Polyanionic Block Copolymer Stabilization in Agrochemical Suspensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agrochemical formulations lack stable combinations of herbicide active ingredients with different modes of action to effectively control weeds, pests, and diseases, particularly in maintaining the suspension of insoluble active ingredients over time.
Innovation Solution
A suspension concentrate agrochemical composition comprising a water-soluble salt of an imidazolinone herbicide, a synthetic auxin herbicide, a polyanionic block copolymer with a hydrophobic and hydrophilic moiety, and optional dispersants, which provides a stable mixture that effectively controls weeds, pests, and diseases by maintaining the suspension of active ingredients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If insoluble active ingredients are suspended in solvent using conventional dispersants, then the suspension is maintained for some time, but the sedimentation rate is high and stability is reduced over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the dispersant system by using polyanionic block copolymers with specific molecular weights (10,000-100,000 g/mol) and specific compositions (at least 60% charged monomers in hydrophilic moiety), transforming the conventional dispersant system into a more effective stabilization system that prevents sedimentation and maintains suspension stability over extended periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite dispersant systems combining polyanionic block copolymers with optional nonionic dispersants, creating a synergistic effect where the polyanionic component provides electrostatic repulsion and the nonionic component provides steric stabilization, resulting in enhanced suspension stability and reduced sedimentation rate compared to single dispersant systems
2Reliability
If combinations of herbicide active ingredients with different modes of action are formulated, then weed control effectiveness is improved, but formulation stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of different herbicide active ingredients (imidazolinone salts at 1-15%, synthetic auxins at 10-80%) and their ratio (1:3 to 1:30), allowing effective combinations of herbs with different modes of action while maintaining formulation stability through controlled parameter ranges that prevent incompatibility and precipitation
Solution Approach 2:
The polyanionic block copolymer acts as an intermediary agent between different herbicide active ingredients with different modes of action, providing a common stabilization mechanism that allows ALS inhibitors and synthetic auxins to coexist stably in the same formulation without compromising either their individual efficacy or the overall formulation stability
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 ensures long-term stability and efficacy in controlling weeds, pests, and diseases by preventing phase separation and maintaining the suspension of active ingredients, enhancing the control of undesired plant growth and protection of crops.
Implementation Method 1
Suspension concentrates contain solid particles of the insoluble active ingredient suspended in the solvent due to anionic and/or nonionic dispersants. Dispersants prevent particle agglomeration, what reduces the sedimentation rate.
Implementation Method 2
Dispersants prevent particle agglomeration, what reduces the sedimentation rate. In consequence, dispersants allow to maintain the insoluble active ingredient suspended in the solvent more time.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension concentrate composition for agricultural applications, a process for preparation thereof and methods for controlling weeds, pests and/or diseases in plants. The suspension concentrate agrochemical composition contains the combination of at least one active ingredient dissolved in water and another active ingredient which is dispersed in the aqueous medium. The suspension concentrate agrochemical composition also contains a polyanionic block copolymer.