Diutan Gum Silicate Suspension Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agrochemical suspension compositions face challenges in maintaining stability, particularly in concentrated forms, which affects their ability to suspend particles effectively throughout their shelf life.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising particles of at least one silicate and diutan gum, where the silicate particles represent 10 to 80% by weight, and optionally an aqueous liquid carrier and antifreezing agents, which enhances stability without the need for dispersants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If dispersants are added to increase particle charge and create steric hindrance, then particle separation and avoidance of aggregation/sedimentation are improved, but the composition complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes dispersants from the composition formulation, extracting the problematic component that causes aggregation. Instead of adding dispersants to achieve particle separation, the invention uses solely diutan gum which naturally provides steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion through its carboxyl groups, eliminating the need for additional dispersant chemicals.
Solution Approach 2:
Diutan gum serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the suspending agent, provides steric hindrance through its molecular structure, and creates electrostatic repulsion via carboxyl groups. The single component performs the work that would traditionally require multiple additives (dispersants, thickeners, stabilizers), making the system self-sufficient.
2Quantity of substance
If concentrated suspensions are developed to increase particle content, then the quantity of active ingredients is improved, but stability maintenance becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the suspending agent by using diutan gum with specific molecular characteristics (carboxyl groups, molecular weight range). This allows the system to maintain stability at high particle concentrations (10-80% w/w) that would traditionally be unstable, by optimizing the interaction between diutan gum molecules and particle surfaces.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the shelf life of the suspension is extended, then the duration of action is improved, but stability maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Diutan gum provides continuous protective action throughout the shelf life through its persistent steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion mechanisms. The carboxyl groups remain ionized and active throughout storage, continuously preventing particle aggregation and sedimentation without degradation, thereby maintaining stability from formulation through extended storage periods.
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 improved stability and prevents solid sedimentation, leading to enhanced germination rates and plant growth, thereby increasing agricultural yields.
Implementation Method 1
The addition of dispersants is performed in a way to increase the charge on the surface of the particles or to create steric hindrance and/or electric charges improving the separation of the particles and avoiding their aggregation and/or sedimentation.
Implementation Method 2
The addition of dispersants is performed in a way to increase the charge on the surface of the particles or to create steric hindrance and/or electric charges improving the separation of the particles and avoiding their aggregation and/or sedimentation.
Implementation Method 3
The addition of dispersants is performed in a way to increase the charge on the surface of the particles
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is related to a composition comprising: —particles of at least one silicate, and —diutan gum. The present invention also discloses a method for treating a seed and/or a plant wherein such a composition is applied onto or next to at least one seed or at least one part of a plant.