High-Flashpoint Agricultural Composition for Wax Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural compositions face challenges in controlling pathogen populations and pest infestations due to resistance to conventional treatments, and there is a need for environmentally friendly alternatives that effectively penetrate plant surfaces and provide broad-spectrum protection.
Innovation Solution
A liquid anti-pathogenic agricultural composition comprising (C1 - C8) alkyl esters of (C12 - C16) alkyl acids, anionic and nonionic surfactants, with a flashpoint above 100°C, which can be diluted for use as a stable emulsifiable or microemulsified concentrate, enhancing penetration through epicuticular waxes and providing fungicidal and insecticidal efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bactericides or fungicides are used to control pathogens, then pathogen control effectiveness is improved, but pathogen resistance to treatments develops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using (C1-C8) alkyl esters of (C12-C16) alkyl acids instead of conventional bactericides or fungicides. This parameter change provides a new mechanism of action that pathogens have not developed resistance against, thereby maintaining control effectiveness while avoiding the resistance problem associated with conventional treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition combines multiple components including (C1-C8) alkyl esters of (C12-C16) alkyl acids, anionic surfactants, and nonionic surfactants in specific ratios. This composite formulation creates a synergistic effect that enhances pathogen control while the unique chemical composition prevents resistance development through multiple simultaneous mechanisms of action.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If environmentally friendly agricultural compositions are developed, then consumer acceptance and safety are improved, but stability and efficacy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects specific parameter ranges for the alkyl esters (C12-C16 chain length) and surfactants to achieve optimal balance between environmental safety and stability. The molecular weight and chain length parameters are carefully chosen to ensure the composition degrades into safe products while maintaining sufficient stability for agricultural application and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition exhibits different properties at different concentrations and application conditions. At application sites, it provides strong anti-pathogenic activity, while during storage and transport, it maintains stability. The surfactant system is designed to provide localized emulsification and stabilization where needed while allowing safe degradation elsewhere.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the composition is formulated to have high flashpoint for safety, then fire hazard is reduced, but penetration ability through plant surfaces may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses (C12-C16) alkyl acid chains which provide adequate flashpoint for safety while the (C1-C8) alkyl ester groups maintain sufficient volatility and penetration capability. The surfactant system is specifically selected to enhance penetration through epicuticular waxes at the lower end of the flashpoint range, ensuring that safety requirements do not compromise application effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The anionic and nonionic surfactants act as intermediaries that facilitate penetration through plant surfaces. These surfactants reduce surface tension and enable the composition to penetrate epicuticular waxes effectively, bridging the gap between the safety requirements of high flashpoint and the operational requirements of good penetration.
4Area of stationary object
If the composition is diluted for application, then coverage and distribution are improved, but concentration and potency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The composite formulation includes surfactants and adjuvants that maintain effective concentration of active ingredients even when diluted for broad coverage. The synergistic combination of components ensures that potency is preserved across a range of dilution levels, allowing the composition to cover large areas while maintaining sufficient concentration for effective pathogen and pest control.
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 effective control of pathogens and pests with improved penetration and stability, maintaining efficacy even at high flashpoints, suitable for various agricultural applications.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing penetration through epicuticular waxes
Implementation Method 2
an anionic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant
Implementation Method 3
stable emulsifiable or microemulsified concentrate
Implementation Method 4
stable emulsifiable or microemulsified concentrate
Data Source
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AI summary
A stable, safe and synergistic liquid anti-pathogenic agricultural composition is provided typically for use as an insecticide, fungicide, nematicide and/or miticide, characterized by having a high flash point and an epicuticular wax compatibility. The composition is typically used in foliar applications and/or in irrigation systems. The liquid anti-pathogenic agricultural composition comprises at least one alkyl (C1 – C8) ester of an alkyl (C12 – C16) acid; at least one anionic surfactant; and at least one nonionic surfactant. A method of preparing one or more anti-pathogenic compositions is also provided, and use of same as a treatment to control pathogens (in diluted form) applied to crop, trees, fruits, vegetables, leaves, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, animals, equipment, stockyards, feedlots, barns, animal housing units, farm buildings or storage areas.