Understanding the role of interfacial science is critical in many application spaces to deliver products with improved performance. Two case studies involving interfacial science coupled with statistically designed experimental plans will be discussed. The first relates to agricultural spray solutions that address off-target spray due to reduction of small droplet formation. The proposed mechanism of sheet break-up is dependent on interfacial properties of the spray solution and the relationships between measured properties and the amount droplets with higher drift potential (d < 150 µm) will be discussed. The second case study consists of a reaction that occurs at or near the interface of two polymeric substrates to release the anti-microbial gas ClO2. Methods of quantifying gas release, controlling the kinetics of release, and efficacy of the gas at reducing the growth of mold (botrytis cinerea) on strawberry fruit will be discussed.
Adam Grzesiak (Dow Chemical)