What effect does adding hydroxyethyl cellulose to a spray mix have on droplet sizes?

Adding hydroxyethyl cellulose to a spray mix increases the viscosity of the mixture, which has a significant impact on the formation of droplets during the spraying process. Specifically, this additive helps to stabilize larger droplets, which mitigates the breakup of these droplets into smaller sizes as they exit the nozzle and travel through the air.

As a result, you would observe a wider spectrum of droplet sizes, including an increase in the proportion of larger droplets compared to smaller ones. The presence of hydroxyethyl cellulose helps to maintain the integrity of these larger droplets, allowing them to reach their target more effectively while also reducing the amount of drift that occurs, as larger droplets are less susceptible to being carried away by wind. This characteristic makes the use of hydroxyethyl cellulose beneficial for achieving desirable spray characteristics in aerial applications of pesticides.