A method of milling chlorothalonil to form a sub-micron product having a
narrow particle size distribution is presented. The milling involves wet
milling of the chlorothalonil with high density milling media having a
diameter between 0.1 mm and 0.8 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.7 mm,
and a density equal to or greater than 3.8 g/cc, preferably greater than
5.5 g/cc, in a ball mill using between about 40% and 80% loading of the
mill volume with milling media, and having the chlorothalonil suspended
in an aqueous milling liquid which comprises one or more surface active
agents. The milling speed is preferably high, for example from about 1000
rpm to about 4000 rpm. The milled product can be used in foliar
applications at a lower effective dosage than prior art formulations, can
be used in improved antifouling paint formulations, and can be used in
new applications such as the direct injection of solid chlorothalonil
particulates in wood to act as a long lasting wood preservative.