Designing intelligent fluids for controlling spray applications

Recent advances in our understanding of ‘complex fluids’ have lead to the development of new chemical additives in the agricultural industry, which provide more efficient products and a higher level of public and environmental protection. Here we present one example that deals with the improved application of herbicides and pesticides during the spray treatment of plants. Using judiciously chosen dilute polymer solutions, one can simultaneously improve the spray characteristics, droplet deposition, and product retention onto the targeted plant surface. Achieving these combined benefits, requires a delicate balance between fluid hydrodynamics and the molecular interactions that control the phase behaviour of the sprayed solutions.