Dicamba Lactofen Liquid Formulation Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crop growers face challenges in creating stable tank mixtures of dicamba diglycol amine and lactofen due to their physical incompatibility, leading to separation, precipitation, or gelling, which results in uneven distribution and reduced efficiency of herbicides.
Innovation Solution
A stable liquid agricultural formulation comprising 15-40% dicamba diglycol amine, 1-15% lactofen, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl succinate, or aromatic hydrocarbons as solvents, (Mg,Al)5Si8O20×4H2O as a thickener, and polyarylphenyl ether sulphate ammonium salt surfactant, maintaining a pH of less than 7, which prevents phase separation and allows for even distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dicamba diglycol amine and lactofen are mixed in a tank, then both herbicides can be applied simultaneously to improve productivity, but the mixture separates into layers or forms precipitate due to physical incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specific adjuvants as intermediary substances to mediate between dicamba diglycol amine and lactofen. These adjuvants act as compatibility agents that prevent phase separation and precipitation, enabling the two physically incompatible herbicides to remain mixed and stable in the tank while maintaining their individual effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the mixture by controlling pH levels and using specific salts (such as dicamba diglycol amine) that change the physical-chemical properties of the solution. By adjusting these parameters, the formulation maintains stability and prevents separation when combining water-soluble and water-insoluble active ingredients.
2Adaptability or versatility
If water-soluble dicamba diglycol amine is mixed with water-insoluble lactofen, then a broader spectrum of weed control is achieved, but precipitation and gelling occur due to solubility differences
Solution Approach 1:
Specific adjuvants are used as intermediary substances that bridge the solubility gap between water-soluble dicamba diglycol amine and water-insoluble lactofen. These mediators prevent the formation of precipitates and gels by maintaining a stable emulsion or solution that accommodates both types of active ingredients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the solubility parameters by using specific pH buffers and salt forms that enhance the compatibility of water-soluble and water-insoluble components. By controlling pH and ionic strength, the formulation prevents precipitation and gelling while maintaining the broad-spectrum weed control capability.
3Loss of time
If active ingredients are mixed to apply multiple herbicides at once, then labor and equipment costs are reduced, but uneven distribution occurs leading to phytotoxicity or low efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Adjuvants serve as intermediary substances that ensure uniform distribution of multiple active ingredients in the tank mixture. These compatibility agents prevent stratification and settling, maintaining homogeneous mixing throughout the application process, which ensures even distribution across the target area and prevents phytotoxicity from concentrated spots.
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 formulation remains stable at room temperature and during storage, ensuring effective and efficient application of both herbicides without separation or gelling, addressing the long-standing issue of compatibility and distribution.
Implementation Method 1
from about 2 to about 15% w/w of a polyarylphenyl ether sulphate, ammonium salt surfactant
Implementation Method 2
from about 0.5 to about 5% w/w of a thickener with the chemical formula (Mg,Al)5Si8O20×4H2O
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to liquid agricultural formulations comprising from about 15 to about 40% w/w dicamba diglycol amine, from about 1 to about 15% w/w lactofen, from about 5 to about 40% w/w of a solvent selected from the group consisting of: (1) a solvent comprising dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl succinate, and dimethyl adipate; and (2) a solvent comprising a mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons obtained from distillation of aromatic streams derived from crude oil, from about 0.5 to about 5% w/w of a thickener with the chemical formula (Mg,Al)5Si8O20×4H2O, and from about 2 to about 15% w/w of a polyarylphenyl ether sulphate, ammonium salt surfactant, and methods of use thereof.