Emulsifiable Concentrate Cold Stability via Amide Carbonate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emulsifiable concentrates face issues with poor cold stability, a tendency to crystallize, and low pesticide concentration, which are not effectively addressed by current formulations.
Innovation Solution
An emulsifiable concentrate comprising a water-insoluble pesticide, an amide of the formula R1-C(O)N(R2)2 where R1 is C5-C19-alkyl and R2 is C1-C4-alkyl, ethylene or propylene carbonate, and a C6-C20 hydrocarbon solvent, with specific composition ratios that ensure stability and high pesticide concentration, forming an oil-in-water emulsion upon mixing with water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional emulsifiable concentrates are formulated, then pesticide concentration can be achieved, but cold stability is poor and crystallization occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing specific amides of formula (I) with defined R1 and R2 groups, carbonates (ethylene carbonate and/or propylene carbonate), and surfactants with specific HLB values (3-13). These parameter changes in the formulation composition resolve the contradiction by preventing crystallization while maintaining cold stability, as the specific amide structure and carbonate content modify the physical properties of the concentrate to remain stable at low temperatures without crystallizing.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional emulsifiable concentrates are formulated, then formulation simplicity is maintained, but pesticide concentration is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple functional components in a specific formulation: amides of formula (I) as solubilizing agents, carbonates (ethylene carbonate and/or propylene carbonate) as co-solvents, surfactants with specific HLB values for emulsification, and optional adjuvants. This composite approach enables high pesticide concentration (at least 10% by weight, preferably at least 20% by weight) while maintaining formulation stability and performance, resolving the contradiction between concentration and complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional emulsifiable concentrates are formulated, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but cold stability and crystallization resistance are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies key formulation parameters including the introduction of amides of formula (I) with specific structural definitions (R1 being C5-C20 alkyl or arylalkyl, R2 being C1-C4 alkyl), carbonates at controlled concentrations (at least 1% by weight, preferably at least 5% by weight), and surfactants with HLB values between 3-13. These parameter changes enable the formulation to be manufactured using conventional processes while achieving superior cold stability and crystallization resistance, as the specific composition parameters prevent phase separation and crystal formation at low temperatures.
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 concentrate exhibits high stability at low temperatures, prevents pesticide precipitation or crystallization, allows for high pesticide concentrations, and forms a stable emulsion upon dilution, enabling effective storage and application without water, and can include alkoxylated alcohols as surfactants.
Implementation Method 1
An emulsifiable concentrate comprising a water-insoluble pesticide, an amide of the formula (I) R1-C(O)N(R2)2, ethylene or propylene carbonate, and a C6-C20 hydrocarbon solvent
Implementation Method 2
forming an oil-in-water emulsion upon mixing with water
Data Source
AI summary
Subject matter of the present invention is an emulsifiable concentrate comprising a water- insoluble pesticide, an amide of the formula (I) R1-C(O)N(R2)2 (I) where R1 is C5-C19-alkyl, and R2 is C1-C4 -alkyl, a carbonate, which is ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate, and a hydrocarbon solvent. A further subject matter is an emulsion obtainable by mixing water with the emulsifiable concentrate; a process for the preparation of the emulsifiable concentrate; and a method for controlling phytopathogenic fungi and/or undesired vegetation and/or undesired attack by insects or mites and/or for regulating the growth of plants, where the concentrate or the emulsion is allowed to act on the respective pests, their environment or on the crop plants to be protected from the respective pests, on the soil and/or on undesired plants and/or on the crop plants and/or their environment.