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Title:
FLAME RETARDANT COMPOSITION
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2022/233380
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
This invention relates to chemical compositions having fire retardant properties for all compatible materials. Furthermore, this invention has an immediate firestop effect in a case afire has occurred. Particularly to compositions that can be applied to fabrics or other materials and more particularly in relation to forest and field fires, pine tree, straw, cotton, wool, textiles, hay or other agricultural products, plastic laminates, and single sheets of any kind of type of plastic, pressure impregnated wood.

Inventors:
PALMQVIST BENT (DK)
LARSEN JESS (DK)
Application Number:
PCT/DK2022/050092
Publication Date:
November 10, 2022
Filing Date:
May 05, 2022
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
NOIGNIS APS (DK)
International Classes:
C09K21/06
Domestic Patent References:
WO2018172835A12018-09-27
Foreign References:
US20100093882A12010-04-15
US4804482A1989-02-14
Other References:
CAS , no. 584-08-07
CAS, no. 64-19-7
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
SKOV, Anders (DK)
Download PDF:
Claims:
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A composition for imparting flame retardancy composition comprising: a source of potassium and or sodium, a source of citrate ion.

2. The composition of Claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises a source of glue/ binder/ non dripping agent.

3. The composition of Claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises an aqueous solvent.

4. The composition of Claim 1 wherein the source of potassium and citrate is potassium is potassium citrate.

5. The composition of Claim 1 wherein the source of sodium and citrate is sodium citrate. 6 The composition of Claim 1 wherein the source of citrate ion is citric acid.

7. The composition of Claim 1 wherein the source of glue/ binder/ non dripping agent is a cellulose derivative such as methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, or carboxy methyl cellulose.

8. The composition of Claim 1 wherein there is 1 part of a source of potassium to 0,5 to 2,5 parts of the source of citrate ion and 0,005 to 0,030 part of the source of glue/ binder/ non dripping agent.

9. The composition of Claim 3 wherein the composition has a pH value range of about 6 to about 9.

10. A composition consisting essentially of a mixture of sodium citrate and or potassium citrate; and with 0.5 to 3 % carboxy methyl cellulose.

11. The composition of Claim 10 wherein the composition further comprises an aqueous solvent. 12. A composition consisting essentially of potassium carbonate; citric acid; and carboxy methyl cellulose.

13. The composition of Claim 12 wherein the composition further comprises an aqueous solvent.

Description:
FLAME RETARDANT COMPOSITION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates to chemical compositions having fire retardant properties for all compatible materials. Furthermore, this invention has an immediate firestop effect in a case afire has occurred. Particularly to compositions that can be applied to fabrics or other materials and more particularly in relation to forest and field fires, pine tree, straw, cotton, wool, textiles, hay or other agricultural products, plastic laminates, and single sheets of any kind of type of plastic, pressure impregnated wood.

Description of the Related Art

[0002] Fire safety regulations for consumer and other types of goods have caused many manufacturers high efforts to comply with these regulations to make their goods with flame retardant properties, many manufacturers apply fire retardant chemical compositions to their goods. Field fires and forest fires cost billions each year and cost many lives. Unfortunately, many fire-retardant chemical compositions are known to contain ingredients that may be toxic to humans and the environment.

[0003] Harmful fire-resistant compositions include those that are halogenated, particularly those with the halogen's chlorine and bromine. Bromine flame retardants (BFRs) and Chlorinated flame retardants (CFRs) have been used for over 30 years, and recent studies indicate that levels of these substances are building up inside the bodies of humans. Because more testing has been performed on BFRs, more is known as to the harmful effects of BFRs. Studies suggest that BFRs can be linked to immune suppression, cancer, endocrine disruption, and neurobehavioral and developmental effects. BFRs are used widely in consumer products, especially plastics for electronics, foams, and textiles. It is also suspected that CFRs, which are used in textiles, paints and coatings, plastics, and insulation foams, cause harm to humans and the environment. Where identification of the area with flame retardant is needed a biodegradable color approved for food and feed, can be added in a suitable concentration.

[0004] Effective non-halogenated flame retardants are needed to reduce and or eliminate the use of BFRs and CFRs. Particularly, there is a need for flame retardants that are not harmful to humans or the environment, animals and birds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In some embodiments, a composition for imparting flame retardancy is provided that comprises a source of potassium and or sodium, a source of citrate ion, and a source of glue / binder / non dripping agent. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises an aqueous solvent. Preferably, the source of citrate ion is citric acid and/or the source of potassium is potassium citrate, the glue/ binder/ non dripping agent is a source of cellulose derivate e.g. carboxy methyl cellulose. Hydroxy methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, ethyl cellulose.

[0006] In some embodiments, the composition is made up of 1 part of the source of potassium and or sodium to 0,5 to 2,5 parts of the source of citrate ion and 0,005 to 0,030 part of the source of glue/ binder/ non dripping agent. In some embodiments the composition is a liquid, but it is contemplated that the invention can take a granular or solid form.

[0007] In some embodiments, the composition has a pH value range of about 6 to about 9. Preferably, the source of citrate ion is added to the composition in an amount that achieves a pH value within this pH range. In some embodiments, a basic (alkaline) material is added to the composition in an amount that achieves a pH value within this pH value range.

[0008] In some embodiments, a method is provided that imparts flame retardancy to a material that comprises applying the composition to a material, and the composition comprises a source of potassium and or sodium, a source of citrate ion, and a source of glue / binder / non dripping agent. Preferably, the composition applied with this method comprises 1 part of the source of potassium and or sodium to 0,5 to 2,5 parts of the source of citrate ion and 0,005 to 0,030 part of the source of glue/ binder/ non dripping agent and when applied as liquid 2 to 10 parts of water. In some embodiments, the composition is sprayed onto a material in other embodiments, the material is placed into the composition.

[0009] In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a flame retardant composition is provided in which a composition comprising a source of potassium and or sodium, a source of citrate ion, and a source of glue / binder / non dripping agent is dissolved in an aqueous solvent.

[0010] In some embodiments, a composition is provided that consists essentially of potassium citrate and or sodium citrate, and carboxy methyl cellulose. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises an aqueous solvent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0011] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. As will be evident to one skilled in the art, however, the exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Although the following embodiments are described with reference to specific examples, the skilled artisan will recognize that no single element of the described embodiments is necessary for the successful practice of the invention, and that the invention can be practiced in various other combinations beyond those described.

[0012] Some embodiments of the invention provide a chemical composition that can be used as a flame retardant. In a preferred embodiment, the chemical composition is applied to a surface of a material to provide fire resistant properties to the object. There is no limitation as to the material to which the composition is applied. In some embodiments, the composition can be applied to leather, furniture, plastics, insulation, cotton, wood, fabrics, clothing, plastic laminates and single sheets of any type of plastic, pressure impregnated word or any other material. The flammability of fabrics makes them an especially suitable material. It is also contemplated that the composition could be used in other applications to prevent and/or suppress fire. For example, the composition can especially also be used to suppress fires, such as field fires, and forest fires.

[0013] Some embodiments of the invention provide a composition comprising a mixture of ingredients that is not harmful to humans and that preferably contains no halogens. Preferably, the invention is comprised of components that occur naturally in foods or in the body. The invention provides a composition comprising a mixture of ingredients that is not harmful to the environment. Preferably, the invention provides a composition that is not greasy and that does not emit a distasteful odor when applied to materials.

[0014] In some embodiments, the ingredients of the composition include a carbonate containing material, an acidic material, and a material that serves as a preservative. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises an aqueous solvent and the other composition ingredients are dissolved in the aqueous solvent. The aqueous solvent can be any type of solvent that comprises water. For example, the aqueous solution may be tap water, seawater, deionized, or distilled water. For those embodiments that include an aqueous solvent, the solvent preferably makes up between about 50% and about 95% of the composition. More preferably the aqueous solvent makes up about 55% to 70% water, and most preferably it makes up about 63% to about 67% of the composition.

[0015] In some embodiments of the invention, the potassium containing material is a citrate such as potassium citrate (CAS no. 866-84-2) or a carbonate compound, such as potassium carbonate (CAS no.584- 08-07), although other types of carbonate, such as potassium hydrogen carbonate or ammonium carbonate can be used. Thus, it is contemplated that any type of potassium compound can be used. It is contemplated that the ranges may shift depending on the type of carbonate containing material that is used. In some embodiments of the invention, the sodium containing material is a citrate such as sodium citrate (CAS No. S8-Q4--2) or a carbonate compound, such as sodium carbonate (CAS no.497-19-8). Thus, it is contemplated that any type of sodium compound can be used. It is contemplated that the ranges may shift depending on the type of carbonate containing material that is used.

[0016] In some embodiments of the invention, one ingredient of the invention is an acidic citrate material. Preferably, the acidic material is included to regulate the pH level of the invention such that the fire- retardant properties of carbonate are enhanced. Although the pH can vary throughout a wide range, the pH of the composition is preferably maintained within the pH range of about 6 to 9, more preferably about 6.5 to 7.5. In some embodiments, the pH is about 7. In some embodiments, the acidic material is a carboxylate. Preferably, a carboxylate is used that provides a source of citrate ion. The acidic material can be of any suitable type. For example, acetic acid (CAS. no. 64-19-7) can be used to regulate pH level.

[0017] Citric acid (CAS no. 77-92-9) may be an especially suitable material, as it is a relatively gentle acid that may appeal to the buying public, government regulators, or any others that have reason to review the ingredients of the invention. The amount of acidic material will depend on the type of the acidic material used and can vary throughout a wide range. Preferably, citrates make up about 20% to about 35% of the composition when an aqueous solvent is also present in the composition. More preferably, the citric acid/citrates make up about 18% to about 22% of the composition, and most preferably make up to about 19% to 21% of the composition. It is contemplated that these ranges may shift depending on the type of potassium and or sodium source and acidic material used.

[0018] In some embodiments of the invention, a preservative material is added to prevent growth of bacteria or mold during transport and/or storage of the composition. Any suitable preservative can be used to serve this purpose. Preferably, the preservative material provides a source of benzoate ion. In some embodiments, the source of benzoate ion is a benzoic acid, and sodium benzoate is the preferred choice. Sodium benzoate (CAS no. 532-32-1) may be especially suitable, as it is a naturally occurring preservative that may appeal to the buying public, government regulators, or any others that have reason to review the ingredients of the invention. In an alternative embodiment, Bronopol (CAS no. 52-51-7) can be used as the preservative material.

[0020] In some embodiments, the composition takes the form of a liquid or a solid in a preferred embodiment, composition of liquid form includes an aqueous solvent. The composition may also have a solid or granular form. Preferably, the composition is in a liquid form when it is being used. However, an aqueous solvent can be added to the composition at any stage, including after the composition is purchased by a consumer. In some embodiments, the ratio of the potassium source and or the sodium source, the citrate source, and sodium benzoate to each other is not affected by the composition's form. Preferably, the ratio between these ingredients is about 1 part of the potassium and or sodium source to 0,5 to 2,5 parts of citric acid and 0,005 to 0,030 part of the source of cellulose derivative e.g., carboxy methyl cellulose. Tests have shown that the composition is especially effective when the ingredients are combined within these ranges of ratios. However, the composition can effectively retard fire when other ratios of these ingredients are used.

[0021] The ingredients can be combined in any suitable way to make the composition. An example of one manner by which the ingredients can be combined for a composition that includes an aqueous solvent will now be discussed. Ideally, the composition will be clear, and the ingredients will be completely dissolved without any visible traces of solid material. This is only one example as to how the ingredients can be combined, and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that there exist numerous other mixing methods that can be used.

[0022] An example of one manner by which the ingredients can be combined for a composition that, at least initially, does not include an aqueous solvent will now be discussed. The Potassium and or sodium source can be poured into any type of conventional powder mixer and mixed until all lumps are dissolved. The Citrate source can then be added and mixed in the powder mixer until all lumps are dissolved and the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. The carboxy methyl cellulose can be added next and mixed in the powder mixer until all lumps are dissolved and all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. The composition may now be sold or stored in a tight container in this granular or powder form. At any desired time, the granular or powder mixture can be dissolved in aqueous solvent with stirring. The powder is added carefully and gradually to the water, to avoid any caron dioxide evolved to pour out of the container. The solution is mixed until the granular powder mixture is dissolved, contains no lumps or visible traces of solid material, and the solution is clear or almost clear.

[0023] The composition can be used in various types of conditions, but some conditions can make the composition especially effective. For example, applying the composition to dry materials in temperatures at 10 degrees Celsius or above has proven to be effective. However, the composition is effective when applied under alternative conditions. In one embodiment, the composition can be applied by spraying it onto a dry material or submerging a dry material into the composition. Preferably, the material is allowed to dry after being saturated with the composition. This only provides one example of how the composition can be used and should not be interpreted as a limitation to the invention.

[0024] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the disclosed embodiments described above.