BIT Biocide Formulation with Polyglycol Carrier for Low Viscosity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biocide formulations of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (BIT) face issues with high viscosity, high volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and pH instability, particularly at low temperatures, making them difficult to handle and use in applications like latex and paint.
Innovation Solution
A formulation using a polyglycol liquid carrier system with specific molecular structures and alkali metal hydroxide, which maintains near neutral to acidic pH, low viscosity, and low VOCs, enhancing BIT's solubility and stability, including the use of additional biocides like bronopol for improved microbial control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PEG-400 based BIT formulations are used to achieve stability at low temperatures, then low temperature stability is improved, but viscosity increases making handling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the polyethylene glycol carrier from PEG-400 to PEG-200, and adjusts the BIT concentration parameter to 5-20 wt%. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by achieving low temperature stability (freezing point depression) while maintaining lower viscosity for easier handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite formulation combining BIT biocide with polyethylene glycol carrier and additional components like surfactants and preservatives. This composite approach allows the system to achieve low temperature stability through the PEG carrier while controlling viscosity through the specific composition ratio and additional additives.
2Reliability
If high concentrations of BIT are used to improve microbial protection, then biocidal effectiveness is improved, but solubility in water decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses polyethylene glycol (PEG-200) as an intermediary solvent to enhance the solubility of BIT in aqueous systems. The PEG acts as a mediator that facilitates the dissolution of BIT at higher concentrations (5-20 wt%) while maintaining water compatibility, thus resolving the solubility-effectiveness contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation creates a composite liquid system combining BIT, PEG-200, water, and auxiliary components. This composite structure allows high concentrations of BIT to remain soluble through the synergistic interaction of multiple components, achieving both solubility and biocidal effectiveness.
3Quantity of substance
If formulations with high pH are used to improve BIT solubility, then solubility is improved, but pH shock occurs when added to latex or coatings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the pH parameter of the formulation to be closer to neutral by using PEG-200 as the primary carrier and controlling the concentration of alkaline components. This pH optimization maintains sufficient BIT solubility while eliminating the harmful pH shock effect when applied to latex and coating systems.
4Ease of operation
If formulations with high volatile components are used to improve solubility and handling, then ease of operation is improved, but VOC content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces volatile organic solvents with polyethylene glycol-200, a non-volatile or low-volatile carrier. Although PEG has higher viscosity, the formulation achieves acceptable handling properties through optimized concentration (5-20 wt% BIT in PEG-200) and the addition of flow-enhancing components, thereby eliminating high VOC content while maintaining operational feasibility.
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
The solution provides a stable, low-viscosity, low-VOC BIT formulation that maintains effectiveness at low temperatures, reducing pH shock and improving handling, particularly in aqueous systems like latex and paint, while minimizing VOC content and ensuring microbial protection.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid carrier system to solubilize BIT, with or without one or more additional biocides
Implementation Method 2
good freeze-thaw stability
Data Source
AI summary
A stable, low VOC, low viscosity biocide formulation comprising an effective amount of at least one biocide, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (BIT), and a polyglycol liquid carrier of formula (I): R-O-(AO)n-O-R1, wherein n is 4-25, R and R' are hydrogen, C1-C3 alkyl groups, O=C-CH3 group, or O=C-C2H5 group, and AO is a) CH2CH2O, or b) CH2CH2O /CH2CHMe-O block or random copolymer; with proviso that when R and R' are both hydrogen, AO is a block or random copolymer. A method of making such a formulation.