Oil-in-Water Emulsion Stabilization via Polymeric Adsorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural oil-in-water emulsions face challenges such as high viscosity, Ostwald ripening, and instability due to the need for high surface-active agents, which complicates their formulation and storage.
Innovation Solution
An oil-in-water emulsion composition with agriculturally active compounds, featuring oily globules coated with a polymeric adsorption layer comprising a polymeric surface-active agent with an HLB value of 16-18 and an ionic surface-active agent, along with a second polymeric surface-active agent having an HLB of 12-14, stabilizes the emulsion and maintains particle size below 800 nanometers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If high amounts of surface-active agents are used for stabilization, then emulsion stability is improved, but formulation complexity increases and viscosity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite surfactant system comprising both polymeric surface-active agents (with HLB values of 16-18 and 12-14) and ionic surface-active agents. This composite approach allows the different surfactant types to work synergistically, providing enhanced emulsion stability while reducing the total amount of surfactant material needed compared to using a single surfactant type at high concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes specific HLB value parameters (16-18 for the first polymeric surfactant and 12-14 for the second polymeric surfactant) to optimize emulsion stability. By carefully controlling these parameter ranges, the formulation achieves stable emulsions with reduced surfactant content, thereby simplifying the formulation while maintaining stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high amounts of surface-active agents are used for stabilization, then emulsion stability is improved, but viscosity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The composite surfactant system combines polymeric and ionic surfactants that work synergistically to provide stable emulsions at lower total surfactant concentrations. This reduces the bulk viscosity of the emulsion formulation while maintaining stability, as the combined action of the surfactant types is more efficient than using a single surfactant at high concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
By optimizing the HLB values of the polymeric surfactants (16-18 and 12-14) and their ratios in the formulation, the patent achieves stable emulsions with reduced surfactant loading. This parameter optimization allows for lower overall surfactant content, which directly reduces the viscosity of the emulsion while preserving stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional emulsion formulations are used, then they can be formulated, but they undergo Ostwald ripening and separate over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite surfactant system comprising polymeric surface-active agents (with HLB values of 16-18 and 12-14) and ionic surface-active agents. This composite approach provides synergistic stabilization that prevents Ostwald ripening and emulsion separation over time, while maintaining formulation feasibility. The different surfactant types work together to create a more robust emulsion structure that resists degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific HLB value parameters (16-18 for the first polymeric surfactant and 12-14 for the second polymeric surfactant) to create emulsions with enhanced long-term stability. These parameter ranges are specifically selected to prevent Ostwald ripening and maintain emulsion integrity over time, while still allowing for practical formulation and manufacturing.
4Stability of the object's composition
If polymeric surface-active agents with HLB 16-18 and ionic surface-active agents are combined, then emulsion stability is improved, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines polymeric surface-active agents (with HLB values of 16-18 and 12-14) and ionic surface-active agents in a synergistic formulation. This composite surfactant system provides enhanced emulsion stability through the combined mechanisms of the different surfactant types, while the formulation is designed to manage the complexity through defined compositional ranges and practical manufacturing considerations.
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, reduced viscosity, and extended shelf life, ensuring effective and long-term performance of the emulsion in agricultural applications.
Implementation Method 1
the oily globules are dispersed in the aqueous phase and at least some of the oily globules dispersed in the aqueous phase are coated with a polymeric adsorption layer
Implementation Method 2
stabilizes the emulsion and maintains particle size below 800 nanometers
Implementation Method 3
the polymeric adsorption layer comprises: (1) at least one polymeric surface-active agent having an HLB value in the range of about 16 to about 18; and (2) at least one ionic surface-active agent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an oil-in-water emulsion, comprising oily globules that include at least one agriculturally active ingredient, in which the oily globules of the emulsion and are coated with a polymeric adsorption layer. The polymeric adsorption layer coating the oily globules includes (1) at least one polymeric surface-active agent having an HLB values in the range of about 16 to about 18, and (2) at least one ionic surface-active agent. The oily globules of the emulsion have mean particle diameter of less than about 800 nanometers, are resistant to Ostwald ripening and are well suited for the treatment of plants. Agriculturally active ingredients that can be used with the emulsion include, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, mitocides, bactericides and the like. The invention further includes methods of using the inventive oil-in-water emulsions to treat plants and on surfaces adjacent to plants, plant pests or other pests.