Silane modified diatomaceous earth mechanical insecticide
A mechanical insecticide is made by mixing water with at least one type of silane to make a silane solution which is then mixed with diatomaceous earth until there is substantial deposition of the silane material on the diatomaceous earth material, to make a silanized diatomaceous earth. The silanized diatomaceous earth can be diluted with water and applied to vertical and overhead surfaces using a sprayer, for the control of insects. The silanized diatomaceous earth can also be dried into a powder for broadcast application, or mixed as a paste for brush/roller/caulk application.
1. A mechanical insecticide comprising:
a natural uncalcined diatomaceous earth with metal oxides present;
a substantial deposition of a silane on a substrate surface of the natural uncalcined diatomaceous earth material with metal oxides to form a modified diatomaceous earth; and
water in which the modified diatomaceous earth easily suspends for spray applications.
2. The mechanical insecticide of claim 1 wherein the type of silane is of the formula R n SiX 4-n , wherein n is equal to 0-3, R is an organic functional group, and X is a hydrolyzable group.
3. The mechanical insecticide of claim 1 wherein the type of silane is of the formula RSiX 3 , wherein R is an organic functional group covalently bonded to both silyl groups, and X is a hydrolyzable group.
4. The mechanical insecticide of claim 1 wherein the type of silane is 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl dimethyl-octadecyl ammonium chloride.
5. The mechanical insecticide of claim 1 wherein the type of silane is one with which an organic substitution can form hydrophobic phases with embedded hydrophylicity.
6. The mechanical insecticide of claim 1 wherein the silane is non-functional and permanently bonded to the substrate surface.
7. The mechanical insecticide of claim 1 wherein the silane has been emulsified by a nonionic surfactant.
8. The mechanical insecticide of claim 1 wherein the natural uncalcined diatomaceous earth has an average particle size greater than 10 microns.
9. The mechanical insecticide of claim 1 wherein the silane forms covalent bonds with the substrate surface.
10. The mechanical insecticide of claim 1 wherein the amount of silane is adequate to assure monolayer deposition on the substrate surface.