Stable Emulsifiable Concentrate Using Matching Alcohol Solvent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Formulating stable emulsifiable concentrates for agricultural use is challenging due to chemical and physical instabilities, particularly when combining hydrophobic ester and hydrophilic acid or salt herbicides, which can lead to reactions such as decarboxylation and hydrolysis, affecting the stability and efficacy of the product.
Innovation Solution
A stable emulsifiable concentrate is developed containing a first herbicidal carboxylic acid in the form of a tertiary amine salt and a second herbicidal carboxylic acid in the ester form, using an alcohol solvent or co-solvent that matches the ester portion, along with optional emulsifiers, to create a homogeneous solution that maintains stability during storage and application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydrophobic ester herbicide and hydrophilic acid or salt herbicide are combined in typical emulsifiable concentrate formulations, then the spectrum and efficacy are improved, but chemical instabilities occur leading to decarboxylation and hydrolysis reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a novel emulsifier as an intermediary substance that mediates between the hydrophobic ester herbicide and hydrophilic acid/salt herbicide. This emulsifier prevents direct harmful interactions while allowing both components to coexist stably in the formulation, thereby maintaining chemical stability without sacrificing the expanded herbicidal spectrum
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the formulation by adjusting the emulsifier concentration, solvent composition, and pH levels. These parameter changes create a stable microenvironment that prevents decarboxylation and hydrolysis reactions while maintaining the effectiveness of both herbicide types
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple active ingredients, solvents, safeners, and adjuvants are combined to achieve optimal spectrum and efficacy, then the herbicidal performance is improved, but formulation stability becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the formulation into distinct functional components: hydrophobic ester herbicide, hydrophilic acid/salt herbicide, novel emulsifier, solvent system, and optional adjuvants. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall stability, reducing the complexity of managing interactions between multiple ingredients
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite emulsifier system that combines multiple functional properties in a single substance. This composite emulsifier simultaneously provides emulsification, stabilization, and compatibility with both herbicide types, simplifying the formulation while maintaining optimal performance
3Productivity
If hydrophilic salt herbicide is dissolved in the oil phase with hydrophobic ester herbicide, then the delivery efficiency is improved, but hydrolysis or transesterification reactions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The novel emulsifier acts as a protective intermediary that prevents direct contact between the hydrophilic salt herbicide and the oil-phase ester herbicide. This intermediary barrier eliminates the conditions necessary for hydrolysis and transesterification reactions while maintaining effective delivery of both herbicides
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the hydrophilic salt herbicide from the oil phase and positions it in a separate aqueous phase, eliminating the source of harmful reactions. The emulsifier system maintains this separation while still enabling effective delivery and application of both herbicide types
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 solution ensures a stable emulsifiable concentrate with at least 95% active ingredient retention after accelerated storage tests, demonstrating improved stability and efficacy in maintaining herbicidal activity over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the first carboxylic acid herbicide in the acid form with the tertiary amine in the alcohol solvent and with the second carboxylic acid herbicide ester and optionally any emulsifiers with stirring until a homogeneous solution is obtained
Implementation Method 2
The emulsifying agent enables the emulsifiable concentrate to disperse easily in water, thereby forming a 'milky' and homogenous emulsion
Data Source
AI summary
Stable emulsifiable concentrates containing a first herbicidal carboxylic acid in the salt form and a second herbicidal carboxylic acid in the ester form are prepared by using a tertiary amine to prepare the salt of the first herbicidal carboxylic acid and by using an alcohol which is the same as the ester portion of the second carboxylic acid herbicide as the solvent.