Alkali Metal Glyphosate Composition pH Adjustment for Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alkali metal glyphosate compositions face challenges with stability at elevated temperatures, compatibility issues with surfactants, and the need for refrigeration during formulation, limiting their productivity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous alkali metal glyphosate composition with a surfactant blend comprising poly(5)oxyethylene isodecyloxypropylamine or poly(5)oxyethylene isotridecyloxypropylamine etheramine components and propylene glycol, adjusted to a pH range of 4.0 to 4.5, which results in a highly concentrated, stable, and gel-free formulation with high cloud points, allowing for efficient production at elevated temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional surfactant blends are used in alkali metal glyphosate compositions, then surfactant compatibility is achieved, but stability at elevated temperature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the pH parameter of the aqueous concentrate to within the range of 4.0 to 4.5, which optimizes the chemical environment for surfactant-glyphosate compatibility. This pH adjustment prevents degradation and phase separation at elevated temperatures while maintaining surfactant effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between thermal stability and surfactant compatibility.
2Productivity
If high concentration of alkali metal glyphosate is formulated, then productivity is improved, but phase separation occurs at elevated temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent formulates the aqueous concentrate with at least 30 wt.% acid equivalents of alkali metal glyphosate at a controlled pH of 4.0 to 4.5. This specific concentration and pH combination creates a stable monophasic system that resists phase separation even at elevated temperatures, enabling high productivity without compromising formulation stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If refrigeration is used during formulation, then stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves formulation stability through chemical parameter optimization (pH 4.0 to 4.5 and specific surfactant selection) rather than physical temperature control. This approach allows the composition to remain stable at elevated temperatures during formulation and storage, eliminating the need for refrigeration and simplifying manufacturing processes while maintaining stability.
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 excellent stability at 54°C, maximizing productivity by maintaining a monophasic state and preventing phase separation, thus overcoming the limitations of previous formulations.
Implementation Method 1
Surfactants are employed as adjuvants in glyphosate salt formulations to enhance herbicidal effectiveness. Surfactants help the formulations adhere to the surfaces of leaves and thus enhance penetration.
Implementation Method 2
the water-miscible solvent propylene glycol; wherein the pH of the aqueous concentrate is adjusted to be within the range of 4.0 to 4.5. A mixture of the surfactant blend and solvent is gel-free and monophasic.
Data Source
AI summary
Aqueous alkali metal glyphosate compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise an aqueous concentrate of an alkali metal glyphosate, a surfactant blend comprising an etheramine component, and an optional water- miscible solvent. A mixture of the surfactant blend and solvent is gel-free and monophasic. Adjusting the pH of the aqueous concentrate to be within the range of 4.0 to 4.5 surprisingly enables preparation of a highly concentrated aqueous alkali metal glyphosate composition having good elevated temperature stability and a high cloud point. For instance, a 540 g.a.e/L formulation comprising the composition exhibits good stability at 54 °C. Gel-free, monophasic surfactant blends useful in the glyphosate compositions are also disclosed.