Emulsifiable concentrate (EC)
ECs are still one of the most common formulation types for crop protection products worldwide. When EC formulations are diluted with water in the spray tank they form a spontaneous emulsion, with emulsion droplets in the size range of 0.1 to 1.0μm.
The spontaneous emulsion can be achieved by selecting one or more surfactants based upon their ability to emulsify the solvent system, including the active ingredient, into water. It is by means of balancing the water soluble and oil soluble surfactant components at the water/solvent interface that a physically stable emulsion is formed. When sprayed, the dilute emulsion gives a uniform and accurate application of active ingredient on the crop, which is essential for effective pest control.
Benefits
- Simple to manufacture
- Relatively high biological activity
- Good chemical stability
- Spontaneous emulsification upon dilution
Limitations
- Use expensive solvents containing harmful VOCs
- Solvents may affect plastics and rubbers in spray applicators
- Active ingredients needs to be fully soluble in the solvent over a range of temperatures
- Use of water miscible solvents can cause active ingredient crystallisation problems upon dilution
The Formulator's Toolbox (Full Version)
Products recommended for EC
To improve the spontaneous emulsification of an EC on addition to water in the spray tank, anionic emulsifiers can be added. Due to the overall charge on an anionic emulsifier, it provides additional electrostatic stabilisation.
Atlox™ 4838B
An oil-soluble anionic emulsifier for improved stability and blooming of formulations upon dilution. Commonly used as part of a triangle screen formulation approach.
The role of a non-ionic emulsifier is to emulsify the oil when the EC formulation is diluted with water in the spray tank. It provides steric stabilisation and therefore improves stability. Non-ionic surfactants are frequently used in pairs: a low polarity partner and a high polarity partner to balance the polarity requirements of the oil phase.
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Atlas™ G-5002L
A high HLB polymeric emulsifier or wetting agent in liquid form providing long term stability. It is commonly used in combination with Atlox™ 4916 for emulsions or Atlox Metasperse 500L for...
Tween™ 22
A high HLB emulsifier and adjuvant applicable for both built-in and tank mix applications. The significantly reduced equilibrium surface tension compared to Tween 20 gives the product excellent spray...
Tween™ 23
A high HLB emulsifier and adjuvant applicable for both built-in and tank mix applications. Improved performance identified with various hydrophilic herbicides.
Tween™ 24
A high HLB emulsifier and adjuvant applicable for both built-in and tank mix applications. Strong all round performing adjuvant and strategic emulsifier for use with low HLB partner in microemulsions
The role of a non-ionic emulsifier is to emulsify the oil when the EC formulation is diluted with water in the spray tank. It provides steric stabilisation and therefore improves stability. Non-ionic surfactants are frequently used in pairs: a low polarity partner and a high polarity partner to balance the polarity requirements of the oil phase.
Atlox™ 4916
A low HLB polymeric emulsifier and non-aqueous dispersant, with a unique star structure, which provides exceptional stability. As an emulsifier it is commonly used in combination with Atlas™ G-5002L.
In some circumstances, it is possible to use a single product. This can make formulation development easier. If these single product solutions do not work, then we recommend blending a high and low non-ionic emulsifier with an anionic emulsifier.
Atplus™ 309F-LM
A single emulsifier system for mineral and paraffinic oils. It has low moisture content which acts to minimise antagonistic interactions with some active ingredients.
Atplus™ 309F-LM
A single emulsifier system for mineral and paraffinic oils. It has low moisture content which acts to minimise antagonistic interactions with some active ingredients.
In an EC formulation the active ingredient must be fully soluble in the carrier solvent. If the active ingredient is solid, it will need to be dissolved in a solvent first. Croda’s Seatons Natural Oil range are 100% natural and renewable, which make them a great choice for use in crop care formulations.
Atlox™ Solvall™ BDE-1
Atlox Solvall BDE-1 offers “best in class” polar cosolvent performance with an excellent safety profile that can optimise the solubility of many AI types at a range of temperatures and meet the key...
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Seatons refined linseed oil
Seatons refined linseed oil is a simple and effective alternative to mineral oil. It is non-flammable, impurity free and has good compatibility with many agrochemical active ingredients. Natural oils...
Seatons refined rapeseed oil
Seatons refined rapeseed oil is a simple and effective alternative to mineral oil. It is non-flammable, impurity free and has good compatibility with many agrochemical active ingredients. Natural oils...
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Seatons refined soyabean oil
Seatons refined soyabean oil is a simple and effective alternative to mineral oil. It is non-flammable, impurity free and has good compatibility with many agrochemical active ingredients. Natural oils...
