Suspension concentrate (SC)
Suspension concentrate (SC) formulations consist of having a solid active ingredient dispersed in water.
SCs have grown in popularity due to benefits such as absence of dust, ease of use and effectiveness when compared to other formulation types such as emulsifiable concentrate (EC) and wettable powder (WP). To formulate a stable SC, the active ingredient must remain insoluble under all temperature conditions.
Benefits
- Water based hence it provides good safety and user convenience
- Suitable for many active ingredients with low water solubility
- Absence of dust Absence of flammable liquids
- Small particle size of the active ingredient
- Adjuvants can be built-in for bio enhancement
Limitations
- Not compatible with water soluble active ingredients
- Crystal growth can be a problem if the active is partially soluble in water
- Long term stability issues Stability upon dilution
Products recommended for SC
The use of polymeric dispersants is highly recommended due to their higher molecular weight, large repulsive barrier and many anchoring groups per molecule. This enables highly loaded, stable suspension concentrates to be formulated. We have a range of dispersants each with a specific area of high performance.
Atlox™ 4917
A novel, aqueous dispersant delivering robust stability in complex and problematic formulations. Designed to expand our range of aqueous dispersants building on the well-established technology of...
Atlox™ 4919
An aqueous dispersant that builds compatibility between agrochemical suspensions and high electrolyte tank mixes, such as fertilizers.
Atlox™ 4915
A polymeric amphoteric aqueous dispersant optimised for performance in electrolyte conditions and water free composition allows for use in OD formulations. Additional benefits as adjuvant for...
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Atlox Metasperse™ 500L
A modified styrene acrylic polymeric aqueous dispersant in liquid form which exhibits excellent hard water tolerance.
Atlox™ 4913
A versatile nonionic polymeric aqueous dispersant. Ideally partnered with Atlas G-5002L as a wetting agent. Suitable for a large range of organic and inorganic active ingredients in water. Ability to...
Atlox™ PN-100
A single system polymeric dispersant and wetting agent developed for incorporating high concentrations of micronutrients into aqueous suspensions. It also improves the compatibility with glyphosate in...
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Zephrym™ PD3315
A polymeric dispersant incorporating an increased level of hydrophilic material in its backbone improving its suitability for use as a dispersant for more polar compounds like micronutrients and...
It is important to include a wetting agent as during the milling process, fresh surfaces are generated which are generally of non-polar nature and will flocculate together rapidly. This could lead to increased viscosity and even mill blockage. Including a wetting agent overcomes this as it replaces air and prevents agglomeration, allowing dispersants to perform. Wetting agents can also provide some dispersion.
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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...
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Atlas™ G-5004 LD
A demineralised version of Atlas™ G-5002L. It is used as a high HLB emulsifier for active ingredients that are sensitive to mineral presence.
Atlox™ 4894
Recommended as a wetting agent in combination with Atlox 4913 in aqueous based suspensions when Atlas G-5002L is not dymanic enough to provide adequate wetting during milling process.
If an SC is not properly structured, the formulation can breakdown resulting in solid particles settling to the bottom of the formulation. This leads to reduced shelf life stability and poor performance in the field. The inclusion of a rheology modifier helps overcome this issue by increasing the viscosity of the formulation, providing improved stability.
Atlox Rheostrux™ 300A
Rheology modifier designed for aqueous formulations. Excellent performance seen in acidic conditions necessary for certain active ingredients. Supplied in liquid form for easy addition via stirring...
In comparison to OD formulations, where the continuous oil phase acts as an adjuvant, SC formulations can be considered less efficacious due to the continuous phase being water. To enhance the bioavailability of the active ingredient, adjuvants can be incorporated in SC formulations.
Atplus™ UEP-100
A built-in adjuvant designed to enhance the uptake of systemic or translaminar active ingredients with additional spray retention and humectancy properties.
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
Atplus™ PFA
Atplus PFA is a pourable adjuvant developed to improve the performance of fungicidal applications. It has proven performance with stobilurin active ingredients.
