Microfibrillated Cellulose Rheology Modifier for High-Ionic Formulations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Highly ionic agricultural formulations, such as glufosinate and glyphosate, and fertilizers like 10-34-0 and 6-24-6, are difficult to combine with emulsifiable concentrates (EC), suspension concentrates (SC), and capsule suspensions (CS) due to incompatibility and flocculation issues, especially in the presence of multivalent cations like calcium and magnesium ions, leading to separation and settling.
Innovation Solution
The use of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) as a rheology modifier to create stable rheological structures in high ionic strength media, including systems with multivalent cations, allowing for prolonged stability and suspension of formulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional polysaccharide-based rheology modifiers are used in high ionic strength formulations, then viscosity is improved, but flocculation and settling occur due to multivalent cations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the rheology modifier by using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) with specific degrees of substitution (0.7-1.7) and specific viscosity ranges (50-200 cP). These parameter modifications enable the polymer to resist flocculation in the presence of multivalent cations while maintaining effective viscosity in high ionic strength formulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite system by combining carboxymethyl cellulose with specific ionic strength formulations containing multivalent cations. The CMC forms a stable composite structure that prevents flocculation of suspended particles and maintains formulation integrity despite the challenging ionic environment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If highly ionic agricultural formulations are combined with emulsifiable concentrates and suspension concentrates, then formulation versatility is improved, but separation and settling occur due to incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
Carboxymethyl cellulose acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between highly ionic formulations and emulsifiable concentrates or suspension concentrates. It forms a protective colloidal system that prevents direct incompatibility interactions, allowing oil and water-based formulations to coexist stably without separation or settling.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rheology modifiers are used in high ionic strength media, then viscosity is improved, but flocculation occurs reducing shelf life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for carboxymethyl cellulose including degree of substitution (0.7-1.7), specific viscosity (50-200 cP), and concentration (0.1-5% w/v). These optimized parameters ensure long-term stability by preventing flocculation while maintaining consistent viscosity throughout the shelf life period.
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
MFC enables the formation of stable, shear-thinning compositions that maintain suspension of oils or particulates in high ionic liquids for weeks to months, enhancing formulation compatibility and shelf life.
Implementation Method 1
the composition exhibits thixotropy
Implementation Method 2
MFC enables the formation of stable, shear-thinning compositions
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein, inter alia, is a concentrate including a high ionic strength liquid and a microfibrillated cellulose, and methods of making the same.