Polyolefin Core-Shell Pest Control Composition for Rainfastness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pest control compositions face challenges in maintaining effective residual protein concentrations of Bacillus thuringiensis after exposure to rain, leading to reduced pest control efficacy.

Innovation Solution

A pest control composition comprising composite particles with a polyolefin core and a vinyl monomer shell, combined with Bacillus thuringiensis and water, which enhances rainfastness and maintains greater than 80% Bacillus thuringiensis activity after rain exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional pest control formulations are used, then initial pest control activity is achieved, but residual protein concentration decreases significantly after rain exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepest control efficacyVSAvoidresidual protein concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite particles consisting of a polyolefin core with vinyl monomer units polymerized onto it, creating a core-shell structure. This composite material provides both the structural integrity needed for rainfastness and the functional properties for maintaining Bacillus thuringiensis activity, resolving the contradiction between initial efficacy and residual concentration after rain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the formulation by using particles with specific size ranges (0.1 to 15.0 wt% of the composition) and controlled polymerization degrees. These parameter changes enhance the stability and rainfastness of the formulation, preventing protein loss while maintaining pest control efficacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If polyolefin core with vinyl monomer shell is used, then rainfastness is enhanced and Bacillus thuringiensis activity is maintained, but formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverainfastnessVSAvoidformulation structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The formulation is segmented into distinct functional components: a polyolefin core providing structural stability and a vinyl monomer shell providing functional properties. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while maintaining overall formulation simplicity and manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 provides improved residual protein concentrations and pest control efficacy by retaining greater than 80% Bacillus thuringiensis activity post-rain, outperforming conventional formulations.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of monomeric structural units derived from a vinyl monomer polymerized onto the polyolefin core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20250311732A1Pest control compositions
Publication Date: 2025.10.09 DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A pest control composition includes a plurality of composite particles, each of the composite particles includes a polyolefin core, wherein the polyolefin of the polyolefin core has 50 wt % or more of monomeric structural units derived from an olefin monomer based upon a total weight of the polyolefin. Each of the composite particles also includes a plurality of monomeric structural units derived from a vinyl monomer polymerized onto the polyolefin core, wherein the vinyl monomer includes one or more (meth)acrylic monomer. The composition also includes Bacillus thuringiensis and water.