Pelargonic Acid Herbicide Emulsion Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pelargonic acid-based herbicides face challenges with low stability in emulsions, requiring high dosages and short control periods, leading to inefficient weed control and environmental concerns due to residual action and phase separation issues.
Innovation Solution
A concentrated emulsifiable composition comprising pelargonic acid, anionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, and an organic solvent, which forms stable aqueous emulsions even at high active ingredient concentrations, enhancing herbicidal efficacy and reducing the need for large volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If pelargonic acid is formulated as a concentrated emulsifiable composition with emulsifying agents and organic solvents, then emulsion stability is improved, but the complexity of the formulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite emulsifiable composition by combining pelargonic acid with specific emulsifying agents (anionic and non-ionic surfactants) and organic solvents. This composite formulation achieves stable aqueous emulsions at high active ingredient concentrations, resolving the stability issue while managing formulation complexity through systematic selection of compatible components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes formulation parameters including the ratio of anionic to non-ionic surfactants, the type and concentration of organic solvents, and the overall composition ratios. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the formulation achieves both stability and reduced complexity compared to conventional approaches.
2Reliability
If high dosages of pelargonic acid are used to achieve desired herbicidal effect, then herbicidal activity is improved, but economic viability and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the formulation concentration parameter, creating a highly concentrated emulsifiable composition with high active ingredient content. This allows achieving the desired herbicidal effect with reduced total quantity of active ingredient applied, improving economic viability and reducing environmental impact while maintaining reliable herbicidal activity.
3Productivity
If pelargonic acid is applied as a contact desiccant for rapid weed control, then short-term efficacy is improved, but control duration is insufficient allowing weed regrowth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite formulation that enhances the duration of action of pelargonic acid. The combination of emulsifying agents and organic solvents in the emulsifiable composition improves the persistence and effectiveness of the herbicidal action, extending the control period to prevent weed regrowth while maintaining rapid initial efficacy.
4Ease of operation
If aqueous emulsions are used for herbicide application, then ease of application is improved, but emulsion stability deteriorates leading to phase separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite emulsifiable composition that forms stable aqueous emulsions. The systematic combination of anionic and non-ionic emulsifying agents with organic solvents ensures both ease of application and emulsion stability, preventing phase separation while maintaining good sprayability and application characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes emulsion formulation parameters including surfactant ratios, organic solvent types and concentrations, and emulsifier amounts. By carefully controlling these parameters, the formulation achieves both ease of application and stable emulsion properties, eliminating phase separation issues.
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 prolonged weed control for over 2-4 weeks with reduced active ingredient quantities, maintaining stability across varying temperatures and water hardness, and exhibits superior herbicidal activity compared to commercial formulations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one emulsifying agent belonging to the class of anionic surfactants, preferably in acid form, at least one emulsifying agent belonging to the class of non-ionic surfactants
Implementation Method 2
at least an organic solvent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a concentrated emulsifiable composition comprising pelargonic acid and at least one emulsifying agent belonging to the class of anionic surfactants, preferably in acid form, at least one emulsifying agent belonging to the class of non-ionic surfactants and at least an organic solvent, a process for preparing said composition and use of said composition in herbicidal applications and as desiccant harvest aid. Said composition advantageously also finds use as a plant growth regulator.