Emulsion Polymer Agrochemical Formulation Rainfastness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agrochemical compositions face challenges with limited storage stability and rainfastness, leading to reduced efficacy and increased wash-off by rainfall, which affects the longevity and effectiveness of pesticide applications on crops.
Innovation Solution
Development of agrochemical compositions comprising an aqueous dispersion of solid agrochemical active compounds, an emulsion polymer system with a stabiliser polymer and core-stabiliser copolymer, along with additives like surfactants, rheological modifiers, and penetration promoters, to enhance resistance to wash-off and improve stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If aqueous dispersion formulations are used for pesticide application, then the formulation is easy to prepare and apply, but the rainfastness and residence time of the pesticide on the plant surface are reduced due to wash-off by rainfall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polymer emulsion as an intermediary substance that forms a bonding layer between the pesticide and the plant surface. This polymer emulsion acts as a mediator that adheres to both the pesticide particles and the leaf surface, creating a stable composite structure that resists wash-off by rainfall while maintaining the ease of aqueous formulation application
2Reliability
If polymer emulsions are added to improve rainfastness, then the residence time and rainfastness are improved, but the formulation stability during storage may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of the polymer emulsion including molecular weight (10,000-1,000,000), glass transition temperature (-50°C to 100°C), and composition (copolymer of styrene and butadiene with 10-90% styrene content). These parameter changes enable the formulation to maintain stability during storage while achieving improved rainfastness when applied, resolving the contradiction between storage stability and field performance
3Productivity
If higher doses of pesticide are applied to compensate for wash-off, then the effectiveness is maintained, but the off-target losses and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies polymer emulsion to the plant surface before or with the pesticide application to create a pre-formed adhesive layer. This preliminary action ensures that the pesticide adheres strongly upon application, eliminating the need for higher doses to compensate for wash-off, thereby maintaining effectiveness while reducing off-target losses and environmental impact
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 compositions demonstrate improved rainfastness and storage stability, allowing for longer-lasting activity of active ingredients under adverse weather conditions and reduced off-target losses, enabling lower doses and longer spray intervals while maintaining crop safety.
Implementation Method 1
an emulsion polymer system comprising I) stabiliser polymer; and II) core-stabiliser copolymer
Implementation Method 2
A pesticide is considered rainfast, if it has been adsorbed/absorbed by the plant surface
Implementation Method 3
one or more additives selected from the group consisting of non-ionic or anionic surfactants or dispersing aids
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to agrochemical compositions based on emulsion polymers; their use for foliar application and their application in aqueous crop protection flowable formulations for controlling agricultural pests, weeds or diseases and reducing the wash-off of active ingredients by rainfall.