed coating. A composition suitable for seed coating must at least use an FDA approved compound, be capable of germinating the seed, be non-toxic to the seed, and be at least partially water soluble in the coating. There may be additional requirements for a composition to be suitable for seed coating.

[0009] The filler particles add texture and uniformity to the seed coating. In some embodiments, the filler particles are platelet shaped. The filler particles may be transparent or opaque. In some embodiments, the filler particles are homogenous, meaning that all of the filler particles are made of the same material. In some embodiments, the filler particles are heterogeneous, meaning that the filler particles are composed of two or more materials. In some embodiments, the filler particles may differ in composition, particle size, crystal structure, and combinations thereof.

[0010] Examples of filler particles include, but are not limited to, natural mica, synthetic mica, glass, graphite, graphene, bismuth oxychloride, hexagonal boron nitride, aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide, potassium aluminum silicate, sodium aluminum silicate, ferric sulfate, zinc sulfate, potassium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, kaolin, phyllosilicate clay, limestone shale, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, calcium oxide, calcium silicate, magnesium limestone, montmorillonite clay, attapulgite clay, bentonite, hectorite, wollastonite, fine iron oxide, pyrophyllite, perlite, calcite, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite, coconut shell, wood flour, sand, soapstone, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, pearlescent pigments, aluminum, zinc, copper, brass, talc, dolomite, gypsum, zeolite, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the filler particles are selected from natural mica, synthetic mica, aluminum oxide, potassium aluminum silicate, sodium aluminum silicate, kaolin, calcium phosphate, perlite, diatomaceous earth, aluminum, talc, gypsum, clay, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the filler particles are selected from natural mica, talc, gypsum, aluminum, calcium phosphate, and mixtures thereof.

[0011] In some embodiments, the filler has a platelet shape. Platelet shape means that one dimension of the filler particle is dramatically smaller than the other two dimensions. The smaller dimension is typically called the platelet height and the larger dimension is called the platelet diameter. The ratio of the diameter divided by the height is called the aspect ratio. In some embodiments, the filler particles have a monodisperse size. In some embodiments, the filler particles have a distribution of particle sizes. In some embodiments, the platelet shaped filler particles may have several different shapes and do not have to be true cylinders. For example, the platelets may be polygonal with two or more sides when viewed from above. In some embodiments, the filler has a median particle size (d50) of about 1 to about 150 μm. In some embodiments, the d10 is greater than 3.0 μm, e.g., greater than 3.0 μm to 5.0 μm, greater than 3.0 μm to 10 μm, greater than 3.0 μm to about 20 μm. In some embodiments, the platelet-shaped filler particles have a distribution of heights, with the median filler height (h50) being from about 50 nm to about 1000 nm, in some embodiments, the filler particles have an average aspect ratio in the range of about 10 to about 1000.

[0012] The pigment composition includes one or more pigments. The pigments are filler particles coated with one or more metal oxides. The filler particles used in the pigments may be the same as or different from the particles used in the composition. Examples of metal oxide coatings include, but are not limited to, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, zirconium dioxide, tin oxide, cerium dioxide, vanadium (IV) oxide, manganese oxide, lead oxide, chromium oxide, iron oxide, aluminum oxide, tungsten oxide, and mixtures and alloys thereof. In some embodiments, the metal oxide coating is selected from silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, tin oxide, zirconium oxide, iron oxide, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the metal oxide coating is selected from titanium dioxide, iron oxide, silicon dioxide, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the metal oxide coating further includes a hydrated oxide of any of the aforementioned oxides. In some embodiments, the coating further includes a dopant. Examples of dopants include Mn 2+ , Mn 3+ , Mn 4+ , Cr 3+ , Fe 2+ , Fe 3+ , Al 3+ , Zn 2+ , Ti 4+ , Cu + , Cu 2+ , PO4 2- , BO3 3- and mixtures thereof.

[0013] In some embodiments, the thickness of the metal oxide coating is such that it allows partial transparency of the coating of the pigment composition. In some embodiments, the thickness of the metal oxide is from about 40 nm to about 1000 nm, such as from about 45 nm to about 500 nm, and from about 50 nm to about 350 nm.

[0014] In some embodiments, the pigment particles are pearlescent.

[0015] In some embodiments, the filler particles are about 70% to about 99% of the total of the filler particles and the pigment particles (total filler particles), for example, about 75% to about 95%, about 75% to about 85%. In some embodiments, the pigment composition comprises about 50% to about 99% by weight, for example, about 80% to about 99% by weight of the filler. In some embodiments, the pigment composition comprises about 1% to about 50% by weight, for example, about 1% to about 20% by weight of the pigment particles. In some embodiments, the pigment composition comprises about 50% to about 99% by weight of the filler and about 1% to about 50% by weight of the pigment particles, for example, about 80% to about 99% by weight of the filler and about 1% to about 20% by weight of the pigment particles. In some embodiments, the pigment composition comprises about 1% to about 30% by weight, for example, about 5% to about 25% by weight, and about 5% to about 15% by weight of the pigment of the total filler particles.

[0016] In some embodiments, the pigment composition further comprises an organic colorant. The organic colorant may be used to achieve a color aesthetic that cannot be achieved by the combination of metal oxide and filler alone. Examples of organic colorants include, but are not limited to, azo pigments, polycyclic pigments, anthraquinone pigments including monoazo pigments, disazo pigments, disazo condensed pigments, naphthol pigments, benzimidazolone pigments, isoindolinone pigments, isoindoline pigments, metal complex pigments, quinacridone pigments, perylene pigments, carbon black pigments, phthalocyanine pigments, perinone pigments, diketopyrrolopyrrole pigments, thioindigo pigments, anthropyrimidine pigments, flavanthrone pigments, anthanthrone pigments, dioxazine pigments, triallyl carbonium pigments, quinophthalone pigments, and combinations thereof. Examples of pigments include, but are not limited to, FD&C Red 3, D&C Red 17, D&C Red 33, FD&C Red 40, CI Pigment Red 48:2, CI Pigment Red 112, FD&C Blue 1, FD&C Blue 2, CI Pigment Blue 15:3, FD&C Green 3, D&C Green 5, D&C Green 6, CI Pigment Green 7, D&C Violet 2, CI Pigment Violet 23, D&C Yellow 10, FD&C Yellow 5, FD&C Yellow 6, CI Pigment Yellow 1, Yellow 23, Yellow 42, Blue 15:1, Blue 29, Black 11, Black 7, White 6, Red 101, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the composition contains from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight of the organic colorant.

[0017] In some embodiments, the composition comprises water, hi some embodiments, the composition comprises water and a polymer or surfactant selected from cellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, alginic acid, sodium alginate, chitosan, maltodextrin, xanthan gum, poly(acrylic acid), starch, poly(lactic acid), and combinations thereof.

[0018] The pigment composition of the present invention, when incorporated into a seed coating, further improves seed flowability and drying time. Platelet-shaped fillers, when used alone without being coated with metal oxide, can over-dry seeds, leading to dryness and therefore reduced germination efficiency. In some embodiments, coating up to 30% of the filler particles with metal oxide can prevent or minimize dryness and improve seed viability. In some embodiments, the flow rate is about 5.2 kg / min or more, e.g., 5.3 kg / min or more, 5.4 kg / min or more, 5.5 kg / min or more, and 5.6 kg / min or more. For example, about 5.2 kg / min to about 5.9 kg / min, about 5.3 kg / min to about 5.9 kg / min, about 5.4 kg / min to about 5.9 kg / min, and about 5.5 kg / min to about 5.9 kg / min.

[0019] The pigment compositions range in function and formulation and can be incorporated into seed coatings used to coat a wide range of seed sizes and shapes. The pigment compositions can be used in seed coatings that also contain other actives, such as, for example, one or more additional colorants, fungicides, insecticides, antibiotics, veterinary pesticides, vaccines, flow agents, micronutrients, pesticides, chelating agents, binders, dispersants, antifreeze agents, sizing agents, etc., to extend the growing season, alter seed size, create uniform seed shape and size, etc. In some embodiments, the pigment compositions are incorporated into seed coatings in a preferred range of about 0.1% to about 25% by weight of the pigment composition.

[0020] In some embodiments, the pigment composition is applied as a post-treatment during the seed coating process to aid in better drying and flowability.In this case, the seed is coated with a seed coating that does not contain a pigment composition.Before drying the seed, the pigment composition is added to the seed to coat the outer layer of the seed, as described in WO2017 / 059197.

[0021] In some embodiments, the pigment composition is used in a seed coating that is used to coat many types of seeds. These seeds include, for example, tepary beans, runner beans, lima beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans, apalosa beans, French beans, moss beans, adzuki beans, mung beans, kidney beans, rice beans, cowpeas, chickpeas, peas, lentils, hyacinth beans, soybeans, winged beans, pigeon beans, velvet beans, guar, jack beans, sword beans, coffee beans, horse gram, black gram, green gram, lupin, peanuts, sorghum, maize, oatmeal, rice, barley, rye, wheat, durum, spelt, kamut, amaranth, pitta, goose's foot, kaniwa, quinoa, hunsa, chia, flax, breadfruit, sesame, buckwheat, beechnut, fava beans, bambara groundnuts, acorns, almonds, brazil nuts, candlenuts, cashew nuts, chestnuts, and chili hazel. These include melon seeds, hazelnuts, hickory nuts, cola nuts, macadamia nuts, Malabar almonds, Malabar chestnuts, mamoncillo, mongongo, ogbono, paradise nuts, pili, pistachios, walnuts, pine nuts, vegetable seeds, tree seeds, fruit seeds, shrub seeds, grass seeds, etc. The pigment compositions of the present invention may also be used in seed coatings used to coat the varieties, hybrids, and genetic varieties listed above, as well as others not listed.

[0022] Although the present disclosure has shown by way of illustration several embodiments and described exemplary embodiments in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such details. Additional advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Moreover, features from separate listings may be combined and features from the examples may be generalized throughout the disclosure. EXAMPLES

[0023] Example 1 Natural mica filler with a d of 50–15 μm (90 g, Sun Chemical, USA) and silver pearlescent pigment with a d of 50–30 μm (10 g, Sun Chemical, USA) were combined to produce a white powder.

[0024] Comparative Example 2 Natural mica filler with d50~15μm (Sun Chemical, USA).

[0025] Comparative Example 3 Titanium dioxide pigment (TiO2) (Sun Chemical, USA)

[0026] Comparative Example 4 Silver pearlescent pigment with d50-30μm (10g, Sun Chemical, USA).

[0027] Comparative Example 5 The pigment of Comparative Example 2 (97.2 g, natural mica filler) and 2.8 g of the pigment of Comparative Example 3 (TiO2 pigment) were combined to obtain a white pigment.

[0028] Comparative Example 6 Red 48:2 organic pigment (30.4 g) was dissolved in 69.6 g of water.

[0029] Example 7: Seed coating Examples 1-6 were incorporated into seed coatings in the amounts shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0030] [Table 1]

[0031] Active materials may be incorporated into Phase III of the seed coating to provide additional benefits to the seed. Such ingredients include, but are not limited to, fungicides, insecticides, antibiotics, veterinary pesticides, vaccines, flow agents, micronutrients, anti-dusting agents, chelating agents, binders, dispersants, freeze protection agents, sizing agents, agents to extend the growing season, agents to modify seed size, agents to produce uniform seed shape and size, etc. The active materials are at the discretion of the seed coating formulator. Water was used in place of the active ingredients in the tests.

[0032] [Table 2]

[0033] Table 1 outlines the general seed coating formulations used when Phase III is variable. Table 2 displays the Phase III ingredients for each example. To make the seed coating formulation, the Phase I ingredients were combined and mixed. Separately, the Phase II ingredients were combined until thoroughly mixed. Phase II was then added to Phase I and homogenized for 15 minutes to make a base mixture. Phase III was then added to the base mixture to make the final seed coating formulation. The individual formulations of Phase III for the different examples are shown in Table 2.

[0034] Example 8: Measuring color The seed coating formulations of Examples 7-6 to 7-11 were drawn down on uncoated black and white paper using a 1.5 mil Bird applicator, then air dried for 30 minutes, and then oven dried at 60°C for 30 minutes. Note that Examples 7-1 to 7-5 were not included in the colorimetry test because they do not contain organic red pigments. However, Examples 7-1 to 7-5 are still relevant because there are applications where the end user does not want to use colorants in the seacoat. Diffuse and multi-angle color measurements were performed using a Datacolor SF600 plus and a BYK-mac i-23mm multi-angle spectrophotometer, respectively. Table 3 shows the L*C*h* color data and calculated intensity of a white background measured in a diffuse spherical configuration, and the sparkle intensity (Si) at a 15o incident light angle measured on a black background. The value L* represents the brightness or whiteness, the value C* represents the saturation or intensity of the color, and the value h* represents the hue. h* is an angular quantity used to represent the direction of the color vector C* in the CIELAB color space.

[0035] From the diffuse color measurement results in Table 3, it can be seen that Examples 7-7 to 7-11 are less saturated and more bluish than the uncolored pigment of Example 7-6. Of these examples, Example 7-10 has the most loss of saturation and the greatest color shift. In addition to the color shift, Example 7-10 also shows the greatest reduction in color intensity when colored with the pearlescent pigment of Example 4. In contrast, the inventive formulation of Example 7-7 (Example 1) shows less color shift (h) compared to Example 7-10. * ) and less loss in chroma. Example 7-9, which uses Example 3 as the inorganic pigment formulation, is less intense and more bluish than Example 7-7. Color-space wise, Example 7-7 is similar to Examples 7-8 and 7-11 when measured by diffusion. However, as seen in Table 3, using multi-angle measurements gives different results.

[0036] Sparkle intensity or Si is a measurement of the intensity of the blinking of light (i.e. sparkle) observed at a particular viewing angle, where Si(15) is the sparkle intensity at a viewing angle of 15. It is measured using a BYK-mac multi-angle spectrophotometer. When comparing Example 7-7 to Examples 7-8 and 7-11, a clear difference in sparkle is observed, demonstrating the unique and surprising sparkle effect seen when Example 1 is used in seed coatings. See Table 3.

[0037] [Table 3]

[0038] Example 9: Seed treatment The seed coating formulation of Example 7 was used to treat soybeans. Soybeans were treated by adding 250 g of beans to a quart paint can with 1.75 g of the seed coating formulation of Example 7. The can was mixed for 2 minutes on a roller table. Six of these containers were made and mixed simultaneously to coat a total of 1500 g of treated soybeans. After the cans were rolled, the lids of each can were removed and loosely set on the can to allow the beans to dry overnight. Example 9-1 was soybeans treated with a seed coating having Phase III of Example 7-1. Example 9-2 was soybeans treated with a seed coating having Phase III of Example 7-2, and so on.

[0039] Example 10: Seed flow After the coated seeds of Example 9 were completely dried, it was timed how fast 1000 g of coated seeds could flow through an opening of 2.5 cm diameter. The apparatus used for such experiments had a funnel with a controlled discharge opening at the bottom. The seeds were placed in the funnel with the discharge opening closed, and when the discharge opening was opened, the time until the seeds flowed out of the funnel was measured with a stopwatch. The results were converted into the weight of seeds flowing per minute. A higher value indicates a higher flow rate. This was repeated five times and an average value was calculated. The results are shown in Table 4. It should be noted that when seeds are generally unloaded on an industrial scale of the order of tons, a difference in flow rate of just 0.1 kg / min is significant.

[0040] [Table 4]

[0041] The results showed that the flow rates of seeds treated with coatings containing organic pigments (Examples 9-6 to 9-11) were lower than those without organic pigments (Examples 9-1 to 9-5). Furthermore, the seeds treated with the pigment of Example 1 showed the highest flow rate in its class. It was also found that the seeds treated with the combination of Examples 1 and 6 (Example 9-7) had the highest flow rate among the organic pigment modified samples.

[0042] This data, combined with the color data presented in Table 3, demonstrates the unique optical and functional properties of inorganic pigment formulations.

[0043] Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of the invention set forth herein, may effect numerous modifications thereto which are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A seed coating pigment composition comprising one or more filler particles and one or more pigments, wherein the pigment comprises one or more metal oxide coated filler particles, and the pigment constitutes 1% to 30% by weight of the total filler particles, and the filler particles are natural mica, synthetic mica, glass, graphite, graphene, hexagonal boron nitride, aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide, potassium aluminum silicate, sodium aluminum silicate, ferric sulfate, zinc sulfate, potassium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, kaolin, phyllosilicate clay, calcareous shale, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, calcium oxide, calcium silicate, calcium magnesium, montmorillonite clay, and attaparja. A composition selected from the group consisting of itoclay, bentonite, hectorite, wollastonite, fine iron oxide, pyrophyllite, perlite, calcite, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite, coconut shell, wood flour, sand, soapstone, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, aluminum, zinc, copper, brass, talc, dolomite, gypsum, zeolite, and mixtures thereof, wherein the metal oxide is selected from silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, zirconium dioxide, tin oxide, cerium dioxide, vanadium(IV) oxide, manganese oxide, lead oxide, chromium oxide, iron oxide, aluminum oxide, tungsten oxide, and mixtures and alloys thereof, and which does not contain bismuth oxychloride (BiOCL).

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the filler particles and pigment are platelet-shaped.

3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the pigment has a pearly luster.

4. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising one or more organic pigments.

5. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the pigment is 5% to 25% by weight of the total filler particles.

6. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the pigment is 5% to 15% by weight of the total filler particles.

7. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising an additive selected from an antibiotic, an insecticide for animals, a vaccine, and a combination thereof.

8. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising water and a polymer or surfactant selected from cellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, alginic acid, sodium alginate, chitosan, maltodextrin, xanthan gum, poly(acrylic acid), starch, poly(lactic acid), and combinations thereof.

9. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the filler particles include mica.

10. The composition according to claim 9, wherein the filler particles and pigments constitute 0.1% to 25% by weight of the composition.

11. The composition according to claim 9, wherein the filler particles and pigments constitute 3% to 20% by weight of the composition.

12. The composition according to claim 9, wherein the filler particles and pigments constitute 5% to 15% by weight of the composition.

13. A coated seed comprising a seed, wherein the seed is coated with the composition described in Claim 1.

14. The coated seed according to claim 13, further comprising one or more organic pigments in the composition.