Emulsifiable Concentrate with Cyclic Ester for Stable Emulsion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current emulsifiable concentrates in the agrochemical industry do not consistently produce stable emulsions that last for more than 24 hours, which is a challenge in crop protection formulations.

Innovation Solution

An emulsifiable concentrate comprising a pesticide, 1,2-cyclohexandicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester, an amide of specific formula, and a nonionic surfactant, which forms a stable oil-in-water emulsion upon mixing with water, with specific ratios of these components to enhance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional hydrophobic solvents are used in emulsifiable concentrates, then dissolution power is improved, but emulsion stability beyond 24 hours deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedissolution powerVSAvoidemulsion stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite solvent system combining 1,2-cyclohexandicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (cyclic ester) with aromatic hydrocarbons (xylene or mesitylene). This composite approach leverages the high dissolution power of aromatic hydrocarbons while the cyclic ester component provides emulsion stability, resolving the contradiction between dissolution capability and emulsion stability beyond 24 hours.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies precise compositional parameters: 20-50 wt% cyclic ester, 50-80 wt% aromatic hydrocarbon, and 0.1-10 wt% emulsifier. By optimizing these parameter ranges, the formulation achieves both adequate dissolution power from the aromatic component and extended emulsion stability from the cyclic ester-emulsifier combination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If emulsion stability is extended beyond 24 hours, then product effectiveness is improved, but formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemulsion stability durationVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns specific functional roles to different components: the cyclic ester provides stability, the aromatic hydrocarbon provides dissolution, and the emulsifier (nonionic or anionic with specific HLB values) provides emulsion formation. This functional differentiation allows each component to optimize its local role, achieving extended stability without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent defines specific parameter ranges for each component (cyclic ester 20-50%, aromatic hydrocarbon 50-80%, emulsifier 0.1-10%) and specifies HLB value ranges for emulsifiers (3-18 for nonionic, 4-16 for anionic). These parameter specifications provide a systematic framework that achieves extended emulsion stability while maintaining formulation manageability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 proposed formulation results in a stable emulsion that maintains stability for an extended period, improving the effectiveness and longevity of crop protection products by ensuring the pesticide remains effective for longer.

Implementation Method 1

an emulsifier component comprising a nonionic surfactant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Implementation Method 2

an amide of the formula (I) which acts as a stabilizer in the emulsifiable concentrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEmulsion stabilization: Emulsion

Data Source

PatentEP3576528B1Emulsifiable concentrate
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 BASF SE

AI summary

The present invention relates to an emulsifiable concentrate consisting of a pesticide, 1,2-cyclo-hexandicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester, an amide of the formula (I) as defined herein and a nonionic surfactant. The invention further relates to a process for the preparation of said concentrate; an emulsion obtainable by mixing water, a pesticide, 1,2-cyclohexandicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester, a nonionic surfactant and an amideof the formula (I); and to a method for con- trolling phytopathogenic fungi and/or undesirable plant growth and/or undesirable insect or mite infestation and/or for regulating the growth of plants, wherein the concentrate or the emulsion is allowed to act on the respective pests, the habit thereof or the plants to be protected from the respective pest, on the soil and/or on undesirable plants and/or the crop plants and/or the habitat thereof. The present invention comprises combinations of preferred features with other preferred features.