Dispersible concentrate (DC)
Dispersible concentrate (DC) formulations are liquid formulations consisting of an active ingredient dissolved within polar solvents(s). DC formulations also contain water-free/low water content surfactants including an aqueous dispersant, to better optimise performance and stability on dilution.
On dilution, the active ingredient will precipitate out, forming solid crystalline particles which are stabled within the aqueous phase by the aqueous dispersants. The crystalline particles’ growth is controlled and limited by the other co-surfactants present within the system.
There are four key areas to consider when developing a DC formulation:
1. Active ingredient selection
A suitable active ingredient is of high-purity, stable against hydrolysis, fully soluble within the solvent system and insoluble within water.
2. Polar solvent selection
A polar solvent or blend of sufficiently polar solvents should solvate all active ingredients and dissolve all additional co-formulants.
3. Surfactant system selection
A DC formulation’s surfactant system contains an aqueous dispersant to stabilise active ingredient crystals on dilution, while additional surfactants such as high or low HLB surfactants controls the initial growth of active ingredient crystals. Croda offer a range of recommended surfactants suitable for use within DC formulations (see below).
4. Appropriate formulation testing
Typical CIPAC testing is carried out after development to evaluate formulation stability and performance.
Benefits
- Simple to manufacture
- Good physical stability equal to emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulations
- Low melting point active ingredients can be dispersed
- High biological activity
- Good chemical stability
- Water-free formulation
- Biocide free
- Good long-term physical stability compared to oil dispersion (OD) / suspension concentrate (SC) formulations
Limitations
- Limited number of active ingredients dissolve in polar solvents
- Moderately low active content: <350 g/L typical
- Requires water-free solvents and surfactants to avoid active degradation
- Solvent odour/toxicity
- Complex solvent selection to maintain high active loading and surfactant miscibility
- Requires water-insoluble active ingredients
- Requires good in-tank mixing
- Robust surfactant system to effectively control particle size on dilution
The Formulator's Toolbox (Full Version)
Products recommended for DC
Surfactants limit the size of active ingredient particles immediately after DC dilution, and usually a mixture of two surfactants are included. Commonly used is a high HLB surfactant with a medium or low HLB surfactant to ensure optimum packing at the crystal surface on dilution.
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Atlas™ G-5002L
Surfactants limit the size of active ingredient particles immediately after DC dilution, and usually a mixture of two surfactants are included. Commonly used is a high HLB surfactant with a medium or low HLB surfactant to ensure optimum packing at the crystal surface on dilution.
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Atlas™ G-5000
Surfactants limit the size of active ingredient particles immediately after DC dilution, and usually a mixture of two surfactants are included. Commonly used is a high HLB surfactant with a medium or low HLB surfactant to ensure optimum packing at the crystal surface on dilution.
The Formulator's Toolbox
