Polyol Ester Structurant for Agrochemical Suspension Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agrochemical suspension concentrates face challenges in maintaining stability and preventing solid particle separation over time, especially with high adjuvant loadings that reduce water content, leading to difficulties in achieving a stable suspension without impacting viscosity.
Innovation Solution
The use of polyol esters of C4 to C16 dicarboxylic acids as structurants in combination with surfactant adjuvants, such as polyoxyethylene (7) C12-C15 alcohol C8-C10 alkylpolysaccharide, to create stable suspension concentrates with low or no water content, allowing for high adjuvant loading without viscosity issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high loadings of adjuvant are included in the SC formulation, then bioperformance and efficiency are improved, but the stability of the suspension concentrate deteriorates and solid particle separation becomes more difficult to prevent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing polyol esters of C4 to C16 dicarboxylic acids as structurants, which have specific molecular structures that provide effective structuring properties in low aqueous and substantially non-aqueous concentrates, resolving the stability issue while maintaining high adjuvant loading
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material approach by combining polyol esters with surfactant adjuvants and solid agrochemical actives to create a stable suspension concentrate formulation that maintains both high adjuvant loading and suspension stability
2Productivity
If water content is reduced to accommodate high adjuvant loading, then efficiency is improved, but the ability of existing structuring agents to swell and provide adequate thickening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physicochemical parameters of the structuring agent by using polyol esters with specific molecular weights and functional groups that can provide adequate thickening and structuring in formulations with reduced water content, unlike traditional polysaccharide gums that require water to swell
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional water-dependent structuring agents with polyol esters that function effectively in non-aqueous or low-aqueous environments, making the formulation more adaptable to high adjuvant loading conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing structuring agents are used in substantially non-aqueous concentrates, then formulation flexibility is improved, but the suspending capability and prevention of hard pack sediment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the structurant by using polyol esters of C4 to C16 dicarboxylic acids with specific functional groups that provide both suspending capability and prevention of hard pack sediment in non-aqueous environments, while maintaining formulation flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The polyol esters act as intermediary substances that mediate between the surfactant adjuvant and solid agrochemical particles, providing effective suspension and preventing hard pack sediment formation in substantially non-aqueous concentrates
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 polyol esters provide effective structuring properties, maintaining stability and preventing separation of solid particles in agrochemical concentrates, even under elevated temperatures and shear forces, ensuring homogeneous formulations and extended shelf life.
Implementation Method 1
the structurant may be used to structure a surfactant adjuvant
Implementation Method 2
maintaining stability and preventing separation of solid particles in agrochemical concentrates
Data Source
AI summary
An agrochemical formulation comprising a structurant, surfactant adjuvant, and optionally an agrochemical active and/or nutrient. The structurant is a polyol ester of a C4 to C16 dicarboxylic acid, and may be obtainable by the reaction of C4 to C16 dicarboxylic acid, C2 to C8 polyol, and C16 to C30 monocarboxylic fatty acid. There is also provided a method of making the concentrate. The structurant is suitable for use in concentrates and agrochemical formulations to provide structuring in adjuvant based systems.