CS UNDER PRESSURE: FROM MICROPLASTICS CONSTRAINT TO A NEW PARADIGM

6th Ag Formulation & Application Technology Congress FAT 2025
November 13-14, 2025. Hangzhou, China

This lecture, presented at the 6th FAT 2025 Congress in Hangzhou, China, examines the current state of capsule suspension (CS) formulation development under the emerging regulatory requirement to eliminate persistent microplastics from the environment by 17 October 2031. The regulation defines prohibited microplastics by specific criteria that directly include polymeric capsule shells used in CS formulations. A central technical challenge is therefore how to design capsule shells that biodegrade rapidly after field application while still providing 2–3 years of physical and chemical stability in aqueous concentrates. The full lecture recording is provided in the attached video. The lecture analyzes capsule architecture and active ingredient release mechanisms and compares CS technologies with controlled release fertilizers (CRF), whose predominantly polymer coated granules are under similar scrutiny. Since most current CS development programs still prioritize slow-release profiles inspired by CRF concepts, this work reconsiders that focus and proposes a more adaptive and environmentally aligned framework for future CS design. The author introduces a new paradigm in which environment triggered release of the active ingredient and co-triggered shell biodegradation are deliberately synchronized with agronomic demand. This alignment allows capsule shell chemistries to comply with microplastics constraints while preserving timely bioavailability and reliable field performance.

CHROMOPHORE PESTICIDE MOLECULES: COLOR DYNAMICS & STABILIZATION STRATEGIES

5th Ag Formulation & Application Technology Congress FAT 2024
November 26-27 2024. Hangzhou, China

This lecture was presented at the 5th Ag Formulation & Application Technology Congress (FAT 2024) on November 26-27 in Hangzhou, China. It explores the structures of chromophore pesticide molecules, their color dynamics, and stabilization strategies. The presentation highlights how environmental factors influence formulation color due to the structural similarity between these molecules and organic dyes, leading to potential color changes. By analyzing changes in the conjugated system, the lecture proposes measures to maintain color stability in pesticide formulations.

PRECISION GRINDING TECHNIQUES FOR SC PESTICIDE FORMULATIONS: ACHIEVING MONOMODAL PSD IN MULTI-ACTIVE SYSTEMS

Netzsch Agrochemical Webinar-Day
December 10, 2024. Netzsch.

This lecture was presented at the Netzsch Agrochemical Webinar-Day on December 10, 2024. It outlines effective grinding strategies, including pre-dispersion and pre-grinding setups for the SC production lines, to optimize milling conditions for multi-actives formulations. Specific equipment, such as the NETZSCH Discus and ProPhi bead mills, enables the achievement of narrow, monomodal PSDs, empowering formulation scientists to tailor grinding approaches to the properties of the active ingredient.