Herbicide Oil Dispersion Stability via Emulsifier Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 2-benzoyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione herbicide formulations face stability issues when exposed to water, leading to degradation and phase separation, which affects their efficacy and shelf life.
Innovation Solution
A stable oil dispersion formulation comprising 1-50% 2-benzoyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione herbicide, 0.5-20% water, 40-90% oil, 0.5-20% emulsifiers, 0-40% acid, and 0-40% additional active ingredients, where water and optional acid are added to enhance stability and prevent degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is added to the oil dispersion formulation, then the stability and prevention of degradation is improved, but the risk of phase separation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the water content within a specific range (0.1-10% by weight) and adjusting the oil type and emulsifier concentrations to maintain formulation stability. This quantitative parameter optimization allows water to be included without causing phase separation, resolving the contradiction between improving stability and preventing phase separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses emulsifiers as intermediary substances that facilitate the mixing of water and oil phases. The emulsifiers form stable interfaces between the aqueous and oil phases, preventing phase separation while allowing water to be incorporated into the formulation. This mediator approach enables simultaneous improvement of stability and prevention of phase separation.
2Productivity
If the herbicide is formulated as a concentrate, then the productivity and ease of application is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal formulation system that can be applied to multiple herbicide types (2-benzoyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione compounds) using a standardized recipe framework. The formulation includes universal components (oil, emulsifier, water, acid) that can be adjusted for different active ingredients, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining high productivity and ease of application across various herbicide products.
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 formulation maintains the herbicide's stability and efficacy, preventing degradation and phase separation, even when stored at elevated temperatures, thereby extending its shelf life and ensuring effective weed control.
Implementation Method 1
Dilution in water results in a suspo-emulsion if the active ingredient is insoluble in water (as is the case with mesotrione); if the active ingredient is soluble in water an emulsion is formed.
Implementation Method 2
stable oil dispersions of a 2-benzoyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione herbicide can be obtained by the addition of water and optionally an acid to the dispersion
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an oil dispersion comprising: (a) from 1 to 50 % 2-benzoyl-l,3-cyclohexanedione herbicide by weight; (b) from 0.5 to 20 % water by weight; (c) from 40 to 90 % oil by weight; (d) from 0.5 to 20 % one or more emulsifier(s) and optionally one or more further formulation component(s) by weight; (e) optionally from 0 to 40 % acid by weight; and (f) optionally from 0 to 40 % other active ingredients by weight; wherein the sum of the components is 100%. The present invention further relates to suspoemulsions resulting from dispersing the oil dispersion in water, to a method of making the oil dispersions and the suspoemulsions and to a method of controlling unwanted plants using the suspoemulsions.