Mixed 2,4-D Salt Formulation for Low-Temperature Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-strength 2,4-D herbicide formulations, particularly those containing the dimethylamine (DMA) salt, exhibit limited stability at low temperatures, leading to crystallization and precipitation, which affects their potency and storage stability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating dimethylethanolamine (DMEA) or diethylethanolamine (DEEA) salts of 2,4-D into the DMA salt formulation in specific ratios (45-60 wt% DMEA/DEEA and 40-55 wt% DMA) to create a stable, high-strength liquid herbicide that remains clear at temperatures below 0°C.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If high-strength 2,4-D DMA salt formulation is used, then shipping and handling costs are reduced, but the formulation crystallizes at low temperatures (0°C)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcentration of 2,4-DVSAvoidlow-temperature stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two different 2,4-D salts (DMA salt and DMEA/DEEA salt) in specific ratios to create a mixed salt formulation. This merging of different salt types prevents crystallization at low temperatures while maintaining high concentration (625-740 gae/L), thus resolving the contradiction between high strength and low-temperature stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The formulation uses a composite salt system comprising multiple 2,4-D salts with different chemical properties. The DMA salt provides high solubility and herbicidal activity, while the DMEA/DEEA salt component prevents crystallization at low temperatures. This composite approach allows the formulation to achieve both high concentration and low-temperature stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If high-strength formulation is used, then packaging material disposal is reduced, but precipitation occurs at low temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of active ingredientVSAvoidstorage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By merging DMA salt with DMEA/DEEA salt in a mixed salt formulation, the patent achieves both high active ingredient content (625-740 gae/L) and reliable storage stability. The DMEA/DEEA salt component specifically prevents precipitation during storage, ensuring the formulation remains homogeneous and effective throughout its shelf life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Quantity of substance

If 2,4-D DMA salt is used alone, then solubility in water is high, but crystallization occurs at 0°C in concentrated solutions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolubility of 2,4-D saltVSAvoidcrystallization temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite salt system where DMA salt (which provides high solubility) is combined with DMEA/DEEA salt (which raises the crystallization temperature). This composite material approach allows the formulation to maintain high solubility while preventing crystallization at 0°C, as the mixed salt system remains liquid at temperatures where pure DMA salt would crystallize.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP1886563B1High-strength, low-temperature stable herbicidal formulations of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid salts

Publication Date: 2009.06.17 DOW AGROSCIENCES LLC

AI summary

This invention relates to a high-strength herbicidal formulation containing high concentrations of 2,4-D salt mixtures. The 2,4-D salt mixtures can include the DMA salt and the DMEA and/or the DEEA salt of 2,4-D. Selected combinations of the 2,4-D salt mixtures exhibit significantly greater low temperature stability at high concentrations.