Isothiazolone Amine Microbicidal Concentrate Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microbicidal compositions, such as those containing isothiazolones, are often unstable in aqueous solutions and have a limited activity spectrum, requiring high use concentrations and being cost-ineffective for both technical and domestic applications.

Innovation Solution

A microbicidal composition comprising a mixture of 2-methylisothiazolone (MIT) and 1,2-benzisothiazolone (BIT) combined with organic amines and oxidizing agents like potassium iodate, stabilized at a pH of 8 to 10, which enhances stability and effectiveness, allowing for cost-effective use in various products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If isothiazolones are used as preservation active ingredients in aqueous solutions, then microbicidal activity is achieved, but stability of the composition deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicrobicidal activityVSAvoidcomposition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces oxidizing agents (potassium iodate, sodium periodate, sodium bromate, H2O2, or Cu(II) salts) as intermediary substances that stabilize the isothiazolone-amine complex in aqueous solution. These oxidizing agents act as mediators between the isothiazolone and amine components, preventing their direct harmful interaction while maintaining microbicidal activity. The oxidizing agents form stable complexes with the isothiazolone-amine mixture, enabling storage stability without sacrificing preservation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If high concentrations of isothiazolones are used to ensure effectiveness, then microbicidal activity is improved, but cost-effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicrobicidal effectivenessVSAvoidcost-effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the composition by introducing oxidizing agents and adjusting the pH to alkaline range (8-10). This parameter change enables the use of lower concentrations of isothiazolones (0.5-15% by weight) while maintaining effective microbicidal activity. The oxidizing agents enhance the stability and effectiveness of the active ingredients, allowing cost-effective formulations with reduced quantities of expensive isothiazolone compounds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If combinations of isothiazolones with organic amines are used to broaden spectrum of action, then effectiveness is improved, but stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveeffectivenessVSAvoidactive-ingredient stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The oxidizing agents serve as intermediary substances that stabilize the combination of isothiazolones with organic amines. These intermediaries prevent the direct interaction between isothiazolones and amines that would otherwise lead to instability and decomposition. The oxidizing agents form stable complexes that maintain both components active while preventing harmful reactions, thus enabling the use of synergistic combinations without compromising storage stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the composition is stabilized at pH 8 to 10, then storage stability is improved, but the formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage stabilityVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the parameter change of pH to alkaline range (8-10) as a key stabilization mechanism. This single parameter change, combined with the selection of appropriate oxidizing agents that are effective in alkaline conditions, provides storage stability without requiring complex multi-component stabilization systems. The formulation leverages the inherent stability of oxidizing agents in alkaline environments, simplifying the overall formulation approach while achieving the desired storage stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides a stable, synergistically effective microbicidal solution that maintains activity over time, even at elevated temperatures, and demonstrates broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy, making it suitable for diverse applications without the need for high concentrations.

Implementation Method 1

combinations of certain isothiazolones such as MIT with organic amines are extraordinarily unstable in aqueous solution... oxidizing agents are suitable for stabilizing combinations of isothiazolones with organic amines as concentrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP2482664B1Storage-stable, synergistic microbicidal concentrates containing an isothiazolone, an amine and an oxidizing agent
Publication Date: 2015.03.18 LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE

AI summary

The invention relates to a microbicidal composition in the form of a concentrate which comprises a) one or more isothiazolin-3-ones, b) one or more organic amines with an alkyl group having at least 8 carbon atoms and c) one or more oxidizing agents. The concentrate is storage-stable and is used for the preservation of technical and domestic products.