Biocide Stability Using Hydroxycarboxylic Dialkylamides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biocide compositions, particularly aqueous solutions of pesticides, face challenges in maintaining stability over time and temperature, leading to phase separation and crystallization issues, which can clog spray equipment and reduce their effectiveness at varying temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The use of dialkylamides derived from hydroxycarboxylic acids, such as lactic acid dimethylamide, as solvents or dispersants, which enhance the solubilizing power and prevent phase separation or sedimentation of biocides over a wide temperature range (5-40°C) for extended storage periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aqueous solutions of biocides are prepared, then the biocides can be applied for crop protection, but the solutions show strong tendency to separate or form crystals during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dialkylamides derived from hydroxycarboxylic acids as intermediary substances that mediate between the biocide active ingredients and the aqueous solvent. These dialkylamides act as solubilizing agents that prevent phase separation and crystallization, maintaining a stable homogeneous solution throughout storage without requiring re-dispersion before application.
2Reliability
If dimethylamides from saturated C6-C20 fatty acids are used as crystallisation inhibitors, then azol derivatives can be stabilized at ambient temperatures, but the products become useless at temperatures of 5 to 10° C.
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the amide compounds by deriving them from hydroxycarboxylic acids instead of saturated fatty acids. This parameter change in the molecular structure confers improved temperature adaptability, allowing the crystallisation inhibition to remain effective across a broader temperature range from 5 to 40° C., thus resolving the limitation of previous dimethylamides that failed at lower temperatures.
3Productivity
If solid active ingredients are used in aqueous spray liquors, then the biocides can be applied to crops, but the filters and nozzles get blocked due to crystallizing active compound
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating dialkylamides into the aqueous solution before application to prevent crystallization from occurring in the first place. This preventive measure ensures that the active ingredient remains in solution throughout storage and application, eliminating the need for re-dispersion and preventing blockage of filters and nozzles, thereby maintaining equipment operation without interruption.
4Stability of the object's composition
If re-dispersion of actives is performed prior to every application, then homogenous product is obtained, but additional time and effort are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves continuity of useful action by formulating a stable aqueous solution that maintains homogeneity throughout storage without requiring periodic re-dispersion. The dialkylamides ensure continuous solubilization of the active ingredient, eliminating the need for interruptive re-dispersion steps before each application and enabling continuous, uninterrupted use of the product.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Dialkylamides from hydroxycarboxylic acids improve the storage stability and reduce the tendency of biocides to form crystals, maintaining a homogeneous solution and preventing equipment clogging, thus ensuring effective application across a broad temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
dialkylamides, and preferably dimethylamides, obtained from hydroxycarboxylic acid, in particular lactic acid dimethylamide, show an improved solubilising power compared to dimethylamides from fatty acids as known from the state of the art
Implementation Method 2
the use of dimethylamides derived from saturated C6-C20 fatty acids as crystallisation inhibitors for azol derivatives which can be applied as fungicides
Data Source
AI summary
Suggested are biocide compositions, comprising(a) at least one dialkylamide based on a hydroxycarboxylic acid, and(b) at least one biocide.The compositions exhibit an improved stability even if stored at temperatures between 5° and 40° C. over a longer period.