SC Formulation: Concentrated Suspension Technology for Stable Liquid Products
Solid Active Ingredient Dispersion and Wet Milling Technology, Particle Size Control from 1 to 30 µm, Product Stability and Quality, with Contract Development and Manufacturing Solutions.
Suspension concentrate (SC) formulation is a technology used to incorporate solid active ingredients with low water solubility into liquid products intended for subsequent dilution. In these formulations, the active ingredient remains dispersed as fine particles within an aqueous phase, without needing to dissolve.
The quality of an SC formulation depends on several factors, including particle size distribution, the selection of wetting and dispersing agents, and the rheological behaviour of the product. Controlling these parameters is essential to obtain a homogeneous suspension that remains stable during storage and is suitable for its intended application.
At AFEPASA Global Solutions, we provide SC formulation development and contract manufacturing services, adapting the process to the characteristics of each active ingredient and the technical requirements of the final product.
Suspension Concentrate (SC) Manufacturing Process
The process begins with the preparation of the aqueous phase and the controlled incorporation of the different formulation components. Wetting agents promote contact between solid particles and the liquid medium, while dispersing agents help keep particles separated and limit agglomeration.
The mixture then undergoes dispersion and, when necessary, wet milling to achieve the required particle size distribution.
At AFEPASA, we work with particle sizes ranging from 1 to 30 µm, establishing specific targets according to the properties of the active ingredient and the requirements of each formulation.
During development, parameters such as viscosity and rheology are also adjusted, as they directly influence pumping, dosing, pouring and storage stability.
Stability and Quality Control
One of the main technical challenges of SC formulations is maintaining a uniform particle distribution over time.
Sedimentation may occur during storage. It is therefore particularly important that the product retains good redispersibility through agitation and that compact deposits, which are difficult to redisperse, do not form.
Stability testing and quality control procedures are carried out to assess this behaviour and verify the suspension's homogeneity, particle size distribution and physical properties.
Stability does not depend exclusively on particle size. The composition of the aqueous phase, interactions between formulation components and storage conditions also play an important role.
Characteristics and Applications of SC Formulations
Suspension concentrates offer several characteristics that make them suitable for specific industrial and agricultural applications:
- Liquid format: facilitates dosing and reduces the handling of powdered active ingredients.
- Controlled particle size distribution: promotes uniform particle dispersion during spray mixture preparation.
- Adjustable rheological properties: allows flow characteristics to be adapted to manufacturing, storage and application requirements.
- Formulation versatility: enables the use of different poorly water-soluble solid active ingredients, subject to compatibility assessment.
This technology is primarily used in the manufacture of crop protection products and other formulations requiring solid particles to remain dispersed in an aqueous medium.
SC Formulation Development and Contract Manufacturing
At AFEPASA Global Solutions, SC formulation development covers every stage, from the initial assessment of the active ingredient to pilot trials, scale-up validation and industrial manufacturing.
The process is adapted to the requirements of each project, with monitoring of critical production parameters and quality controls designed to verify formulation reproducibility.
We offer different manufacturing options, including campaign-based production, bulk supply and final packaging, while maintaining full traceability and the corresponding documentation for each batch.
Our objective is to provide a reliable SC contract formulation and manufacturing service based on process control, product stability and adaptation to each customer's technical specifications.