Functionality in Formulation

Adjuvants are chemistries without their own biological activity that enhance the performance of an active ingredient. This can be done by increasing the response of the active ingredient on a target plant species. Adjuvants allow for lower loading of actives by increasing the efficacy of the active.

Emulsifiers are typically used to mix two substances that are ordinarily immiscible on their own. In the AgChem market, an emulsifier is any chemistry that is used to prevent or slow down the separation of the different components in a formulation. It can be used in emulsions such as active ingredients with other active ingredients, water, or solvents.

Defoamer is an additive that reduces or prevents the generation of foam in the manufacturing process or in the application of the final formulation. Foam typically occurs during agitation or in the presence of surfactants.

Solvents dissolves a solute to form a solution. In this case, solutes are active ingredients, and the solvent helps form a homogeneous formulation that is easily applied.

Dispersants are additives that in agricultural applications are generally used to evenly distribute or spread-out small particles of a substance, most likely an AI’s, in an emulsion. It helps prevent sediments from settling at the bottom a solution. In agricultural applications, it essentially improves the solubility of active ingredients in a formulation.

Process Aid assists in the manufacturing of a final formulation. It may assist in milling or grinding of activities.

Wetters allow for better application of different formulation types and with different modes of action, i.e. leaf coverage with low contact angle.

Other functionalities may include compatibilization for high-load AIs or uptake enhancement.