SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1987
STP19406S

Mineral Carriers for Pesticides—Their Characteristics and Uses

Source

Mineral carriers provide a safe, effective, and economical means for distributing pesticides, in both conventional and low-till farming practices. The absorbent minerals useful as carriers have an unusual combination of characteristics. These include high absorptivity and porosity, low density of the granules, resistance to attrition, and special surface chemical properties. The minerals most frequently encountered include montmorillonite, attapulgite, and diatomite. Minerals with less absorptivity do compete in some applications; these include kaolin and even quartz sand. The crystal structures of the absorptive minerals contribute to their performance, as does the microstructure of the granules. The surface chemistry of the minerals, exemplified by the Hammett acidity function pKa, can affect the stability of some absorbed pesticides. Treatment with glycols, urea, and other materials can minimize these stability problems. Mineral carriers come in various bulk densities and particle size distributions, each useful for particular purposes. Specific examples illustrate these principles.

Author Information

Moll, WF
Oil-Dri Corporation of America, Chicago, IL
Goss, GR
Oil-Dri Corporation of America, Chicago, IL
Price: $25.00
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Details
Developed by Committee: E35
Pages: 160–176
DOI: 10.1520/STP19406S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5007-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0943-8