Agrochemical Formulated Products Testing

Agrochemical Formulated Products Testing

The successful application of any active ingredient depends on its correct formulation, which can be used for agrochemical protection and with low risk to those applying the material, to non-target species and to the environment in general. The earliest formulations of agrochemicals are designed based on simple powders, granules, aqueous solutions and mineral oil-water emulsions. In recent years, more complex formulations have been rapidly developed based on the availability of more powerful surfactants and other additives, and a better understanding of the principles of colloidal and surface chemistry to improve the stability and biological activity of the formulations. Therefore, agrochemical formulated products also require characterization, such as a series of testings for active ingredient content, impurities and other entities such as stabilizers or emulsifiers.

Figure 1. The fabrication of nanoemulsion–based pesticide formulations. (Mustafa, I. F.; Hussein, M. Z. 2020)

Aims of formulation products research

• Provide safe agrochemical products
• Preserve the maximum activity of the active ingredients

Standard physicochemical testings

Physicochemical testings of agrochemical formulated products depends on the type of formulation, the nature of the product, the application concentrations, the amount and properties of the active ingredient, and the analytical methods, BOC Sciences supports a set of standard testings available which include:

Hazardous property testing

• Explosivity properties
• Flammability studies
• Self-reactive substances
• Flammability studies
• Pyrophoric properties
• Organic peroxides

Identification of technical characteristics

• Wettability
• Suspension, spontaneity and dispersion stability
• Wet and dry sieve
• Emulsion stability
• Disintegration time
• Particle size, dust content and abrasion, friability
• Persistent foaming
• Flowability, pourability and dustability
• Burning rate

Storage stability testing

BOC Sciences is well equipped to support both accelerated and long-term storage stability testings by varying humidity, light and temperature under a variety of conditions, depending on the product and formulation:

• Accelerated testing at different temperatures and durations
• Long-term storage testing at ambient temperatures (typically 25°C)

Figure 2. Physicochemical properties of the used adjuvants. (Seufert, P. 2021)

Vast experience in analyzing formulations for a wide range of agrochemical product types

• Conventional herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and fungicide products
• All types of formulations such as solids, liquids and gases
• Many difficult-to-handle materials such as insoluble molecules and UVCBs

BOC Sciences Advantages

• Highly specialized technical and analytical services for the worldwide registration and regulatory compliance of agrochemicals
• Robust analytical testing programs that span from research and product development through the production process to final product
• Relies on broad industrial experience, ensuring that all of our work meets the high standards expected by our clients
• Our regulatory experts, toxicology consultants, scientists and inspectors will ensure that you receive maximum levels of guidance, testing and inspection you need.

References

• Mustafa, I. F.; Hussein, M. Z. Synthesis and Technology of Nanoemulsion-Based Pesticide Formulation. Nanomaterials. 2020. 10(8): 1608.
• Seufert, P. Chemical and physical structure of the barrier against water transpiration of leaves: Contribution of different wax compounds. 2021.