VIEWPOINT
Thin-shell quick-release microcapsule
suspension technology
GoodAgro is the world’s third ranking manufacturer, next to
BASF and Syngenta, and has successfully developed the second-
generation microcapsule suspension (quick release), being China’s
sole company offering such technology. The 450g/l pendimethalin
CS, developed by GoodAgro, has less than 1% capsule wall
material, with a micro-capsule size being 5 - 8 μm in average,
providing a low-melting point for technical material. No organic
solvent is used, and this kind of formulation is environment-
friendly, and the suspension system can endure dozens of freeze
thawing tests (-18-20). The product is not only released quickly,
its field efficacy is comparable to EC product but, with the slow
release effect of a microcapsule, offers a long-lasting function for
45-60 days. This feature enables capsule suspension to be widely
applied in crop fields.
In 2016, GoodAgro built two 2,000-ton microcapsule suspension
production lines, while meeting internationally advanced levels.
Following its 450g/l pendimethalin CS, GoodAgro targeted the
more difficult 480g/l trifluralin CS.
Trifluralin is a broadly applied soil surface sealing herbicide
used across the world. Due to the restraint of its physical property
of high vapor pressure and ultra-low melting point, there has been
so far not a single commercialized product in the world.
Trifluralin technical has a melting point of 43℃ to 47.5℃ and
high vapor pressure of 6.1mPa (25℃ ), which is presently the
case for all emulsifiable concentrates, being prone to volatility and
photolysis. Therefore, it is required to be covered with soil timely
and its lasting effect is not long enough, which causes restrictions
in applications. Goodagro has managed to make a high-content
microcapsule without an organic solvent, where proportion of
the capsule wall material is ≤0.8%, which achieves both the slow
release of microcapsules and the quick efficacy of emulsifiable
concentrates. The product has undergone -18℃ to 20℃ freeze-
thaw test 30 times, where the microcapsule remained intact. This
solves the crystal separation problem of trifluralin EC under low-
temperature condition.
The innovative achievement indicates that GoodAgro’s
environment-friendly, thin-shell + quick release microcapsule
EC has reached an internationally advanced level. The 480g/L
microcapsule EC will no doubt become a shining pearl standing
on the top of microcapsule EC, which fills up the gap of the global
pesticide formulation.
The product has been so far put under field trial for application
to soy and wheat in Australia, with an outstanding field effect
having been achieved. The product is expected to become a
unique product of GoodAgro, with which GoodAgro will step into
the global market.
www.agropages.com
Seed-coating technology
GoodAgro has a 15-year history of industrialized FS production,
specializing in FS processing for export on an OEM basis,
having produced accumulated quantities of 5,000 tons. Since
2012, GoodAgro has become China’s pesticide formulation
industry leader, having utilized its technical superiority to register
7 FS products, which are of the same, or near, the FS quality
of multinationals. There is, indeed, a gap between Chinese FS
products and those of multinationals, in terms of quality and
varieties, particularly a large gap between Chinese enterprises and
Syngenta or Bayer CropScience. GoodAgro is determined to move
into this sector, this being a strategic goal for the transformation of
the company.
Over the last 3 years, GoodAgro has made efforts in quality
improvement in 4 areas, according to international standards:
1) Granule size is controlled to high standards. GoodAgro uses
imported advanced third-generation grinding and full cold chain
processing techniques, which could control FS size at D90
＜ 2μm, D50 ＜ 1μm, having reached the quality standards of
multinationals; 2) Imported high molecular auxiliary agents and
film-forming agents are used to enhance the rheological property
of FS grinding, storage and coating. Good rheological property
facilitates lower viscosity, even if for high demand products,
such as imidacloprid 600g/LFS and thiamethoxam 48% FS. The
appearance looks thin, with easy dumping, better levelling and
lower film fall off; 3) Color paste of international standard is used to
achieve a finished look of a seed coating agent; 4 ) Biostimulants
are selected worldwide, which not only enhances the rooting and
growth of coating agents, but also helps to resist damage from the
cold.
Future: entry to international markets
with innovative formulations and high-
end products
Based on successful practices in the Chinese paddy rice
market, GoodAgro is planning a promotion of its Gengshangpao
macrogranule and the 450g/l pendimethalin CS to rice growing
countries in Southeast Asia.
Furthermore, GoodAgro is currently locating excellent
biostimulants from throughout the world to expand the product mix
of GoodAgro. Based on the biostimulant, GoodAgro is prepared to
develop seed coasting agents using biostimulants as additives to
facilitate the growth and development of crops, including heading
and fruit bearing.
GoodAgro is looking forward to exchanges and cooperation
with global stimulant manufacturers to jointly create superior
product to benefit growers throughout the world.
2017 Formulation & Adjuvant Technology 23