Polymer-Boric Acid Compositions Stable Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aqueous compositions containing boron compounds, such as boric acid, face challenges in maintaining effective dispersion or solution stability, especially during long-term storage and adverse conditions, due to limited solubility and the use of solvents like methanol, which pose handling, toxicity, and flammability issues.
Innovation Solution
Development of aqueous polymeric liquid compositions comprising a polyanionic polymer, a boron compound, and a boron compound dispersant or solvent, specifically using saturated aliphatic diols, glycols, alpha-hydroxy acids, and other compatible solvents to maintain boron compounds in stable dispersion or solution for extended periods without precipitation, even under cold storage conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If boric acid is added to maleic-itaconic copolymers to enhance agricultural performance and prevent nitrogen loss, then the effectiveness of fertilizer supplementation is improved, but the solubility and dispersion stability of boron compounds deteriorate under long-term storage and cold conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces methanol as an intermediary substance to mediate between the polyanionic polymer and boric acid. The methanol acts as a solubilizing agent that enables boron compounds to remain in solution with the polymer without precipitating, even under adverse storage conditions. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by providing a chemical bridge that maintains both agricultural effectiveness and long-term stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the system by adding methanol, which alters the solubility characteristics and dispersion behavior of boric acid in the polymer solution. This parameter change enables the system to maintain stable dispersion over extended storage periods while preserving the agricultural performance benefits of high boron content.
2Stability of the object's composition
If methanol is used to enhance boric acid solubility in polymer compositions, then the dispersion stability is improved, but handling safety, toxicity, and flammability issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs methanol as a temporary, consumable solubilizing agent that performs its function during product formulation and initial application, then evaporates or degrades over time. This approach accepts the short-term handling risks of methanol in exchange for achieving stable boron dispersion, with the understanding that the harmful effects are temporary and manageable during the formulation and application phases only.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses methanol to fundamentally change the solubility parameters of the boron compound in the polymer system. By introducing this alcohol solvent, the system achieves enhanced boron solubility and dispersion stability that would not be possible with water alone, accepting the trade-off of increased toxicity and flammability during handling.
3Quantity of substance
If high levels of boron compound are incorporated into polymer compositions to maximize nutrient enhancement, then the agricultural effectiveness is improved, but the risk of precipitation and loss of dispersion stability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses methanol as a mediating substance that enables high concentrations of boron compounds to be incorporated into the polymer composition without precipitating. The methanol intermediates the interaction between the polyanionic polymer and high levels of boric acid, allowing the system to achieve both high boron content (for maximum agricultural effectiveness) and resistance to precipitation (for stable storage).
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 compositions effectively maintain boron compound content in stable dispersion or solution for at least 72 hours and preferably up to 30 days at ambient temperature, enhancing plant nutrient uptake and minimizing nitrogen loss from fertilizers while avoiding adverse reactions with fertilizers.
Implementation Method 1
aqueous polymeric liquid compositions which comprise a polyanionic polymer, a boron compound, and a boron compound dispersant or solvent... maintain the boron compound content thereof in quiescent stable dispersion or solution
Implementation Method 2
saturated aliphatic diols, glycols... aliphatic alpha-hydroxy acids... boron compound dispersant or solvent
Data Source
AI summary
Aqueous liquid formulations contain one or more anionic polymers, a high concentration of boron compounds, and a boron dispersant or solvent. The compositions are operable to maintain the boron content thereof in stable dispersion for at least 72 hours. The dispersant or solvent is selected from saturated aliphatic diols, glycols, hydroxyl-rich compounds, alpha-hydroxy acids, and mixtures thereof. Preferred polymers include dicarboxylic repeat units and optional sulfonate repeat units. The formulations have heretofore unattainable high boron contents, and are useful in agricultural contexts.