Stable Suspension Concentrate via Water-Soluble Salts

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Solution Overview

Problem

The production of a stable, water-based suspension concentrate formulation of a water-soluble insecticide is challenging due to the formation of large crystals, which can lead to incomplete dissolution and uneven pesticidal applications, as well as particle settling during storage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating at least one neutral water-soluble salt, such as magnesium sulfate or sodium sulfate, into a composition containing water-soluble insecticides like N-cyanomethyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)nicotinamide and (EZ)-1-(6-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)-N-nitroimidazolidin-2-ylidineamine, along with additional components like surfactants, antifoam agents, and thickeners, to maintain physical stability and uniform particle size distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a water-based suspension concentrate formulation is prepared without additives, then the formulation is simple, but large crystals form through Ostwald ripening leading to instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical stabilityVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Neutral water-soluble salts (magnesium sulfate or sodium sulfate) are introduced as intermediary substances to mediate the interaction between water-soluble insecticide molecules. These salts prevent Ostwald ripening by altering the solubility equilibrium and crystal growth kinetics, thereby maintaining physical stability without requiring complex surfactant systems or co-solvents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the formulation by incorporating specific concentrations of neutral water-soluble salts (1-35% w/w). This parameter modification prevents the thermodynamic process of Ostwald ripening, thereby stabilizing the suspension concentrate and preventing large crystal formation while maintaining formulation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If large crystals form in the suspension concentrate, then the formulation may be simpler to prepare, but the insecticide does not dissolve completely leading to uneven application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size uniformityVSAvoiddissolution completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The neutral water-soluble salts act as intermediaries that modify the dissolution behavior of water-soluble insecticides. By preventing excessive crystal growth through Ostwald ripening, these salts ensure that particles remain small and uniform in size, which in turn ensures complete dissolution upon dilution with water for spray application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If particle size is not controlled in the suspension concentrate, then the formulation process is simpler, but particles settle during storage reducing effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage stabilityVSAvoidparticle size control
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the formulation parameter to include neutral water-soluble salts at optimized concentrations, the invention suppresses the crystal growth process that leads to particle settling. This parameter modification maintains uniform particle size distribution throughout storage without requiring complex stabilization mechanisms or continuous agitation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 addition of water-soluble salts prevents the formation of large crystals, ensuring complete dissolution and maintaining stability during storage, thus preventing clogged spray apparatus and ensuring uniform pesticidal application.

Implementation Method 1

Physical stability is most important in this type of formulation in order to ensure the small amount of the insecticide is fully effective. The production of a stable, water-based suspension concentrate formulation of a water-soluble insecticide is difficult due to the formation of large crystals in the process known as Ostwald ripening.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOstwald ripening: Ostwald Ripening

Implementation Method 2

a physically stable, water based suspension concentrate composition containing a water-soluble insecticide is formed, without the formation of large crystals, by the addition of at least one or more neutral water-soluble salts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolubility modification: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS11006630B2Stable suspension concentrate formulation for water-soluble compounds
Publication Date: 2021.05.18 FMC CORP

AI summary

The present invention is directed to an insecticidal water based suspension concentrate formulation comprising a water-soluble insecticide selected from the group consisting of N-cyanomethyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)nicotinamide and (EZ)-1-(6-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)-N-nitroimidazolidin-2-ylidineamine and at least one water-soluble salt selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate (hydrated and anhydrous forms) and sodium sulfate, wherein the water-soluble insecticide is present in an insecticidally effective amount and methods of use.