Copper Algaecide Formulation Stability via Surfactant Composite
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current copper-based algaecides face challenges in formulation stability and efficacy due to phase separation and inhomogeneous distribution, necessitating improved formulations that enhance copper penetration and pesticidal activity in aquatic environments.
Innovation Solution
A copper complex combined with alpha olefin sulfonate surfactants and water, optionally including additional surfactants, algaecides, and stabilizers, to create a stable and effective pesticidal composition for rapid copper uptake and enhanced pesticidal activity in algae, plants, fungi, and bacteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional copper salt formulations are used, then copper can be delivered to target organisms, but the formulations suffer from phase separation and inhomogeneous distribution reducing stability and efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines copper salts with specific surfactants (alpha-olefin sulfonates and alkyl polyglucosides) to create a composite liquid formulation. This composite approach prevents phase separation and ensures homogeneous distribution of copper throughout the formulation, simultaneously improving both stability and reliability of pesticidal action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise compositional parameters including copper salt concentration (0.1-10%), surfactant ratios, and pH ranges (5-9) to optimize formulation stability. By controlling these parameters, the formulation maintains homogeneous distribution and prevents precipitation or phase separation over time.
2Reliability
If higher amounts of copper are applied to achieve pesticidal effect, then efficacy increases, but the need for lower copper amounts is desired to reduce environmental impact and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The surfactants act as intermediaries that facilitate copper penetration into target organisms (algae, fungi, bacteria). The alpha-olefin sulfonate and alkyl polyglucoside surfactants enhance copper uptake by the pest, allowing lower copper concentrations to achieve the same pesticidal effect, thus reducing the quantity of copper needed while maintaining efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes copper concentration parameters to lower ranges (0.1-10% rather than higher concentrations) by combining with enhanced penetration agents. This parameter change reduces copper quantity while the synergistic formulation maintains or improves pesticidal effectiveness through better copper delivery and uptake.
3Productivity
If liquid formulations are made more concentrated to reduce application volume, then productivity improves, but formulation stability decreases due to increased phase separation tendency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a stable concentrated liquid formulation by combining copper salts with specific ratios of surfactants (alpha-olefin sulfonate and alkyl polyglucoside). This composite structure prevents phase separation even at higher concentrations, allowing the formulation to be applied efficiently while maintaining stability during storage and transport.
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 composition achieves significant copper uptake and efficacy, demonstrated by increased bio-concentration and absorption into algae, leading to improved algaecidal control with lower copper amounts and maintaining stability over time without phase separation.
Implementation Method 1
Application of the preferred compositions as describe herein can in certain embodiments lead to rapid uptake and efficacy of copper as a pesticidal agent
Implementation Method 2
A pesticidal composition that includes a copper complex, one or more alpha olefin sulfonate surfactants, and water
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions useful in pesticidal applications include water, a copper complex and an alpha olefin sulfonate surfactant. Additional components can be included in such formulations including one or more additional surfactants, and one or more penetrating agents.