Polymer Dispersion for Insecticidal Surface Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pest control compositions, particularly insecticidal suspension concentrates and spray solutions, have short-lasting effects on porous and alkaline surfaces such as concrete, plaster, and wood, and are vulnerable to environmental factors like temperature, UV radiation, and rain, necessitating frequent applications and reduced efficacy.

Innovation Solution

Development of aqueous suspension concentrates containing an insecticide, a non-ionic or ionic dispersant, and a polymer dispersion produced by radically initiated emulsion copolymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers, including styrene and (meth)acrylic acid esters, with a graft-active redox system, which provides long-lasting protection and stability on various surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If conventional insecticidal spray solutions are applied to porous and alkaline surfaces, then initial insecticidal effect is achieved, but the duration of effect is severely reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of insecticidal effectVSAvoideffectiveness on porous surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite polymer system consisting of a polyacrylic acid backbone grafted with polyethylene oxide side chains. This composite structure combines the adhesion properties of polyacrylic acid with the water solubility and flexibility of polyethylene oxide, creating a polymer that can effectively bind to porous surfaces while maintaining insecticidal agent release over extended periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the polymer parameters by controlling the degree of grafting (20-80%) and the molecular weights of both the backbone (10,000-1,000,000 g/mol) and side chains (1,000-100,000 g/mol). These parameter changes optimize the polymer's ability to form stable films on porous surfaces, preventing rapid wash-off and extending the duration of insecticidal effect from months to years.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If insecticidal active ingredients are applied frequently to maintain effectiveness, then protection level is maintained, but user exposure and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection levelVSAvoiduser exposure and environmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The grafted polymer creates a continuous protective film on surfaces that slowly releases insecticidal agents over extended periods. This continuous action eliminates the need for frequent reapplication, reducing user exposure and environmental impact while maintaining consistent protection levels against insects throughout the year.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Duration of action of moving object

If polymer dispersions are used to extend insecticidal effect, then duration of protection is improved, but formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of protectionVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grafted polymer acts as an intermediary carrier between the insecticidal active ingredient and the porous surface. Rather than directly applying complex formulations, the polymer mediates the interaction by adsorbing the insecticidal agent and presenting it to the surface in a controlled manner, simplifying the overall formulation while extending protection duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 described compositions exhibit improved long-term biological effect and durability, maintaining efficacy even under adverse environmental conditions, with reduced sedimentation and ease of handling, and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Implementation Method 1

radically initiated emulsion copolymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadical polymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

graft-active, water-soluble redox system is used as a radical starter for the radically initiated emulsion polymerization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRedox reaction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 3

the effectiveness of the spray coating is also highly dependent on the chemical-physical properties of the sprayed surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP2282632B1Insecticidal formulations with improved long-term effect on surfaces
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 BAYER CROPSCIENCE AG

AI summary

The invention relates to compositions for use in pest control, especially to insecticidal suspension concentrates and to spray solutions produced on the basis thereof, to methods for producing them, and to the use of said formulations for a long-term control of animal pests (arthropods) on various surfaces. The invention further relates to the use of certain polymer dispersions in pest control agents, especially their use to prolong the long-term effect of said agents when they are applied to surfaces. The invention further relates to the use of the compositions according to the invention for controlling parasites, especially ectoparasites, in animals.