Spray Adjuvants | NC State Extension - Soybeans

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Most postemergence herbicide labels recommend use of a spray adjuvant. Spray adjuvants are any nonpesticidal material added to a herbicide to improve the effectiveness of the herbicide. The most commonly used adjuvants are nonionic surfactants and crop oil concentrates. Table 11 lists the types of adjuvants recommended with various postemergence herbicides.

A surfactant reduces the surface tension between the leaf surface and the spray droplet and allows the spray droplet to spread out and cover a greater area of the leaf surface. This effect results in greater absorption of the herbicide into the leaf and a greater probability of killing the weed. Use of surfactants may also increase crop injury with some herbicides.

Brands of surfactants may differ in their concentration of active ingredients (referred to as surface-active agents). The concentration of surface-active agents should be listed on the label. A good agricultural surfactant should contain at least 75 percent surface-active agents.

Recently, several silicone-based surfactants have entered the market. These surfactants have excellent wetting properties but generally are more expensive than regular nonionic surfactants. Only a limited amount of research has been conducted comparing herbicide efficacy with silicone surfactants to that with nonionic surfactants. Research to date generally shows that silicone surfactants work well but are not sufficiently better than nonionic surfactants to justify the extra cost.

Crop oil concentrates are a mixture of 80 to 85 percent nonphytotoxic petroleum- based oil plus 15 to 20 percent emulsifier (surfactant). The function of crop oil concentrates is to reduce surface tension between leaf surfaces and spray droplets, to promote herbicide penetration into leaves, and to prolong droplet drying time which allows more herbicide to be absorbed. Use of crop oil concentrates may increase crop injury with some herbicides.

Vegetable oil concentrates are similar to crop oil concentrates. A vegetable oil concentrate normally contains 80 to 85 percent once-refined soybean or cottonseed oil plus 15 to 20 percent emulsifier. The function of a vegetable oil concentrate is basically the same as that of a crop oil concentrate. Research has shown that the effectiveness of vegetable oil concentrates may equal that of crop oil concentrates but is rarely greater. Some herbicide labels allow substitution of a vegetable oil in place of a crop oil concentrate, while other labels prohibit use of vegetable oils (Table 11).

Some postemergence herbicide labels specify the use of only nonionic surfactants, some specify the use of only crop oil concentrates, and some specify the use of either. The best herbicide performance will be achieved when the label directions for adjuvant usage are followed.

There are several types and numerous brand names of adjuvants on the market. In most cases, the buyer cannot determine the exact composition of the particular adjuvant. In addition, because there are so many brands available, neither university scientists nor herbicide manufacturers can evaluate all adjuvant- herbicide combinations. Without this unbiased evaluation, adjuvant manufacturers are free to make whatever claims they wish for their particular brands.

Be careful not to be taken in by incredible claims or flashy demonstrations. If the sales representative shows you data on a particular adjuvant, make sure legitimate comparisons are being made. As a general rule, if the claim sounds too good to be true, it probably is not true. Be suspicious of anyone claiming that an adjuvant allows use of greatly reduced herbicide rates, improves activity of soil-applied herbicides, improves water infiltration into soil, controls insects or diseases, or breaks soil hardpans.

Here are some guidelines from the American Soybean Association for the use of spray adjuvants with postemergence herbicides:

1. Follow label directions for adjuvant usage. If the label specifically states to not use an adjuvant, then do not use one. If the label does not mention the use of an adjuvant, think twice before using one. It may or may not improve performance and it might result in unacceptable crop injury.

2. Whenever possible, use the exact adjuvant(s) specified on the label. When the specific brand is not available, ensure that the substituted product has the same general characteristics. In the case of surfactants, select one that is of the same type specified on the label (usually nonionic) and has the same percentage of surface-active agents as specified on the label. For oils, select one that contains the type oil specified on the label (petroleum-based or vegetable oil) and has the same amount of emulsifier.

3. If the label specifies only the type adjuvant but not the brand, buy a reputable brand from a reputable dealer.

4. Be careful when mixing adjuvants. When more than one adjuvant is added to the spray tank, there could be an unexpected interaction.

5. Be careful with adjuvant rates. Adding more than is recommended on the label is not always better, and adding less may give poor results.

At a Glance

Surfactants are probably one of the most frequently used ingredients in most consumer products, from personal care items such as shampoos and lotions to industrial applications like metal cleaners and oil dispersants. Little thought is given to these ubiquitous ingredients, although their contribution is crucial in quite a lot of formulations. However, this is one of the phenomena that formulators in industrial applications or personal care must understand, as it has implications for product performance and satisfaction from customers. 

An understanding of surfactants and their chemical behavior further enhances the ability to develop stable, efficient, and cost-effective solutions with specific requirements. This complete guide examines what does surfactant do, how they operate on a molecular level, and where they find application throughout the industry.

What Does a Surfactant Do?

Surfactant or surface-active agents are molecules that change the interface, usually the zone of contact between two substances like water and oil. But what does surfactant do, practically speaking? Essentially, it reduces surface and interfacial tension between molecules, therefore allowing ingredients that normally don’t mix, like oil and water, to come into association.

It is from this property that surfactants can serve many functions: cleansing, emulsifying, dispersing, foaming, and wetting. For example, shampoo surfactants lift oils and dirt off the scalp. The surfactants in an industrial degreaser can break down thick grease and make it easy to rinse off with water. Surfactants stabilize emulsions in creams, help suspend particles in cleaners, and enhance the ability of products to spread over surfaces or skin.

How Do Surfactants Work?

To understand how do surfactants work, we must look into their unique molecular structures. Surfactants consist of two portions: the hydrophilic head (water-loving) and the hydrophobic tail (oil-loving). The molecules align themselves at the interface of the water and oil phase upon introduction into the liquid. The hydrophobic tail interacts with oil or grease while the hydrophilic head interacts with water.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of non ionic surfactant. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

This process lowers the surface tension and breaks the oil into smaller droplets. On the other hand, agitation-breaking and scrubbing-will prompt surfactants to form spherical structures, called micelles, where the hydrophobic tails encapsulate the dirt or oil, which can be rinsed away easily, while the hydrophilic heads point outward toward the water. In essence, this is the common mechanism by which encapsulated dirt and oil can be easily rinsed away in cosmetic surfactant formulations, pharmaceuticals, and industrial cleaners.

Also Read: Glycerol vs. Glycerin: Sourcing Considerations for Industrial & Cosmetic Use

Surfactants Structure and Classification

The surfactants structure is an important factor in determining the function and compatibility of these compounds in different formulations. Surfactants are classified based on the charge associated with their hydrophilic heads:

Anionic Surfactants

Anionic surfactants-hydrophilic ends that carry a negative charge. These are the surfactants most widely used in household, industrial, and commercial applications because of their excellent cleaning and foaming properties. Some examples of these surfactants are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LABSA). They are used in making shampoos, soaps, and all kinds of industrial detergents. However, these surfactants are also known for being too harsh to the skin and are thus often mixed with milder ones to alleviate the irritation effects.

Cationic Surfactants

Cationic surfactants have a positive ionic charge on the hydrophilic head portion. These surfactants can be very effective microbicides and conditioners, and they are usually associated with fabric softening, hair conditioning, and disinfectant applications. Typical examples are quaternary ammonium compounds. Due to incompatibility with anionic surfactants, formulators should take proper caution in designing multi-surfactant systems.

Nonionic Surfactants

Non-ionic surfactants carry no charge. Their mildness and versatility render them suitable for use in any personal care formulation and emulsifying systems in creams and lotions. Some of the most common include alcohol ethoxylates and polysorbates, valued for their stability in hard water and in different pH levels in complicated formulations.

Amphoteric Surfactants

The amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant is capable of bearing both positive and negative charges depending upon the pH of its environment. This dual behavior has given it an extremely remarkable stability and has made it a very gentle and very effective surfactant. Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a common example, is often found in baby shampoos and facial cleansing preparations. These surfactants are compatible with most of the surfactant types and enhance foaming and minimize irritation.

Concepts of the surfactants structure and each class of the surfactants behavior allow formulators to develop systems which would provide the required delivery of performance, sensory experience, as well as stability.

Applications in Industrial and Personal Care Formulations

Industrial Applications

Industrial applications of surfactants shall not benched in relatively mild conditions-high temperatures, abrasive soils, or fluctuation in the pH. They find application in: 

• Oil spill surfactants; they disperse petroleum into still-manageable droplets.
• Metal degreasers that clean anything from engine parts to tools.
• Textile auxiliary chemicals for dye dispersion and fabric finishing.
• Carriers in agrochemicals meant to improve the spread and adhesion of pesticides.
• Pigments-formulating agents for paints and inks in enabling an even spread and stabilization of the pigment. 

In these applications, the mode of action of surfactants is one involving maximized cleaning, emulsifying or dispersing action results even appropriately given harsh circumstances.

Personal Care Applications

In personal care application surfactants should be effective, skin friendly, and esthetic. Some major applications are :

• Shampoos and body washes: These surfactants perform cleansing, lathering, and rinsability
• Cleansers and scrubs: Remove excess sebum without affecting the skin barrier
• Creams or lotions: Surfactants act as emulsifiers to make oil and water phase mix 
• Toothpastes: Foaming, cleaning, and consistent texture contribution 

It should be noted that the balance has to be made in performance and sensory properties as well as dermatological safety in a formulation. Again, this leads back to what surfactant does in each formulation.

Key Performance Factors of Surfactants

There are a number of performance indicators that finally inform whether a surfactant qualifies for a given application. The more important among those critical performance indicators are as follows:

Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)

The CMC is the lowest concentration, at which the surfactant starts to form micelles. Generally, it is a good sign of the surfactant efficiency if their CMC values are lower since lesser quantities would be sufficient to realize the desired actions. This will affect cost-effectiveness as well as performance.

Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)

The HLB number is indicative of the balance in the surfactant within its water- and oil-loving components. Thus, the higher HLB surfactants would be expected to be used in oil-in water emulsions while the lower HLB surfactants would function well in water-in-oil systems. This is really the principle needed to prepare stable emulsions.

Foaming Properties

Foams are more than just aesthetics; they serve the purpose of trapping and suspending dirt in many cleaning applications. Some personal care applications require the formation of a luxurious foam and industrial applications may demand low-foaming formulations to avoid buildup and residue. 

Environmental Impact

The surfactants are expected to be biodegradable, non-toxic, and sustainable due to the increasing regulatory pressure and attendant consumer attention. New regulations often place restrictions upon certain surfactants, leading formulators to search for green alternatives.

Also Read: Contract Manufacturer vs. Toll Manufacturer: Which One is Right for Your Business?

Innovations in Surfactants

Increasing demand for cleansers, safer formulations, and more effective formulations is expected to yield higher returns on investments in surfactant chemistry innovations. So of the present trends include:

• Biosurfactants: Naturally derived and biodegradable, and efficacious at low concentrations.

• PEG-free and sulfate-free surfactants: For cleaner labels and formulations sensitive to skin.

• Multifunctional surfactants: Cleansing, emulsifying and conditioning properties combined.

• Enzyme-compatible surfactants: For enhanced biological cleaning both home and industrial.

• Green surfactants: Sourced renewably from sugar or coconut oil.

Knowing how surfactants function is a critical aspect of enabling innovations to be turned into healthier, more responsible products.

Why Sourcing From Elchemy Makes the Difference

Selecting the correct surfactant is only one half of the job, however, sourcing it in an efficient and reliable manner is equally important. Elchemy fills that gap. As one of the largest distributors of specialty chemicals and raw materials in the world, Elchemy brings together the best sources in quality with intelligent formulation.

In Elchemy you will access: 

• A broad portfolio of surfactants-from commodities to specialty grades 
• Regulatory documentation, MSDS and compliance support 
• The advice tailored to your industry and product objectives 
• Flexible packaging and delivery options 
• Trusted global partnerships with ISO and REACH-certified manufacturers 

Whether developing a high-foam cleanser, an industrial degreaser, or green-certified shampoo, getting the right surfactant with the right support is guaranteed by Elchemy.

Also read: Sodium Citrate Uses in the Food & Beverage Industry: A Functional Ingredient

Conclusion 

Knowing what does surfactant do, how do surfactants work, and the importance of surfactants structure provides formulators with the ability to make products that function well and fulfill increasingly changing market needs. Regardless of whether you’re formulating for personal care, home care, or industry, surfactants are the foundation of product performance.

Due to their versatility, surfactants are also cleansing agents, emulsifiers, wetting agents, and solubilizers. Their detailed properties are the foundations by which formulators innovate and modify products for specific performances and consumer gratification.

Are you interested in learning more about oleochemical? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!