Stabilization of Suspension Concentrate Formulations via Specialized Double-Comb Polymers

Alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensates, lignosulfonates, block copolymers, and alkoxylated polyarylphenol derivatives are used as dispersants in pesticide suspension concentrate (SC) and suspoemulsion formulations. Typically, a pesticide formulation could contain either type of dispersant, with the final selection being driven by the active ingredient and the desired performance characteristics of the final formulation. Until now, little attention has been focused to the use of stabilizing polymers to improve the quality and shelf life of these formulations. Comparative data were generated on selected aqueous SC formulations to better understand the particle stabilization effects of a specialized double-comb polymer. Significant improvement of suspension stability is possible over the standard formulations.