Nonanoic Acid Emulsion Stability and Weed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current herbicidal compositions based on nonanoic acid have limited control duration and stability issues when formulated as aqueous emulsions, requiring additional stabilizers and coadjuvants, and do not maintain effectiveness upon dilution.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a mixture of saturated nonanoic acid and monounsaturated nonanoic acid, combined with an emulsifying agent, which can be easily formulated into a stable, water-based emulsion with enhanced stability and prolonged weed control efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If nonanoic acid is formulated as aqueous emulsion with additional stabilizers and coadjuvants, then stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for additional stabilizers and coadjuvants from the formulation by incorporating monounsaturated nonanoic acid (0.1-10% w/w) alongside saturated nonanoic acid. This extraction principle removes unnecessary components while maintaining emulsion stability through the inherent properties of the nonanoic acid mixture itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing monounsaturated nonanoic acid with specific fatty acid profiles (C18:1, C20:1, C22:1) at controlled concentrations. This parameter change enables the formulation to achieve stability without additional stabilizers, as the modified nonanoic acid mixture provides sufficient emulsifying properties on its own.
2Reliability
If nonanoic acid is used as herbicide, then herbicidal activity is achieved, but duration of control is insufficient due to regrowth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges saturated nonanoic acid (providing immediate herbicidal action) with monounsaturated nonanoic acid (providing prolonged control) into a single formulation. This combination creates a synergistic effect where the saturated component delivers rapid weed kill while the monounsaturated component extends the duration of control, preventing regrowth and providing lasting weed management.
3Reliability
If concentrated fatty acid composition is formulated, then herbicidal activity is maintained, but ease of operation decreases due to dilution requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal formulation that serves multiple functions: the concentrated composition maintains full herbicidal activity through the nonanoic acid mixture, while simultaneously providing ease of operation by being readily dilutable with water. The formulation can be applied both as-is for concentrated treatment and diluted for broader coverage, making it versatile for different application scenarios without compromising effectiveness.
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 exhibits improved stability and extended weed control duration, maintaining herbicidal effectiveness even after dilution, with reduced need for stabilizers and coadjuvants, forming a stable, ready-to-use water-based emulsion.
Implementation Method 1
a nonanoic acid based composition which has been surprisingly found to be easily formulated into a stable, water-based emulsion
Implementation Method 2
combined with an emulsifying agent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition comprising a saturated nonanoic acid or a saturated nonanoic acid salt, at least one monounsaturated nonanoic acid and at least one emulsifying agent, to a process for preparing said composition and to the use of said composition in herbicidal applications.