What property of suspension concentrates allows them to remain stable for a long time?

Suspension concentrates are designed to maintain stability over extended periods by utilizing small particles suspended in a liquid medium. This property is critical because smaller particles have a larger surface area relative to their volume, which allows them to remain in suspension more effectively without settling out. In addition, the liquid medium is often carefully formulated to keep these particles uniformly distributed, preventing sedimentation.

The stability of suspension concentrates is crucial in pest control applications because it ensures consistent dosing and effectiveness when the product is applied. Products that settle can lead to uneven application, reducing their efficacy and potentially causing harm to the treated areas or surrounding environment.

In contrast, larger particles are more likely to settle over time, leading to separation from the liquid. High viscosity might create an impression of stability, but if the particles are large enough, they can still settle. Similarly, while alcohol solvents can be used in formulations, they do not fundamentally contribute to the stability of suspension concentrates in the same way that the size of the particles does.