Phosphite Suspension Stability with Surfactants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phosphite products face limitations in compatibility with adjuvants and other agricultural chemicals, leading to reduced efficacy and stability issues, especially when combined with alkaline materials or metals, necessitating a stable and concentrated formulation for use as both fertilizers and fungicides.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous suspension comprising a solubilized phosphite salt, insolubilized lignosulfonate, dodecyl sulfate salt as an anionic surfactant, and ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymer, which remains stable and compatible with other agricultural products, including metal-containing ones, by preventing crystallization and flocculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high concentration of phosphite is applied to achieve adequate control of plant diseases, then the fungicidal efficacy is improved, but phosphite toxicity to plants is enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses adjuvants (surfactants, spreaders, wetting agents, penetrants) as intermediary substances to modify the behavior of phosphite. These adjuvants help optimize phosphite control by improving leaf penetration and distribution, allowing lower phosphite concentrations to achieve the same efficacy, thereby reducing plant toxicity while maintaining fungicidal effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of phosphite application by combining it with adjuvants that modify its solubility, surface activity, and penetration characteristics. This allows the phosphite to be delivered more efficiently into plant tissue, reducing the total dose needed and consequently lowering toxicity while maintaining disease control
2Reliability
If adjuvants are combined with phosphite to optimize control agent behavior and penetration, then the efficacy is improved, but compatibility issues arise with alkaline materials and metals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates incompatible components into distinct functional groups: phosphite and adjuvants are formulated together in a stable base formulation, while tank-mix partners (other pesticides, fertilizers, alkaline materials, metals) are added separately by the end user. This extraction of incompatible substances prevents direct interaction that would cause instability, while still allowing phosphite to benefit from adjuvant enhancement in its core formulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the agricultural chemical system into a pre-formulated phosphite-adjuvant product and separate tank-mix partners. This segmentation allows the phosphite formulation to be optimized for stability with its specific adjuvant package, while avoiding unwanted interactions with other agricultural chemicals that users may wish to apply in combination
3Productivity
If concentrated phosphite formulation is used to reduce packaging and transporting costs, then the productivity is improved, but solubilization of other components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjuvants as intermediary substances that facilitate the solubilization and stabilization of high concentrations of phosphite in the formulation. These adjuvants act as solubilizing agents and stability enhancers, allowing the concentrated phosphite to remain in solution without crystallization or precipitation, thus enabling both high productivity through concentration and ease of manufacture through maintained solubility
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 formulation allows for high concentrations of phosphite, reducing packaging costs and ensuring stability during storage and compatibility with other products, enabling efficient use as both fertilizers and fungicides without the toxicity issues associated with high concentrations.
Implementation Method 1
The presence of anionic surfactant and lignosulfonate was found to reduce crystallization of the solubilized salt during the production of the aqueous suspension
Implementation Method 2
a dodecyl sulfate salt as an insolubilized anionic surfactant at 0.5-10 % (w/w), and an ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymer at 0.2-5 % (w/w). It was found by the present inventors that a dodecyl sulfate salt as an insolubilized anionic surfactant and lignosulfonate remain stable in the suspension
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an aqueous suspension comprising a solubilized salt and insolubilized ingredients such as lignosulfonate and a dodecyl sulfate salt. The invention further relates to methods of producing said aqueous suspension, and to methods to employ said suspension for fertilizing agricultural plants and for protecting a plant or plant part against a pathogen. The invention additionally relates to methods of preventing, reducing and/or eliminating the presence of a pathogen on a plant or plant part, and to methods for treatment of a soil, comprising providing a suspension according to the invention.