Abstract: The invention is an automated robotic system for the production and testing of formulations at a very high throughput. It is an integrated system of hardware and software capable of preparing and evaluating hundreds of emulsions per day. The system can formulate aqueous solutions (SL), oil in water emulsions (EW), suspo-emulsions (SE), micro capsule suspensions (CS), micro-emulsions (ME), and suspension concentrates (SC) at the 1 ml to 25 ml scale. The system can process emulsions rapidly in an automated way and enable very flexible formulation recipes to be introduced. The system allows chemists to generate experimental samples of varying recipe and method to be conducted in parallel with projected throughput of up to 1200 formulations processed and characterized per day. Materials and consumables can be distributed from storage storage systems to the work stations where dispensing of ingredients in various states can be performed, including solids, liquids, gels, pastes, suspensions and waxes.

Abstract: A solid formulation of an agrochemical is prepared by forming a melt containing at least one agrochemical and at least one thermoplastic binder having a melting point or glass temperature of greater than 35° C., briquetting the melt by dividing it into drops in a first step and solidifying these drops by cooling in a second step, characterized in that the melt additionally comprises a liquid non-volatile solvent for the agrochemical.

Abstract: A solid, water-soluble or water-dispersible composition comprising a non film-forming material (such as a water-soluble agrochemical) supported by a film-forming polymer is prepared by (i) preparing a film-forming aqueous medium containing (a) a film-forming polymer which is a partially or fully charged homopolymer or a partially charged block copolymer or a homopolymer or block copolymer capable of ring-opening to form a partially charged homopolymer or block copolymer and (b) a water soluble material which is non film-forming (such as a glyphosate salt) and thereafter (ii) drying the film-forming aqueous medium to form the solid composition. The preferred film-forming polymer is alkyl vinylether maleic anhydride block co-polymer or a hydrolysed form thereof.

Abstract: A solid formulation of an agrochemical is prepared by forming a melt containing at least one agrochemical and at least one thermoplastic binder having a melting point or glass temperature of greater than 35° C., briquetting the melt by dividing it into drops in a first step and solidifying these drops by cooling in a second step, characterised in that the melt additionally comprises a liquid non-volatile solvent for the agrochemical.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for producing solid, water-soluble or water-dispersible compositions comprising non film-forming materials, such as water-soluble agrochemical electrolytes, supported by film-forming polymers. The water-soluble agrochemical electrolytes can be salts of glyphosate. The processes comprise (i) preparing film-forming aqueous media containing (a) film-forming polymers; (b) water-soluble materials which are non film-forming; (c) water-miscible solvents in which the film-forming polymers are soluble and, optionally, (d) solid fillers, and thereafter (ii) drying the film-forming aqueous media to form the solid compositions. The invention also provides compositions produced by these processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gel formulation comprising the components: a. an agrochemical (such as a herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, adjuvant, synergist or penetrant); b. an inorganic particulate filler (such a flame hydrolysed silica) having a surface area in the range 10 to 400 m2/g, the surface of said filler having hydrophilic characteristics; c. an activator having a polar group capable of interacting with component b to produce a gel; and optionally, d. a diluent.

Abstract: An agrochemical composition packaged in a water soluble or water dispersible sachet is taught. The agrochemical composition is comprised of water-soluble, agrochemically active agent, water and an agent to minimize water loss through the walls of the sachet, wherein the is an ester of an alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, or arylalkyl acid; an ester or a naturally occurring oil; or a mineral or a synthetic oil; provided that the agent is not dibutylphtalate.

Abstract: A new and novel solid, microencapsulated product comprising a microencapsulated material contained within a cast, water-soluble, film-forming polymer and the process for preparing such product is disclosed.