Microemulsion (ME)
MEs are water based formulations with a very small emulsified droplet size; this makes the formulation transparent.
They are thermodynamically stable over a wide temperature range due to this very fine droplet size, usually between 0.01 and 0.05 μm. Therefore in contrast to other emulsion systems, where the oil droplets can slowly coalesce causing phase separation, in ME formulations this does not occur.
Benefits
- Thermodynamically stable therefore have increased shelf life
- Low solvent level
- Easy to transport and store
- High flash point and safe handling
- Improved bioefficacy due to the solubilisation of the active ingredient in the micro droplets
- Low viscosity; so easier to handle
Limitations
- Low active ingredient content
- Require high surfactant level to form
The Formulator's Toolbox (Full Version)
Recommended products for ME
Anionic surfactants are required in an ME formulation to form a spontaneous emulsion. 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.
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Atlox Metasperse™ 500L
A modified styrene acrylic polymeric aqueous dispersant in liquid form which exhibits excellent hard water tolerance.
Zephrym™ 3300B
Anionic surfactant for EC and ME formulations
The combination of a low and high HLB non-ionic surfactant is recommended to provide steric stabilisation at the emulsion interface.
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
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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...
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.
Atlox™ 4914
A nonionic random polymeric surfactant with low HLB value which can be used as an emulsifier or non-aqueous dispersant. Multiple PEG anchoring groups allow for good long term stability in complex...
Atplus 310 is a single product, emulsifier package. Its novel blend makes formulating an ME relatively easy and simple as blending ratios of the emulsifiers have already been predetermined. Microemulsions do not normally form in high electrolyte conditions. This is due to the disruption that electrolytes cause to steric stabilisation and the shielding effect to electrostatic repulsion between droplets. Atplus 310 however, is designed to overcome this problem and allows the formation of high electrolyte microemulsions.
Atplus™ 310
Highly efficient single surfactant emulsifier package for high electrolyte microemulsions. Allows the formation of a microemulsion of methylated seed oil (MSO) in ammonium sulphate (AMS), which is...
Our extensive range of phosphate esters gives the formulator a high degree of flexibility in their formulation design of microemulsions. When combined with other surfactants such as sarcosinates, they can provide stable microemulsion systems in very challenging conditions. As with the combination of non-ionic surfactants, it is important to consider pairing a phosphate ester with high solubility in your target aqueous system, along with a phosphate ester with high solubility in your target oil system.
Atlox™ AL-3382
Phosphate ester designed for improved emulsion stability in high electrolyte conditions. High cloud point of material gives strong performance as a ME stabiliser.
Multitrope™ 1214
High mono ester, high cloud point phosphate ester designed for improved emulsion stability in high electrolyte conditions. Ideally partnered with more oil soluble phosphate ester in emulsion systems.
In an ME 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, making them great options for 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...
