This work highlights the physical chemistry of surfactant solutions, detailing a fundamental method of selecting surfactants for agrochemical formulations and delineating how surfactants enhance the biological efficacy of agrochemicals. The unique properties of surfactants that have a major influence on the performance of an agrochemical are summarized.;The book is intended for physical, surface and colloid chemists; biochemists; microbiologists; agronomists; research and development personnel in the pesticide and fertilizer industries; and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students taking chemistry and chemical engineering courses.;College and university bookstores may order five or more copies at a special price which is available on request from Marcel Dekker Inc.
Preface
1 General Introduction
2 Physical Chemistry of Surfactant Solutions
General Classification of Surface Active Agents
Properties of Solutions of Surface Active Agents
Thermodynamics of Micellization
Kinetic Aspects
Equilibrium Aspects: Thermodynamic Treatment of Micellization
Enthalpy and Entropy of Micellization
Driving Force for Micelle Formation
3 Adsorption of Surfactants and Polymers at the Air/Liquid, Liquid/Liquid, and Solid/Liquid Interfaces
Adsorption of Surfactants at the Air/Liquid and Liquid/Liquid Interface
The Gibbs Adsorption Isotherm
Equation of State Approach
Adsorption of Surfactants and Polymers at the Solid/Liquid Interface
Surfactant Adsorption at the Solid/Liquid Interface
Polymer Adsorption
4 Emulsifiable Concentrates
General Guideline for Formulation of Emulsifiable Concentrates
Spontaneity of Emulsification
Fundamental Investigations on a Model Emulsifiable Concentrate
5 Emulsions
Introduction
Formation of Emulsifiers
Selection of Emulsifiers
The Hydrophilic—Lipophilic (HLB) Concept
The Phase Inversion Temperature (PIT) Concept
The Cohesive Energy Ratio Concept
Emulsion Stability
Creaming and Sedimentation
Flocculation of Emulsions
Ostwald Ripening
Emulsion Coalescence
Phase Inversion
Characterization of Emulsions and Assessment of Their Long-Term Physical Stability
Interfacial Properties
Interfacial Rheology
6 Suspension Concentrates
Introduction
Preparation of Suspension Concentrates and the Role of Surfactants
Wetting of the Agrochemical Powder
Dispersion and Milling
Control of the Physical Stability of Suspension Concentrates
Stability Against Aggregation
Ostwald Ripening (Crystal Growth)
Stability Against Claying or Caking
Assessment of the Long-Term Physical Stability of Suspension Concentrates
Double-Layer Investigation
Surfactant and Polymer Adsorption
Assessment of the State of the Dispersion
Rheological Measurements
7 Microemulsions
Introduction
Basic Principles of Microemulsion Formation and Thermodynamic Stability
Factors Determining w/o vs. o/w Microemulsion Formation
Selection of Surfactants for Microemulsion Formation
Characterization of Microemulsions
Conductivity Measurements
Light Scattering Measurements
Role of Microemulsions in Enhancement of Biological Efficacy
8 Role of Surfactants in the Transfer and Performance of Agrochemicals
Introduction
Interactions at the Solution Interface and Their Effect on Droplet Formation
Impaction and Adhesion
Droplet Sliding and Spray Retention
Wetting and Spreading
Evaporation of Spray Drops and Deposit Formation
Solubilization and its Effect on Transport
References
Index
Biography
Tadros, TharwatF.
