| Abstract: | The stability of some diluted emulsifiable concentrate formulations in clear liquid fertilizers, as affected by the nature and concentration of the salt solutions, was checked by a static test. The time-induced changes in the concentration of the dispersed phase were estimated by visual observations and turbidity measurements. For each formulation a specific relationship between the electrical conductivity of all the fertilizer solutions and the emulsion stability was found. This was valid for a pH range between 4.6–6.3; in alkaline conditions the emulsion stability was relatively lower. A critical electrical conductivity range, above which irreversible destabilization occurred, was observed for each formulation: 100-120 dS m?1 for fenamiphos, 60-70 dS m?1 for metolachlor, 30-50 dS m?1 for chlorpyrifos, and about 45 dS m?1 for S-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate (EPTC). The correlation observed between the emulsion stability and the electrical conductivity could be used in a simple and rapid qualitative test to estimate the physical compatibility between emulsifiable concentrate formulations and liquid fertilizers. |
