NZ720940A - Antidrift composition - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solid, water-soluble fast-dissolving antidrift composition comprising a urea-based complex-forming component (i) complexed with at least a portion of an antidrift component (ii), and an adjuvant component (iii) a super-spreader surfactant with all, some, or none of the super-spreader surfactant being complexed with the urea-based complex-forming component (i). This composition alleviates the problems associated with spray drift such as the movement of herbicides or other sprayed agricultural treatment material away from the target area. This composition also alleviates the problems associated with a slow dissolution rate.

Description

ANTIDRIFT COMPOSITION FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to complexes of urea—based complex-forming nds and ifi agents for controlling the droplet size of aqueous sprays, particularly those intended for agricultural use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Spray drift, or off-target drift, is an increasingly important n of the agricultural industry. Spray drift is the movement of herbicides or other sprayed agricultural treatment material away from the target area resulting in wasted al, possible damage to nearby crops and plants and/or pollution of local surface water. When agriculmral compositions are sprayed onto crops, a drop size distribution results. While small drops, lly defined as less than 150 s, traditionally provide better crop coverage, they are also more prone to drifting. Large drops, commonly regarded as those with diameters r than 400 microns, tend to resist drift but are prone to bouncing off crop surfaces resulting in reduced coverage and effectiveness. The optimum drop size range for minimizing drift and maximizing deposition effectiveness is generally considered to be 0 microns.

Reducing the amount of small droplets can significantly reduce spray drift. This is currently being achieved by employing new nozzle technology or through the use of relatively high molecular weight water-soluble polymers as antidn'fi agents. ift additives include acrylamide homopolymers and mers, polysaccharides such as guar, guar derivatives and xanthan gums and polyalkylene oxides such as polyethylene oxides. One problem with these and other known antidrifi additives is that they are often difficult to dissolve in water. A second problem is that the larger drops that they produce tend not to adhere well to the target crops.

SUIVIMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present ion, a solid, soluble, fast-dissolving antidrifi composition is provided which comprises a ased x-forming component (i) complexed with an antidrift component (ii).

The antidrifi composition of this invention when incorporated in an aqueous spray formulation, e.g., one employed in agriculture, provides drift reduction properties very similar to those of its non-complexed antidrifi component (ii). However, unlike difficult~to—dissolve non— complexed ift ent (ii), when antidrift component (ii) is complexed with urea-based complex forming component (i), the antidritt composition herein greatly decreases the amount of mixing time required to dissolve its complexed antidrifi component (ii) in the aqueous spray composition. As a further advantage, when added to an agricultural spray, urea-based complex- forming component (i) of the autidrift composition provides a source of fertilizer apart fiom and in addition to any other fertilizer(s) with which the antidrift ition may be combined.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of the spray booth apparatus employed herein for measuring spray drift.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ION In the specification and claims that follow, certain terms and expressions shall be understood as having the designated gs.

The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include the plural unless the t clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the term "may" indicates a ility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualifies another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of "may" indicates that a modified term is apparently riate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function or usage while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may mes not be appropriate, capable or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity does not or cannot occur, such distinction being captured by the term "may".

All ranges in the specifications and claims are ive of the endpoints and are independently combinable. It will be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges within that range and any combination of the s endpoints of such ranges or subranges. {0011] The term "solid" as it applies to the antidrift composition ofthe invention shall be understood as including an essentially water~free composition as well as one containing a small amount of water, e.g., ranging from a ible amount up to 10% by weight water and even higher, provided the water-containing composition exhibits a solid appearance and when provided in a particulate form, e. g., powder, granules, pellets, prills, or the like, exhibits some degree of flowability.

The expression "water—soluble" shall be understood herein to be synonymous with ”water-dispersible”.

The expression "fast-dissolving" shall be understood to refer to that characteristic property of the antidrift ition of the invention whereby a given quantity of the antidrift composition in particulate form will achieve te dissolution in an s medium in significantly less time, e.g., in at least 30%, preferably in at least 50% and more preferably in at least 70%, less time than an lent amount of a mechanical mixture, i.e., a non-complexed mixture, ofurea—based complex-forming component (i) and antidrifi component (ii), each of comparable particulate form, under substantially identical dissolution conditions.

The term "complex" as used herein shall be understood to be synonymous with "clathrate“, rate complex", "cage compound", "host-guest x“, "inclusion compound", "inclusion complex", and "adduct" as these terms and expressions are understood in the art. While the e nature of the antidrifi—containing complex of the invention is not known with certainty, the x exhibits properties that differ from a simple mechanical mixture of its urea-based x-forming component (i) and antidrifc ent (ii).

The term "adjuvant" as used herein refers to any optional component that when incorporated in the antidrifi composition of the invention imparts a functionally useful property thereto, e.g., dispersing, wetting, spreading, etc., and/or enhances a functionally useful property already sed in some degree by the antidrift composition.

The term "superspreader" as used herein refers to those adjuvant surfactants that have the property of "superspreading", or "super-wetting". Superspreadmg/supemetting is the ability of a drop of a solution of a superspreader surfactant to spread to a diameter that is greater than the diameter of a drop of distilled water on a hydrophobic surface, and also greater than the diameter to which a solution ofwater and non-superspreading surfactant spreads on the hydrophobic surface. In addition to this difference in spread er, the contact angle of a drop of superspreader surfactant solution on a surface is larger than that of a non-superspreading surfactant solution on the same surface.

As previously indicated, the antidrift ition of this invention is a solid water-soluble complex ofurea-based complex—forming component (i), i.e., the "host" of a "host- guest" complex with ifi component (ii) as the ”guest“ of the "host-guest" compleit. Each of these components of the antidrifi composition herein, ranges oftheir amounts in the antidrift composition, general s for the preparation of the antidrift composition and specific examples illustrating various embodiments of the antidn'fi composition and their application will now be described.

A. Components of the Antidrift Composition 1. Urea-based Complex-forming Component 1i] Urea based complex—forming component (i) ofthe antidrifi composition of the ion can be ed from at least one ofurea and urea tive capable of forming a complex with antidrift component (ii). Among the urea-based complex—forming urea derivatives that can be used herein with generally good results are thiourea, urea formaldehyde, urea hydrate, urea phosphate and urea sulfate (monocarbamide dihydrogen e).

Employing urea and/or any complex~forming urea derivative, ing any of those entioned, complexed with antidrifi component (ii) has the advantages of rendering the typically lt-to-dissolve antidrifi ent (ii) more readily dissolved in the intended aqueous spray composition and where such spray composition is to be used in agriculture, providing a significant source of fertilizer. Urea phosphate onally provides a source of phosphate and urea sulfate may additionally function as an herbicide, again, in the case of an agricultural spray. 2. 'fi Component (ii) Antidriit component (ii) of the antidritt composition of the invention can be ed from among any ofthe known antidn'fi agents including, without limitation, ric antidrift agents such as polysaccharides, acrylamide homopolymers and copolymers and their salts, e.g., their alkali metal salts, in particular, those of sodium and potassium, their ammonium salts, their di- and trialkylamine salts, their di- and triallcanolamine salts, and the like, copolymers of maleic acid and conjugated diene including their salts such as those aforementioned, polyalkylene oxides such as polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide and poly(ethylene oxide-co~propylene oxide), polyvinylpyrrolidone, and their mixtures. These and other known types ofpolymeric drift agents are lly of relatively high molecular weight, e.g., on the order of from 10,000 to 50,000,000, and preferably from 0 to 25,000,000, weight average molecular weight.

Specific examples of useful ccharide antidrift agents include guar, guar derivatives such as hydroxylpropyl guar (HPG), carboxymethyl ypropyl guar (CMHPG), xanthan gum, and mixtures thereof.

Specific examples of acrylamide polymers e rylamide homopolymers and polyacrylamide copolymers and their alkali metal salts such as poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid), poly(acrylarnide-co-acrylic acid, Na salt), polyacrylarnidoalkylsulfonic acid salts, and mixtures thereof.

Among the useful polyalkylene oxides are the polyethylene oxides and mixtures thereof. 3. Optional Adj uvant Component (iii) The antidrift composition of the invention can optionally contain one or more adjuvant components (iii) known for incorporation in s agricultural sprays. One or more of these optional adjuvant components (iii) may be d with urea-based complex-forming component (i) and/or antidrift component (ii) prior to forming the complex resulting in the antidriit composition of the invention thus offering the possibility that depending on its identity, some or all of a particular adjuvant component (iii) may also be complexed by urea-based complex-forming component (i). In addition to or in lieu of the foregoing, one or more optional adjuvant components (iii) may be admixed with the antidn'it composition once the latter is formed in which case the resulting composition will constitute a physical mixture of the antidrifi composition and nt component(s) (iii). Where an optional adjuvant component (iii) is a liquid, the nature and amount of the liquid incorporated in the antidn'ft composition will be such that the resulting composition continues to appear as a solid.

Among the many kinds of optional adjuvant components (iii) that can be included in the antidrift composition of the ion are superspreader tants of both the organosilicon and ganosilicon types and non—superspreading surfactants of both these types, one or more ofwhich may be complexed in whole or in part with urea-based complex- forrning component (i), and antifoam additives, anticaking/free flow ves, rs, dyes, and so forth.

In a preferred embodiment of the antidrift ition herein, urea-based complex-forming component (i), in addition to being complexed with ifr component (ii), is complexed with a superspreader tant. The preader surfactant of the preferred antidrift composition functions in an aqueous agricultural spray composition to improve the wetting and spreading of the droplets of the spray composition on the target plants.

The superspreader surfactant can be selected from among any of the known and conventional superspreader surfactants, e.g., the organosilicon superspreader surfactants disclosed in US. Patent Nos. 7,507,775; 7,645,720; 7,652,072; 7,700,797; 7,879,916; and, 7,935,842, and in US. Patent Application Publication 2007/013161 1, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein, and the non~organosilicon superspreader surfactants, e. g., those sed in US. Patent Nos. 5,821,195; 6,130,186; 6,475,953; 265; and, 7,964,552, the entire contents of which are also incorporated by nce herein.

It is within the scope of this invention to employ a mixture of organosilicon superspreader surfactant(s) and non—organosilicon superspreader surfactant(s), e.g., as disclosed in aforementioned US. Patent No. 7,964,552, as optional adjuvant components (iii). Additional combinations of adjuvant surfactants that may advantageously be included in the antidrifi composition ofthe invention include organosilicon superspreader surfactant and non- superspreading organosilicon surfactant; organosilicon superspreader surfactant and nonsuperspreading , non—organosilicon surfactant; non-organosilicon superspreader surfactant and non-superspreading organosilicon tant; non-organosilicon preader surfactant and non-superspreading, non-organosilicon surfactant; and, non-superspreading organosilicon surfactant and non-superspreading, non-organosilicon surfactant. The weight ratios of the different types of surfactants in these mixtures can vary widely, e.g., from 12100 to 100:1, preferably from 1:50 to 50:1 and more preferably from 1:20 to 20:1. All, part or none of these surfactant mixtures may be complexed with ased complex-forming component (i) of the antidrifi ition herein. Where only part of a given tant e is complexed with ureabased complex-forming component (i), the weight ratio of the different types of surfactants in the mixture may ntially correspond to, or significantly differ from, that ofthe mixture prior to being complexed.

More particularly, the organosilicon superspreader surfactant can be selected fi‘om any one or more ofthe known and conventional tri- and tetrasiloxane alkoxylate and/or hydrolysis-resistant types. entative of the superspreader surfactants are the polysiloxane alkoxylates of general formula (I): (R'RZR3Sioia)(R“RSSiom)n(R"R‘OSiom)p(R7R8R9Siom) (I) wherein n is 0 or 1; p is 1 or 2; R1 to R8 are methyl; R9 is methyl or, when R10 is methyl, R9 is R”; R10 is methyl or Rn with R11 being a polyalkylene oxide group of general formula (11): R]3(C2H40)w(C3H60)x(C4Hs0)le2 (H) in which w, x and y are independently an integer from 0 to 20, with the o that w is greater than or equal to 2 and w+x+y is in a range of from 2 to 20; R12 is a hydrogen atom, an aliphatic radical or an acetyl group; and, R‘3 is a divalent aliphatic radical having the structure (111): ——CH2CH(RM)(R‘5)ZO— (III) in which R14 is a hydrogen atom or an aliphatic radical, Rls is a divalent aliphatic radical of l to 6 carbon atoms and z is O or 1. ally advantageous polysiloxane alkoxylates (l) for providing optional superspreader surfactant of the antidrift composition herein are the trisiloxane alkoxylates, e.g., trisiloxane ethoxylates, trisiloxane ethoxylate~propoxylates, etc. loxane alkoxylates (I) can be prepared in a known manner, specifically, by the hydrosilylation reaction of a silicon hydride-containing organosiloxane with an unsaturated polyalkylene oxide.

A number ofpolysiloxane alkoxylates (I) are commercially available such as Silwet L~77, Silwet 408, Silwet 806, SF1188A and SF1288, all from Momentive Performance als Inc.

Representative of the hydrolysis-resistant superspreaders are the carbosilane, disiloxane and hindered trisiloxane surfactants such as those hereinafter described. le ysis-resistant carbosilane surfactants include those of general formula (IV): (R‘6>(R”)(R‘8)Si—R‘9—SirR2°)(R“)<R”) (IV) wherein R”, R”, R”, R20 and R2' are each independently selected from the group consisting of l to 6 monovalent hydrocarbon radicals, aryl and a hydrocarbon group of 7 to 10 carbon atoms containing an aryl group; R19 is a divalent arbon group of l to 3 carbons; R22 is a polyalkylene oxide group of general formula (V): R”<02H40)i(csH60)c(ciHsDirk“ (V) in which R23 is a divalent linear or branched hydrocarbon radical having structure (V1): —CHZCH(R”>(R26>gO—— (VI) in which R25 is hydrogen or ; R26 is a divalent alkyl radical of 1 to 6 carbon atoms where the subscript g may be 0 or l; R”1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,'rnonovalent hydrocarbon radical of 1 to 6 carbon atoms and acetyl, subject to the limitation that subscripts d, e and f are zero or ve and satisfy the following relationships: 2§d+e+f§ 20 with d2?“ Hydrolysis-resistant carbosilane surfactant (IV) can be prepared in a known manner, e. g., through the use ofhydrosilylation reaction to graft an olefinically unsaturated (i.e., vinyl, allyl or methallyl) polyalkylene oxide onto a compound of the a: (R‘6)(R‘7)(R18)Si——-Rl9—Si(RZ°)(R21)H n Rm-R21 each has the aforedescribed meaning.

Among the le hydrolysis-resistant disiloxane surfactants are those of general formula (VII): MM' (V11) wherein M is thzzgnzgsiom and M' is 113012311232Sio"2 in which R27 is selected from the group consisting of branched monovalent hydrocarbon radical of from 3 to 6 carbon atoms or R33 in which R33 is selected from the group consisting of R3‘1R35R3f’SiR37 and 1R32)SiR37 in which R“; R35 and R36 each independently is selected from the group consisting ofmonovalent hydrocarbon radical of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and monovalent aryl or alkaryl hydrocarbon radical of from 6 to 13 carbon atoms and R37 is a divalent hydrocarbon radical of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R28 and R29 each ndently is selected from the group consisting of monovalent hydrocarbon radical of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or R”, and R30 is a polyalkylene oxide group selected from the group consisting of R38(C2H4C)){,(C3H60)l,(C4H;;O),;R39~ and R37SiR3’R32(R33(C2HiO)a(C3I-I50)b(C4HgO)cR39) in which R38 is a divalent linear or branched hydrocarbon radical having the structure (VIII): —CH20H(R4°)(R“)(10— (VIIl) in which R40 is hydrogen or methyl; R‘” is a divalent alkyl radical of l to 6 carbon atoms in which subscript d may be 0 or I; R39 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lent arbon radical of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and acetyl subject to the limitation that subscripts a, b and c are zero or positive and satisfy the ing onships: 2§a+b+c§20 with a; 2, and R3 and R32 each independently is selected from the group of lent hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or R”.

Disiloxane surfactant (VII) can be prepared in a known manner, e.g., by reacting a compound ofthe formulaM” in which M” is the hydride precursor ofthe M' structural unit in disiloxane (VII) under hydrosilylation conditions with an olefinically unsaturated (i.e., vinyl, allyl or methallyl) polyalkylene oxide.

Useful hindered hydrolysis-resistant hisiloxane superspreader surfactants for complexing with complex—forming component (i) e first trisiloxane surfactant (IX), second trisiloxane surfactant (XI) and third tn'siloxane surfactant (XIV) as hereinafter defined: first hydrolysis-resistant oxane ofgeneral formula (11X): M‘D’M2 (1X) wherein M‘ is (R42)(R43)(R44)Siou2, M2 is (R45)(R46)(R47)Si01/2 and D‘ is (R48)(Z)Si0m in which R42 is selected from a branched or linear hydrocarbon group of from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, aryl and alkyl hydrocarbon group of4 to 9 carbon atoms containing an aryl substituent of 6 to 20 carbon atoms; R43, R44, R45, R46, R47 and R48 each independently is selected fiom the group consisting ofmonovalent hydrocarbon radical of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and hydrocarbon radical of 4 to 9 s containing an aryl group of from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, and Z is an alkyleneoxide group of general formula (X): R“9(Czr140)iicimoiitciHsorR” (X) in which R49 is a linear or branched divalent hydrocarbon radical of 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 carbon atoms; R50 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, monovalent hydrocarbon ls of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and acetyl, and in which the subscripts a, b and c are zero or positive and satisfy the following onships: 2§a+b+c§20 with a; 2; second hydrolysis—resistant trisiloxane of general formula (XI): MSDZM“ (XI) wherein M3 is R52)(R53)Si01/2, M4 is (R54)(R55)(R56)Si01,2 and D2 is (R57)(Z')Si02/2 in which R“, R52, R53, R54, R55, R56 and RS7 each independently is selected from the group consisting of monovalent hydrocarbon radical of l to 4 carbon atoms, aryl and alkyl hydrocarbon group of4 to 9 carbon atoms containing an aryl substituents of 6 to 20 carbon atoms; 2' is a kylene oxide group of general formula (XII): lemme»(03H60>C(C4H80)iR59 (XE) in which R58 is selected from a branched or linear divalent hydrocarbon radical of the general formula (XIII): —C4H30(C2H40)—— (XIII) in which R59 is ed from the group consisting ofhydrogen, monovalent hydrocarbon l of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and acetyl, and in which the subscripts d, e and f are zero or positive and satisfy the following relationships: 2§d+e+f§ 20 with da 2; and, third hydrolysis-resistant trisiloxane of general formula (XIV): M5D3M" (XIV) wherein M5 is R5')(R62)Siom, M6 is (R63)(R64)(R65)SiO./2 and D3 is (R66)(Z")Si02,2 in which R60, R“, R62, R63, R64 and R65 each independently is selected from the group consisting of monovalent hydrocarbon radical of l to 4 carbon atoms, aryl, and alkyl hydrocarbon group of 4 to 9 carbon atoms ning an aryl substituent of 6 to 20 carbon atoms, R66 is a linear or branched hydrocarbon radical of 2 to 4 carbons; Z" is a polyalkylene oxide group of general formula (XV): R67 (C2m0)3(C3H50)h(C4HsO)iR68 (XV) wherein R67 is a linear or branched divalent hydrocarbon radical of2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 carbon atoms; R68 is selected from the group ting of hydrogen, monovalent hydrocarbon radical of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and acetyl, and in which subscripts g, h and i are zero or ve and satisfy the following relationships: 2§g+h+i§20 with (0,22.

Hindered, hydrolysis—resistant tn'siloxanes (IX), (XI) and (XII) can be prepared in a known manner, e.g., by reacting the silicone e precursor of one of the aid trisiloxanes under hydrosilylation reaction conditions with an olefinically unsaturated (i.e., vinyl, allyl or methally1)polyalkylene oxide.

Useful ganosilicon superspreader surfactants include Capstone® flurosurfactants t), and RhodasurfiE DA—530 (Rhodia).

Useful non—superspreading organosilicon surfactants include Silwet® L—8610, L— 8020, L—6900, L~6988 and .

Useful non—superspreading, non-organosilicon surfactants include those of the anionic, nonionic, cationic and amphoteric varieties.

Suitable non-superspreading, non-organosilicon anionic surfactants include sodium dodecyl sulfate, alkylcarboxylic acids (Lutensit® AN 45 (BASF)), sodium fatty alcohol polyglycol ether sulfates (Emulphor® PAS 30 (BASH), sodium laureth sulfate (Rhodapex® ESB 7O FEA2 (RhodiaD, and the like.

Suitable non~organosilicon nonionic surfactants, which depending on structure may or may not be superspreading, include nonylphenol and octylphenol ethoxylates, ethylene propylene oxide block copolymers such as the Pluronics® (BASF), fatty l ethoxylates n® emulsifiers (BASFD, alcohol ethoxylates (Rhodasurf® surfactants (Rhodia)) and the like.

Where an organosilicon superspreader surfactant (iii) is present in the antidrifi composition, it can be especially advantageous to include a non-organcsilicon nonionic surfactant of l formula (XVI): CH3<CH2)¢(C)dolR7° (XVI) wherein R69 is the same or different and is selected fiom the group consisting ofhydrogen and an alkyl of l to 4 carbon atoms; 0 is 5 to 9, d is 0 to 4, c+d is 5 to 9 and t is 0 or 1; R70 is anonionic hydrophilic moiety with the proviso that when t is 0, R70 is and when t is l, R70 is selected from the group consisting of (i) ]f{C3H5O]gH and (ii) 5)h-C5H1005 in which fiS 1 to 40, g is 0 10 40 and h is 1 t0 4, all as disclosed in U.S.

Patent No. 5,558,806, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Combinations oforganosilicon-containing superspreader surfactant (iii) and nonionic cosurfactant (XVI) that can advantageously be incorporated in the antidrift composition herein include the products Agrospred 100 and Agrospred 730, both available fiom Momentive Performance Materials Inc.

Suitable non-organosilicon cationic surfactants include tallow amine ethoxylates, trimethylalkylammonium chloride, and the like.

Suitable non-organosilicon amphoteric surfactants include the etaines and cocamidobetaines, all of which are able to be complexed with urea-based complex-forming component (i).

Specific antifoam additives include silicone oils, silica/silicone oil blends, silicone resins, alkoxylated cloud-point antifoarns, and the like; c anticaking/free—flow additives include silica, calcium silicate, sodium silicate, tricalcium phosphate, bentonite, aluminum silicate, magnesium trisilicate, and the like; and, specific stickers include latexes, and the like.

Where utilized, these and other al nt components (iii) can be incorporated in the antidrifi ition ofthe invention in known and conventional amounts. 4. Optional Formulation Component (iv) it is also within the scope of the ion to provide the antidrifi composition herein as a semi-wet paste or even as a fully dissolved or dispersed liquid concentrate in which case any added water, organic solvent, etc, employed in providing the ift composition in one of these forms can be considered an optional formulation ent (iv).

S. Ranges ofAmounts of Components (i), (ii), and al Adjuvant Component (iii) in the Antidrift Composition Provided that urea-based complex-fanning component (i) is present in the antidrift composition of the invention in at least an amount that is ive to form a complex with significant amounts of antidrift component (ii), e.g., at least 50, preferably at least 80, and more preferably at least 95, weight percent of ifi component (ii), and ifi component (ii) is present in the antidritt ition in at least an amount that is effective to provide iable drifi control of the aqueous spray composition to which the antidrifi composition is added, components (i) and (ii) ofthe antidrifi composition can be present therein within broadly specific amounts.

Thus, e.g., the antidriit composition of the invention can contain an amount of complex-forming component (i), antidrift component (ii) and optional adjuvant component (iii), within one of the weight parts ranges A, B and C as hereinafter set forth (with weight parts values for a particular antidriit composition ng 100 weight percent): Component of Weight Pans Ranges A, B and C the Antidrift Common. . “—C 70—95 80—98 0540 6. General Preparative Procedures The antidn'ft composition ofthe invention can be readily ed by a variety of procedures. Thus, e. g., the desired s of antidrifi component (ii) and, if ed, optional adjuvant component (iii), can be dissolved in an aqueous and/or organic solvent solution of the desired amount of urea-based complex-forming component (i) followed by removal ofthe water/orgaInc solvent to e a substantially solid material which, if desired, can be ized, granulated, flaked, pelletized, prilled or otherwise processed to provide ly convenient end-user forms for addition to aqueous spray media. Organic solvents le for this purpose include low boiling polar solvents such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, acetone, methylethylketone, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, and the like. Removal of solvent can be accelerated by application of suitable levels of heat and/or reduced pressure.

Drying can be accomplished employing any of several known and conventional techniques for removing solvent(s) from ved , e.g., natural air drying, oven drying, drum drying, spray drying, evaporative drying under ambient or reduced pressure, supercritical , etc.

Where such drying techniques result in a bulk solid or fairly large lumps of solid material, it is generally desirable to grind, mill or otherwise reduce the dry material to some particulate form, e.g., powder, granules, flakes, pellets, prills, etc., in order to facilitate packaging and/or handling by end-users. Whether the particulates are produced by grinding/milling the dried material or are produced directly from a on or melt by such techniques as spray drying, prilling, and the like, the particulates can range widely as to both average particle size and particle size bution Antidrifi compositions having average particle sizes of from 50 u to 10 mm, and preferably from 200 u to 5 mm, and in which from 50 to 70, and preferably from 60 to 90, weight percent of the compositions are made up of particles having average sizes of from 400 n to 1 mm, are generally quite suitable forms of the compositions herein.

In accordance with another procedure for producing the ift composition of the invention, the desired amounts of antidn'ft component (ii) and, optionally, adjuvant component (ii), can be uniformly ved in the desired amount ofmolten urea-based complex- forming component (i) (in the case of essentially pure or cal grade urea, at or above its melting point of 133-135°C) and following cooling and solidification of the mixture, further sing ofthe mixture, e.g., grinding or milling to provide powder, as previously indicated.

To rate dissolution of antidrifi component (ii) and any optional nt component (iii) into the molten ased x-forming component (i), a minor amount of water, e.g., up to % by weight, may be added to complex-forming component (i) prior to heating the resulting mixture to its (reduced) melt temperature.

B. Aqueous Spray Compositions ning the Antidn'ft Composition of the Invention The antian composition of the present invention is especially useful for addition to aqueous spray compositions intended for agricultural (inclusive of horticultural, turf and/or forestry) application. The amounts of antidrift ition to be added to a given aqueous spray composition will, of course, be that which is effective to significantly reduce drift ofthat particular spray composition.

Determining the ive range of amounts of antidrifi composition for a given aqueous spray composition will be influenced by a variety of factors including the precise formulation of the antidrifi composition, the desired distribution of droplet sizes for the spray composition under consideration, the spray conditions and the nature of the target plants/crops/vegetation.

Optimum amounts of antidrifi composition for a c spray composition and spraying operation can be readily determined employing routine experimental testing procedures such as those described below.

For many spray compositions, amounts of antidrift composition ofthis invention ranging from 0.01 to 5, and preferably from 0.1 to 1, weight percent can be incorporated therein with generally good drift reduction results.

Agricultural sprays, which in addition to water and the soluble antidrift composition of the ion, will include one or more known and conventional active ingredients, fertilizers, micronutrients, adjuvants, agricultural excipients, cosurfactants, etc, such as those now bed. 1. Pesticides Pesticidal sprays include at least one pesticide. Optionally, the pesticidal spray may include excipients, cosuifactants, solvents, foam control agents, tion aids, biologicals, micronutrients, izers, and the like. The term "pesticide" means any compound that is used to destroy pests, e. g., rodenticides, insecticides, miticides, acaricides, fungicides, herbicides, and so forth. Illustrative examples ofpesticides that can be ed include, but are not limited to, growth regulators, photosynthesis tors, pigment inhibitors, mitotic disrupters, lipid biosynthesis inhibitors, cell wall inhibitors, and cell membrane disrupters. The amount of pesticide employed in a spray composition will vary with the particular type of pesticide.

Specific es ofpesticide compounds that can be incorporated in a spray composition include, but not limited to, herbicides and growth regulators such as: phenoxy acetic acids, phenoxy propionic acids, phenoxy butyric acids, benzoic acids, triazines and s—triazines, substituted ureas, uracils, bentazon, desmedipham, methazole, phenmedipham, pyridate, amitrole, clornazone, flun'done, norflurazone, dinitroanilines, isopropalin, oryzalin, pendimethalin, prodiamine, trifluralin, glyphosate, sulfonylureas, imidazolinones, clethodim, diclofop—methyl, fenoxaprop-ethyl, op-p-butyl, haloxyfop—methyl, quizalofop, sethoxydim, dichlobenil, en, bipyridylium compounds, and the like.

Fungicide compositions that can be utilized in the s spray composition include, but are not d to, aldimorph, tridemorph, dodemorph, dimethomorph; flusilazol, azaconazole, onazole, epoxiconazole, furconazole, propiconazole, tebuconazole and the like; imazalil, anate, benomy] carbendazirn, chlorothialonil, dicloran, trifloxystrobin, fluoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, azoxystrobin, anil, prochloraz, flusulfamide, famoxadone, captan, maneb, mancozeb, dodicin, dodine, metalaxyl, and the like.

Insecticide, larvacide, miticide and e compounds that can incorporated in the aqueous spray ition include, but are not limited to, Bacillus thuringiensis (or Bt), spinosad, abamectin, doramectin, lepimectin, pyrethn‘ns, carbaryl, primicarb, aldicarb, methomyl, antitraz, boric acid, imeforrn, novaluron, bistrifluron, triflumuron, diflubenzuron, imidacloprid, diazinon, acephate, endosulfan, kelevan, dimethoate, azinphos- ethyl, azinphos—methyl, izoxathion, chlorpyrifos, tezine, lambda-cyhalothrin, perrnethrin, bifenthrin, cypermethrinm, and the like. 2. izers and Micronutrients Fertilizers and micronutrients include, but not limited to, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, ammonium sulfate, urea, urea ammonium en, ammonium thiosulfate, potassium sulfate, monoammonium phosphate, urea phosphate, calcium nitrate, boric acid, potassium and sodium salts of boric acid, oric acid, magnesium hydroxide, manganese carbonate, calcium polysulfide, copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, iron e, calcium sulfate, sodium molybdate, calcium chloride, and the like. 3. Adjuvants and Agg'cultural Excipients Many pesticide applications require the addition of an nt to the aqueous foliar surfaces. Often that nt is a spray formulation to provide wetting and spreading on surfactant that is capable ofperforming several functions such as increasing spray droplet retention on difficult to wet leaf surfaces, enhancing spreading to improve spray coverage and providing penetration of herbicide into the plant cuticle.

Buffers, preservatives and other standard agricultural excipients known in the art may also be ed in the spray composition.

Suitable organic solvents for inclusion in the spray composition include alcohols, ic solvents, oils (e. g., mineral oil, vegetable oil, silicone oil, and so forth), lower alkyl esters ofvegetable oils, fatty acids, ketones, glycols, hylene glycols, diols, paraffinics, and so forth. Particular ts e 2, 2, 4-trirnethyl, l-3~pentane diol and alkoxylated (especially ethoxylated) versions thereof as illustrated in US. Pat. No. 5,674,832, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein, and n—methyl—pyrrolidone. 4. Cosurfactants Useful cosurfactants herein include ic, cationic, anionic, amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants and any of their mixtures. Surfactants are typically hydrocarbon-based, silicone—based or arbon—based.

Moreover, other cosurfactants having short chain hydrophobes that do not interfere with superspreading, e.g., those described in US. Patent No. 5,558,806, the entire contents h are orated by reference herein, are also useful.

Useful surfactants include alkoxylates, especially ethoxylates, containing block copolymers including copolymers of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, and es thereof; alkylarylalkoxylates, especially ethoxylates or propoxylates and their tives including alkyl phenol ethoxylate; arylarylalkoxylates, especially ethoxylates or propoxylates. and their derivatives; amine alkoxylates, ally amine ethoxylates; fatty acid alkoxylates; fatty alcohol alkoxylates; alkyl sulfonates; alkyl benzene and alkyl naphthalene sulfonates; sulfated fatty alcohols, amines or acid amides; acid esters of sodium isethionate; esters of sodium sulfosuccinate; sulfated or sulfonated fatty acid esters; petroleum sulfonates; N- acyl sarcosinates; allcyl polyglycosides; alkyl ethoxylated amines, and the like.

Specific es include alkyl acetylenic diols (Surfynols®, Air Products), pyrrilodone based surfactants (e.g., Surfadone® LP 100, Ashland), 2-ethyl hexyl sulfate, isodecyl alcohol ethoxylates (e.g., urt® DA 530, Rhodia), ethylene diamine alkoxylates (Tetronics®, BASF), ethylene propylene oxide copolymers (Pluronics®, BASF), - type tants a) and diphenyl ether gemini—type surfactants (DOWFAX®, Dow Chemical).

Preferred surfactants include ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymers (BO/PO); amine ethoxylates (tallowamine ethoxylates); alkyl polyglycosides; oxo-tridecyl alcohol ethoxylates, and so forth. 5. Other Aqueous Spray Components The aqueous spray composition can include one or more other agrochemical components. Suitable such agrochemical components are growth regulators, biologicals, plant nutritionals, nic mineral oil, methylated seed oils (i,e. methylsoyate or methylcanolate), vegetable oils (such as soybean oil and canola oil), water conditioning agents such as Choice.RTM. and Industries, Greeley, Colo.) and Quest (Helena Chemical, Collierville, Tenn), modified clays such as SurroundRTM. (Englehard Corp.,), foam control agents, wetting , dispersants, emulsifiers and deposition aids. [0075! Agricultural spray compositions may be made by combining in any combination and/or sequence in a manner known in the art, such as mixing, water, one or more of the above spray components and the antidrifi ition of the present invention, either as a tank-mix, or as an "In—can" formulation. The term mix" means the addition of at least one agrochemical to a spray medium, such as water or oil, at the point of use. The term "In-can" refers to a formulation or concentrate containing at least one agrochemical component. The "In-can" formulation may then be diluted to its application concentration at the point ofuse, typically in a tanlemix, or it may be used undiluted.

C. Examples Illustrating the Antidrift Composition of the Invention 1. Determination of Spray Drifi Spray drift was determined in the examples that follow employing the spray booth apparatus of Figure 1 that has been modified to function in the manner of a small wind . A flat-fan spray nozzle (UNUET 8002B) was fixed in place at the top of the booth, about 56 cm from the right hand side ofthe hood. A heat gun in "fan mode" was used as a wind source and placed to the right ofthe spray. A water sensitive paper coupon was held on the opposite side of the spray‘ This setup is shown in Figure l. The spray drift tests were run at a spray pressure of 2.85-3.00 atrn and the spray time was 10 seconds. Three to four sprays were run for each solution. The amount of drift was ined by averaging the number of drops counted in five 0.125 cm2 circles on each water sensitive paper coupon. The coupons measured approximately 1.8 x 2.5 cm. Water was sprayed as a control at the beginning and end of each set. 2. Determination of Spreading! getting The spreading ability of the various superspreaders utilized herein was determined by depositing a single drop (10 microliters) of solution onto a clean, flat polystyrene dish. The polystyrene surfaces were cleaned by rinsing with isopropanol and then with deionized water.

The dishes were then dried with dry nitrogen gas. The diameters of the resulting drops were then measured Each solution was tested 2 to 4 times and the average er was calculated. es 1-10 In these and all ofthe other examples that follow, all percentage amounts of indicated materials are by weight.

Spray drift and spreading tests were carried out on a ical mixture of a rylamide (PAM) antidrifc agent (Zetag 1100, BASF) and a complex of urea and a hydrolysis-resistant carbosilane superspreader surfactant ("Silicone A") (Example 2) made by adding the superspreader surfactant to molten urea. The results ofthese tests, presented in Table 1 below, show that this mixture exhibits a level of drift reduction that is substantially lent to that exhibited by a similar concentration ofPAM antidrifi agent (Example 7) and wetting/spreading properties that are significantly better than deionized water (Examples 1 and 8) e the low tration of Silicone A.

Table 1: Spray Drift and Spreading Test Results Data for Various Urea Complexes Aueous nra Coma n % Spray Drift St Dev % Silicone % Diameter St Dev iale Test Samle Descn‘ otion Evaluated Urea A PAM 0125mm2 0.1.‘250m2 mm Tali—-mmechanical blend of 97% 0.33 0.296 0024 0.010 3.7 1.6 10.3 urea complex ining 7.6% Silicone A) and 3% PAM - Linea complex containing 0.833 0.790 O033 1.2% PAM and 4.0% ne A and made from aq. soln of these com - unents urea complex containing 0.435 0391 0033 0.010 2.3% PAM and 7.74% Silicone A and made from an. soln of these cornonents urea complex containing 0.904 0.813 0.070 0021 2.3% PAM and 7.74% Silicone A and made from aq. soln of these urea complex containing 50.00 0000 0010 1.96% PAM made from molten urea .— m_—m----—mm While the mechanical mixture of urea/Silicone A superspreader complex and PAM (Example 2) yields a free-flowing particulate product providing excellent drift control and good spreading ties, it does not address the poblern of the characteristically slow dissolution of the PAM antidrift agent. In addition there1s a n that the two kinds of particulates in the mixture, i.e., urea/Silicone A complex and PAM, will separate from each other to some extent during storage thereby resulting in a heterogenous mixture that may complicate achieving the required proportioning when ing the aqueous spray composition.

In Example 6, and in accordance with the invention, the PAM antidrifi component was dissolved within the molten urea to complex the PAM. This liquid mixture was then cast onto a room temperature aluminum dish to form a e solid. This solid inclusion complex was then broken up and ground to form a white, free-flowing powder.

Urea inclusion complexes containing both the antidrift agent and superspreader surfactant were ed by dissolving the superspreader, ift agent and urea in water in the desired ratio. The water was then removed by evaporation by placing the solution in an oven at 80-95°C for 2—3 days resulting in white and semi-crystalline solids. When ground, the ing antidrifi compositions were white, free-flowing s les 3-5).

When diluted to achieve a superspreader concentration of 0.033% and a PAM concentration of0.01% (Examples 3 and 4), these inclusion complexes reduced spray drift as well as the control solution of 0.01% PAM (Example 7). Surprisingly, the urea inclusion complexes ples 3 and 4 also exhibited better spreading than the 0.033% control solution of Silicone A superspreader (Example 9). The urea/PAM/Silicone A superspreader ion complex ofExample 4 was also evaluated at approximately twice the initial concentration resulting in a PAM concentration of0.021% and a superspreader concentration of 0.070% (Example 5). This complex ted excellent drift reduction and better spreading/wetting than the more dilute complex solutions of Examples 3 and 4. The complex ofExample 5 also showed better spreading/wetting that the 0.070% control solution of Silicone A superspreader (Example 10). Example 6, a urea ion complex ofPAM with no superspreader Silicone A, showed excellent drift reduction but very poor spreading ties comparable to those observed with water thus demonstrating that urea by itselfdoes not improve spreading/wetting properties.

Examples 11~21 Another set of urea/PAM/Silicone A superspreader inclusion complexes were ed as indicated in Table 2 below. The complexes of Examples 12-15 were made via the aqueous solution procedure described above in order to determine how much Silicone A superspreader and PAM could be incorporated in the inclusion complex. Examples 16 and 18 were made with polycrylamide-polyacrylic acid (PAM-FAA) copolymcr having a nominal weight average lar weight of 15,000 (Aldrich) as the antidrifi agent instead ofPAM.

Example 16, like Examples 12-15, was made via the aqueous solution procedure. Examples 17 and 18 were prepared fiom molten urea with PAM and PAM—FAA copolymer, respectively. All ofthese complexes were sprayed at a dilution ing an antidrifi component tration of 0.015%. At these dilutions, the Silicone A concentration of Examples 12-16 was 0.050% while those of Examples 17 and 18 was 0.041%. The results of spray—drift and spreading/wetting tests are summarized in Table 2 below.

Table 2: Spray Drift and Spreading Test s for Various Urea Complexes Sara Com on % Test Sample Silicone PAM or StDev Examle Test Sam -le Descri ntion Dianmeter PAMPAA O1 . mm I11 l—248E—valuatedU-Drea/”—flm 12 urea complexoontainlng 1-.18 0.050 O015 1 20% PAM and 4.03% Silicone com- ments 13 urea complex containing 0.649 0015 231% PAM and 7.67% Silicone A made from aq. soln of com - s 14 urea complex containing 3.00% 0.44 0.015 made from aq. soln of com 0 o nenls urea complex containing 3.99% 0.376 0.050 0.015 PAM and 13.31% Silicone A made from aq. soln of comments .s O) urea complex containing 2.31% 0849 0.050 0015 PAM/FAA (Aldrich) and 7.67% e A made from aq. soln of ccmonents ‘7 IIWIIII PAM and 5.5% Silicone A made from molten urea .a. 8 urea complex containing 2.0% 0.750 D041 O015 PAM/FAA (Aldrich) and 5.5% Silicone A made from molten urea ——.m0000 0015 Im21IIIIII.I=I0050 As shown in the Table 2 data, all of the urea/antidrifi agent/Silicone A superspreader inclusion complexes les 12-18) provided levels of spray-drift reduction essentially equivalent to that of the PAM control (Example 19). In addition, these inclusion complexes provided better spreading/wetting properties than the lent concentration of Silicone A superspreader in water (Example 20).

Polyacrylarnides such as Zetag 1100 (BASF) currently do not have EPA ”inert" status under Title 40, Code of Federal tions Sec. 180.960. However PAM/FAA copolymers with average molecular weights in atomic mass units (amu) equal to or greater than 1200, and PAM/PAA/Na polymers (CAS#250853) with a number average molecular weight (amu) of at least 18,000, are considered "inert" under this regulation and are thus acceptable for use in agricultural sprays.

Examples 22-29 Urea ion complexes containing PAM-FAA copolymer, sodium salt (PAM— PAA—Na) (Zetag 4100, BASF), both without and with Silicone A superspreader, were made from molten urea as was a ison urea inclusion complex containing PAM and Silicone A.

Aqueous herbicidal spray compositions were prepared containing 0.75% of these urea inclusion complexes and 1% glyphosate isopropyiamine salt ("glyphosate [PA salt") herbicide and evaluated for reduction of drift, increased spreading and herbicidal performance when d on velvetleaf. The results of these tests are summarized in Table 3 below.

Table 3: Spray Drifi and Spreading Data for Various Urea xes w- ueous HerbicidaISraCom-- on %Test % PAMor Spray Drift Spread Contml % Centre % Giy— “/o PAMFAA. (drops/ Diameter atter1 after 2 Exame Test Sam-ls Descriiion uhosate Evaiuat r uneaSificoneA Na (1—1250112m-mw_eek341 23 urea complex containing 7500. 0041 0.015 8.7 % PAM and 55% Silicone A 1.0% ANa and no Silicone A urea complex containing 0750 0.71 0.038 O0075 1.0% PAM-PAA-Na and .0% Silicone A -———n——-_237 n-flmnwManna-urn: n_—-___- As shown in the data of Table 3, the greatest reduction in drift was achieved with urea/PAM-PAA—Na complex ning no Silicone A superspreader (Example 24). The addition of Silicone A superspreader to the urea/PAM-PAA—Na inclusion complex of Example resulted in a slight increase in drift. While the urea/PAM/Silicone A inclusion complex of Example 23 resulted in slightly better drift reduction than the urea/PAM-PAA-Na/Silicone A complex ofExample 25, twice as much PAM was required to achieve this result.

Drop-spreading tests showed that ons containing ne A superspreader resulted in average drop spread diameters of approximately 20 mm regardless ofwhether or not they had been part of a urea inclusion complex and regardless of r or not glyphosate herbicide was present. The compositions that did not contain Silicone A superspreader did not spread well, with resulting drop diameters being about 5 mm.

The three herbicidal compositions containing urea ion complexes (Examples 23-25) were sprayed on velvetleaf. A solution of0.042% Silicone A and 1% glyphosate IPA salt (Example 26) was used as a control as was a plain 1% glyphosate [PA salt solution (Example 27). After one week the three herbicidal compositions containing the urea inclusion complexes and glyphosate IPA salt (Examples 23-25) were more effective at killing the velvetleaf than the Silicone A and glyphosate IPA salt control (Example 26) which was slightly more effective that the 1% glyphosate control (Example 27). Afier two weeks, the three urea inclusion complexes and the silicon A/glyphosate [PA salt combination (Examples 23-26) all exhibited greater than 90% idal effectiveness while the glyphosate IPA salt control provided only 81% herbicidal effectiveness.

Exam les 30~38 Larger batches of urea inclusion xes containing PAM-PAA—Na antidrifi agent and Silicone A superspreader were prepared in order to fy any possible ms that might result when scaling up from 40-50 g to 120—150 g batch ties. The three inclusion complexes all contained 5% Silicone A superspreader and different concentrations ofPAM- PAA-Na antidrifi component. s spray compositions ning 0.75% of each of these inclusion complexes were then prepared and tested for spray drift control and spreading/wetting ties. The results of these studies are presented in Table 4 below.

Table 4: Spray Drift and Spreading Test s Data for Complexes and Mixtures ofUrea and PAM—PAA—Na Copolymer Antidrifi Agent Aueous Sta Com- «ition Average Spray Average % Drift % Sample ne Antidritt Exam-la——_——__&Test Sam-1e -tion Evaluated %Urea A 31 urea x containing 075 0705 00375 0.0075 5.0 24 23.5 1% PAM~PAA~Na and 5% Silicone A 1.33% PAM-PAANa and % Silicone A urea complex containing 0.707 0.0375 00050 % Sllioone A I III-I PAM-FAA coo mer “-0.0075 urea and PAM-PAA—Na Silicone A _-__—-_—223 37 mechanical mixture of - 0.705 0.0375n--- urea and Silicone A 38 ——-—-—— As observed with the smaller scale lots, the inclusion complexes ofTable 4 (Examples 31-33) ted good drift control that was equivalent to that provided by the control samples ofPAM-PAA—Na with and without urea (Examples 34 and 35). The urea inclusion complexes also exhibited spreading/wetting properties that were as good as or better that that obtained with the s Silicone A solution (Example 36). The solution of Silicone A with urea (Example 37) spread a little better than the ne A solution (Example 36). The inclusion complexes of Examples 31 and 32 resulted in drop diameters that were a little better than the Silicone A solution. The inclusion complex of Exhibit 33 demonstrated significantly better spreading/wetting properties than the silicone superspreader solution of Example 36.

Examples 39-47 [0097} The effect of complexing the antidrifi agent in urea on the dissolution time ofthe antidrift agent was also evaluated. Full ution was considered to have been achieved when a solution appeared clear and was lump—free when poured. The s ofthese dissolution studies are presented in Tables 5 and 6 as follows: Table 5: Dissolution Time for Various PAM-PAA-Na Compositions Final Pa‘lide Size i PAMPAANa (diernelerw % Sample % Fnal Urea % . i Disses/ed Solvent Cmoerdafion Tme min “a“W IIIWIWI complex (15% Pam/v}-Nn 98.5% urea III-IIIcomplex(1.5%Pamin98.5%urea DI water IIIIIIIIureainDlwater IIIIEI As the dissolution data in Table 5 show, both the flaked and ground antidrift composition of the invention (Examples 39 and 40) ved in less than 5 minutes whereas the PAM~PAA—Na copolymer required 185-200 minutes to dissolve in the aqueous urea solutions (Examples 41 and 42) and 245 minutes to dissolve in water (Example 43).

Table 6: Dissolution Times for s PAM-PAA—Na Compositions Examle Test Sem-le -tion % Urea Cool mer ne A Time min 441% urea complex (94% 0.940 0.010 0.050 urea. 1% PAMFAA-Na -and 5% Silicone A-Sam-le 1 P—AMFAA-Na I 0.010 IIfiI _urea and PAM—PAA—Na 0.940 0.010 _m_ As the ution data in Table 6 show, Example 44, a 1% on of urea inclusion complex (94% urea, 1% PAM-PAA—Na and 5% Silicone A) required 9 minutes of continuous rolling to fully dissolve. Example 45 was prepared by sequentially dissolving the individual components of Example 44. The urea, a fine powder, and Silicone A, a liquid, were added first. These ients went into solution very quickly. The PAM-PAA—Na, a fine, granular solid, was then added. The PAM-PAA—Na required 135 minutes to fiilly dissolve.

Example 46, PAM—PAA—Na by itself, required 690 minutes to full)r go into solution. However, when mixed with urea in Example 47, the PAM-PAA—Na ved in just 90 minutes. It is clear from these dissolution studies that the presence of urea accelerates the solubilization of PAM- PAA—Na. It is also evident that the PAM-PAA—Na component of the urea/PAM-PAA— licone A inclusion complex dissolves much faster than the equivalent amount of non- complexed PAM-PAA—Na in a urea solution.

Examples 48~57 These examples illustrate antidn'i’c compositions of the invention containing a conventional trisiloxane superspreader surfactant ("Silicone B").

Two urea complexes were prepared, one in the absence of water ("dry preparation") and one to which water was added ("wet preparation"). For both ations, 94g urea, 1g PAM-PAA-Na antidrifi component and 5g Silicone B superspreader component were added to a flask. In the case of the wet ation, 10g DI water were also added to its flask.

Each flask was then attached to a Rotovap and a nitrogen blanket was applied. The flasks were partially ged in an oil bath set at 150°C and rotated at approximately 100 rpm until the urea melted and the PAM—PAA—Na and Silicone B components dissolved n.

Dissolution times (min) for the dry— and wet-prepared urea/PAM-PAA—Na/ Silicone B complexes and spreading test results are presented in Table 7 below: Table 7: Urea Complex Dissolution Times and Spreading Results after 1 and 5 Weeks Storage of ing on 1 Week 5Weeks Spreadst diameter -_--'“'“ml-l—Dm_lwater ——mfi- n---un-—Wet O—375 O0375 The spreading data in Table 7 show that the urea complexes of Examples 49 and 50 spread just as well as the equivalent concentration of Silicone B superspreader in the control (Example 51) trating that the wetting ties of Silicone B are not adversely affected by either the urea complex-forming component or the PAM—PAA—Na antidrift ent and that the Silicone B does not undergo significant hydrolysis either during the synthesis of the urea/PAM—APP-Na/Silicone B complex or during 5 weeks of storage.

As the dissolution data in Table 7 show, the on of water to the mixture providing the wet urea complex of e 50 resulted in a dissolution time of 25 minutes in contrast to the dissolution time of 45 minutes for the dry urea complex of Example 49. While the wet urea complex of Example 50 contains some small amount ofwater, when ground the resulting product exhibited some degree of lity. Removal of some or all of this water to provide an essentially water-free complex, e.g., one comparable in appearance and flow to the dry urea complex of Example 49, may be carried out to improve the sability of the wet urea complex ofExample 50.

The spray—drift test results for the dry~ and wet-prepared urea xes of es 49 and 50 of Table 7 are presented in Table 8 below: Table 8: Urea Complex Drift Results Average Spray Drift St Dev Test Sample % Sample % (drops! (drops/ E-xam-le Desert-lion Evaluated % Urea Silicone B ——__P-AM-PAA0—.125cm20—.125cm2296 -Examrte49 Exam -le 49 Exam I la 50 _——__——*56 10% PAM-FAA-Na--_-_——— The spray-drift data presented in Table 8 demonstrate that aqueous solutions of both the dry complex (Examples 53 and 54) and the wet complex (Example 55) reduced spray drift by approximately 75% in comparison with the water controls (Examples 52 and 57) and produced only slightly more drift than the PAM-APPaNa control solution (Example 56). es 58-75 {0111] Employing either the solvent solution procedure or the molten urea-based complex-forming ent (i) procedure described above and illustrated in the examples, the antidrift compositions of Table 9 below further illustrating the invention can be prepared: Table 9: Additional Antidrifi Compositions % Optional Superspreader % Urea-based Complex— % Antidrift Adiuvant % Opfional onal Adjuvant Example forming Component (i) Component (ii) Component (iii) Component(s) (iii) m 90%.... amps 83% urea 10%CMHPG 7% silicone A — - - 93% miourea mam—FAA A 47% urea; 1% PAM~PAA 2.5% ne B 2.5% anionic surfactant" 47% thiourea 62% urea; 2% PAM 3% nonionic surfactant % urea formaldehyde 3% latex sticker5 70% urea; 1.5% PAM-PAA-Na 7.5% Silicone C 21% urea formaldehyde 93.5% urea hydrate 1% PAM 5% Silicone C 05% silicone antifoam 90% urea hydrate 5% xanthan gum 4% Silicone C 1% tailow amine 40% urea; 1% PAM-FAA 6% Silicone C 3% anionic surfactant 50% urea hydrate —89.5% urea phosphate 2% PAM-PAA-Na 8% Silicone C 0.5% silicone antifoam —92% urea phosphate 1% PAM—PAA5Na 5% Silicone D 2% latex sticker 80% urea; 1.2% PAM-PAA-Na 6% Silicone D 12.8% urea phosphate —935% urea sulfate 1 5% PAM 5% Silicone o_ 91% urea sulfate 1.5% PAM 7.5% Silicone D_ 72 45% urea; 1.5% PAM-FAA 4.5% Silicone A 4% trimethylinonanoi ethoxylate' 70% urea phosphate; 1% A 2.5% Silicone B 2.5% alkylpoiyglucoside 24% urea sulfate 33% urea hydrate; 09% A-Na 6% Silicone A 0.1% ne arn' 60%urea phosphate -11% urea sulfate80% urea hydrate, 14% PAMFAA-Na 7.5% Silicone A 0.1% sodium silicate HPG=—hydroxypropyl guar CMHPG = carboxymethyl hydroxypropyi guar Silicone C = hydrolysis—resistant disiloxane superspreader surfactant Silicone D = hydrolysis—resistant oxane superspreader tant Triton X—100 (Dow) Sodium dodecyl sulfate Sag 47, Momentive Performance Materials Inc. 2‘ TMN-6 Dow 9 ol GD 70, BASF 1° Antifoam OR90, Momentive Performance Materials Inc.

While the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be tuted for elements thereof without ing from the scope of the invention. It is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments sed but that it include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (1)

1. A solid, water-soluble antidrift composition which comprises a urea—based x—forming component (i) complexed with at least a portion of an antidrift component (ii), the ift composition further ing an adjuvant component (iii) which is a superspreader surfactant with all, some or none of the superspreader surfactant being xed with urea—based complex—forming component (i), wherein ased complex—forming component (i) is at least one member selected from the group consisting of urea, ea, urea formaldehyde, urea hydrate, urea phosphate and urea sulfate, wherein the antidrift component (ii) is selected from the group consisting of amylamide homopolymers and copolymers and their salts, wherein the superspreader surfactant is at least one organosilicon surfactant selected from the group consisting of polysiloxane alkoxylate surfactant (1), hydrolysis—resistant carbosilane tant (IV), hydrolysis—resistant disiloxane surfactant (VII), first hydrolysis-resistant trisiloxane surfactant (IX), second hydrolysis- resistant trisiloxane surfactant (XI) and third hydrolysis-resistant oxane (XIV) as hereinafter defined: polysiloxane alkoxylate surfactant of general formula (I): (R‘R2R3SioUZXRtRSs