AGROCHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Abstract

This invention relates to agrochemical compositions. More specifically, the invention relates to an aqueous agrochemical composition comprising (i) water in an amount of 30 wt. % or more based on the total weight of the liquid agrochemical composition: (ii) one or more electrolyte agrochemicals dissolved in the water, wherein the total amount of electrolyte agrochemicals dissolved in the water is 20 wt. % or more based on the total amount of water in the liquid agrochemical composition; (iii) a surfactant system comprising: (a) an alkylpolyglucoside surfactant, an alkyl glucamide ester surfactant and/or an ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate ester surfactant; and (b) a co-surfactant comprising an anionic head group and a tail group, wherein the tail group comprises at least two alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups; and (iv) one or more agrochemicals suspended in the water.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A liquid agrochemical composition comprising: (i) water in an amount of 30 wt. % or more based on the total weight of the liquid agrochemical composition; (ii) one or more electrolyte agrochemicals dissolved in the water, wherein the total amount of electrolyte agrochemicals dissolved in the water is 20 wt. % or more based on the total weight of water in the liquid agrochemical composition; (iii) a surfactant system comprising: (a) an alkylpolyglucoside surfactant, an alkyl glucamide ester surfactant and/or an ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate ester surfactant; and (b) a co-surfactant comprising an anionic head group and a tail group, wherein the tail group comprises at least two alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups; and (iv) one or more agrochemicals suspended in the water.

17. The liquid agrochemical composition according to claim 16, wherein the alkylpolyglucoside surfactant is represented by the following Formula (I):
H-(G).sub.n—O—R  Formula (I) wherein: G represents a radical resulting from the removal of a molecule of H.sub.2O from a monosaccharide; n is between 1 and 5; and R represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, alkyl radical having a number of carbon atoms ranging from 8 to 20; wherein the alkyl glucamide ester surfactant is represented by the following Formula (II): ##STR00026## wherein: R.sub.a is a linear or branched C5 to C21 alkyl group or a C5-C21 alkenyl group; and R.sub.b is a C1 to C4 alkyl group; and wherein the ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate ester surfactant is represented by the following Formula (IIIa) and/or (IIIb): ##STR00027## wherein: in Formula IIIa, M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 are a cation, n is an integer from 1 to 20, and R is a C6-C22 straight- or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group; and in Formula IIIb, M is selected from H.sup.+, Na.sup.+, K.sup.+, and NH.sub.4.sup.+, n and m are independently an integer from 1 to 20, and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently a C6-C22 straight- or branched-chain alkyl or alkenyl group.

18. The liquid agrochemical composition according to claim 16, wherein the co-surfactant (b) is represented by Formula (1): ##STR00028## wherein: A represents an anionic head group selected from —SO.sub.3M, —OSO.sub.3M, —CO.sub.2M, and —OPO.sub.3M, where M is a cation; R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are the same or different, and each is independently selected from hydrogen, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.22 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.22 alkenyl group, and a C.sub.2-C.sub.22 alkynyl group, provided that at most only one of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is H, and provided that the total number of carbons in R.sup.1 to R.sup.3 is from 6 to 24; and L represents a linking group that connects R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 to the anionic head group by 7 or less atoms selected from C, N, O, S, and P.

19. The liquid agrochemical composition according to claim 16, wherein the co-surfactant (b) is represented by Formula (2-1): ##STR00029## wherein: A represents an anionic head group selected from —SO.sub.3M, —OSO.sub.3M, —CO.sub.2M, and —OPO.sub.3M, where M is a cation; R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are the same or different, and each is independently selected from hydrogen, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.22 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.22 alkenyl group, and a C.sub.2-C.sub.22 alkynyl group, provided that at most only one of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is H, and provided that the total number of carbons in R.sup.1 to R.sup.3 is 6 to 24; X.sup.1, X.sup.2 and X.sup.3 are the same or different and are independently selected from a direct bond, —O—, —COO—, —CH(OH)—, and —CONH—, p is selected from 0 and 1; n is selected from 0, 1 and 2; and a, b and c are the same or different, and are independently selected from 0, 1 and 2.

20. The liquid agrochemical composition according to claim 16, wherein the co-surfactant (b) is represented by Formula (2-2): ##STR00030## wherein: A represents an anionic head group selected from —SO.sub.3M, —OSO.sub.3M, —CO.sub.2M, and —OPO.sub.3M, where M is a cation; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different, and each is independently selected from a C.sub.1 to C.sub.22 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.22 alkenyl group, and a C.sub.2-C.sub.22 alkynyl group, provided that the total number of carbons in R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is 6 to 24; and X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 are the same or different and are independently selected from a direct bond, —O—, —COO—, —CH(OH)—, and —CONH—; and p is selected from 0 and 1; n is selected from 0, 1 and 2; and a and b are the same or different, and are independently selected from 0, 1 and 2.

21. The liquid agrochemical composition according to claim 16, wherein the co-surfactant (b) is represented by Formula 5: ##STR00031## wherein: A represents an anionic head group selected from —SO.sub.3M, —OSO.sub.3M, —CO.sub.2M, and —OPO.sub.3M, where M is a cation; R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are the same or different, and each is independently selected from hydrogen, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.22 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.22 alkenyl group, and a C.sub.2-C.sub.22 alkynyl group, provided that at most only one of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is H, and provided that the total number of carbons in R.sup.1 to R.sup.3 is 6 to 24; a, b and c are the same or different, and are independently selected from 0, 1 and 2; and X.sup.1, X.sup.2 and X.sup.3 are the same or different and are independently selected from a direct bond, —O—, —COO—, —CH(OH)—, and —CONH—.

22. The liquid agrochemical composition according to claim 16, wherein the co-surfactant (b) is represented by Formula 6-1 or Formula 6-2: ##STR00032## wherein: for Formulae 6-1 and 6-2: A represents an anionic head group selected from —SO.sub.3M, —OSO.sub.3M, —CO.sub.2M, and —OPO.sub.3M, where M is a cation; for Formula 6-1: R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are the same or different, and each is independently selected from hydrogen, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.22 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.22 alkenyl group, or a C.sub.2-C.sub.22 alkynyl group, provided that at most only one of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is H, and provided that the total number of carbons in R.sup.1 to R.sup.3 is 6 to 24; for Formula 6-2: R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different, and each is independently selected from a C.sub.1 to C.sub.22 alkyl group, a C2-C22 alkenyl group, or a C2-C22 alkynyl group, provided that the total number of carbons in R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is 6 to 24; for Formulae 6-1 and 6-2: n is selected from 0, 1 and 2; for Formula 6-1: a, b and c are the same or different, and are independently selected from 0, 1 and 2; and for Formula 6-2: a and b are the same or different, and are independently selected from 0, 1 and 2; for Formula 6-1: X.sup.1, X.sup.2 and X.sup.3 are the same or different and are independently selected from a direct bond, —O—, —COO—, —CH(OH)—, and —CONH—; and for Formula 6-2: X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 are the same or different and are independently selected from a direct bond, —O—, —COO—, —CH(OH)—, and —CONH—.

23. The liquid agrochemical composition according to claim 16, wherein the co-surfactant (b) is one or more surfactants represented by Formulae 9 to 14: ##STR00033## wherein: for Formula 9: M is a cation; and a and b are the same or different and are selected to be an integer from 0 to 11, provided that a+b is from 7 to 11; ##STR00034## wherein: for Formula 10: M is a cation; and a and b are the same or different and are selected to be an integer from 0 to 11, provided that a+b is from 9 to 16; ##STR00035## wherein: for Formula 11: M is cation; and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are selected to be a C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 straight chain alkyl group; and ##STR00036## wherein: for Formula 12: M is cation; and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are selected to be a C1 to C16 straight chain alkyl group, provided that together R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 provide 6 to 18 carbon atoms; ##STR00037## wherein: for Formula 13-1 and 13-2: M is a cation; the dotted line represents an optional double bond; a and b are the same or different and are selected to be an integer from 0 to 11, provided that a+b is from 9 to 14; ##STR00038## wherein: for Formula 14: M is cation, and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are selected to be a C.sub.1 to C.sub.20 straight chain alkyl or alkenyl group, provided that together R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 provide 6 to 20 carbon atoms.

24. The liquid agrochemical composition according to claim 20, wherein the total amount of alkylpolyglucoside surfactant is 1.0 wt. % or more based on the total weight of the liquid agrochemical composition; or wherein the total amount of alkyl glucamide ester surfactant is 1.0 wt. % or more based on the total weight of the liquid agrochemical composition; or wherein the total amount of ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate ester surfactant is 1.0 wt. % or more based on the total weight of the liquid agrochemical composition; or wherein the total amount of alkylpolyglucoside surfactant, alkyl glucamide ester surfactant, and ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate ester surfactant combined is 1.0 wt. % or more based on the total weight of the liquid agrochemical composition.

25. The liquid agrochemical composition according to claim 23, wherein the total amount of co-surfactant (b) is 1.0 wt. % or more based on the total weight of the liquid agrochemical composition.

26. The liquid agrochemical composition according to claim 16, wherein the weight ratio of the total amount of alkylpolyglucoside surfactant to the total amount of co-surfactant (b) is from 0.3 to 3; or wherein the weight ratio of the total amount of alkyl glucamide ester surfactant to the total amount of co-surfactant (b) is from 0.3 to 3; or wherein the weight ratio of the total amount of ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate ester surfactant to the total amount of co-surfactant (b) is from 0.3 to 3; or wherein the weight ratio of the total amount of alkylpolyglucoside surfactant, alkyl glucamide ester surfactant, and ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate ester surfactant combined to the total amount of co-surfactant (b) is from 0.3 to 3.

27. The liquid agrochemical composition according to claim 16, comprising: (i) water in an amount of 30 wt. % or more based on the total weight of the liquid agrochemical composition; (ii) one or more electrolyte agrochemicals dissolved in the water, wherein the total amount of electrolyte agrochemicals dissolved in the water is 20 wt. % or more based on the total weight of water in the liquid agrochemical composition; (iii) a surfactant system comprising: (a) 1.0 wt. % or more of an alkylpolyglucoside surfactant based on the total weight of the liquid agrochemical composition; and (b) 1.0 wt. % or more of a co-surfactant based on the total weight of the liquid agrochemical composition, wherein the co-surfactant is one or more surfactants represented by Formulae 9 to 14 below; and (iv) one or more agrochemicals suspended in the water: ##STR00039## wherein: for Formula 9: M is cation; and a and b are the same or different and are selected to be an integer from 0 to 11, provided that a+b is from 7 to 11; ##STR00040## wherein: for Formula 10: M is a cation, and a and b are the same or different and are selected to be an integer from 0 to 11, provided that a+b is from 9 to 16; ##STR00041## wherein: for Formula 11: M is cation; and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are selected to be a C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 straight chain alkyl ##STR00042## wherein: for Formula 12: M is a cation; and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are selected to be a C1 to C16 straight chain alkyl group, provided that together R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 provide 6 to 18 carbon atoms; ##STR00043## wherein: for Formula 13-1 and 13-2: M is a cation; a and b are the same or different and are selected to be an integer from 0 to 11, provided that a+b is from 9 to 14; ##STR00044## wherein: for Formula 14: M is a cation, and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are selected to be a C.sub.1 to C.sub.20 straight chain alkyl or alkenyl group, provided that together R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 provide 6 to 20 carbon atoms.

28. The liquid agrochemical composition according to claim 27, wherein the surfactant system comprises: (a) 2.0 wt. % or more of an alkylpolyglucoside surfactant based on the total weight of the liquid agrochemical composition; and/or (b) 2.0 wt. % or more of a co-surfactant based on the total weight of the liquid agrochemical composition, wherein the co-surfactant is one or more surfactants represented by Formulae 9 to 14.

29. The liquid agrochemical composition according to claim 16, wherein the electrolyte agrochemical is selected from glyphosate, glufosinate, 2,4-D, dicamba, and their agrochemically acceptable salts.

30. The liquid agrochemical composition according to claim 16, wherein the co-surfactant is represented by Formula 9: ##STR00045## wherein: M is a cation; and a and b are the same or different and are selected to be an integer from 0 to 11, provided that a+b is from 7 to 11.

31. The liquid agrochemical composition according to claim 17, wherein G is a hexose having the formula C.sub.6H.sub.2O.sub.6 or a pentose having the formula C.sub.5H.sub.10O.sub.5.

32. The liquid agrochemical composition according to claim 16, wherein the co-surfactant (b) is represented by Formula (3-1): ##STR00046## wherein: A represents an anionic head group selected from —SO.sub.3M, —OSO.sub.3M, —CO.sub.2M, and —OPO.sub.3M, where M is a cation; R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are the same or different, and each is independently selected from hydrogen, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.22 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.22 alkenyl group, or a C.sub.2-C.sub.22 alkynyl group, provided that at most only one of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is H, and provided that the total number of carbons in R.sup.1 to R.sup.3 is 6 to 24; and X.sup.1, X.sup.2 and X.sup.3 are the same or different and are independently selected from a direct bond, —O—, —COO—, —CH(OH)—, or —CONH—.

33. The liquid agrochemical composition according to claim 16, wherein the co-surfactant (b) is represented by Formula (4-1): ##STR00047## A represents an anionic head group selected from —SO.sub.3M, —OSO.sub.3M, —CO.sub.2M, and —OPO.sub.3M, where M is a cation; and R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are the same or different, and each is independently selected from hydrogen, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.22 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.22 alkenyl group, or a C.sub.2-C.sub.22 alkynyl group, provided that at most only one of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is H, and provided that the total number of carbons in R.sup.1 to R.sup.3 is 6 to 24.

34. The liquid agrochemical composition according to claim 16, wherein the co-surfactant (b) is represented by Formula (3-2): ##STR00048## wherein: A represents an anionic head group selected from —SO.sub.3M, —OSO.sub.3M, —CO.sub.2M, and —OPO.sub.3M, where M is a cation; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different, and each is independently selected from a C.sub.1 to C.sub.22 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.22 alkenyl group, or a C.sub.2-C.sub.22 alkynyl group, provided that the total number of carbons in R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is 6 to 24; and X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 are the same or different and are independently selected from a direct bond, —O—, —COO—, —CH(OH)—, and —CONH—.

35. The liquid agrochemical composition according to claim 16, wherein the co-surfactant (b) is represented by Formula(4-2): ##STR00049## wherein: A represents an anionic head group selected from —SO.sub.3M, —OSO.sub.3M, —CO.sub.2M, and —OPO.sub.3M, where M is a cation; and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different, and each is independently selected from a C.sub.1 to C.sub.22 alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.22 alkenyl group, or a C.sub.2-C.sub.22 alkynyl group, provided that the total number of carbons in R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is 6 to 24.

Description

Example 1—Testing Various Surfactants as the Co-Surfactant (b) to the Alkylpolyglucoside Surfactant (a)

[0137] Agrochemical compositions comprising a variety of test surfactants as a co-surfactant (b) to an alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (a) were prepared and tested for stability.

[0138] Preparation of a Mill Base

[0139] Being practically water-insoluble, the algicide and herbicide Diuron ((3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea) was chosen as being representative of the general class of agrochemicals that can be suspended in accordance with the present invention.

[0140] Water (48.98 wt. %), Silcolapse® 426R (0.82 wt. %), Agnique® PG-8107G (6.27 wt. %) and Diuron (43.93 wt. %) were added together and blended using a Silverson high shear mixer that was set at 3000 rpm with a small hole head. Agnique® PG-8107G (BASF AG) is an alkylpolyglucoside, representative of one class of surfactants that are required for the present invention. Silcolapse® 426R (Bluestar Silicones) is an anti-foamer and is added to reduce foaming during preparation and throughout the experiment. The obtained slurry was bead milled in an Eiger mill for approximately 40 minutes at 3000 rpm using 1-1.3 mm beads. The final particle size of the Diuron (D50: 1.9 μm; D90: 4.7 μm) was typical of that used for suspensions of agrochemical particles in aqueous formulations. It was observed by microscopy that the particles were well-dispersed in the millbase.

[0141] Preparation of Solution Base

[0142] Being a water-soluble electrolyte, the herbicide glyphosate was chosen as being representative of the general class of electrolyte agrochemicals that can be dissolved in the aqueous phase in accordance with the present invention.

[0143] Water (36.47 wt. %), Silcolapse® 426R (0.10 wt. %), Agnique® PG-8107G (5.66 wt. %), and 83.7% KOH (16.39 wt. %) were added together and stirred with an overhead mixer fitted with a propeller stirrer. Glyphosate (41.38 wt. %) was added slowly to the KOH solution and stirred for at least one hour to ensure complete neutralization and dissolution.

[0144] Preparation of the Agrochemical Compositions for Testing

[0145] Agrochemical compositions were prepared by blending the mill base as described previously (21.48 wt. %), water (2.57 wt. %), the surfactant to be tested (14.53 wt. % of a 30% aq. solution of surfactant) and the solution base as described previously (61.42 wt. %). After blending, agrochemical compositions were obtained having an electrolyte agrochemical (glyphosate) dissolved in an aqueous phase and having another agrochemical (Diuron) suspended in the aqueous phase. The relative amount of the different components in the compositions was as follows:

TABLE-US-00001 Component Amount (wt. %) Glyphosate acid 25.42 KOH 8.42 antifoam agent (from 0.24 Silcolapse ® 426R) alkylpolyglucoside (from 3.37 Agnique ® PG-8107G) Test surfactant 4.36 Diuron 9.44 Water 48.75

[0146] The compositions were stored for one week at 20° C. and then visually inspected for stability. The results for the different compositions comprising the different test surfactants are provided in the table below. The degree of separation is an estimate based on the amount of clear solution that separated from the otherwise opaque composition.

TABLE-US-00002 Ex. No. Commercial source Test surfactant Result Surfactants according to the invention 1-1 Nansa ® HS80S sodium dodecylbenzene <1% separation, sulphonate good pourability 1-2 Crodasinic ® LS30 sodium cocyl sarcosinate no separation, good pourability 1-3 Hostaspur ® SAS93 sodium secondary alkyl <1% separation, sulphonate good pourability 1-4 Crodasinic ® MS30 sodium myristoyl sarcosinate no separation, good pourability 1-5 Biosoft ® 411-E iPrNH.sub.3-LABS no separation, good pourability 1-6 Crodasinic ® O oleoyl sarcosine no separation, good pourability Comp. Ex. No Commercial source Test surfactant Result Comparative surfactants 1-7 Synperonic ® A2 C12,C15 EO2 34% separation 1-8 Synperonic ® 13/6.5 isotridecanol 6.5EO 28% separation 1-9 Adsee ® AB615 oleyl alkoxylated amine 31% separation 1-10 Arquad ® 16-29 hexadecyltrimethylammonium 20% separation chloride 1-11 Ammonyx ® LO lauramine oxide 16% separation* 1-12 Empigen ® BB lauryl betaine 13% separation* 1-13 Empicol ® LZ sodium lauryl sulfate not pourable 1-14 Steol ® CS270 sodium alkyl ethoxy 2EO 17% separation* sulphate 1-15 Polyaldo ® 6-2-6 distearoyl polyglycerol (6) not pourable 1-16 Polyaldo ® 10-2-P dipalmitoyl polyglycerol (10) 40% separation* 1-17 Polyaldo ® 10-10-O decaoleyl polyglycerol (10) 32% separation* *exhibited increased viscosity and therefore had poor pourability after storage

[0147] For the present experiments, good pourability was defined as <500 mPa-s at 20 sec.sup.−1; poor pourability is defined as >1000 mPa-s at 20 sec.sup.−1.

[0148] It is clear from the data in the table above that not all surfactants worked synergistically with the alkylpolyglucoside to provide a stable yet pourable composition in the presence of a significant amount of electrolyte agrochemical. For example, nonionic surfactants that are typically used in agrochemical compositions, such as alkoxylated fatty alcohols (Synperonic® A2; Synperonic® 13/6.5) and alkoxylated fatty amines (Adsee® AB615), as well as cationic surfactants such as those based on a quaternary ammonium (Arquad® 16-29), led to compositions that exhibited significant separation. It was also not sufficient for the surfactant to be amphoteric (Ammonyx® LO) or to be a zwitterion (Empigen® BB). While these were somewhat more stable than the non-ionic and cationic surfactants, they nevertheless suffered significant separation and also exhibited poor pourability.

[0149] From the data above it can be seen that the surfactants that lead to pourable compositions with little or no separation upon storage share common traits. First, they are all anionic surfactants having at least two hydrocarbon chains. Anionic surfactants having just one hydrocarbon chain led to compositions that were either not pourable (Empicol® LZ) or exhibited low pourability with significant separation (Steol® CS270). It is not enough for the surfactant to simply have two hydrocarbon chains. Surfactants having two hydrocarbon chains but which are not anionic led to compositions that were either not pourable (Polyaldo® 6-2-6) or exhibited poor pourability and/or significant separation (Polyaldo® 10-2-P; Polyaldo® 10-10-0).

Example 2—Increasing the Amount of Electrolyte Agrochemical

[0150] An agrochemical composition was prepared with a significantly higher amount of electrolyte agrochemical and was tested for stability under different conditions. The table below provides a summary of the composition and the test results.

TABLE-US-00003 Example No. 2-1 Component (wt. %) Glyphosate acid 33.30 KOH 13.2 antifoam agent (from 0.20 Silcolapse ® 426R) alkylpolyglucoside (from 4.00 Agnique ® PG-8107G) sodium dodecylbenzene 3.50 sulphonate (from Nansa ® HS80S) Diuron 10.00 Water 35.80 Storage condition Result 7 weeks at −10° C. no separation 7 weeks at 20° C. no separation 7 weeks at 40° C. <1% separation 4 months at 20° C. no separation

[0151] As can be seen from the data above, the combination of surfactants in accordance with the invention provides stable agrochemical compositions under various testing conditions. After storage, all samples were stable and exhibited good pourability. Good pourability is defined as <500 mPas at 20 sec.sup.−1.

Example 3—Using a Mixture of Co-Surfactants

[0152] An agrochemical composition was prepared in which a mixture of co-surfactants according to the invention were used. The table below provides a summary of the composition and the test results.

TABLE-US-00004 Example No. 3-1 Component (wt. %) Glyphosate acid 25.42 KOH 8.42 antifoam agent (from Silcolapse ® 0.24 426R) alkylpolyglucoside (from Agnique ®) 3.37 PG-8107G) sodium dioctylsulphosuccinate 0.72 (from Aerosol ® OT-100) sodium cocyl sarcosinate (from 2.57 Crodasinic ® LS40) Diuron 9.44 Water 49.82 Storage condition Result 4 weeks at 40° C. no separation 7 weeks at 0° C. no separation 7 weeks at 20° C. no separation

[0153] As can be seen from the data above, the combination of surfactants in accordance with the invention provides stable agrochemical compositions under various testing conditions. After storage, all samples were stable and exhibited good pourability. Good pourability is defined as <500 mPa.Math.s at 20 sec.sup.−1.

Example 4—Reducing the Amount of Co-Surfactant (b)

[0154] An agrochemical composition was prepared in which the amount of co-surfactant was reduced. The table below provides a summary of the composition and the test results.

TABLE-US-00005 Ex. No. 4-1 Ex. No. 4-2 Component (wt. %) (wt. %) Glyphosate acid 25.42 25.42 KOH 8.42 8.42 antifoam agent (from Silcolapse ® 0.24 0.24 426R) alkylpolyglucoside (from Agnique ®) 3.37 3.37 PG-8107G) sodium dioctylsulphosuccinate 2.00 1.43 (from Aerosol ® OT-100) Diuron 9.44 9.44 Water 51.11 51.68 Storage condition Result Result 7 weeks at 0° C. <1% separation <1% separation 7 weeks at 20° C. <1% separation no separation 7 weeks at 40° C. <1% separation no separation

[0155] As can be seen from the data above, reducing the amount of co-surfactant still provides stable agrochemical compositions under various testing conditions. After storage, all samples were stable and exhibited good pourability. Good pourability is defined as <500 mPa.Math.s at 20 sec.sup.−1.

Example 5—Using a Mix of a Co-Surfactant According to the Invention and Another Surfactant

[0156] An agrochemical composition was prepared in which a mixture of a co-surfactant according to the invention and another surfactant was used. The table below provides a summary of the composition and the test results.

TABLE-US-00006 Ex. No. 5-1 Component (wt. %) Glyphosate acid 25.17 KOH 8.36 antifoam agent (from Silcolapse ® 0.24 426R) alkylpolyglucoside (from Agnique ® 3.34 PG-8107G) sodium dodecylbenzene sulphonate 4.32 (from Nansa ® HS80) sodium alkyl ethoxy 2EO sulphate 1.00 (from Steol ® CS270) Diruon 9.35 Water 48.22 Storage condition Result 2 weeks at 20° C. no separation 2 weeks at 0° C. no separation 4 weeks at 40° C. no separation

[0157] As can be seen from the data above, while a surfactant such as sodium alkyl ethoxy 2EO sulphate (from Steol® CS270) was not by itself sufficient to provide a stable composition with an alkylpolyglucoside (see Example 1), it can nevertheless be added to the composition if a co-surfactant according to the invention is present.

Reference Example 6—Using a Co-Surfactant of the Invention with a Betaine Surfactant

[0158] This example tests if alkylpolyglucoside surfactants can be replaced with another electrolyte tolerant surfactant and retain stability. In this example the alkylpolyglucoside surfactant of the previous examples was replaced with a betaine surfactant (Empigen® BS). Betaines are a class of surfactant that are considered to have a greater electrolyte tolerance than ethoxylated surfactants, anionic surfactants and cationic surfactants on account that they are less likely to precipitate from a high-electrolyte composition than these other surfactants.

[0159] Preparation of a Mill Base

[0160] Water (21.75 wt. %), Silcolapse® 426R (0.82 wt. %), Empigen® BS (33.50 wt. % of a 30% aq. solution) and Diuron (43.93 wt. %) were added together and blended using a Silverson high shear mixer that was set at 3000 rpm with a small hole head. The obtained slurry was bead milled in an Eiger mill for approximately 13 minutes at 3000 rpm using 1-1.3 mm beads. The final particle size of the Diuron (D50: 2.2 μm; D90: 5.1 μm) was typical of that used for suspensions of agrochemical particles in aqueous formulations and the particles were well-dispersed in the millbase (as observed by microscopy).

[0161] Preparation of Solution Base

[0162] Water (35.53 wt. %), Silcolapse® 426R (0.10 wt. %), 30% aq. soln. of Empigen® BS (6.60 wt. %), and 83.7% KOH (16.39 wt. %) were added together and stirred with an overhead mixer fitted with a propeller stirrer. Glyphosate (41.38 wt. %) was added slowly to the KOH solution and stirred for at least one hour to ensure complete neutralization and dissolution.

[0163] Preparation of the Agrochemical Compositions for Testing

[0164] Agrochemical compositions were prepared by blending the mill base as described previously (21.48 wt. %), water (2.57 wt. %), Nansa® HS 80S (14.53 wt. % of a 30% aq. solution of surfactant) and the solution base as described previously (61.42 wt. %). After blending, an agrochemical composition was obtained as follows:

TABLE-US-00007 Ref. Ex. No. 6-1 Component (wt. %) Glyphosate acid 25.42 KOH 8.42 antifoam agent (from Silcolapse ® 0.24 426R) betaine surfactant (from Empigen ® 3.37 BS) sodium dodecylbenzene sulphonate 4.36 (from Nansa ® HS80) Diuron 9.44 Water 48.75 Storage condition Result 1 week at 20° C. 40% separation

[0165] The composition was stored for one week at 20° C. and then visually inspected for stability and was estimated to give 40% separation. Comparing this data to the corresponding composition in Example 1 that used sodium dodecylbenzene sulphonate (from Nansa® HS80S) (stability at one week at 20° C.: <1% separation) makes it clear that the co-surfactant of the invention works synergistically with alkylpolyglucoside surfactants to provide stable compositions, even in the presence of electrolyte agrochemicals.

Example 7—Varying the Ratio of Alkylpolyglucoside and Co-Surfactant

[0166] Agrochemical compositions were prepared in which the relative amount of alkylpolygluco side surfactant and co-surfactant is varied. The table below provides a summary of the compositions and the test results.

TABLE-US-00008 Ex. No. Ex. No. Ex. No. Ex. No. Component 7-1 7-2 7-3 7-4 Glyphosate acid 33.30 33.30 33.30 33.30 KOH 13.2 13.2 13.2 13.2 antifoam agent 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 (from Silcolapse ® 426R) alkylpolyglucoside 3.25 4.00 4.80 5.50 (from Agnique ® PG-8107G) sodium 4.25 3.50 2.70 2.00 dodecylbenzene sulphonate (from Nansa ® HS80S) Diuron 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 Water 35.8 35.8 35.8 35.8 Storage condition Result 4 months at 20° C. <1% no No <1% separation separation separation separation Viscosity @ 125 mPas 178 mPas 460 mPas 985 mPas 20sec−1, 20° C.

[0167] In this experiment the total amount of alkylpolygluco side surfactant and co-surfactant was kept constant (7.50 wt. %) but their relative amounts were varied. All samples had at least acceptable or good pourability and were stable. Good pourability is defined as <500 mPa.Math.s at 20 sec.sup.−1; acceptable pourability is defined as 500-1000 mPa.Math.s at 20 sec.sup.−1.

Example 8—Testing the Present Invention for Suspending an Agrochemical as Compared to a Typical System of the Prior Art that Relies on Xanthan Gum

[0168] Agrochemical compositions were prepared largely in line with Example 1. The table below provides a summary of the compositions and the test results. The composition with the xanthan gum (Kelzan AP-AS) was designed to have as close as possible a viscosity as the composition of the invention before being sent for storage.

TABLE-US-00009 Comp. Ex. Ex. No. 8-1 No. 8-2 Component (wt. %) (wt. %) Glyphosate acid 33.3 33.3 KOH 13.2 13.2 antifoam agent (from 0.2 0.2 Silcolapse ® 426R) alkylpolyglucoside (from 4.0 7.5 Agnique ® PG-8107G) sodium dodecylbenzene 3.5 — sulphonate (from Nansa HS80S) xanthan gum (from Kelzan AP- — 0.1 AS) Diuron 10.0 10.0 Water 35.8 35.7 Viscosity after preparation 178 mPa .Math. s 177 mPa .Math. s (@20 sec−1) Storage condition Result Result 7 weeks at −10° C. no separation, no separation, good poor pourability pourability 7 weeks at 20° C. no separation, 17% separation, good good pourability pourability 7 weeks at 40° C. <1% separation, 11% separation, good good pourability pourability

[0169] The composition of the invention exhibited good stability and pourability under all storage conditions. Good pourability is defined as <500 mPa-s at 20 sec.sup.−1. The composition with xanthan gum exhibited significant separation at 20° C. and 40° C. and poor pourability at −10° C.

Example 9—Changing the Electrolyte Agrochemical

[0170] Agrochemical compositions were prepared using glufosinate-ammonium instead of glyphosate. The table below provides a summary of the compositions and the test results.

TABLE-US-00010 Example No. 9-1 Example No. 9-2 Component (wt. %) (wt. %) Glufosinate-ammonium 34.23 31.63 antifoam agent (from Silcolapse ® 0.24 0.25 426R) alkylpolyglucoside (from 3.35 4.50 Agnique ® PG-8107G) sodium cocyl sarcosinate (from 3.76 — Crodasinic ® LS40) isopropylamine LABS (from — 5.16 Biosoft 411-E) sodium alkyl ethoxy 2EO sulphate — 2.50 (from Steol ® CS270) Diuron 9.30 6.07 Water 49.12 49.89 Storage condition Result 2 weeks at 40° C. no separation no separation 2 weeks at 0° C. no separation no separation 8 weeks at 20° C. no separation no separation

[0171] As can be seen from the data above, the combination of surfactants in accordance with the invention provides stable agrochemical compositions under various testing conditions for a different electrolyte agrochemical (in this case glufosinate-ammonium). After storage, all samples were stable and exhibited good pourability. Good pourability is defined as <500 mPa.Math.s at 20 sec.sup.−1.

Example 10—Composition Using Alkyl Glucamide Ester as the Co-Surfactant (a)

[0172] An agrochemical composition was prepared but using an alkyl glucamide ester as the co-surfactant (a) instead of an alkylpolyglucoside. The table below provides a summary of the composition and the test results.

TABLE-US-00011 Ex. No. 10 Component (wt. %) Glyphosate acid 21.24 KOH 8.41 antifoam agent (from Silcolapse ® 0.11 426R) alkylpolyglucoside (from Agnique ® 0.17 PG-8107G) glucamide (from Synergen GA) 8.50 isopropylamine LABS (from Biosoft 5.07 411-E) Diruon 1.73 Water 54.77 Storage condition Result 2 weeks at 20° C. no separation 2 weeks at 0° C. no separation 2 weeks at 40° C. no separation

[0173] Alkyl glucamides are a class of surfactant that have been found to have a greater electrolyte tolerance than nonionic ethoxylated surfactants, ethoxylated anionic surfactants, non-ethoxylated anionic surfactants and cationic surfactants on account that they are less likely to precipitate from a high-electrolyte composition than these other surfactants.

[0174] The same millbase as was prepared in Example 1 was used, hence the trace amount of alkylpolyglucoside. A concentrated glyphosate solution was prepared including a C8, C10-alkyl sugar amide (i.e. the glucamide in Synergen GA). In the presence of the dissolved glyphosate, the glucamide and isopropylamine LABS formed a structure capable of suspending the milled diuron particles.

[0175] As can be seen from the data above, the agrochemical composition is stable under various testing conditions. After storage, all samples were stable and exhibited good pourability. Good pourability is defined as <500 mPa.Math.s at 20 sec.sup.−1.

Example 11—Composition Using an Ethoxylated Fatty Alcohol Phosphate Ester Surfactant as the Co-Surfactant (a)

[0176] An agrochemical composition was prepared but using an ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate ester surfactant as the co-surfactant (a) instead of an alkylpolyglucoside. The table below provides a summary of the composition and the test results.

TABLE-US-00012 Ex. No. 10 Component (wt. %) Glyphosate acid 21.03 KOH 8.26 antifoam agent (from Silcolapse ® 0.26 426R) alkylpolyglucoside (from Agnique ® 0.88 PG-8107G) C10 EO4 phosphate ester (from 4.51 Multitrope 1214) Isopropylamine LABS (from Biosoft 4.64 411-E) Diruon 8.76 Water 51.28 Storage condition Result 2 weeks at 20° C. no separation 2 weeks at 0° C. no separation 2 weeks at 40° C. no separation

[0177] Ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate esters are a class of surfactant that have been found to have a greater electrolyte tolerance than nonionic ethoxylated surfactants and non-ethoxylated anionic surfactants and cationic surfactants on account that they are less likely to precipitate from a high-electrolyte composition than these other surfactants.

[0178] The same millbase as was prepared in Example 1 was used, hence the trace amount of alkylpolyglucoside. A concentrated glyphosate solution was prepared including a C10 EO4 phosphate ester (i.e. the phosphate ester in Multitrope 1214). In the presence of the dissolved glyphosate, the ethoxylated fatty alcohol phosphate ester and isopropylamine LABS formed a structure capable of suspending the milled diuron particles.

[0179] As can be seen from the data above, the agrochemical composition is stable under various testing conditions. After storage, all samples were stable and exhibited good pourability. Good pourability is defined as <500 mPa-s at 20 sec.sup.−1.

Reference Example 12—Composition Using an Amine Oxide Surfactant as the Co-Surfactant (a)

[0180] This example tests if the co-surfactant (a) of the present invention can be replaced with another surfactant (alkyl dimethylamine oxides) that is considered in the art to have equivalent electrolyte tolerance to alkyl polyglucosides. An agrochemical composition was prepared but using an alkyl dimethylamine oxide as the co-surfactant (a) instead of an alkylpolyglucoside. The table below provides a summary of the composition and the test results.

TABLE-US-00013 Ref. Ex. No. 12 Component (wt. %) Glyphosate acid 19.85 KOH 7.79 antifoam agent (from Silcolapse ® 0.26 426R) alkylpolyglucoside (from Agnique ® 0.36 PG-8107G) C12,C14-alkyl dimethylamine oxide 4.51 (from Genaminox LA) isopropylamine LABS (from Biosoft 6.00 411-E) Diruon 8.48 Water 51.28 Storage condition Result 7 weeks at 20° C. 20% separation

[0181] This example shows that an alkyl dimethylamine oxide cannot replace alkylpolyglucoside as the main soluble surfactant in the glyphosate electrolyte solution.