Sorption and thermodynamic analysis platform for agrochemical–equipment surface interactions
A research capability that investigates how agrochemicals adsorb onto delivery equipment surfaces to reduce economic loss and contamination. Combines Quartz Crystal Microbalance, Isothermal Titration Calorimetry, Atomic Force Microscopy, FTIR, and XPS to characterize interactions between active ingredients and polymer or metal surfaces, enabling tailored formulations and equipment design.
Overview
A significant portion of agrochemicals is lost through adsorption onto the surfaces of delivery equipment, leading to economic waste and contamination. This research capability addresses that challenge by systematically studying the interactions between agrochemical active ingredients and the polymer or metal surfaces of agricultural delivery equipment. By understanding these interactions, formulations and equipment surfaces can be tailored to minimize non-target losses, improve delivery efficiency, and reduce contamination.
Technical specifications
Core analytical techniques:
- Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM): Quantifies adsorption extent of agrochemicals onto model surfaces
- Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC): Characterizes thermodynamic parameters and binding constants governing surface–active ingredient interactions
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM): Maps surface morphology and its relationship to adsorption behavior
- FTIR and XPS: Provide complementary chemical and surface-state characterization
Research approach:
- Evaluation of model agrochemicals against polymer and metal surfaces representative of delivery equipment components
- Correlation of adsorption extent, interaction mechanism, and surface morphology data
- Investigation across varied reaction conditions to develop generalizable models of surface–agrochemical behavior
- Thermodynamic profiling to guide formulation tuning and surface modification strategies
Technology readiness level
The research group has prior experience and ongoing programs in evaluating material interactions using ITC, FTIR, QCM, and XPS. Current efforts focus on generating fundamental adsorption and thermodynamic data across multiple model surfaces and active ingredients. The work is positioned to establish design principles for next-generation agrochemical formulations and delivery equipment, with future validation aimed at building predictive models that minimize adsorption losses during real-world delivery.
About North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University is a large, comprehensive public land‑grant research university in Raleigh. Its on‑campus research and technology park co‑locates corporate R&D groups, government partners, and faculty labs, enabling shared facilities, prototyping, and agile contracting. Located in North Carolina’s Research Triangle, partners tap a dense regional ecosystem while engaging through a statewide extension network and a mature co‑op program that deliver field deployment and workforce pipelines. Multiple pilot and demonstration facilities support scale‑up and validation toward pre‑commercial readiness. Research is supported by competitive funding from major federal agencies, including NSF, USDA, DOE, and DOD, and a dedicated technology transfer office with clear IP pathways helps accelerate commercialization.
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