Triethanolamine Glyphosate Salt Formulations for Viscosity Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High strength glyphosate formulations, particularly those with isopropylamine and potassium salts, face issues with high viscosity, incompatibility with surfactants, and increased eye irritation, making them difficult to handle and apply effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of triethanolamine (TEA) salts in combination with potassium (K) salts of glyphosate to create high strength liquid herbicide formulations that are stable, have reduced viscosity, and are compatible with a wide range of surfactants, including alkyl polyglucosides and ethoxylated propylene oxide block copolymers, enhancing herbicidal activity and ease of application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high strength formulations of glyphosate (greater than 350 gae/l) are used to reduce shipping and handling costs, then economic efficiency is improved, but viscosity increases making the formulation difficult to measure and pump
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter by using triethanolamine (TEA) salt of glyphosate instead of conventional salts like IPA or K salts. This parameter change maintains high glyphosate concentration (greater than 350 gae/l) while significantly reducing viscosity, allowing the formulation to remain pumpable and measurable even at high strengths up to 580 gae/l.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional glyphosate salts (MEA or K salts) are used in high strength formulations, then solubility is improved, but compatibility with surfactants deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The TEA salt of glyphosate provides universal compatibility with a wide range of surfactants including alkyl polyglucosides, ethoxylated propylene oxide block copolymers, and other nonionic surfactants. This multi-functionality allows the same glyphosate formulation to work effectively with various surfactant types without precipitation or incompatibility issues, unlike MEA or K salts which have restricted surfactant compatibility.
3Reliability
If certain surfactants are combined with glyphosate salt to enhance herbicidal activity, then herbicidal efficacy is improved, but viscosity increases making handling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The TEA salt acts as an intermediary that mediates between the glyphosate active ingredient and surfactants. This intermediary role allows surfactants to be incorporated at effective concentrations for enhanced herbicidal activity while the TEA salt structure prevents excessive viscosity increase, maintaining the formulation's pumpability and handleability.
4Loss of substance
If high strength formulations are used to reduce packaging material, then environmental benefit is improved, but formulation stability at varying temperatures must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The formulation uses a composite approach by combining TEA salt of glyphosate with specific surfactants and co-solvents in optimized proportions. This composite formulation maintains stability across a wide temperature range (0°C to 50°C and beyond) while achieving high strength concentrations that reduce packaging requirements. The synergistic combination prevents precipitation and maintains homogeneity at varying temperatures.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
AI summary
The present invention encompasses high strength formulations of glyphosate, particularly, the triethanolamine salts of glyphosate, and more particularly, formulations comprising the combination of these salts with potassium salts, and methods of use thereof. The formulations exhibit improved characteristics at high concentration.