Prothioconazole Granule Stability via Weak Acid pH Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Developing stable solid compositions of prothioconazole fungicide with optimal friability and attrition resistance is challenging due to issues with granule integrity, dustiness, and handling difficulties in existing formulations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a weak acid, such as phosphoric acid or citric acid, with prothioconazole in the granulation process to adjust pH and improve the physical properties of the granules, resulting in stable, non-friable, and low-dust granules with enhanced attrition resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional granulation processes are used for prothioconazole formulations, then granules can be produced, but they exhibit high friability and poor attrition resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the pH of the granulation mixture to a specific range (pH 3-6) using weak acids. This pH adjustment fundamentally changes the physical-chemical parameters of the system, leading to improved granule integrity, reduced friability, and better attrition resistance without requiring complex process modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces weak acids (such as citric acid, tartaric acid, or acetic acid) as intermediary substances that mediate between the prothioconazole and the granulation process. These weak acids act as pH modifiers that improve granule properties without directly participating in the granulation mechanism, serving as a bridge to achieve the desired granule characteristics.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional granulation processes are used for prothioconazole formulations, then granules can be produced, but they exhibit high dustiness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pH adjustment as a parameter change strategy to simultaneously address dustiness and granule stability. By controlling the pH to the optimal range, the granules develop better surface properties that reduce dust generation while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between reducing harmful dust and preserving granule stability.
3Reliability
If conventional granulation processes are used for prothioconazole formulations, then granules can be produced, but they exhibit poor attrition resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple pH adjustment parameter change that significantly improves attrition resistance. This approach avoids complex formulation recipes or multi-step processes, demonstrating how a single parameter modification can enhance mechanical properties without increasing formulation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The weak acid intermediaries simplify the manufacturing process by providing a straightforward mechanism to improve attrition resistance. Rather than requiring complex binders or multi-component systems, the weak acids serve as simple mediators that achieve the desired mechanical strength through pH control.
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 use of weak acids in the formulation process significantly improves the friability, attrition resistance, and dustiness of prothioconazole granules, ensuring their stability during production, transport, and storage, and maintaining granule integrity.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a weak acid, such as phosphoric acid or citric acid, with prothioconazole in the granulation process to adjust pH and improve the physical properties of the granules
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a stable fungicidal composition comprising at least one conazole fungicide and at least one weak acid. In particular, the present invention provides a composition comprising a conazole fungicide, a weak acid and water in the form of water dispersible granules. The present invention further provides a process of preparation of fungicidal composition, its use and method of application of fungicidal compositions for pest control.

