Pest control composition

Abstract

The embodiment relates to a pest control composition comprising a polymer containing 0.10% to 10.00% by weight of monomer structural units derived from benzotriazole, benzophenone, or a combination thereof, based on the total weight of the emulsion polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to pest control compositions, and more specifically to pest control compositions containing Bacillus thuringiensis.

Background Art

[0002] Pest control agents are used to control pests such as insects. The effectiveness of pest control agents can be affected by many factors. The industry has been continuously focusing on providing new and improved pest control compositions.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a pest control composition includes a polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water, where the polymer contains 0.10 wt% to 10.00 wt% of monomer structural units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzotriazole structural unit, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzophenone structural unit, or a combination thereof, based on the total weight of the polymer. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the polymer contains 0.10 wt% to 1.00 wt% of monomer structural units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzotriazole structural unit, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzophenone structural unit, or a combination thereof, based on the total weight of the polymer. According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the polymer contains 0.10 wt% to 0.50 wt% of monomer structural units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzotriazole structural unit, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzophenone structural unit, or a combination thereof, based on the total weight of the polymer. According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzotriazole structural unit is 2-[2-hydroxy-5-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phenyl]-2H-benzotriazole, and the ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzophenone structural unit is 4-allyloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone. According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the polymer contains monomer structural units derived from methyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and butyl acrylate. According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the polymer contains 20 wt% to 75 wt% of monomer structural units derived from methyl methacrylate, 5 wt% to 50 wt% of monomer structural units derived from 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and 5 wt% to 50 wt% of monomer structural units derived from butyl acrylate, based on the total weight of the polymer. According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the polymer contains less than 0.5 wt% of monomer structural units derived from a hindered amine light stabilizer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used in a listing of two or more items means that any one of the listed items can be used by itself or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing component A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B in combination, A and C in combination, B and C in combination, or A, B, and C in combination.

[0005] Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges include the endpoints. Subscript values in polymer formulas refer to the molar average value of the specified component in the polymer.

[0006] Test methods refer to the latest test methods at the priority date of this document unless the date is indicated by a two-digit number with a hyphen in the test method number. References to test methods include both a reference to the association of the test and the test method number. Test method organizations are referred to by one of the following abbreviations. That is, ASTM refers to ASTM International (formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials), EN refers to European Norm, DIN refers to Deutsches Institut fur Normung, and ISO refers to International Organization for Standards.

[0007] As used herein, "weight %" or "weight percent" or "percent by weight" of a component is based on the total weight of the composition or article in which the component is included, unless otherwise stated. As used herein, all percentages are by weight unless otherwise specified.

[0008] This specification discloses a pest control composition. Embodiments of the present disclosure define that the pest control composition includes a polymer having monomer structural units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzotriazole structural unit, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzophenone structural unit, or a combination thereof, in an amount of 0.10% to 10.00% by weight based on the total weight of the polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water.

[0009] The pest control composition disclosed herein can be applied to plants (e.g., plant surfaces) to control pests. Advantageously, the pest control composition disclosed herein can provide improved (i.e., higher) Bacillus thuringiensis activity after exposure to light, e.g., sunlight, compared to other formulations. The high Bacillus thuringiensis activity indicates that the pest control composition disclosed herein can provide improved pest control compared to other formulations. Furthermore, the pest control composition disclosed herein can provide improved (i.e., higher) residual bacterial survival rate after exposure to light, e.g., sunlight, compared to other formulations. In other words, the pest control composition disclosed herein can provide improved UV stability compared to other formulations. Such a higher residual bacterial survival rate can help define that the pest control composition disclosed herein can provide improved pest control compared to other formulations having a relatively low residual bacterial survival rate after exposure to light. Surprisingly, by using a polymer having monomer structural units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzotriazole structural unit, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzophenone structural unit, or a combination thereof, in an amount of 0.10% to 10.00% by weight based on the total weight of the polymer, desirable improved Bacillus thuringiensis activity and / or improved residual bacterial survival rate after exposure to light are provided.

[0010] As described above, the pest control composition disclosed in this specification contains a polymer. As used herein, "polymer" has two or more identical or different monomer structural units derived from two or more different monomers (e.g., copolymer, terpolymer, etc.). When used herein with respect to a polymer, "monomer structural unit" refers to a portion of the polymer structure resulting from the reaction of one or more monomers that form the polymer. In other words, the monomer structural units of a polymer are formed through the polymerization reaction of monomers. With respect to monomer structural units, "different" means that the monomer structural units differ from each other by at least one atom or are isomerically different. The polymer may be a linear polymer, a branched polymer, a cross-linked polymer, or a combination thereof.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure define that the polymer contains monomer structural units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzotriazole structural unit, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzophenone structural unit, or a combination thereof. By using a polymer having monomer structural units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzotriazole structural unit, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzophenone structural unit, or a combination thereof, desirable improved Bacillus thuringiensis activity and / or improved residual bacterial survival rate after exposure to light are provided. Examples of ethylenically unsaturated monomers having a benzotriazole structural unit include, but are not limited to, 2-[2-hydroxy-5-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phenyl]-2H-benzotriazole. Examples of ethylenically unsaturated monomers having a benzophenone structural unit include, but are not limited to, 4-allyloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone.

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure define that the polymer contains 0.10 wt% to 10.00 wt% of monomer structural units derived from ethylenically unsaturated monomers having benzotriazole structural units, ethylenically unsaturated monomers having benzophenone structural units, or combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the polymer. For example, the polymer may contain 0.10 wt% or more, or 0.20 wt% or more, or 0.30 wt% or more, or 0.40 wt% or more, or 0.45 wt% or more, or 0.50 wt% or more, or 0.60 wt% or more, or 0.70 wt% or more, or 0.80 wt% or more, or 0.90 wt% or more, or 1.00 wt% or more, or 1.00 wt% or more, or 2.00 wt% or more, or 3.00 wt% or more, or 4.00 wt% or more, or 5.00 wt% or more, or 6.00 wt% or more, or 7.00 wt% or more, or 8.00 wt% or more, or 9.00 wt% or more of monomer structural units derived from ethylenically unsaturated monomers having benzotriazole structural units, ethylenically unsaturated monomers having benzophenone structural units, or combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the polymer, and at the same time, 10.00 wt% or less, or 9.00 wt% or less, or 8.00 wt% or less, or 7.00 wt% or less, or 6.00 wt% or less, or 5.00 wt% or less, or 4.00 wt% or less, or 3.00 wt% or less, or 2.00 wt% or less, or 1.00 wt% or less, or 0.90 wt% or less, or 0.80 wt% or less, or 0.70 wt% or less, or 0.60 wt% or less, or 0.50 wt% or less, or 0.45 wt% or less, or 0.40 wt% or less, or 0.30 wt% or less, or 0.20 wt% or less, or less than that. Unless otherwise defined herein, the wt% of monomer structural units and their chemical properties are 1 determined by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance end-group analysis spectroscopy.

[0013] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure define that the polymer includes monomer structural units derived from acrylic monomers. As used herein, "acrylic" refers to ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids and ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid derivatives. For example, acrylic includes methacrylic. Examples of carboxylic acid derivatives include esters, amides, and anhydrides. Examples of acrylic acid esters include, but are not limited to, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, and combinations thereof.

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure define that the polymer includes 50.00 wt% to 99.80 wt% of monomer structural units derived from acrylic acid esters based on the total weight of the polymer. All individual values and subranges from 50.00 wt% to 99.80 wt% are included. For example, the polymer can include monomer structural units derived from acrylic esters from 50.00 wt%, 60.00 wt%, or 70.00 wt% as the lower limit to 99.80 wt%, 99.50 wt%, or 99.00 wt% as the upper limit based on the total weight of the polymer.

[0015] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure define that the polymer can include 20 wt% to 75 wt% of monomer structural units derived from methyl methacrylate. All individual values and subranges from 20 wt% to 75 wt% are included. For example, the polymer can include monomer structural units derived from methyl methacrylate from 20 wt%, 30 wt%, or 40 wt% as the lower limit to 75 wt%, 65 wt%, or 55 wt% as the upper limit based on the total weight of the polymer.

[0016] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer may contain from 5 wt% to 50 wt% of monomer structural units derived from 2-ethylhexyl acrylate. All individual values and subranges from 5 wt% to 50 wt% are included. For example, the polymer may contain from 5 wt%, 10 wt%, or 15 wt% as a lower limit to 50 wt%, 40 wt%, or 30 wt% as an upper limit of monomer structural units derived from 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, based on the total weight of the polymer.

[0017] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer may contain from 5 wt% to 50 wt% of monomer structural units derived from butyl acrylate. All individual values and subranges from 5 wt% to 50 wt% are included. For example, the polymer may contain from 5 wt%, 10 wt%, or 15 wt% as a lower limit to 50 wt%, 40 wt%, or 30 wt% as an upper limit of monomer structural units derived from butyl acrylate, based on the total weight of the polymer.

[0018] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer may contain monomer structural units derived from vinyl esters. Examples of vinyl esters include, but are not limited to, vinyl acetate, vinyl caprate, vinyl propionate, vinyl versatate, and combinations thereof.

[0019] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer may contain from 0.5 wt% to 20.0 wt% of monomer structural units derived from vinyl esters. All individual values and subranges from 0.5 wt% to 20.0 wt% are included. For example, the polymer may contain from 0.5 wt%, 1.0 wt%, or 5.0 wt% as a lower limit to 20.0 wt%, 15.0 wt%, or 10 wt% as an upper limit of monomer structural units derived from vinyl esters, based on the total weight of the polymer.

[0020] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure define that the polymer may include monomer structural units derived from acid monomers such as itaconic acid, fumaric acid, crotonic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, acryloxypropionic acid, citraconic acid. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure define that the polymer may contain 0.1 wt% to 10.0 wt% of monomer structural units derived from acid monomers. All individual values and subranges from 0.1 wt% to 10.0 wt% are included. For example, the polymer may contain, based on the total weight of the polymer, from 0.1 wt%, 0.5 wt%, or 1.0 wt% as the lower limit, by weight%, to 10.0 wt%, 5.0 wt%, or 3.0 wt% as the upper limit of monomer structural units derived from acid monomers.

[0021] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure define that the polymer may further include monomer structural units derived from additional monomers. Examples of additional monomers include, but are not limited to, styrene, maleic anhydride, vinyltoluene, butadiene, ethylene, isobutylene, diisobutylene, acrylonitrile, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, vinyl pyridine, acrylamide, n-methylol acrylamide, and combinations thereof. Further examples of additional monomers include adhesion promoting monomers such as ureidomethacrylate, and crosslinking monomers such as divinylbenzene, allyl methacrylate, diallyl phthalate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, ethylene glycol diacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and combinations thereof.

[0022] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer may contain monomer structural units derived from additional monomers in an amount of 0.5 wt% to 20.0 wt%. All individual values and subranges from 0.5 wt% to 20.0 wt% are included. For example, the polymer may contain monomer structural units derived from additional monomers in an amount of from 0.5 wt%, 1.0 wt%, or 5.0 wt% as a lower limit to 20.0 wt%, 15.0 wt%, or 10 wt% as an upper limit, based on the total weight of the polymer. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer may contain monomer structural units derived from adhesion promoting monomers in an amount of 0.1 wt% to 5 wt%. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer may contain monomer structural units derived from crosslinking monomers in an amount of 0.1 wt% to 5 wt%.

[0023] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer contains less than 0.5 wt% of monomer structural units derived from hindered amine light stabilizers. For example, the polymer may contain monomer structural units derived from hindered amine light stabilizers in an amount of from 0.001 wt%, 0.01 wt%, or 0.1 wt% as a lower limit to 0.4 wt%, 0.3 wt%, or 0.2 wt% as an upper limit, based on the total weight of the polymer. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer does not contain monomer structural units derived from hindered amine light stabilizers. Examples of hindered amine light stabilizers include, but are not limited to, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl methacrylate, 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl methacrylate, and combinations thereof. Without being bound by theory, including a specific weight % of monomer structural units derived from hindered amine light stabilizers in the polymer may undesirably reduce the improved Bacillus thuringiensis activity and / or improved residual bacterial viability after exposure to light, as contemplated herein.

[0024] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer has a weight average molecular weight (M wIt is defined to have. All individual values and sub-ranges from 10,000 Daltons to 3,000,000 Daltons are included. For example, when measured according to gel permeation chromatography, the polymer has a lower limit of 10,000 Daltons, 25,000 Daltons, or 50,000 Daltons and an upper limit of 3,000,000 Daltons, 2,500,000 Daltons, or 2,000,000 Daltons for M w and may have.

[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure define that the polymer has an average particle size of 30 nanometers to 10 micrometers. All individual values and sub-ranges from 30 nanometers to 10 micrometers are included. For example, the polymer can have an average particle size with a lower limit of 30, 40, or 50 nanometers and an upper limit of 10, 5, or 2 micrometers.

[0026] The polymer can be formed by emulsion polymerization. In emulsion polymerization, the emulsion containing the polymer can be prepared by emulsion polymerization, for example, by known emulsion polymerization processes. Emulsion polymerization can be carried out at a pH of 5.0 or less using a free radical-generating initiator, which can be used in an amount of 0.01 wt% to 5 wt% based on the total weight of the monomers.

[0027] Examples of free radical-generating initiators include, but are not limited to, peroxide compounds, 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile, and high-energy radiation sources. Examples of peroxide compounds include inorganic persulfate compounds such as ammonium persulfate, potassium persulfate, and sodium persulfate; peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide; organic hydroperoxides, for example, cumene hydroperoxide and t-butyl hydroperoxide; and organic peroxides that can be activated by water-soluble reducing agents such as ferrous compounds or sodium bisulfite, for example, benzoyl peroxide, acetyl peroxide, lauroyl peroxide, peracetic acid, and perbenzoic acid.

[0028] Emulsion polymerization can include one or more emulsifiers. Examples of emulsifiers include, but are not limited to, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and zwitterionic surfactants. Examples of anionic emulsifiers include, inter alia, alkali metal alkylaryl sulfonic acids, alkali metal alkyl sulfates, and sulfonated alkyl esters. Specific examples of emulsifiers are sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium di-secondary-butylnaphthalenesulfonate, sodium lauryl sulfate, disodium dodecyldiphenyl ether disulfonate, disodium n-octadecyl sulfosuccinate, and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate. Examples of nonionic emulsifiers include, inter alia, structures based on polyethylene oxide or oligosaccharide hydrophilic heads. Various amounts of emulsifiers can be utilized for different applications.

[0029] Optionally, other components known in emulsion polymerization, especially chelating agents, buffers, inorganic salts, and pH adjusters, etc. can be used. Various amounts of other components can be used for different applications.

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure define that the emulsion containing the polymer can have a solids content of 10 wt% to 60 wt% based on the total weight of the emulsion containing the polymer. All individual values and subranges from 10 wt% to 60 wt% are included. For example, the emulsion containing the polymer can have a solids content ranging from 10 wt%, 12 wt%, or 15 wt% as the lower limit to 60 wt%, 55 wt%, or 45 wt% as the upper limit based on the total weight of the emulsion containing the polymer. One or more embodiments define that the emulsion containing the polymer is an aqueous dispersion.

[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure define that the emulsion containing the polymer can have a pH of 6 or less. For example, the emulsion containing the polymer can have a pH ranging from 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 as the lower limit to 6.0, 5.7, or 5.5 as the upper limit.

[0032] The pest control composition disclosed herein contains Bacillus thuringiensis. As defined herein, "Bacillus thuringiensis" is defined as spores and / or crystallized proteins of the species Bacillus thuringiensis, and includes all Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies that exhibit insecticidal properties. Examples of such subspecies include kurstaki, israelensis, and aizawa. Bacillus thuringiensis can be added to the insecticidal formulation either as part of a solid or liquid formulation. The presence and subspecies of Bacillus thuringiensis are determined by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis. A commercially available liquid formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis is the THURICIDE (trademark) insecticide marketed by CERTIS USA (Columbia, Maryland).

[0033] Bacillus thuringiensis can produce insecticidal crystal proteins (e.g., Cry proteins and Cyt proteins) by sporulation. Compared to other formulations, a higher residual bacterial survival rate after exposure to light can provide a desirable improved pest control property.

[0034] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the pest control composition disclosed herein may contain additives. Examples of additives include, among others, rheology modifiers, dispersants, wetting aids, antioxidants, surfactants, co-solvents, coacervating agents, defoamers, preservatives, flow agents, leveling agents, slip additives, neutralizing agents, viscosity modifiers, pH adjusters, herbicides, fungicides, and combinations thereof. Different amounts of additives can be used for various applications.

[0035] As described above, the pest control composition disclosed in this specification contains a polymer. The polymer can be 0.1% to 15.0% by weight of the pest control composition based on the total weight of the combination of the polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water. All individual values and sub-ranges from 0.1 to 15.0% by weight are included. For example, the pest control composition can contain the polymer from 0.1% by weight, 0.5% by weight, or 1.0% by weight as the lower limit to 15% by weight, 12% by weight, or 10% by weight as the upper limit based on the total weight of the combination of the polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water.

[0036] The pest control composition disclosed in this specification contains Bacillus thuringiensis. Bacillus thuringiensis can be 0.01% to 25.00% by weight of the pest control composition based on the total weight of the combination of the polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water. All individual values and sub-ranges from 0.01% to 25.00% by weight are included. For example, the pest control composition can contain Bacillus thuringiensis from 0.01% by weight, 0.05% by weight, or 1.0% by weight as the lower limit to 25.00% by weight, 15.00% by weight, or 10.00% by weight as the upper limit based on the total weight of the combination of the polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water.

[0037] The pest control composition disclosed in this specification contains water. Water can be 60.00% to 99.89% by weight of the pest control composition based on the total weight of the combination of the polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water. All individual values and sub-ranges from 60.00% to 99.89% by weight are included. For example, the pest control composition can contain water from 60.00% by weight, 65.00% by weight, or 70.00% by weight as the lower limit to 99.89% by weight, 98.00% by weight, or 95.00% by weight as the upper limit based on the total weight of the combination of the polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water. The water may be added to the pest control composition via an emulsion containing the polymer, and / or the water may be added to the pest control composition by an addition independent of the emulsion.

[0038] The pest control composition disclosed in this specification can be formed using known devices and processes. The components of the pest control composition can be added together (e.g., mixed) to form the pest control composition. For example, each component of the pest control composition can be added to a container and stirred therein. The components of the pest control composition can be added together in any order.

[0039] The pest control composition disclosed in this specification can be applied to plants (e.g., the plant surface) to control pests. The pest control composition can be applied to plants using known devices and methods. For example, the pest control composition can be sprayed, scattered, and / or poured onto the plants, among other application methods. Different amounts of the pest control composition can be applied to plants for various applications.

[0040] The pest control composition can be applied to plants using known devices and methods. For example, the pest control composition can be sprayed, scattered, and / or poured onto the plants, among other application methods. Different amounts of the pest control composition can be applied to plants for various applications.

Examples

[0041] In the examples, various terms and names related to materials are used, including, for example, the following. Methyl methacrylate (monomer, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich); 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (monomer, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich); butyl acrylate (monomer, obtained from Sigma Aldrich); methacrylic acid (monomer, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich); ureidomethacrylate (adhesion promoting monomer, obtained from The Dow Chemical Company); 2-[2-hydroxy-5-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phenyl]-2H-benzotriazole (ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzotriazole structural unit, CAS number 96478-09-0, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich); 4-allyloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone (ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzophenone structural unit, CAS number 2549-87-3, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich); 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl methacrylate (hindered amine light stabilizer, CAS number 31582-45-3, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich), 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl methacrylate (hindered amine light stabilizer, CAS number 68548-08-3, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich); 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole (benzotriazole, CAS number 2440-22-4, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich); THURICID (trademark) (Bacillus thuringiensis, liquid formulation, manufactured by Certis).

[0042] Example 1. A pest control composition was formed as follows. Methyl methacrylate (46.15% by weight), 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (26.7% by weight), butyl acrylate (21.7% by weight), methacrylic acid (2.5% by weight), ureidomethacrylate (2.5% by weight), and 2-[2-hydroxy-5-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phenyl]-2H-benzotriazole (0.45% by weight) were emulsion polymerized to form a polymer. The emulsion product contained 48.2% by weight of polymer solids. The polymer was diluted with deionized water to obtain a solution of 2.5% by weight of polymer solids in water. A polymer solution (2.5% by weight in water, 1.86 mL), THURICIDE (trademark) (0.93 mL), and water (10.21 mL) were combined to obtain Example 1. Emulsion polymerization was carried out by adding deionized water (900 grams), sodium carbonate (7.02 grams), and RHODAFAC (trademark) RS-610 A-25 (91.2 grams, 25% by weight of active ingredient) to a 5000 mL four-necked glass flask reactor equipped with a condenser, overhead mixer, heating mantle, and nitrogen sweep. A monomer emulsion was prepared by combining deionized water (675 grams), 17.4 g of RHODAFAC (trademark) RS-610 (17.4 grams), butyl acrylate (380.6 grams), 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (467.1 grams), 817.4 g of methyl methacrylate (817.4 grams), 43.3 g of methacrylic acid (43.3 grams), 21.6 g of ureidomethacrylate (21.6 grams), and 2-[2-hydroxy-5-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phenyl]-2H-benzotriazole (8 grams). After heating the reactor to 85°C, the monomer emulsion (108.6 grams) and ammonium persulfate (5.27 grams) were added to the reactor. The reaction temperature was maintained at 88°C, and the remaining monomer emulsion was fed to the reactor over 70 minutes.Subsequently, an aqueous tert-butyl hydroperoxide solution (0.18 grams, 70% by weight in water) and water (17 grams) were added to the reactor, followed by a solution of isoascorbic acid (0.08 grams), Versene EDTA solution (1.76 grams, 1% by weight), and iron(II) sulfate solution (0.35 grams, 5% by weight in water). After cooling the contents of the reactor to 75°C, a tert-butyl hydroperoxide solution (1.76 grams, 70% by weight in water), water (20 grams), and an isoascorbic acid solution (0.88 grams) were added over 20 minutes. Subsequently, the contents of the reactor were cooled to room temperature, ammonium hydroxide solution (11.5 grams, 28% by weight in water) and 15 g of water (15 grams) were added, and the reactor contents were filtered through a 100-mesh screen to obtain an emulsion product.

[0043] Example 2. A modification was made by using 4-allyloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone (0.45% by weight based on the total weight of the monomers) instead of 2-[2-hydroxy-5-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phenyl]-2H-benzotriazole, and it was formed in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0044] Comparative Example A was formed in the same manner as in Example 1, with a modification of using 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl methacrylate (0.3% by weight based on the total weight of the monomers) instead of 2-[2-hydroxy-5-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phenyl]-2H-benzotriazole and using methyl methacrylate (46.0% by weight based on the total weight of the monomers).

[0045] Comparative Example B was formed in the same manner as in Example 1, with a modification of using 4-allyloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone (0.3% by weight based on the total weight of the monomers) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl methacrylate (0.45% by weight) instead of 2-[2-hydroxy-5-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phenyl]-2H-benzotriazole and using methyl methacrylate (45.4% by weight based on the total weight of the monomers).

[0046] Comparative Example C was formed as follows. 2-(2-Hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole (0.01 gram), THURICIDE (trademark) (0.93 mL), and water (10.21 mL) were combined to obtain Comparative Example C.

[0047] Comparative Example D was formed as follows. THURICID (trademark) 0.93 mL and water (10.21 mL) were combined to obtain Comparative Example D.

[0048] The Bacillus thuringiensis activities before and after exposure to light of Examples 1 to 2 and Comparative Examples A to D were measured as follows. Using an automatic pipettor, 30 μL droplets of each of Examples 1 to 2 and Comparative Examples A to D were placed on a plastic Petri dish. The droplets were dried for about 1 hour. The dried droplets were exposed to light of 35 milliwatts / cm 2 for 2 hours. The samples were extracted and plated. For extraction, each sample was placed in a 1 wt% solution of TWEEN (registered trademark) 20 solution and incubated for about 12 hours. For plating, each sample was diluted to the desired starting concentration using a 0.1 wt% solution of TWEEN (registered trademark) 20, then serially diluted to appropriate concentrations and uniformly plated as 10 μL droplets. Then, each plate was held in an incubator at 30 °C for about 12 hours. Thereafter, considering the dilution factor, the number of colonies was counted and expressed as Log colony forming units / mL. The survival rate of the retained Bacillus thuringiensis was calculated. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0049]

Table 1

[0050] The data in Table 1 show that both Examples 1 to 2 have improved Bacillus thuringiensis activity after light exposure compared to each of Comparative Examples A to D. Also, the data in Table 1 show that both Examples 1 to 2 have improved (i.e., higher) survival rates of the retained Bacillus thuringiensis compared to each of Comparative Examples A to D.

Claims

1. A polymer comprising, based on the total weight of the polymer, 0.10% to 10.00% by weight of monomer structural units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzotriazole structural unit, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzophenone structural unit, or a combination thereof, and Bacillus thuringiensis, and Water, a pest control composition.

2. The pest control composition according to claim 1, wherein the polymer comprises, based on the total weight of the polymer, 0.10% to 1.00% by weight of monomer structural units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzotriazole structural unit, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzophenone structural unit, or a combination thereof.

3. The pest control composition according to claim 2, wherein the polymer comprises, based on the total weight of the polymer, 0.10% to 0.50% by weight of monomer structural units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzotriazole structural unit, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzophenone structural unit, or a combination thereof.

4. The pest control composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzotriazole structural unit is 2-[2-hydroxy-5-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phenyl]-2H-benzotriazole, and the ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzophenone structural unit is 4-allyloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone.

5. The pest control composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the polymer comprises monomer structural units derived from methyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and butyl acrylate.

6. The pest control composition according to claim 5, wherein the polymer comprises, based on the total weight of the polymer, 20% to 75% by weight of monomer structural units derived from methyl methacrylate, 5% to 50% by weight of monomer structural units derived from 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and 5% to 50% by weight of monomer structural units derived from butyl acrylate.

7. The pest control composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the polymer comprises less than 0.5% by weight of monomer structural units derived from a hindered amine light stabilizer.

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