Stability performance, flowable

The formation of non-redispersible sediment in a pesticide flowable formulation is often the primary cause of product failure during inventory/sheIf storage. In order to develop and maintain a quality pesticide flowable formulation, a formulator needs evaluation techniques which will enable him to quickly determine the relative stability performance of a sample in a non-subjective manner. Accurate sample characterization and early prediction of shelf life is also highly desirable. Many methods for flowable sample evaluation, such as sediment probing, are subjective and destructive to the integrity of the sample. Often, samples have to be aged at elevated temperatures to obtain measurable differences in stability performance within reasonable time constraints. The purpose of this paper is to describe equipment and methodology which can be utilized to measure the relative... 

The cost/performance factor of individual surfactants will always be considered in determining which surfactants are blended in a mixed active formulation. However, with the recent advent of compact powders and concentrated liquids, other factors, such as processing, density, powder flowability, water content, stabilization of additives, dispersibility in nonaqueous solvents, dispersion of builders, and liquid crystalline phase behavior, have become important in determining the selection of individual surfactants. 

For a two-level factorial design, only two excipients can be selected for each factor. However, for the filler-binder, a combination of brittle and plastic materials is preferred for optimum compaction properties. Therefore, different combinations such as lactose with MCC or mannitol with starch can count as a single factor. Experimental responses can be powder blend flowability, compactibility, blend uniformity, uniformity of dose unit, dissolution, disintegration, and stability under stressed storage conditions. The major advantage of using a DOE to screen prototype formulations is that it allows evaluation of all potential factors simultaneously, systematically, and efficiently. It helps the scientist understand the effect of each formulation factor on each response, as well as potential interaction between factors. It also helps the scientist identify the critical factors based on statistical analysis. DOE results can define a prototype formulation that will meet the predefined requirements for product performance stability and manufacturing. 

The combination of surfactant and solvent properties make SURFADONE LP surfactants excellent in the formulation of high performance cleaners. Emulsifiable concentrates and flowables may.be formulated with agrichemical actives that are otherwise difficult to formulate. Other SURFADONE LP surfactants can be used as viscosity modifiers, micro-emulsifying aids and as foam boosters and stabilizers. They are nonfoaming alone. 

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