Temperature-Stable Cloquintocet-Mexyl Aqueous Compositions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aqueous suspension concentrate formulations of cloquintocet-mexyl are unstable at temperatures above 25 °C, leading to crystal growth and flocculation, and non-aqueous formulations have limited loading capabilities, higher manufacturing costs, and mediocre dilution properties and tank mix compatibilities.

Innovation Solution

Temperature-stable aqueous compositions are developed, incorporating hydrated cloquintocet-mexyl, a stabilizing surfactant such as tallowamine alkoxylate or cocoamine alkoxylate, and water, which are mixed with additional surfactants to form a suspension concentrate that is stable at elevated temperatures for extended periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If aqueous suspension concentrate formulations of cloquintocet-mexyl are formulated in an aqueous environment, then the loading capability and manufacturing cost are improved, but the formulation becomes unstable at temperatures of 25 °C and greater, resulting in crystal growth and flocculation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading capabilityVSAvoidformulation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A non-ionic surfactant is introduced as an intermediary substance to mediate between the hydrated cloquintocet-mexyl crystals and the aqueous environment. The surfactant adsorbs at the crystal surface, forming a protective layer that prevents crystal growth and flocculation while maintaining the aqueous formulation's high loading capability and cost-effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The formulation utilizes temperature-dependent solubility parameters of the surfactant to maintain stability. The surfactant is selected and dosed to ensure adequate coverage of crystal surfaces across the operating temperature range, with the concentration and molecular structure optimized to provide steric stabilization that prevents aggregation at elevated temperatures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If non-aqueous formulations such as oil dispersions and water dispersible granules are used, then the formulation stability is improved, but the loading capabilities are limited, manufacturing costs increase, and dilution properties and tank mix compatibilities deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformulation stabilityVSAvoidloading capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the continuous phase from non-aqueous (oil) to aqueous, while compensating for stability concerns through careful selection of surfactant type and concentration. This parameter change enables higher loading capabilities and better environmental compatibility while maintaining stability through the surfactant-mediated protection mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The formulation creates a composite system combining hydrated cloquintocet-mexyl crystals, aqueous continuous phase, and non-ionic surfactant. This composite structure leverages the benefits of each component: the aqueous phase provides high loading and compatibility, while the surfactant provides the stabilization normally associated with non-aqueous systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP2934114B9Temperature stable cloquintocet-mexyl aqueous compositions
Publication Date: 2019.04.17 DOW AGROSCIENCES LLC

AI summary

Temperature stable aqueous compositions and methods for their preparation and use are described. The compositions can include cloquintocet-mexyl, a surfactant comprising a tallowamine alkoxylate, a cocoamine alkoxylate, or a combination thereof, and water.