WO2021252579A1 - Systems and methods for emanating compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

The instant disclosure is directed to systems and methods for emanating compositions, such as insecticidal compositions. A system may comprise a device and a composition. The device may comprise a core having a top and a bottom, and an impermeable barrier disposed around the core. The top and/or the bottom of the core may be configured to be exposed to the composition, and the device may be configured to be heated to a temperature greater than about 120°C for a period of time, thereby emanating the composition from the device. A method of emanating a composition may comprise obtaining such a device, exposing to the composition the top and/or the bottom of the core, and heating the device to a temperature greater than about 120°C for a period of time, thereby emanating the composition from the device.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EMANATING COMPOSITIONS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/037,416, filed June 10, 2020, entitled “Systems and Methods for Emanating Compositions,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is related to systems and methods for emanating compositions at substantially consistent rates for extended periods of time.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Many compositions, including insecticidal compositions, are difficult to emanate at low temperatures, typically requiring temperatures above about 120°C to emanate effectively. Ceramic or clay-based materials have been widely used as wicks; these inorganic wicking materials provide good thermostability, but have poor wicking consistency and poor emanation control. The high temperatures required also make traditional fragrance-emanating wicking materials unsuitable for such applications. Many synthetic fiber wicks used for fragrance emanation deliver excess amounts of carrier media, quickly degrade upon exposure to high temperatures, and/or demonstrate dramatic declines in emanation over time. Therefore, there exists a need for systems and methods capable of emanating compositions at temperatures above about 120°C at substantially consistent rates over sustained periods of time.

SUMMARY

[0004] The instant disclosure is directed to systems and methods for emanating compositions. In an embodiment, a system may comprise a device and a composition. The device may comprise a core having a top and a bottom, and the core may comprise a plurality of porous fibers. The device may also comprise an impermeable barrier disposed around the core, such that the impermeable barrier does not cover the top or the bottom of the core. In some embodiments, the top of the core, the bottom of the core, or a combination thereof may be configured to be exposed to the composition, and the device may be configured to be heated to a temperature greater than about 120°C for a period of time, thereby emanating the composition from the device. [0005] In one embodiment, a method of emanating a composition may comprise obtaining a device as described herein, exposing the top of the core of the device, the bottom of the core of the device, or a combination thereof to the composition, and heating the device to a temperature greater than about 120°C for a period of time, thereby emanating the composition from the device. In some embodiments, the emanation rate of the composition from the device may be from about 35 mg/hour to about 55 mg/hour, and the period of time may be from about 1 hour to about 40 days. In some embodiments, the composition may be an insecticidal composition.

[0006] In an embodiment, a device may comprise a core having a top and a bottom, and the core may comprise a plurality of porous fibers. The device may also comprise an impermeable barrier disposed around the core, such that the impermeable barrier does not cover the top or the bottom of the core. In some embodiments, the top of the core, the bottom of the core, or a combination thereof may be configured to be exposed to a composition, and the device may be configured to be heated to a temperature greater than about 120°C for a period of time, thereby emanating the composition from the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the emanation rate of an insecticidal composition (in mg/hour) from a traditional wick (dashed line) and a system in accordance with the present disclosure (solid line) exposed to one heater at 180°C for more than 35 days.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the emanation rate of an insecticidal composition (in mg/hour) from a system in accordance with the present disclosure exposed to two heaters at 180°C (dashed line) and a system in accordance with the present disclosure exposed to one heater at 180°C (solid line) for more than 35 days.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] This disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, devices, and methods described, as these may vary. The terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0010] The following terms shall have, for the purposes of this application, the respective meanings set forth below. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to be construed as an admission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. [0011] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “fiber” is a reference to one or more fibers and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

[0012] As used herein, the term “consists of’ or “consisting of’ means that the device or method includes only the elements, steps, or ingredients specifically recited in the particular claimed embodiment or claim.

[0013] In embodiments or claims where the term “comprising” is used as the transition phrase, such embodiments can also be envisioned with replacement of the term “comprising” with the terms “consisting of’ or “consisting essentially of.”

[0014] As used herein, the term “impermeable” refers to a lack of permeability a liquid and/or a gas. The “impermeable” nature of a material, device, or system may be due to its lack of pores. In certain examples, an “impermeable” material, device, or system may not be penetrated by a liquid, including by the liquid or aqueous compositions described herein. In some examples, an “impermeable” material, device, or system may also (or alternatively) not be penetrated by a gas, such as air or oxygen. “Impermeable” materials, devices, and systems may include those that are substantially impermeable to liquids and/or gases, or such materials, devices, and systems may include those that are entirely impermeable to liquids and/or gases.

[0015] As used herein, the term “emanation rate” refers to the rate at which a device’s mass decreases over time. For example, a wicking device as described herein may be exposed to a composition, such as an insecticidal composition, as described herein. The device’s total mass will increase as the composition is drawn into the core of the device, for example by capillary action. When the device is exposed to heat, the composition is emanated, and that emanation rate is measured by the rate at which the device’s mass decreases (because the composition is being emanated from it). Emanation rates may be measured in units of mass per time, such as mg/hour.

[0016] As discussed herein, there exists a need for systems and methods capable of emanating compositions at temperatures above about 120°C at substantially consistent rates over sustained periods of time. The systems and methods described herein may provide such capabilities for optimized emanation of compositions, including insecticidal compositions. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may provide such capabilities at low manufacturing costs.

[0017] In some embodiments, a system may comprise a device and a composition, such as an insecticidal composition. In certain embodiments, the device may comprise a core and a barrier, as described herein.

[0018] In some embodiments, the core of the device may comprise multiple cores, including two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten cores, and so on. In such embodiments, each core may comprise porous fibers, a melting temperature, and/or a density that is independent of that of the other cores of the device. In some embodiments, the core of the device may comprise a heterogeneous reservoir as described in WO 2020/061492, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In an embodiment, each core may have one or more properties. In some embodiments, the core of the device may comprise a first core having a first property, a second core having a second property, a third core having a third property, a fourth core having a fourth property, and so on. In some embodiments, the first property may be different from the second property, third property, and fourth property, while in other embodiments, the first property, the second property, the third property, and the fourth property may be the same property but may differ in value. In other embodiments, each core may have a different value or range of values for the same property. By way of illustration, for example, a first core may have a high fiber bulk density, while a second core may have a lower fiber bulk density than the first core. In certain embodiments, the one or more properties of each core may be independently selected from the group consisting of density, fiber diameter, fiber material, fiber morphology, fiber surface tension, capillary force, fluid absorption capacity, color, and combinations thereof.

[0019] In an embodiment, any of the one or more properties can vary across a range of values within each core or between the cores. In certain implementations, the properties may vary gradually along one or more dimensions of the core, while in other implementations, the properties may change abruptly along one or more dimensions of the core. In some implementations, the variation in the one or more properties along the one or more dimensions of the core is a controlled variation.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the core of the device may have a density from about 0.05 g/cc to about 0.40 g/cc. The density may be, for example, about 0.05 g/cc, about 0.10 g/cc, about 0.15 g/cc, about 0.20 g/cc, about 0.25 g/cc, about 0.30 g/cc, about 0.35 g/cc, about 0.40 g/cc, or any range between any two of these values, including endpoints. In some embodiments, without wishing to be bound by theory, a higher core density may lead to a lower emanation rate, as described herein; conversely, a lower core density may lead to a higher emanation rate. In other words, the core density and the resulting emanation rate may be inversely related. The core density may be modified to optimize the resulting emanation rate.

[0021] In some embodiments, the fiber diameter (i.e., the diameter of an individual fiber filament) may range from a value of about 0.5 pm to about 50 pm. The fiber diameter in any core or portion thereof may be, for example, about 0.5 pm, about 1 pm, about 2 pm, about 3 pm, about 4 pm, about 5 pm, about 6 pm, about 7 pm, about 8 pm, about 9 pm, about 10 pm, about 11 pm, about 12 pm, about 13 pm, about 14 pm, about 15 pm, about 16 pm, about 17 pm, about 18 pm, about 19 pm, about 20 pm, about 21 pm, about 22 pm, about 23 pm, about 24 pm, about 25 pm, about 26 pm, about 27 pm, about 28 pm, about 29 pm, about 30 pm, about 31 pm, about 32 pm, about 33 pm, about 34 pm, about 35 pm, about 36 pm, about 37 pm, about 38 pm, about 39 pm, about 40 pm, about 41 pm, about 42 pm, about 43 pm, about 44 pm, about 45 pm, about 46 pm, about 47 pm, about 48 pm, about 49 pm, about 50 pm, or any range between any two of these values, including endpoints.

[0022] In some embodiments, the fiber surface tension may range from a value of about 30 dyn/cm to about 70 dyn/cm. The fiber surface tension in any core or portion thereof may be, for example, about 30 dyn/cm, about 35 dyn/cm, about 40 dyn/cm, about 45 dyn/cm, about 50 dyn/cm, about 55 dyn/cm, about 60 dyn/cm, about 65 dyn/cm, about 70 dyn/cm, or any range between any two of these values, including endpoints.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the first property, the second property, the third property, the fourth property, and so on, may vary or differ from one another by a percentage. In some embodiments, the property may differ by about 5%, about 10%, about 20%, about 50%, about 100%, or over 100%, or any range between any two of these percentages, including endpoints.

[0024] In some embodiments, the core of the device may comprise a plurality of porous fibers. In certain embodiments, the porous fibers may be selected from the group consisting of staple fibers, tows, yams, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the porous fibers may comprise a synthetic material. In certain embodiments, the porous fibers may comprise a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), nylon, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), polyester, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, acrylic, glass, carbon, cotton, cellulose, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the porous fibers comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yam. [0025] In certain embodiments, the porous fibers may have a melting temperature from greater than about 120°C to greater than about 260°C. The porous fibers may have a melting temperature that is, for example, greater than about 120°C, greater than about 130°C, greater than about 140°C, greater than about 150°C, greater than about 160°C, greater than about 170°C, greater than about 180°C, greater than about 190°C, greater than about 200°C, greater than about 210°C, greater than about 220°C, greater than about 230°C, greater than about 240°C, greater than about 250°C, greater than about 260°C, or any range between any two of these values, including endpoints. In an embodiment, the porous fibers have a melting temperature that exceeds the temperature to which the device described herein is heated to, or is configured to be heated to. For example, in embodiments where the device is heated to (or is configured to be heated to) about 120°C, the porous fibers will have a melting temperature that is greater than about 120°C. Similarly, in embodiments where the device is heated to (or is configured to be heated to) about 130°C, the porous fibers will have a melting temperature that is greater than about 130°C; in embodiments where the device is heated to (or is configured to be heated to) about 140°C, the porous fibers will have a melting temperature that is greater than about 140°C; and so on.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the core of the device may have a top and a bottom. The top and/or the bottom of the device may leave exposed one or more of the plurality of porous fibers that comprise the core, such that exposure of the top and/or the bottom of the device to a liquid may result in the liquid being drawn into the core of the device. In one embodiment, the liquid may be drawn into the core of the device by capillary action.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the barrier of the device may be disposed around the core such that the barrier does not cover the top and/or the bottom of the core. In such embodiments, the top and/or the bottom of the device may thus leave exposed one or more of the plurality of porous fibers that comprise the core, as described herein. In some embodiments, the barrier of the device may be an impermeable barrier, as described herein. In some embodiments, an impermeable barrier may prevent a steady decline in the resulting emanation rate, as described herein, without requiring an increased core density. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the impermeable barrier may achieve this result by preventing the leakage or exposure of the composition, except from the bottom and/or top of the device that are not covered by the impermeable barrier. In other words, the impermeable barrier may reduce the exposed surface area of the core, through which emanation occurs. The barrier may also allow for a safer device by preventing any unintentional exposure of the core to the composition. [0028] In some embodiments, the barrier may be a film. In certain embodiments, the barrier may comprise a polymer. In some embodiments, the barrier may comprise a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetherimide (PEI), derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the barrier comprises nylon.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the barrier may have a melting temperature from greater than about 120°C to greater than about 260°C. The barrier may have a melting temperature that is, for example, greater than about 120°C to greater than about 260°C. The porous fibers may have a melting temperature that is, for example, greater than about 120°C, greater than about 130°C, greater than about 140°C, greater than about 150°C, greater than about 160°C, greater than about 170°C, greater than about 180°C, greater than about 190°C, greater than about 200°C, greater than about 210°C, greater than about 220°C, greater than about 230°C, greater than about 240°C, greater than about 250°C, greater than about 260°C, or any range between any two of these values, including endpoints. In an embodiment, the barrier has a melting temperature that exceeds the temperature to which the device described herein is heated to, or is configured to be heated to. For example, in embodiments where the device is heated to (or is configured to be heated to) about 120°C, the barrier will have a melting temperature that is greater than about 120°C. Similarly, in embodiments where the device is heated to (or is configured to be heated to) about 130°C, the barrier will have a melting temperature that is greater than about 130°C; in embodiments where the device is heated to (or is configured to be heated to) about 140°C, the barrier will have a melting temperature that is greater than about 140°C; and so on.

[0030] In some embodiments, the core of the device may have a diameter. The diameter may be, in some examples, the average diameter of the core. In certain embodiments, the diameter of the core may range from about 2 mm to about 20 mm. The diameter of the core may be, for example, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, or any range between any two of these values, including endpoints. In an embodiment, the diameter of the core may be from about 5 mm to about 10 mm.

[0031] In some embodiments, barrier of the device may have a thickness. The thickness of the barrier may be, in some examples, the average thickness of the barrier before or when it is disposed or formed around the core of the device. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the barrier may range from about 0.05 mm to about 2 mm. The thickness of the barrier may be, for example, about 0.05 mm, about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1.0 mm, about 1.1 mm, about 1.2 mm, about 1.3 mm, about 1.4 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.6 mm, about 1.7 mm, about 1.8 mm, about 1.9 mm, about 2.0 mm, or any range between any two of these values, including endpoints. In an embodiment, the thickness of the barrier may be from about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the relationship between the thickness of the barrier and the diameter of the core may be expressed as a ratio (barrier thicknessxore diameter). In some embodiments, the ratio may be from about 0.01 to about 1.0. The ratio may be, for example, about 0.01, about 0.05, about 0.1, about 0.2, about 0.3, about 0.4, about 0.5, about 0.6, about 0.7, about 0.8, about 0.9, about 1.0, or any range between any two of these values, including endpoints.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the ratio of the thickness of the barrier to the diameter of the core may be varied while maintaining a diameter or thickness of the device as a whole. In some embodiments, without wishing to be bound by theory, a higher barrier thicknessxore diameter ratio may lead to a lower emanation rate, as described herein; conversely, a lower barrier thicknessxore diameter ratio may lead to a higher emanation rate. In other words, the barrier thicknessxore diameter ratio and the resulting emanation rate may be inversely related. The barrier thicknessxore diameter ratio may be modified to optimize the resulting emanation rate.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the composition may comprise an active ingredient and a carrier medium. In an embodiment, the active ingredient is an insecticide. In some embodiments, the insecticide may comprise any appropriate insecticide known in the art. In an embodiment, the insecticide may be selected from the group consisting of allethrin, dinotefuran, eucalyptol, citronellal, geraniol, prallethrin, furamethrin, transfluthrin, metofluthrin, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. The carrier medium may comprise any appropriate carrier medium known in the art. In an embodiment, the carrier medium may comprise kerosene. In some embodiments, the carrier medium may have a boiling point from about 120°C to about 300°C. The boiling point of the carrier medium may be, for example, about 120°C, about 130°C, about 140°C, about 150°C, about 160°C, about 170°C, about 180°C, about 190°C, about 200°C, about 210°C, about 220°C, about 230°C, about 240°C, about 250°C, about 260°C, about 270°C, about 280°C, about 290°C, about 300°C, or any range between any two of these values, including endpoints. [0035] In certain embodiments, the composition may have a low vapor pressure at room temperature. In some embodiments, the composition may have, at 30°C, a vapor pressure from about lxlCT⁴ mmHg to lxlCT² mmHg. The vapor pressure at 30°C may be, for example, about 1 10 ⁴ mmHg, about 1 x 10 mmHg, about 1 10 ² mmHg, or any range between any two of these values, including endpoints. In some embodiments, the composition may be an insecticidal composition, as described herein.

[0036] In some embodiments, the top of the core, the bottom of the core, or a combination thereof may be configured to be exposed to the composition as described herein. In certain embodiments, the mass of the core of the device may increase as the composition is drawn into the plurality of porous fibers that comprise the core.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the device as described herein may be configured to be heated to a temperature greater than about 120°C. In other words, the device may be configured to withstand exposure to such a temperature while substantially maintaining its structure and function. In some embodiments, the device may be configured to be heated to a temperature from greater than about 120°C to greater than about 200°C. The device may be configured to be heated to a temperature that is, for example, greater than about 120°C, greater than about 130°C, greater than about 140°C, greater than about 150°C, greater than about 160°C, greater than about 170°C, greater than about 180°C, greater than about 190°C, greater than about 200°C, or any range between any two of these values, including endpoints. [0038] In some embodiments, the device as described herein may be configured to be heated to a temperature greater than about 120°C for a period of time, thereby emanating the composition from the device. In other words, the device may be configured to withstand exposure to such a temperature for a given period of time while substantially maintaining its structure and function. In certain embodiments, the period of time may be from about 1 hour to about 60 days. The period of time may be, for example, about 1 hour, about 6 hours, about 12 hours, about 18 hours, about 24 hours, about 2 days, about 5 days, about 10 days, about 15 days, about 20 days, about 25 days, about 30 days, about 35 days, about 40 days about 45 days, about 50 days, about 55 days, about 60 days, or any range between any two of these values, including endpoints.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the device as described herein may have a cross-section that has a shape. In some examples, the shape of the cross-section may be selected from the group consisting of round, elliptical, and oval, or variations thereof. The device may be cut at a straight cut, an angled cut, or a combination thereof, to produce the cross section. In some embodiments, where an end of the device is cut, the angle of that cut may affect the resulting emanation rate, as described herein.

[0040] In some embodiments, a method of emanating a composition may include obtaining a device as described herein, and exposing a portion of the device to the composition. The portion of the device may include, for example, the top of the core, the bottom of the core, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the composition may be an insecticidal composition, as described herein.

[0041] The method may further comprise heating the device to a temperature greater than about 120°C for a period of time, as described herein, thereby emanating the composition from the device, as described herein. In some embodiments, the emanation rate may remain consistent or substantially consistent during the period of time. In an embodiment, an electrically powered apparatus may be used to heat the device. For example, the device may be exposed to or contacted with an electrically heated component (such as a ring or other element), such that the electrically heated component heats the device.

[0042] In certain embodiments, an emanation rate of the composition from the device, as described herein, may be from about 30 mg/hour to about 120 mg/hour. The emanation rate may be, for example, about 30 mg/hour, about 35 mg/hour, about 40 mg/hour, about 45 mg/hour, about 50 mg/hour, about 55 mg/hour, about 60 mg/hour, about 65 mg/hour, about 70 mg/hour, about 75 mg/hour, about 80 mg/hour, about 85 mg/hour, about 90 mg/hour, about 95 mg/hour, about 100 mg/hour, about 105 mg/hour, about 110 mg/hour, about 115 mg/hour, about 120 mg/hour, or any range between any two of these values, including endpoints. In an embodiment, the emanation rate may be from about 35 mg/hour to about 55 mg/hour. In some embodiments, the systems disclosed herein may have an emanation rate as described herein. In certain embodiments, the methods disclosed herein may have an emanation rate as described herein. In some embodiments, the devices disclosed herein may have an emanation rate as described herein.

[0043] Embodiment 1 is a system comprising: a device comprising: a core having a top and a bottom, the core comprising a plurality of porous fibers; an impermeable barrier disposed around the core such that the impermeable barrier does not cover the top or the bottom of the core; and a composition; wherein the top of the core, the bottom of the core, or a combination thereof is configured to be exposed to the composition, and wherein the device is configured to be heated to a temperature greater than about 120°C for a period of time, thereby emanating the composition from the device. [0044] Embodiment 2 is the system of embodiment 1, wherein the porous fibers are selected from the group consisting of staple fibers, tows, yams, and combinations thereof. [0045] Embodiment 3 is the system of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the porous fibers comprise a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polyphenylene sulfide, poly(ethylene oxide), acrylic, glass, carbon, cotton, cellulose, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0046] Embodiment 4 is the system of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the porous fibers comprise polyethylene terephthalate yam.

[0047] Embodiment 5 is the system of any of embodiments 1-4, wherein the impermeable barrier comprises a polymer.

[0048] Embodiment 6 is the system of any of embodiments 1-5, wherein the impermeable barrier comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetherimide, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0049] Embodiment 7 is the system of any of embodiments 1-5, wherein the impermeable barrier comprises nylon.

[0050] Embodiment 8 is the system of any of embodiments 1-7, wherein the core has a density from about 0.05 g/cc to about 0.40 g/cc.

[0051] Embodiment 9 is the system of any of embodiments 1-8, wherein the porous fibers and the impermeable barrier each have a melting temperature greater than about 200°C.

[0052] Embodiment 10 is the system of any of embodiments 1-9, wherein the porous fibers and the impermeable barrier each have a melting temperature greater than about 260°C. [0053] Embodiment 11 is the system of any of embodiments 1-10, wherein the temperature is greater than about 150°C.

[0054] Embodiment 12 is the system of any of embodiments 1-11, wherein the temperature is greater than about 200°C.

[0055] Embodiment 13 is the system of any of embodiments 1-12, wherein the period of time is from about 1 hour to about 60 days.

[0056] Embodiment 14 is the system of any of embodiments 1-13, wherein a ratio of a thickness of the impermeable barrier to a diameter of the core is from about 0.1 to about 1. [0057] Embodiment 15 is the system of any of embodiments 1-14, wherein a cross section of the device has a shape selected from the group consisting of round, elliptical, and oval. [0058] Embodiment 16 is the system of any of embodiments 1-15, wherein the composition comprises an insecticide and a carrier medium.

[0059] Embodiment 17 is the system of embodiment 16, wherein the insecticide is selected from the group consisting of allethrin, dinotefuran, eucalyptol, citronellal, geraniol, prallethrin, furamethrin, transfluthrin, metofluthrin, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0060] Embodiment 18 is the system of embodiment 16 or embodiment 17, wherein the carrier medium has a boiling point from about 120°C to about 300°C.

[0061] Embodiment 19 is a method of emanating a composition, the method comprising: obtaining a device comprising: a core having a top and a bottom, the core comprising a plurality of porous fibers; and an impermeable barrier disposed around the core such that the impermeable barrier does not cover the top or the bottom of the core; exposing the top of the core, the bottom of the core, or a combination thereof to the composition; and heating the device to a temperature greater than about 120°C for a period of time, thereby emanating the composition from the device.

[0062] Embodiment 20 is the method of embodiment 19, wherein the porous fibers are selected from the group consisting of staple fibers, tows, yams, and combinations thereof. [0063] Embodiment 21 is the method of embodiment 19 or embodiment 20, wherein the porous fibers comprise a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polyphenylene sulfide, poly(ethylene oxide), acrylic, glass, carbon, cotton, cellulose, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0064] Embodiment 22 is the method of embodiment 19 or embodiment 20, wherein the porous fibers comprise polyethylene terephthalate yam.

[0065] Embodiment 23 is the method of any of embodiments 19-22, wherein the impermeable barrier comprises a polymer.

[0066] Embodiment 24 is the method of any of embodiments 19-23, wherein the impermeable barrier comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetherimide, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0067] Embodiment 25 is the method of any of embodiments 19-23, wherein the impermeable barrier comprises nylon.

[0068] Embodiment 26 is the method of any of embodiments 19-25, wherein the core has a density from about 0.05 g/cc to about 0.40 g/cc. [0069] Embodiment 27 is the method of any of embodiments 19-26, wherein the porous fibers and the impermeable barrier each have a melting temperature greater than about 200°C. [0070] Embodiment 28 is the method of any of embodiments 19-27, wherein the porous fibers and the impermeable barrier each have a melting temperature greater than about 260°C. [0071] Embodiment 29 is the method of any of embodiments 19-28, wherein the temperature is greater than about 150°C.

[0072] Embodiment 30 is the method of any of embodiments 19-29, wherein the temperature is greater than about 200°C.

[0073] Embodiment 31 is the method of any of embodiments 19-30, wherein the period of time is from about 1 hour to about 60 days.

[0074] Embodiment 32 is the method of any of embodiments 19-31, wherein a ratio of a thickness of the impermeable barrier to a diameter of the core is from about 0.1 to about 1. [0075] Embodiment 33 is the method of embodiment 32, wherein the ratio is inversely related to an emanation rate of the composition from the device.

[0076] Embodiment 34 is the method of any of embodiments 19-33, wherein a cross section of the device has a shape selected from the group consisting of round, elliptical, and oval.

[0077] Embodiment 35 is the method of any of embodiments 19-34, wherein the composition comprises an insecticide and a carrier medium.

[0078] Embodiment 36 is the method of embodiment 35, wherein the insecticide is selected from the group consisting of allethrin, dinotefuran, eucalyptol, citronellal, geraniol, prallethrin, furamethrin, transfluthrin, metofluthrin, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0079] Embodiment 37 is the method of embodiment 35 or embodiment 36, wherein the carrier medium has a boiling point from about 120°C to about 300°C.

[0080] Embodiment 38 is the method of any of embodiments 19-37, wherein an emanation rate of the composition from the device is from about 35 mg/hour to about 55 mg/hour, and wherein the period of time is from about 1 hour to about 60 days.

[0081] Embodiment 39 is a device comprising: a core having a top and a bottom, the core comprising a plurality of porous fibers; and an impermeable barrier disposed around the core such that the impermeable barrier does not cover the top or the bottom of the core; wherein the top of the core, the bottom of the core, or a combination thereof is configured to be exposed to a composition, and wherein the device is configured to be heated to a temperature greater than about 120°C for a period of time, thereby emanating the composition from the device.

[0082] Embodiment 40 is the device of embodiment 39, wherein the porous fibers are selected from the group consisting of staple fibers, tows, yams, and combinations thereof. [0083] Embodiment 41 is the device of embodiment 39 or embodiment 40, wherein the porous fibers comprise a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polyphenylene sulfide, poly(ethylene oxide), acrylic, glass, carbon, cotton, cellulose, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0084] Embodiment 42 is the device of embodiment 39 or embodiment 40, wherein the porous fibers comprise polyethylene terephthalate yam.

[0085] Embodiment 43 is the device of any of embodiments 39-42, wherein the impermeable barrier comprises a polymer.

[0086] Embodiment 44 is the device of any of embodiments 39-43, wherein the impermeable barrier comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetherimide, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0087] Embodiment 45 is the device of any of embodiments 39-43, wherein the impermeable barrier comprises nylon.

[0088] Embodiment 46 is the device of any of embodiments 39-45, wherein the core has a density from about 0.05 g/cc to about 0.40 g/cc.

[0089] Embodiment 47 is the device of any of embodiments 39-46, wherein the porous fibers and the impermeable barrier each have a melting temperature greater than about 200°C. [0090] Embodiment 48 is the device of any of embodiments 39-47, wherein the porous fibers and the impermeable barrier each have a melting temperature greater than about 260°C. [0091] Embodiment 49 is the device of any of embodiments 39-48, wherein the temperature is greater than about 150°C.

[0092] Embodiment 50 is the device of any of embodiments 39-49, wherein the temperature is greater than about 200°C.

[0093] Embodiment 51 is the device of any of embodiments 39-50, wherein the period of time is from about 1 hour to about 60 days.

[0094] Embodiment 52 is the device of any of embodiments 39-51, wherein a ratio of a thickness of the impermeable barrier to a diameter of the core is from about 0.1 to about 1. [0095] Embodiment 53 is the device of any of embodiments 39-52, wherein a cross section of the device has a shape selected from the group consisting of round, elliptical, and oval.

[0096] Embodiment 54 is the device of any of embodiments 39-53, wherein the composition comprises an insecticide and a carrier medium.

[0097] Embodiment 55 is the device of embodiment 54, wherein the insecticide is selected from the group consisting of allethrin, dinotefuran, eucalyptol, citronellal, geraniol, prallethrin, furamethrin, transfluthrin, metofluthrin, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0098] Embodiment 56 is the device of embodiment 54 or embodiment 55, wherein the carrier medium has a boiling point from about 120°C to about 300°C.

EXAMPLES Example 1

[0099] The emanation rates of a traditional fiber wick (one that lacks a barrier as described herein) and a system as described herein, having a core comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber yams and an impermeable barrier comprising nylon, were compared using a kerosene-based insecticidal composition. The traditional fiber wick and the system as described herein were each exposed to a heating element at 180°C for more than 35 days. FIG. 1 is a graph showing the emanation rate of the insecticidal composition (in mg/hour) from the traditional fiber wick (dashed line) and the system as described herein (solid line). The traditional fiber wick displayed a rapid decrease in its emanation rate, losing its emanation capabilities within several days. In contrast, the system as described herein maintained a substantially consistent emanation rate for the entire testing period, maintaining its emanation capabilities.

Example 2

[00100] The emanation rates of systems as described herein, having a core comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber yams and an impermeable barrier comprising nylon-6, were compared using a kerosene-based insecticidal composition. Some samples were exposed to a single heating element at 180°C for more than 35 days, while other samples were exposed to two heating elements at 180°C over the same time period. FIG. 2 is a graph showing the emanation rate of the insecticidal composition (in mg/hour) from the samples exposed to two heaters at 180°C (dashed line) and the samples exposed to one heater at 180°C (solid line). Both sets of samples maintained substantially consistent emanation rates for the entire testing period, maintaining their emanation capabilities.

[00101] In the above detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that various features of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[00102] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various features. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds, compositions or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[00103] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[00104] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (for example, bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (for example, the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” et cetera). While various compositions, methods, and devices are described in terms of “comprising” various components or steps (interpreted as meaning “including, but not limited to”), the compositions, methods, and devices can also “consist essentially of’ or “consist of’ the various components and steps, and such terminology should be interpreted as defining essentially closed-member groups. It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. [00105] For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (for example, “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

[00106] In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (for example, the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, et cetera” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, et cetera). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, et cetera” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, et cetera). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” [00107] In addition, where features of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

[00108] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, et cetera. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, et cetera. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges that can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 fibers refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 fibers. Similarly, a group having 1-5 fibers refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 fibers, and so forth.

[00109] The term “about,” as used herein, refers to variations in a numerical quantity that can occur, for example, through measuring or handling procedures in the real world; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of compositions or reagents; and the like. Typically, the term “about” as used herein means greater or lesser than the value or range of values stated by 1/10 of the stated values, e.g., ±10%. The term “about” also refers to variations that would be recognized by one skilled in the art as being equivalent so long as such variations do not encompass known values practiced by the prior art. Each value or range of values preceded by the term “about” is also intended to encompass the embodiment of the stated absolute value or range of values. Whether or not modified by the term “about,” quantitative values recited in the claims include equivalents to the recited values, e.g., variations in the numerical quantity of such values that can occur, but would be recognized to be equivalents by a person skilled in the art.

[00110] Various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a device comprising: a core having a top and a bottom, the core comprising a plurality of porous fibers; an impermeable barrier disposed around the core such that the impermeable barrier does not cover the top or the bottom of the core; and a composition; wherein the top of the core, the bottom of the core, or a combination thereof is configured to be exposed to the composition, and wherein the device is configured to be heated to a temperature greater than about 120°C for a period of time, thereby emanating the composition from the device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the porous fibers are selected from the group consisting of staple fibers, tows, yams, and combinations thereof.

3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the porous fibers comprise a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polyphenylene sulfide, poly(ethylene oxide), acrylic, glass, carbon, cotton, cellulose, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

4. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the porous fibers comprise polyethylene terephthalate yam.

5. The system of any of claims 1-4, wherein the impermeable barrier comprises a polymer.

6. The system of any of claims 1-5, wherein the impermeable barrier comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetherimide, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

7. The system of any of claims 1-5, wherein the impermeable barrier comprises nylon.

8. The system of any of claims 1-7, wherein the core has a density from about 0.05 g/cc to about 0.40 g/cc.

9. The system of any of claims 1-8, wherein the porous fibers and the impermeable barrier each have a melting temperature greater than about 200°C.

10. The system of any of claims 1-9, wherein the porous fibers and the impermeable barrier each have a melting temperature greater than about 260°C.

11. The system of any of claims 1-10, wherein the temperature is greater than about 150°C.

12. The system of any of claims 1-11, wherein the temperature is greater than about 200°C.

13. The system of any of claims 1-12, wherein the period of time is from about 1 hour to about 60 days.

14. The system of any of claims 1-13, wherein a ratio of a thickness of the impermeable barrier to a diameter of the core is from about 0.1 to about 1.

15. The system of any of claims 1-14, wherein a cross section of the device has a shape selected from the group consisting of round, elliptical, and oval.

16. The system of any of claims 1-15, wherein the composition comprises an insecticide and a carrier medium.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the insecticide is selected from the group consisting of allethrin, dinotefuran, eucalyptol, citronellal, geraniol, prallethrin, furamethrin, transfluthrin, metofluthrin, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

18. The system of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the carrier medium has a boiling point from about 120°C to about 300°C.

19. A method of emanating a composition, the method comprising: obtaining a device comprising: a core having a top and a bottom, the core comprising a plurality of porous fibers; and an impermeable barrier disposed around the core such that the impermeable barrier does not cover the top or the bottom of the core; exposing the top of the core, the bottom of the core, or a combination thereof to the composition; and heating the device to a temperature greater than about 120°C for a period of time, thereby emanating the composition from the device.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the porous fibers are selected from the group consisting of staple fibers, tows, yams, and combinations thereof.

21. The method of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the porous fibers comprise a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polyphenylene sulfide, poly(ethylene oxide), acrylic, glass, carbon, cotton, cellulose, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

22. The method of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the porous fibers comprise polyethylene terephthalate yam.

23. The method of any of claims 19-22, wherein the impermeable barrier comprises a polymer.

24. The method of any of claims 19-23, wherein the impermeable barrier comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetherimide, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

25. The method of any of claims 19-23, wherein the impermeable barrier comprises nylon.

26. The method of any of claims 19-25, wherein the core has a density from about 0.05 g/cc to about 0.40 g/cc.

27. The method of any of claims 19-26, wherein the porous fibers and the impermeable barrier each have a melting temperature greater than about 200°C.

28. The method of any of claims 19-27, wherein the porous fibers and the impermeable barrier each have a melting temperature greater than about 260°C.

29. The method of any of claims 19-28, wherein the temperature is greater than about 150°C.

30. The method of any of claims 19-29, wherein the temperature is greater than about 200°C.

31. The method of any of claims 19-30, wherein the period of time is from about 1 hour to about 60 days.

32. The method of any of claims 19-31, wherein a ratio of a thickness of the impermeable barrier to a diameter of the core is from about 0.1 to about 1.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the ratio is inversely related to an emanation rate of the composition from the device.

34. The method of any of claims 19-33, wherein a cross section of the device has a shape selected from the group consisting of round, elliptical, and oval.

35. The method of any of claims 19-34, wherein the composition comprises an insecticide and a carrier medium.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the insecticide is selected from the group consisting of allethrin, dinotefuran, eucalyptol, citronellal, geraniol, prallethrin, furamethrin, transfluthrin, metofluthrin, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

37. The method of claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the carrier medium has a boiling point from about 120°C to about 300°C.

38. The method of any of claims 19-37, wherein an emanation rate of the composition from the device is from about 35 mg/hour to about 55 mg/hour, and wherein the period of time is from about 1 hour to about 60 days.

39. A device comprising: a core having a top and a bottom, the core comprising a plurality of porous fibers; and an impermeable barrier disposed around the core such that the impermeable barrier does not cover the top or the bottom of the core; wherein the top of the core, the bottom of the core, or a combination thereof is configured to be exposed to a composition, and wherein the device is configured to be heated to a temperature greater than about 120°C for a period of time, thereby emanating the composition from the device.

40. The device of claim 39, wherein the porous fibers are selected from the group consisting of staple fibers, tows, yams, and combinations thereof.

41. The device of claim 39 or claim 40, wherein the porous fibers comprise a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polyphenylene sulfide, poly(ethylene oxide), acrylic, glass, carbon, cotton, cellulose, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

42. The device of claim 39 or claim 40, wherein the porous fibers comprise polyethylene terephthalate yam.

43. The device of any of claims 39-42, wherein the impermeable barrier comprises a polymer.

44. The device of any of claims 39-43, wherein the impermeable barrier comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetherimide, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

45. The device of any of claims 39-43, wherein the impermeable barrier comprises nylon.

46. The device of any of claims 39-45, wherein the core has a density from about 0.05 g/cc to about 0.40 g/cc.

47. The device of any of claims 39-46, wherein the porous fibers and the impermeable barrier each have a melting temperature greater than about 200°C.

48. The device of any of claims 39-47, wherein the porous fibers and the impermeable barrier each have a melting temperature greater than about 260°C.

49. The device of any of claims 39-48, wherein the temperature is greater than about 150°C.

50. The device of any of claims 39-49, wherein the temperature is greater than about 200°C.

51. The device of any of claims 39-50, wherein the period of time is from about 1 hour to about 60 days.

52. The device of any of claims 39-51, wherein a ratio of a thickness of the impermeable barrier to a diameter of the core is from about 0.1 to about 1.

53. The device of any of claims 39-52, wherein a cross section of the device has a shape selected from the group consisting of round, elliptical, and oval.

54. The device of any of claims 39-53, wherein the composition comprises an insecticide and a carrier medium.

55. The device of claim 54, wherein the insecticide is selected from the group consisting of allethrin, dinotefuran, eucalyptol, citronellal, geraniol, prallethrin, furamethrin, transfluthrin, metofluthrin, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

56. The device of claim 54 or claim 55, wherein the carrier medium has a boiling point from about 120°C to about 300°C.