Trinexapac-ethyl Microemulsion Stability via Block Copolymer Surfactant
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Trinexapac-ethyl microemulsions face issues with physical and chemical instability, particularly during temperature variations and upon dilution with water, leading to sediment formation and reduced shelf life, which affects their application in agriculture.
Innovation Solution
A microemulsion composition comprising trinexapac-ethyl and a poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymer, specifically with an average molecular weight range of 1450 to 3000 g/mol and a polyethylene oxide weight percentage of 20-50%, along with additional surfactants like castor oil alkoxylates and alkylbenzene sulfonates, to achieve long-term stability and acceptable water dilution properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If trinexapac-ethyl is formulated as a conventional microemulsion, then it can be diluted with water for agricultural application, but it exhibits physical instability leading to sediment formation and coalescence of oil droplets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the molecular weight of the polypropylene oxide block (1450-3000 g/mol) and the weight percentage of the polyethylene oxide block (20-50%) in the block copolymer surfactant. These specific parameter ranges create a microemulsion formulation that maintains physical stability during water dilution while preventing sediment formation and oil droplet coalescence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite surfactant system comprising a poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymer in combination with additional surfactants. This composite material approach creates synergistic effects that enhance both the water dilution capability and physical stability of the trinexapac-ethyl microemulsion formulation.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If trinexapac-ethyl is formulated as a conventional microemulsion, then it can be stored for extended periods, but it exhibits chemical instability reducing shelf life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting specific molecular weight ranges and compositional ratios of the block copolymer surfactant that create a chemically stable microemulsion environment. The polypropylene oxide block molecular weight (1450-3000 g/mol) and polyethylene oxide block content (20-50% by weight) are optimized to prevent chemical degradation of trinexapac-ethyl during storage, thereby extending shelf life while maintaining reliability.
3Quantity of substance
If microemulsion is diluted with large excess of water, then it can be applied agriculturally, but it forms bigger oil droplets via coalescence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the surfactant composition, specifically the block copolymer structure with controlled polypropylene oxide molecular weight (1450-3000 g/mol) and polyethylene oxide content (20-50% by weight). These parameter optimizations enable the microemulsion to maintain small droplet size even when diluted with large amounts of water, preventing coalescence and maintaining uniform dispersion for agricultural application.
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 retains stability and chemical integrity even upon extensive water dilution, ensuring effective plant growth regulation and extended shelf life, making it suitable for agricultural use.
Implementation Method 1
a poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymer
Implementation Method 2
trinexapac-ethyl microemulsion composition
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a new trinexapac-ethyl microemulsion composition. Such compositions are useful in agriculture for regulating the growth of plants.