Section 6: Surfactants
Anchor: #i1022531General Characteristics of Surfactants
Surfactants are surface-active agents. They are useful as wetting or spreading agents. They act by increasing the contact between the liquid (i.e. herbicide/surfactant mixture) and the leaf surface of the pest plant, usually by reducing the surface tension of the spray droplets. Therefore, surfactants enhance the activity of the herbicide. An example of this can be seen when a drop of water is applied to a waxy leaf; it beads up. However, if detergent is added to the water first, then the droplets will spread out more readily. In this case, the detergent is a surface-active agent, or a surfactant.
Figure 3-21. Surfactant.
Anchor: #i1022551Mixing Rates for Department Stocked Surfactants
The following table provides the proper mixing rates for department stocked surfactants with various herbicides:
|
Herbicide |
Surfactant per 100 gallons of water |
|---|---|
|
Approved Aquatic Herbicide |
2 quarts |
|
Escort XP |
1 quart |
|
Outrider or Vista |
2 quarts |
|
Transline (on brush) |
2 quarts |
NOTE: A surfactant must be added to Approved Aquatic Herbicide and Escort XP applications. If a surfactant is not used, results will be significantly reduced.
Anchor: #i1022565Surfactants Approved for Use with Department-approved Herbicides
All surfactants received from the regional warehouses meet the approval of Vegetation Management. These surfactants are safe for use with Approved Aquatic Herbicide applications sprayed directly in water and also for use with Escort XP, Transline, Vista and Outrider, when applied alone.
Anchor: #i1022575Precautions Using Surfactants
When using surfactants with Approved Aquatic Herbicide and Escort XP, there are some very important safety considerations:
- Always wear goggles and gloves when mixing surfactants. They may cause eye or skin irritation
- Wash thoroughly after handling surfactants
- Many surfactants are flammable and may burn with explosive violence. The liquid quickly evaporates and forms a vapor, which can catch fire. Keeps away from heat, open flames, sparks and hot surfaces. Invisible vapor spreads easily and can be set on fire by such sources as pilot lights, welding equipment, electric motors and switches. The fire hazard is greater as the liquid temperature rises.
- Use only in well ventilated areas
- Keep container closed when not in use
- Clean up spills immediately
- Do not weld, heat or drill the container
- Dispose of empty containers immediately according to label directions.