Liquid polymer suspensions

Abstract

The present invention concerns a suspension of a polymer comprising, in addition to said polymer, a) a liquid medium; b) a monovalent cation salt; c) an alginate.

Claims

1. An agricultural composition comprising a suspension of a polymer, the suspension comprising: at least 2% by weight of the polymer that is a galactomannan selected from the group consisting of a hydroxypropyl guar, a carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar, a cationic hydroxyalkyl guar, a neutral hydroxyalkyl guar, a carboxyalkyl guar, a hydroxyethylated guaran derivative, a hydroxypropylated guaran derivative, a carboxymethylated carubin derivative, a hydroxypropylated cassia gum derivative, a carboxymethylated cassia gum derivative, and mixtures thereof, based on the total weight of the suspension; a liquid medium that is a single-phase aqueous medium that contains more than 10 parts by weight of water relative to 100 parts by weight of the aqueous medium; 30% to 60% by weight of ammonium sulfate, based on the total weight of the suspension; 0.5% to 1.5% by weight of an alginate that is one or more selected from the group consisting of sodium alginate and ammonium alginate, based on the total weight of the suspension; and one or more other additive selected from the group consisting of a preservative, an antifoam, a humectant, and a surfactant, wherein the weight ratio between the ammonium sulfate and the galactomannan is between 100 and 4.

2. The agricultural composition according to claim 1, wherein the ammonium sulfate content is greater than or equal to 31% by weight relative to the total weight of the suspension.

3. The agricultural composition according to claim 1, wherein: the galactomannan is in the form of solid particles having a diameter of between 100 nm and 1 mm.

4. The agricultural composition according to claim 1 intended to be applied to a field as an extemporaneous adjuvant.

5. The agricultural composition according to claim 1, wherein the galactomannan is a guar derivative.

6. The agricultural composition according to claim 1 comprising from 31% by weight to 60% by weight of the ammonium sulfate.

7. The agricultural composition according to claim 1 comprising from 31% by weight to 40% by weight of the ammonium sulfate.

8. The agricultural composition according to claim 1, wherein when the galactomannan is the cationic hydroxyalkyl guar, the cationic hydroxyalkyl guar is selected from cationic hydroxyethyl guar, cationic hydroxypropyl guar, cationic hydroxybutyl guar, and mixtures thereof.

9. The agricultural composition according to claim 1, wherein when the galactomannan is the neutral hydroxyalkyl guar, the neutral hydroxyalkyl guar is selected from neutral hydroxyethyl guar, neutral hydroxypropyl guar, neutral hydroxybutyl guar, and mixtures thereof.

10. The agricultural composition according to claim 1, wherein when the galactomannan is the carboxyalkyl guar, the carboxyalkyl guar is one or more selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl guar, carboxylpropyl guar, and carboxybutyl guar.

11. The agricultural composition according to claim 1, wherein the galactomannan is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium guar, hydroxypropyllauryldimethylammonium guar, hydroxypropylstearyldimethylammonium guar, hydroxypropyl guar, carboxymethyl guar, guar with hydroxypropyl and hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium groups, carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar, and mixtures thereof.

12. The agricultural composition according to claim 1, wherein the antifoam is a silicone-based antifoam.

13. The agricultural composition according to claim 1, wherein the alginate is from 0.5% to 2% by weight based on the total weight of the suspension.

14. The agricultural composition according to claim 1, wherein the alginate is sodium alginate.

15. The agricultural composition according to claim 1, wherein the alginate is ammonium alginate.

Description

IMPLEMENTATION EXAMPLES

Example 1

Formulation A

(1) Protocol:

(2) 1000 g of the following formulation are prepared in a 2 l Schott Duran beaker (diameter ˜12 cm, height ˜23 cm). The deionized water is mixed with the Kathon® CG and the Silcolapse® RG22. The solution is stirred using a deflocculating paddle (diameter 80 mm) at a speed of 300 rpm for 5 minutes. The sodium alginate (in powder form) is then added and the formulation is stirred for 45 minutes to 1 hour at a speed of between 500 and 700 rpm. When the alginate has completely dissolved, the ammonium sulfate (in the form of crystals) is added at 500 rpm and the stirring is maintained for a further 45 minutes to 1 hour. To finish, the Jaguar® HP-120 (in powder form) is dispersed for 30 minutes at 600 rpm until a homogeneous formulation no longer containing any bubbles is obtained.

(3) TABLE-US-00001 Weight composition Weight Formulation A (g) percentage Supplier Deionized water 575.9 57.59 — Ammonium sulfate 376.0 37.60 BASF Jaguar ® HP-120* 25.0 2.50 Solvay(Rhodia) Sodium alginate 8.0 0.80 Faravelli Silcolapse ® RG 22** 15.0 1.50 Bluestar Kathon ® CG*** 0.1 0.01 Brenntag Total 1000 100 *Jaguar ® HP-120: guar gum, 2-hydroxypropyl ether **Silcolapse ® RG 22: silicone-based antifoam emulsion ***Kathon ® CG: isothazolinone-based preservative

(4) Results:

(5) After storage of this formulation, the results are presented in the following table:

(6) TABLE-US-00002 14 days at 7 days at ambient 14 days at Storage 0° C. temperature 54° C. Phase separation Homo- Homo- Homo- (ref: CIPAC MT 39.3 and geneous geneous geneous MT 46.3) 0% 0% 0% Viscosity (cP) at 20 rpm 1000-1300 1000-1300 600-900 and at 20° C. (ref: CIPAC MT 192) Flowability Readily flowable to at least −10° C. pH (5% in distilled water) 5-7 (ref: CIPAC MT 191 or MT 75.3 Density 1.225 ± 0.002 Times and CIPAC waters* (ref: adaptation of MT180) observations A D A D A D Dilution 0 h at 30° C. Flows at the bottom - No blooming - stability Good dispersion in 2 inversions (2.7% by 0.5 h at 30° C. Very good weight) 2 h at 30° C. Good - Slight guar concentration gradient *CIPAC (Collaborate International Pesticides Analytical Council) waters: CIPAC water A has a hardness of 20 ppm, whereas that of CIPAC water D is 342 ppm

(7) The sodium alginate-based formulation is therefore perfectly stable at all the storage temperatures and very readily flowable. Furthermore, its dispersion in water is easy and good until at least 2 hours.

(8) Comparative Formulation C1:

(9) Protocol:

(10) When the formulation of example 1 is prepared while scrupulously adhering to the same protocol but omitting the addition of sodium alginate, the composition of the formulation becomes the following:

(11) TABLE-US-00003 Weight composition Weight Formulation C1 (g) percentage Deionized water 575.9 58.06 Ammonium sulfate 376.0 37.90 Jaguar ® HP-120 25.0 2.52 Sodium alginate 0 0 Silcolapse ® RG 22 15.0 1.51 Kathon ® CG 0.1 0.01 Total 992 100

(12) Results after Storage:

(13) TABLE-US-00004 Storage 30 min at ambient temperature Phase separation Guar predominantly at the surface (ref: CIPAC MT 39.3 and on approximately 10-20% + traces MT 46.3) of guar at the bottom

(14) After a few minutes of storage at ambient temperature, a phase separation is observed subsequent to the guar rising to the surface. Furthermore, small amounts of guar are also found on the walls of the storage flask, predominantly at the bottom. The formulation is not stable. Since this formulation is not acceptable from a commercial point of view, there is no need to carry out additional tests.

(15) Comparative Formulation C2:

(16) Protocol:

(17) When the formulation of example 1 is prepared while scrupulously adhering to the same protocol but replacing the sodium alginate with Rhodopol® 23 (in powder form), the composition of the formulation becomes the following:

(18) TABLE-US-00005 Weight composition Weight Formulation C2 (g) percentage Deionized water 575.9 57.59 Ammonium sulfate 376.0 37.60 Jaguar ® HP-120 25.0 2.50 Rhodopol ® 23* 8.0 0.80 Silcolapse ® RG 22 15.0 1.50 Kathon ® CG 0.1 0.01 Total 1000 100 *Rhodopol ® 23 is a xanthan gum sold by Solvay(Rhodia)
Results after Storage:

(19) TABLE-US-00006 Storage 30 min at ambient temperature Phase separation Nonhomogeneous formulation with large pieces (ref: CIPAC MT 39.3 of gel (precipitated xanthan gum) which flow and MT 46.3) throughout the volume + these pieces of gel rise, leaving approximately 10% of water at the bottom of the flask

(20) The addition of AMS results in precipitation of the Rhodopol® 23 from the solution. Consequently, the Rhodopol® 23 no longer acts as a rheological thickener and the formulation is not stable. It is impossible to measure the viscosity because of the nonhomogeneity of the mixture.

(21) Since this formulation is not acceptable from a commercial point of view, there is no need to carry out additional tests.

(22) In conclusion, the tests above show that the addition of sodium alginate made it possible to stabilize a formulation rich in ammonium sulfate and containing guar particles. The suspension obtained in example 1 is homogeneous and exhibits neither phase separation nor precipitation.

Example 2

Formulation B

(23) Protocol:

(24) 1700 g of the following formulation are prepared in a 2 l Pyrex beaker (diameter ˜12.5 cm, height ˜18 cm). The deionized water is stirred using a deflocculating paddle having a diameter of 7.7 cm, at a speed of 180 rpm for 5 minutes. The sodium alginate in powder form is then added and the formulation is stirred at a speed of 500 rpm for 30 minutes and then at a speed of 700 rpm for 30 minutes. When the alginate has completely dissolved, the ammonium sulfate (in the form of crystals) is added and the whole mixture is stirred at a speed of 700 rpm for 25 minutes. The Silcolapse RG22 is then added, the stirring speed is not modified. Finally, five minutes later, the Jaguar HP-120 (in powder form) is dispersed for 30 minutes at a speed of 700 rpm until a homogeneous formulation no longer containing any bubbles is obtained.

(25) TABLE-US-00007 Weight composition Weight Formulation B (g) percentage Supplier Deionized water 576.0 57.60 — Ammonium sulfate 376.0 37.60 Quaron Jaguar ® HP-120* 25.0 2.50 Solvay(Rhodia) Sodium alginate 8.0 0.80 Faravelli Silcolapse ® RG 15.0 1.50 Bluestar 22** Total 1000 100 *Jaguar ® HP-120: guar gum, 2-hydroxypropyl ether **Silcolapse ® RG 22: silicone-based antifoam emulsion

(26) Results:

(27) After storage of this formulation, the results are presented in the following table:

(28) TABLE-US-00008 14 days at 7 days at ambient 14 days at Storage 0° C. temperature 54° C. Phase separation Homo- Homo- Homo- (ref: CIPAC MT 39.3 and geneous geneous geneous MT 46.3) 0% 0% 0% Viscosity (cP) at 20 rpm 400-800 1500-1800 600-900 and at 20° C. (ref: CIPAC MT 192) Flowability Readily flowable to at least −10° C. pH (5% in distilled water) 5-7 (ref: CIPAC MT 191 or MT 75.3 Density 1.23 ± 0.01 Times and CIPAC waters* (ref: adaptation of MT180) observations A D A D A D Dilution 0 h at 30° C. Flows at the bottom - No blooming - stability Good dispersion in 2 inversions (2.7% by 0.5 h at 30° C. Very good weight) 2 h at 30° C. Good - Slight guar concentration gradient *CIPAC (Collaborate International Pesticides Analytical Council) waters: CIPAC water A has a hardness of 20 ppm, whereas that of CIPAC water D is 342 ppm

(29) The sodium alginate-based formulation is therefore perfectly stable at all the storage temperatures and very readily flowable. Furthermore, its dispersion in water is easy and good until at least 2 hours.

(30) Comparative Formulations C3 and C4

(31) TABLE-US-00009 Manipulation C3 C4 B Ammonium sulfate (%) 37.60 37.60 37.6 Sodium alginate (%) 0.4 2.5 0.8 JaguarHP120(%) 2.5 2.5 2.5 Silcolapse RG22(%) 1.5 1.5 1.5 Purified water (%) 58 55.9 57.6

(32) Protocol:

(33) C3: 100 g of the following formulation are prepared in a 250 ml VWR plastic beaker (diameter ˜6 cm at the bottom and 9.3 cm at the top, height ˜9 cm). The deionized water is stirred using a deflocculating paddle having a diameter of 5.4 cm, at a speed of 180 rpm for 5 minutes. The sodium alginate in powder form is then added and the formulation is stirred at a speed of 300 rpm for 10 minutes. When the alginate has completely dissolved, the ammonium sulfate (in the form of crystals) is added and the whole mixture is stirred at a speed of 300 rpm for 5 minutes. The Silcolapse RG22 is then added, the stirring speed is not modified. Finally, five minutes later, the Jaguar HP-120 (in powder form) is dispersed for 10 minutes at a speed of 450 rpm until a homogeneous formulation no longer containing any bubbles is obtained.
C4: 100 g of the following formulation are prepared in a 250 ml borosilicate glass beaker (diameter ˜5.8, height ˜12 cm). The deionized water is stirred using a deflocculating paddle having a diameter of 3.5 cm, at a speed of 180 rpm for 5 minutes. The sodium alginate in powder form is then added and the formulation is stirred at a speed of 450 rpm for 10 minutes and then at a speed of 600 rpm for 30 minutes. When the alginate has completely dissolved, the ammonium sulfate (in the form of crystals) is added and the whole mixture is stirred at a speed of 600 rpm for 10 minutes. The Silcolapse RG22 is then added, the stirring speed is not modified. Finally, five minutes later, the Jaguar HP-120 (in powder form) is dispersed for 10 minutes at a speed of 600 rpm until a homogeneous formulation no longer containing any bubbles is obtained.

(34) Results:

(35) C3: After 19 hours at ambient temperature, all the guar has sedimented. A few particles are in suspension and at the surface. After 19 hours at 54° C., all the guar has sedimented. A few particles are in suspension and at the surface.

(36) C4: After hydration of the alginate, a very viscous paste which flows with difficulty is obtained. Since the other constituents are only solids except the antifoam, the formulation becomes difficult to mix and the final result is virtually unflowable. The formulation has a viscosity greater than 25 000 cps at ambient temperature.

Example 3

Formulation C

(37) Protocol:

(38) 700 g of the following formulation are prepared in a 1 l VWR plastic beaker (diameter ˜8.9 cm at the bottom and 11.4 cm at the top, height ˜14.5 cm). The deionized water is stirred using a deflocculating paddle having a diameter of 7.7 cm, at a speed of 180 rpm for 5 minutes. The sodium alginate in powder form is then added and the formulation is stirred at a speed of 450 rpm for 15 minutes and then at a speed of 600 rpm for 20 to 25 minutes. When the alginate has completely dissolved, the ammonium sulfate (in the form of crystals) is added and the whole mixture is stirred at a speed of 400 to 450 rpm for 15 to 20 minutes. The Silcolapse RG22 is then added, the stirring speed is not modified. Five minutes later, the surfactant (Rhodasurf ID-5 in liquid form) is added and then the formulation is stirred without modifying the stirring speed. Finally, the Jaguar HP-120 (in powder form) is dispersed for 10 to 20 minutes at a speed of between 500 and 600 rpm until a homogeneous formulation no longer containing any bubbles is obtained.

(39) TABLE-US-00010 Weight composition Weight Formulation C (g) percentage Supplier Deionized water 525.5 52.55 — Ammonium sulfate 333.0 33.30 Quaron Jaguar ® HP-120* 75.0 7.50 Solvay(Rhodia) Sodium alginate 6.5 0.65 Faravelli Silcolapse ® RG 22** 15.0 1.50 Bluestar Rhodasurf ID-5*** 45.0 4.5 Solvay(Rhodia) Total 1000 100 *Jaguar ® HP-120: guar gum, 2-hydroxypropyl ether **Silcolapse ® RG 22: silicone-based antifoam emulsion ***Rhodasurf ID-5: Alcohols, C.sub.9-11 iso C.sub.10 rich, ethoxylated

(40) After storage of this formulation, the results are presented in the following table:

(41) TABLE-US-00011 14 days at 7 days at ambient 14 days at Storage 0° C. temperature 54° C. Phase separation Homo- Homo- Homo- (ref: CIPAC MT 39.3 and geneous geneous geneous MT 46.3) 0% 0% 2.5% of separation at the bottom Viscosity (cP) at 20 rpm 400-700 2000-2400 1000-1400 and at 20° C. (ref: CIPAC MT 192) Flowability Readily flowable to at least −10° C. pH (5% in distilled water) 5-7 (ref: CIPAC MT 191 or MT 75.3 Times and CIPAC waters* (ref: adaptation of MT180) observations A D A D A D Dilution 0 h at 30° C. Flows at the bottom - No blooming - stability Not all is dispersed, a (0.8% by few particles fall to the bottom weight) 0.5 h at 30° C. Acceptable - Marked guar concentration gradient. 2 h at 30° C. Acceptable - Marked guar concentration gradient *CIPAC (Collaborate International Pesticides Analytical Council) waters: CIPAC water A has a hardness of 20 ppm, whereas that of CIPAC water D is 342 ppm

Formulation D

(42) Protocol:

(43) 700 g of the following formulation are prepared in a 1 l VWR plastic beaker (diameter ˜8.9 cm at the bottom and 11.4 cm at the top, height ˜14.5 cm). The deionized water is stirred using a deflocculating paddle having a diameter of 7.7 cm, at a speed of 180 rpm for 5 minutes. The sodium alginate in powder form is then added and the formulation is stirred at a speed of 450 rpm for 15 minutes and then at a speed of 600 rpm for 20 to 25 minutes. When the alginate has completely dissolved, the ammonium sulfate (in the form of crystals) is added and the whole mixture is stirred at a speed of 400 to 450 rpm for 15 to 20 minutes. The Silcolapse RG22 is then added, the stirring speed is not modified. Five minutes later, the surfactant (Mirataine D40, in liquid form) is added and then the formulation is stirred without modifying the stirring speed. Finally, the Jaguar HP-120 (in powder form) is dispersed for 10 to 20 minutes at a speed of between 500 and 600 rpm until a homogeneous formulation no longer containing any bubbles is obtained.

(44) TABLE-US-00012 Weight composition Weight Formulation D (g) percentage Supplier Deionized water 510.5 51.05 — Ammonium sulfate 333.0 33.30 Quaron Jaguar ® HP-120* 75.0 7.50 Solvay(Rhodia) Sodium alginate 6.5 0.65 Faravelli Silcolapse ® RG 22** 15.0 1.50 Bluestar Mirataine D40*** 60.0 6 Solvay(Rhodia) Total 1000 100 *Jaguar ® HP-120: guar gum, 2-hydroxypropyl ether **Silcolapse ® RG 22: silicone-based antifoam emulsion ***Mirataine D40: aqueous composition comprising water and an alkyldimethylbetaine, in which the alkyl group is a mixture of approximately 70% by weight of lauryl (C.sub.12) and 30% by weight of tetradecyl (C.sub.14), the composition having a solid alkyldimethylbetaine content of 40% by weight.

(45) Results:

(46) After storage of this formulation, the results are presented in the following table:

(47) TABLE-US-00013 14 days at 7 days at ambient 14 days at Storage 0° C. temperature 54° C. Phase separation Homo- Homo- Homogeneous (ref: CIPAC MF 39.3 and geneous 0% geneous 0% Traces of MT 46.3) syneresis Viscosity (cP) at 20 rpm 600-900 1500-1800 800-1100 and at 20° C. (ref: CIPAC MT 192) Flowability Readily flowable to at least −10° C. pH (5% in distilled water) 5-7 (ref: CIPAC MT 191 or MT 75.3 CIPAC waters* (ref: adaptation of Times and MT180) observations A D A D A D Dilution 0 h at 30° C. Flows at the bottom - No blooming - stability Good dispersion in 2 (0.8% by inversions weight) 0.5 h at 30° C. Very good 2 h at 30° C. Good - Slight guar concentration gradient *CIPAC (Collaborate International Pesticides Analytical Council) waters: CIPAC water A has a hardness of 20 ppm, whereas that of CIPAC water D is 342 ppm

Formulation E

(48) Protocol:

(49) 700 g of the following formulation are prepared in a 1 l VWR plastic beaker (diameter ˜8.9 cm at the bottom and 11.4 cm at the top, height ˜14.5 cm). The deionized water is stirred using a deflocculating paddle having a diameter of 7.7 cm, at a speed of 180 rpm for 5 minutes. The sodium alginate in powder form is then added and the formulation is stirred at a speed of 450 rpm for 15 minutes and then at a speed of 600 rpm for 20 to 25 minutes. When the alginate has completely dissolved, the ammonium sulfate (in the form of crystals) is added and the whole mixture is stirred at a speed of 400 to 450 rpm for 15 to 20 minutes. The Silcolapse RG22 is then added, the stirring speed is not modified. Five minutes later, the surfactant (Geronol CF/AR-E, in liquid form) is added and then the formulation is stirred without modifying the stirring speed. Finally, the Jaguar HP-120 (in powder form) is dispersed for 10 to 20 minutes at a speed of between 500 and 600 rpm until a homogeneous formulation no longer containing any bubbles is obtained.

(50) TABLE-US-00014 Weight composition Weight Formulation E (g) percentage Supplier Deionized water 502.0 50.20 — Ammonium sulfate 376.0 37.60 Quaron Jaguar ® HP-120* 40 4 Solvay(Rhodia) Sodium alginate 7.0 0.7 Faravelli Silcolapse ® RG 15.0 1.50 Bluestar 22** Geronol CF/AR- 60.0 6 Solvay(Rhodia) E*** Total 1000 100 *Jaguar ® HP-120: guar gum, 2-hydroxypropyl ether **Silcolapse ® RG 22: Silicone-based antifoam emulsion ***Geronol CF/AR-E: Alkylethoxyphosphate, amine salt

(51) Results:

(52) After storage of this formulation, the results are presented in the following table:

(53) TABLE-US-00015 14 days at 7 days at ambient 14 days at Storage 0° C. temperature 54° C. Phase separation Homo- Homo- Homogeneous (ref: CIPAC MT 39.3 and geneous 0% geneous 0% 4% of MT 46.3) separation at the bottom Viscosity (cP) at 20 rpm 1100-1200 1400-1800 300-600 and at 20° C. (ref: CIPAC MT 192) Flowability Readily flowable to at least −10° C. pH (5% in distilled water) 5-7 (ref: CIPAC MT 191 or MT 75.3 CIPAC waters* (ref: adaptation of Times and MT180) observations A D A D A D Dilution 0 h at 30° C. Flows at the bottom - No blooming - stability Good dispersion in 2 inversions (1.5% by 0.5 h at 30° C. Very good weight) 2 h at 30° C. Very good *CIPAC (Collaborate International Pesticides Analytical Council) waters: CIPAC water A has a hardness of 20 ppm, whereas that of CIPAC water D is 342 ppm

Example 4

Formulation F

(54) Protocol:

(55) 700 g of the following formulation are prepared in a 1 l VWR plastic beaker (diameter ˜8.9 cm at the bottom and 11.4 cm at the top, height ˜14.5 cm). The deionized water is stirred using a deflocculating paddle having a diameter of 7.7 cm, at a speed of 180 rpm for 5 minutes. The sodium alginate in powder form is then added and the formulation is stirred at a speed of 500 rpm for 30 minutes. When the alginate has completely dissolved, the ammonium sulfate (in the form of crystals) is added and the whole mixture is stirred at a speed of 500 rpm for 20 minutes. The Silcolapse RG22 is then added, the stirring speed is not modified. Finally, five minutes later, the Jaguar HP-120 (in powder form) is dispersed for 20 minutes at a speed of 600 rpm until a homogeneous formulation no longer containing any bubbles is obtained.

(56) TABLE-US-00016 Weight composition Weight Formulation F (g) percentage Supplier Deionized water 527.5 52.75 — Ammonium sulfate 376.0 37.60 Quaron Jaguar ® HP-120* 75.0 7.50 Solvay(Rhodia) Sodium alginate 6.5 0.65 Faravelli Silcolapse ® RG 15.0 1.50 Bluestar 22** Total 1000 100 *Jaguar ® HP-120: guar gum, 2-hydroxypropyl ether **Silcolapse ® RG 22: silicone-based antifoam emulsion

(57) Results:

(58) After storage of this formulation, the results are presented in the following table:

(59) TABLE-US-00017 14 days at 7 days at ambient 14 days at Storage 0° C. temperature 54° C. Phase separation Homo- Homo- Homogeneous (ref: CIPAC MT 39.3 and geneous 0% geneous 0% Traces of MT 46.3) separation at the bottom Viscosity (cP) at 20 rpm 400-600 1500-1800 600 ± 900 and at 20° C. (ref: CIPAC MT 192) Flowability Readily flowable to at least −10° C. pH (5% in distilled water) 5-7 (ref: CIPAC MT 191 or MT 75.3 CIPAC waters* (ref: adaptation Times and of MT180) observations A D A D A D Dilution 0 h at 30° C. Flows at the bottom - No blooming - Good stability dispersion in 2 inversions (0.8% by 0.5 h at 30° C. Very good weight) 2 h at 30° C. Good - Slight guar concentration gradient *CIPAC (Collaborate International Pesticides Analytical Council) waters: CIPAC water A has a hardness of 20 ppm, whereas that of CIPAC water D is 342 ppm

Formulation G

(60) Protocol:

(61) 700 g of the following formulation are prepared in a 1 l VWR plastic beaker (diameter ˜8.9 cm at the bottom and 11.4 cm at the top, height ˜14.5 cm). The deionized water is stirred using a deflocculating paddle having a diameter of 7.7 cm, at a speed of 180 rpm for 5 minutes. The sodium alginate in powder form is then added and the formulation is stirred at a speed of 500 rpm for 20 minutes and then at a speed of 700) rpm for 2 hours. When the alginate has completely dissolved, the ammonium sulfate (in the form of crystals) is added and the whole mixture is stirred at a speed of 700 rpm for 40 minutes. The Silcolapse RG22 is then added, and the stirring speed is increased to 500 rpm. Finally, five minutes later, the Jaguar 308 NB (in powder form) is dispersed for 20 minutes at a speed of 700 rpm until a homogeneous formulation no longer containing any bubbles is obtained.

(62) TABLE-US-00018 Weight composition Weight Formulation G (g) percentage Supplier Deionized water 576.0 57.60 — Ammonium sulfate 376.0 37.60 Quaron Jaguar ® 308 NB* 25.0 2.50 Solvay(Rhodia) Sodium alginate 8.0 0.80 Faravelli Silcolapse ® RG 15.0 1.50 Bluestar 22** Total 1000 100 *Jaguar ® 308 NB: guar gum **Silcolapse ® RG 22: silicone-based antifoam emulsion

(63) Results:

(64) After storage of this formulation, the results are presented in the following table:

(65) TABLE-US-00019 14 days at 7 days at ambient 14 days at Storage 0° C. temperature 54° C. Phase separation Homo- Homo- Homogeneous (ref: CIPAC MT 39.3 and geneous 0% geneous 0% 0% MT 46.3) Viscosity (cP) at 20 rpm 1000-1200 2400-2800 600-900 and at 20° C. (ref: CIPAC MT 192) pH (5% in distilled water) 5-7 (ref: CIPAC MT 191 or MT 75.3 CIPAC waters* (ref: adaptation Times and of MT180) observations A D A D A D Dilution 0 h at 30° C. Flows at the bottom - No blooming - stability Good dispersion in 2 inversions (2.7% by 0.5 h at 30° C. Very good weight) 2 h at 30° C. Good - Guar concentration gradient *CIPAC (Collaborate International Pesticides Analytical Council) waters: CIPAC water A has a hardness of 20 ppm, whereas that of CIPAC water D is 342 ppm

Formulation H

(66) Protocol:

(67) 100 g of the following formulation are prepared in a 250 ml beaker. The deionized water is stirred using a deflocculating paddle having a diameter of 5.5 cm, at a speed of 180 rpm for 5 minutes. The sodium alginate in powder form is then added and the formulation is stirred at a speed of 500 rpm for 30 minutes and then at a speed of 700 rpm for 30 minutes. When the alginate has completely dissolved, the ammonium sulfate (in the form of crystals) is added and the whole mixture is stirred at a speed of 700 rpm for 25 minutes. The Silcolapse RG22 is then added, the stirring speed is not modified. Finally, five minutes later, the Jaguar C162 (in powder form) is dispersed for 30 minutes at a speed of 700 rpm until a homogeneous formulation no longer containing any bubbles is obtained.

(68) TABLE-US-00020 Weight composition Weight Formulation H (g) percentage Supplier Deionized water 57.6 57.60 — Ammonium sulfate 37.6 37.60 Quaron Jaguar ® C162* 2.5 2.50 Solvay(Rhodia) Sodium alginate 0.8 0.80 Faravelli Silcolapse ® RG 1.5 1.50 Bluestar 22** Total 100 100 *Jaguar ® C162: hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride (cationic guar) **Silcolapse ® RG 22: silicone-based antifoam emulsion

(69) Results:

(70) After storage of this formulation, the results are presented in the following table:

(71) TABLE-US-00021 14 days at 7 days at ambient 14 days at Storage 0° C. temperature 54° C. Phase separation Homo- Homo- Homogeneous (ref: CIPAC MT 39.3 and geneous 0% geneous 0% 0% MT 46.3) Viscosity (cP) at 20 rpm 1000-1400 1500-1900 400-800 and at 20° C. (ref: CIPAC MT 192) Flowability Readily flowable to at least −5° C. pH (5% in distilled water) 6.0 (ref: CIPAC MT 191 or MT 75.3 CIPAC waters* (ref: adaptation of Times and MT180) observations A D A D A D Dilution 0 h at 30° C. Flows at the bottom - No blooming - Good stability dispersion in 3 inversions (2.7% by 0.5 h at 30° C. Very good weight) 2 h at 30° C. Good - Slight guar concentration gradient *CIPAC (Collaborate International Pesticides Analytical Council) waters: CIPAC water A has a hardness of 20 ppm, whereas that of CIPAC water D is 342 ppm

Formulation I

(72) Protocol:

(73) 100 g of the following formulation are prepared in a 250 ml beaker. The deionized water is stirred using a deflocculating paddle having a diameter of 5.5 cm, at a speed of 180 rpm for 5 minutes. The sodium alginate in powder form is then added and the formulation is stirred at a speed of 500 rpm for 30 minutes and then at a speed of 700 rpm for 30 minutes. When the alginate has completely dissolved, the ammonium sulfate (in the form of crystals) is added and the whole mixture is stirred at a speed of 700 rpm for 25 minutes. The Silcolapse RG22 is then added, the stirring speed is not modified. Finally, five minutes later, the CGEL 100 (in powder form) is dispersed for 30 minutes at a speed of 700 rpm until a homogeneous formulation no longer containing any bubbles is obtained (a few larger particles less well dispersed).

(74) TABLE-US-00022 Weight composition Weight Formulation I (g) percentage Supplier Deionized water 57.6 57.60 — Ammonium sulfate 37.6 37.60 Quaron CGEL 100* 2.5 2.50 SNF Floerger Sodium alginate 0.8 0.80 Faravelli Silcolapse ® RG 1.5 1.50 Bluestar 22** Total 100 100 *CGEL100: branched acrylamide/sodium acrylate copolymer **Silcolapse ® RG 22: silicone-based antifoam emulsion

(75) Results:

(76) After storage of this formulation, the results are presented in the following table:

(77) TABLE-US-00023 14 days at 7 days at ambient 14 days at Storage 0° C. temperature 54° C. Phase separation Homo- Homo- Homogeneous (ref: CIPAC MT 39.3 and geneous 0% geneous 0% 0% MT 46.3) Viscosity (cP) at 20 rpm 1800-2200 1200-1600 1200-1600 and at 20° C. (ref: CIPAC MT 192) Flowability Readily flowable to at least 0° C. pH (5% in distilled water) 5.4 (ref: CIPAC MT 191 or MT 75.3 Times and CIPAC waters* (ref: adaptation of MT180) observations A D A D A D Dilution 0 h at 30° C. Flows at the bottom - No blooming - Good stability dispersion in 2 inversions (2.7% by 0.5 h at 30° C. Very good weight) 2 h at 30° C. Good - Very slight deposit *CIPAC (Collaborate International Pesticides Analytical Council) waters: CIPAC water A has a hardness of 20 ppm, whereas that of CIPAC water D is 342 ppm

Formulation J

(78) Protocol:

(79) 100 g of the following formulation are prepared in a 250 ml beaker. The deionized water is stirred using a deflocculating paddle having a diameter of 5.5 cm, at a speed of 180 rpm for 5 minutes. The sodium alginate in powder form is then added and the formulation is stirred at a speed of 500 rpm for 30 minutes and then at a speed of 700 rpm for 30 minutes. When the alginate has completely dissolved, the ammonium sulfate (in the form of crystals) is added and the whole mixture is stirred at a speed of 700 rpm for 25 minutes. The Silcolapse RG22 is then added, the stirring speed is not modified. Finally, five minutes later, the CGEL 100 (in powder form) is dispersed for 30 minutes at a speed of 700 rpm until a homogeneous formulation no longer containing any bubbles is obtained

(80) TABLE-US-00024 Weight composition Weight Formulation J (g) percentage Supplier Deionized water 57.6 57.60 — Ammonium sulfate 37.6 37.60 Quaron Natrosol (type 2.5 2.50 Ashland 250HR)* Sodium alginate 0.8 0.80 Faravelli Silcolapse ® RG 1.5 1.50 Bluestar 22** Total 100 100 *Natrosol: hydroxyethylcellulose **Silcolapse ® RG 22: silicone-based antifoam emulsion

(81) Results:

(82) After storage of this formulation, the results are presented in the following table:

(83) TABLE-US-00025 14 days at 7 days at ambient 14 days at Storage 0° C. temperature 54° C. Phase separation Homo- Homo- Homogeneous (ref: CIPAC MT 39.3 and geneous 0% geneous 0% 0% MT 46.3) Viscosity (cP) at 20 rpm 1200-1600 700-1000 350-650 and at 20° C. (ref: CIPAC MT 192) Flowability Readily flowable to at least −5° C. pH (5% in distilled water) 5.5 (ref: CIPAC MT 191 or MT 75.3 Times and CIPAC waters* (ref: adaptation of MT180) observations A D A D A D Dilution 0 h at 30° C. Flows at the bottom - No blooming - Good stability dispersion in 3 inversions (2.7% by 0.5 h at 30° C. Acceptable (subject to stirring) weight) 2 h at 30° C. Acceptable (subject to stirring) *CIPAC (Collaborate International Pesticides Analytical Council) waters: CIPAC water A has a hardness of 20 ppm, whereas that of CIPAC water D is 342 ppm

Example 5

Formulation K

(84) Protocol:

(85) 500 g of the following formulation are prepared in a 1 l VWR plastic beaker (diameter ˜8.9 cm at the bottom and 11.4 cm at the top, height ˜14.5 cm). The deionized water is stirred using a deflocculating paddle having a diameter of 7.7 cm, at a speed of 180 rpm for 5 minutes. The sodium alginate in powder form is then added and the formulation is stirred at a speed of 450 rpm for 1 h and 20 minutes. When the alginate has completely dissolved, the ammonium sulfate (in the form of crystals) is added and the whole mixture is stirred at a speed of 450 rpm for 1 hour. The Silcolapse RG22 is then added, and the stirring speed is increased to 500 rpm. Finally, five minutes later, the Jaguar HP-120 (in powder form) is dispersed for 50 minutes at a speed of 500 rpm until a homogeneous formulation no longer containing any bubbles is obtained.

(86) TABLE-US-00026 Weight composition Weight Formulation K (g) percentage Supplier Deionized water 558.0 55.80 — Ammonium sulfate 394.0 39.40 Quaron Jaguar ® HP-120* 25.0 2.50 Solvay(Rhodia) Sodium alginate 8.0 0.80 Faravelli Silcolapse ® RG 15.0 1.50 Bluestar 22** Total 1000 100 *Jaguar ® HP-120: guar gum, 2-hydroxypropyl ether **Silcolapse ® RG 22: silicone-based antifoam emulsion

(87) Results:

(88) After storage of this formulation, the results are presented in the following table:

(89) TABLE-US-00027 14 days at 7 days at ambient 14 days at Storage 0° C. temperature 54° C. Phase separation Homo- Homo- Homogeneous (ref: CIPAC MT 39.3 and geneous 0% geneous 0% 0% MT 46.3) Viscosity (cP) at 20 rpm 1300-1400 1900-2100 1300-1500 and at 20° C. (ref: CIPAC MT 192) Flowability Readily flowable to at least −10° C. pH (5% in distilled water) 5-7 (ref: CIPAC MT 191 or MT 75.3 Times and CIPAC waters* (ref: adaptation of MT180) observations A D A D A D Dilution 0 h at 30° C. Flows at the bottom - No blooming - Good stability dispersion in 2 inversions (2.7% by 0.5 h at 30° C. Very good weight) 2 h at 30° C. Good - Very slight guar concentration gradient *CIPAC (Collaborate International Pesticides Analytical Council) waters: CIPAC water A has a hardness of 20 ppm, whereas that of CIPAC water D is 342 ppm