Butylene-Containing Polyether Foam Control Agent for Agrochemical Formulations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foam control agents for agrochemical formulations, such as organosilicone, are sensitive to formulation conditions like pH and solvent types, leading to decomposition and loss of defoaming effectiveness, and are not compatible with high electrolyte formulations or transparent formulations like microemulsions, causing foaming issues during dispersion and dilution.
Innovation Solution
A polyether foam control agent containing butylene oxide (BO) units, combined with polyethylene oxide (PO) units, which forms a polyether compound that maintains foam control effectiveness across various pH and temperature conditions and is compatible with strong electrolytes, preventing foaming in water-based agrochemical formulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If organosilicone foam control agent is used in agrochemical formulation, then foaming is inhibited, but the agent decomposes and loses effectiveness when pH > 7
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the foam control agent by using polyether compounds with specific molecular structures (containing ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide units) instead of organosilicone. This structural parameter change enables the agent to maintain stability and effectiveness across a broader pH range, particularly at pH > 7 where organosilicone fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite polyether structures combining different oxide units (ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide) with specific molecular weights and configurations. This composite approach creates a foam control agent that integrates both foaming inhibition capability and chemical stability, overcoming the limitations of single-component organosilicone agents.
2Reliability
If traditional foam control agents are used in high electrolyte formulations, then foaming may be controlled, but compatibility problems arise with salt type pesticide active materials
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the chemical parameters of the foam control agent by selecting polyether compounds with specific hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values and molecular structures. These parameter adjustments enable the agent to be compatible with high electrolyte formulations containing salt type pesticide active materials like glyphosate, paraquat, and glufosinate ammonium, while maintaining foam control performance.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If foam control agents are added to agrochemical formulations, then foaming during dispersion and dilution is reduced, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polyether foam control agents described in the invention possess multiple functions: they provide foam control, maintain formulation stability, ensure compatibility with various pesticide active materials and solvents, and prevent decomposition under different storage conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate additives, thereby managing formulation complexity while addressing multiple problems.
4Reliability
If organosilicone foam control agent is used, then foaming is inhibited, but the agent is sensitive to formulation conditions such as temperature and solvent
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the foam control agent by using polyether compounds with specific molecular weights, oxide unit ratios, and structural configurations. These parameter modifications enable the agent to maintain consistent foam control efficiency across varying formulation conditions including temperature changes and different solvent types, reducing the sensitivity observed with organosilicone agents.
Data Source
AI summary
A polyether foam control agent including a butylene-containing polyether foam control agent useful for preparing an agrochemical formulation; a water-based agrochemical formulation containing a combination of (a) at least one butylene-containing polyether foam control agent described above, (b) at least one active ingredient, and (c) water, and a process for preparing the agrochemical formulation.