Flame Retardant Chemical Composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to the fields of chemical compositions and flame retardants. Specifically, the present invention relates to a composition for imparting flame retardancy, which composition comprises an organic salt as a refractory compound, a binder, and a surfactant. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for preparing said composition and a method for imparting flame retardancy to a substrate, including applying said composition to the substrate. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of said composition, for example, for imparting flame retardancy to a substrate. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a product comprising said composition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the fields of chemical compositions and flame retardants. Specifically, the present invention relates to a composition for imparting flame retardancy, the composition comprising an organic salt (as a refractory compound), a surfactant, and a binder. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for preparing the composition and a method for imparting flame retardancy to a substrate, including applying the composition to the substrate. In addition, the present invention relates to the use of the composition, for example, for imparting flame retardancy to a substrate. Background Art

[0002] Both fire codes and safety considerations require the treatment of many materials with fire-resistant agents to reduce the risk of potentially devastating fires or at least slow the spread of potentially devastating fires. The treatment can also alter the pyrolysis of the combusting material, thereby reducing the release of flammable and toxic gases.

[0003] Typically, any potentially combustible materials used in construction (interior and exterior surfaces and other structures), such as upholstery, insulation, etc., can be treated with a fire-resistant composition to improve such properties. The materials that can be treated are any combustible materials, including but not limited to wood, fabrics, plastics, and other materials.

[0004] Since the early 19th century when Gay-Lussac proposed using a composition comprising borax combined with ammonium phosphate and ammonium chloride to improve the fire safety of French theaters, many different types of fire-retardant chemical compositions have been used. Many different fire-resistant compositions have been developed, although most of them have various drawbacks, mainly related to environmental or health issues, or in some cases related to cost.

[0005] Phosphate-based chemical compositions are still used in many cases for fire extinguishing and as fire retardants. Examples of these compositions include red phosphorus, inorganic phosphates (such as ammonium phosphate), organic phosphates, and phosphonates (such as guanidine phosphate and resorcinol-bis(diphenylphosphonate)), and inorganic phosphonates. Although phosphates and phosphonates are effective as fire extinguishing chemicals, they must be used in relatively high amounts, and some are even reported to show toxicity, thus limiting their use. Flame retardants based solely on phosphates or phosphonates can also cause deterioration of the wood treated with these compounds, which may be due to a decrease in the pH value of the wood.

[0006] Due to the inhibitory effect of halogenated organic compounds, mainly brominated organic compounds, on combustion chemistry, the flammability of products and materials treated with these compounds is reduced, and they have thus been widely used as fire retardants. In particular, brominated compounds such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers have been proven to be very effective in many applications including electronics, textiles, and furniture. However, the use of halogenated flame retardants has basically stopped, and after growing evidence that these compounds are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to humans and animals, and cause symptoms including neurobehavioral effects and endocrine disruptions, these compounds have been widely banned.

[0007] Boron compounds have also been widely used in fire-resistant compositions, which can be applied to many materials such as wood and fabrics. The compounds used include boric acid, borax, various oxides of boron, and mixtures thereof. However, several boron compounds, including boric acid, have been reported to be carcinogenic and may be toxic, especially when taken orally or inhaled in large amounts or for long periods. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has also included boric acid and others on its list of substances of very high concern.

[0008] In addition to the above compounds, there are some less widely used fire-resistant compounds and compositions. An example is bridged polymers with inherent fire-resistant properties. These polymers can effectively resist combustion and have the characteristic of not producing any additional toxic gases when burning. In some cases, the polymers can also be modified, for example, by increasing the rigidity of the polymer, changing the monomers used, or increasing the hydrogen bonds between the polymers, to increase their inherent fire resistance. However, the preparation of such polymers is both difficult and expensive, thus limiting their use as flame retardants on an industrial scale.

[0009] In addition, some iron(III) salts can also be used to form fire-resistant compounds, and an example is iron(III) phosphate also known as ferric orthophosphate. The main drawbacks of using these iron salts are that they generally require a low pH value of about 2 to be completely soluble in water, and they often cause the treated materials to turn slightly red multiple times.

[0010] As an example of a fire-resistant composition, EP1984437B1 discloses a fire-resistant chemical composition comprising a source of citrate ions, a source of benzoate ions, and ammonium phosphate, which can be used to treat suitable materials to make them have flame retardant properties. Summary of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is surprisingly found that organic salt-based flame retardants are combined with specific adhesives and surfactants to obtain compositions that can be used to treat porous materials to give them excellent flame retardant properties. The present invention provides a fire-resistant chemical composition for treating combustible or flammable materials, which is environmentally friendly before being applied to a substrate, does not release any toxic or harmful fumes after drying, and can effectively delay the development of the fire. Therefore, the composition of the present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. The composition of the present invention does not contain carcinogens, which means that in addition to providing a material with excellent fire resistance, it is also safe for use in all types of applications, including finishes or decorations in confined spaces. Since the treated material does not release any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other harmful chemicals, it is also superior in terms of the environment compared to more traditional compositions and methods for treating these materials.

[0012] Advantages of the present invention include that the flame retardant composition can be prepared easily and at low cost and can also be prepared on an industrial scale. Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides flame retardant properties with better water resistance and longer fire durability to the treated substrate. In addition, an advantage of the present invention is that the composition is better absorbed into the treated substrate and thus imparts improved flame retardancy to the treated substrate.

[0013] The invention provides finished and cured products with flame retardant properties, which are free of traces of (volatile) organic solvents and toxic compounds such as formaldehyde.

[0014] The present invention relates to a composition for imparting flame retardancy, wherein the composition comprises an organic salt as a flame retardant compound, a surfactant compound for enhancing the absorption of the composition in a substrate, and a binder. The composition may also contain additives such as flame retardants based on free radical generators, phosphorus-based flame retardants, moisture-binding compounds, pigments, compounds with antibacterial and / or antifungal activity, UV stabilizers, antioxidants, inorganic salts, or any combination thereof.

[0015] The present invention also relates to methods for preparing the disclosed compositions.

[0016] The invention also relates to a method for imparting flame retardancy to a material, comprising applying the combination of the invention to said material.

[0017] Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the composition according to the invention for imparting flame retardancy to a material.

[0018] Furthermore, the invention relates to products comprising the composition according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The aim of the present invention is to develop a fire-resistant chemical composition that is environmentally friendly, does not cause any health problems, and does not release any harmful vapors after being applied to materials, making it safe to use on the outer surfaces of buildings and on the surfaces and objects indoors.

[0020] The fire resistance safety of materials, surface linings, etc. is classified according to European standard EN13501-1, and the test method according to this standard is the single burning item test according to EN13823. Based on the results of this test, materials are classified into seven categories in the Euroclass system. Class A materials are non-combustible or have limited flammability. From class B to class F, the flammability increases in turn. Therefore, inherently combustible materials such as wood and fabric usually cannot reach a higher grade than class B, that is, they are in class A. In the same test, the additional classification of materials includes the assessment of smoke generation and the formation of burning droplets. Class s-1 represents the lowest amount of smoke formation, and class s-2 and class s-3 represent successively higher amounts of smoke formation. Similarly, d0 means no burning droplets are formed, and d1 and d2 mean higher amounts.

[0021] Indoor air quality can be detected by several different methods, and there are several standards for indoor air quality and for classifying building products according to their impact on indoor air quality. The compounds and groups of compounds analyzed usually include VOCs, formaldehyde, and ammonia, in addition to carcinogenic and toxic compounds and olfactory analysis (such as odors). ISO standard 16000 defines various methods for indoor air sampling and analysis. For example, the California Department of Public Health has also developed other standard tests (CDPH standard method v 1.1). The Finnish Building Information Foundation (RTS sr) gives an additional emission classification for building materials based on material tests after 28 days. According to this standard, products classified as M1 have the lowest emission levels, and products classified as M2 and M3 have higher emission levels than M1.

[0022] More information about the requirements of the above standards and the standardized test procedures can be found through the corresponding standardization bodies.

[0023] As used herein, the terms "material" and "substrate" refer to any material that can be treated with the composition of the present invention to improve their fire resistance and flame resistance. A non-limiting list of such materials includes solid materials such as wood, fabric, insulation materials, plastics, polymers, paper, cardboard, and any combination thereof.

[0024] As used herein, the term "fire-retardant" refers to a compound or composition used to slow down or prevent the spread of fire or reduce its intensity. These compounds can act by reducing the flammability of the fuel or delaying its combustion. The term "flame-retardant" can be used synonymously.

[0025] As used herein, the term "fuel" refers to any material that can react with other substances to release chemical energy as heat or for doing work, i.e., any material that burns or will burn when in or exposed to fire.

[0026] As used herein, "organic salt" refers to a salt formed from an acid and a base, at least one of which is organic. Organic salts can be formed, for example, from an organic acid and an organic base, from an organic acid and an inorganic base, or from an inorganic acid and an organic base.

[0027] As used herein, "organic acid" refers to a carboxylic acid or other acidic organic compound. Examples of organic acids include, but are not limited to: aspartic acid (CAS No. 56-84-8); 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (CAS No.: 1703-58-8); citric acid (CAS No. 77-92-9) and its hydrates, such as citric acid monohydrate (CAS No. 5949-29-1); ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (CAS No.: 60-00-4); gluconic acid; poly(acrylic acid) (CAS No.: 9003-01-4); poly(methacrylic acid) (CAS No. 25087-26-7); poly(aspartic acid) (CAS No. 25608-40-6); poly(glutamic acid) (CAS No. 25736-27-0); polycarboxylates, such as poly(methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid), poly(butyl acrylate-co-methacrylate-co-methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-styrene); oxalic acid (CAS No. 6153-56-6); tartaric acid (CAS No. 133-37-9); and / or any combination thereof. As used herein, "organic acid" includes the compound in anhydrous form as well as any hydrate form.

[0028] The organic salts of the present invention can be formed by partially or completely neutralizing the organic acid groups with a conventional neutralizing agent, such as ammonia, amines, preferably an alkali metal hydroxide, alkali metal oxide, alkali metal carbonate or alkali metal bicarbonate, and any mixture thereof. Among the alkali metals, potassium and sodium are particularly preferred, and particularly preferred are potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate or potassium bicarbonate, and any mixture thereof. Generally, neutralization is achieved by mixing the neutralizing agent in aqueous solution with the acid to form the organic salt. In certain cases, the neutralizing agent can be used in an amount in excess of the acid groups. In many cases, the sodium salts, ammonium salts and potassium salts of organic acids are generally highly soluble in water.

[0029] Alternatively, the organic acid can react with a reactive metal (such as magnesium, zinc, bismuth) to form an organic salt.

[0030] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, all percentages refer to mass percentages of the total composition, i.e., the mass (m i ) of the compound accounts for the total mass (mtot ) mass fraction (w i ), where the denominator is 100 (i.e., (m i / m tot ) * 100). Similarly, unless otherwise stated, parts per million (ppm) refers to parts of the total mass of the composition.

[0031] The compositions of the present invention impart flame retardant properties to substrates, even if the substrates already have flame retardant properties, and the compositions include organic salts (as refractory compounds), surfactants, and binders.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the organic salts are selected from the group consisting of potassium salts, zinc salts, magnesium salts, or bismuth salts of organic acids, and any combination thereof. As long as the composition has a flame retardant effect, the organic salts can be present in the composition in any amount.

[0033] Non-limiting examples of other organic salts that can be used in the refractory compositions according to the present invention are zinc citrate (CAS No.: 546-46-3), magnesium citrate (CAS No.: 144-23-0), poly(sodium methacrylate), potassium aspartate, potassium tartrate, and tripotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetate dihydrate (CAS No.: 65501-24-8).

[0034] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the organic salts are selected from the group consisting of inorganic or organic salts of citric acid. In a specific embodiment, the organic salts, such as potassium citrate, are present in the composition in an amount of at least 10% (e.g., 10% to 70%), preferably at least 15%, and most preferably 19 to 23%.

[0035] The term "surfactant" as used herein and hereinafter refers to any compound that has the ability to reduce the surface tension and / or reduce the interfacial tension between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid when dissolved or dispersed in water or a water-based solution or dispersion, including but not limited to, detergents, wetting agents, and emulsifiers.

[0036] In one embodiment, the surfactants are selected from the group consisting of ionic surfactants and non-ionic surfactants. Generally speaking, surfactants are compounds that include a hydrophilic group and a hydrophobic group. The hydrophilic group can be ionic (e.g., -SO4 - , -SO3 - , -COO - and -N(CH3)3 +) or non-ionic (e.g., -O-(CH2-CH2-O)n-H). The surfactant can also be a zwitterionic surfactant, i.e., the surfactant includes both a cation (e.g., -N(CH3)3 + ) and an anionic group (e.g., -SO3 - ). The most commonly used hydrophobic groups are straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon chains containing saturated, unsaturated, and / or aromatic moieties. Optionally, the hydrocarbon group of the surfactant can also include one or more heteroatoms. Examples of suitable non-ionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, α-olefin sulfonates / esters, polyether-modified polysiloxanes, ethoxylated sorbitan alkanoates, alkyl glucosides, fatty acid ethoxylates, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, fatty amide ethoxylates, octylphenoxy poly(oxyethylene) ethanol), octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, e.g., non-ionic surfactants commercially available under the trade names Clariant (Emulsogen RAL 100, RAL 109, RAL 208, RAL 307, R100 R109, R208, R307), Croda (Maxemul 5010, 5011), GEO SC (Bisomer EP100DMA, EP150DMA, PEM63P HP), Ethox (E-Sperse RS-1616, RS-1617, RX-201), Aerosol (Solvay), and BASF (Lutensol AT type), and polymerizable surfactants (such as the Hitenol AR series and the Noigen series (Montello), etc.), or any mixture thereof. Examples of ionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, dialkyl sulfosuccinates / salts, sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium stearate. The surfactant can be in the form of a solution. As long as the composition of the present invention has a flame retardant effect, the surfactant can be present in the composition in any amount. In a specific embodiment, the surfactant, e.g., the non-ionic surfactant, is present in the composition in an amount of less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, and most preferably 0.5% to 2%.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the surfactant is a polymeric surfactant. Examples of polymeric surfactants include, but are not limited to, EO / PO (ethylene oxide / propylene oxide) block copolymers, methacrylic acid copolymers, polyhydroxystearate derivatives, and alkyd PEG resin derivatives.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, the surfactant is selected from the group comprising low-foaming surfactants. By reducing the foaming of the surfactant by a ratio of 5:1, the absorption of the refractory composition is increased by 17%. Increasing the absorption of the refractory composition enables the same refractory efficiency to be achieved with less treatment of the substrate but deeper absorption of the composition into the substrate.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, a composition comprising an organic salt, a surfactant, and a binder is used to impart flame retardant properties to the substrate or material.

[0040] The use of the surfactant causes the refractory composition to be absorbed in the material to be treated rather than forming a film on the surface of the material. It should be understood that the refractory composition may be completely absorbed in the material, or a portion of the refractory composition may be absorbed in the material and a portion of the composition may be present on the surface of the material. It should also be understood that the composition may be present only on the surface of the material. The use of the surfactant further improves the refractory properties of the composition. As an additional benefit, the use of a surfactant in a flame retardant composition comprising an organic salt also aids in the dissolution of the salt in an aqueous solvent and prevents flocculation, emulsification, or sedimentation when the salt is added to the solution.

[0041] Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, in a composition comprising an organic salt, a surfactant, and a binder, the organic salt can be mixed with the binder without flocculation, emulsification, or sedimentation.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the refractory composition includes a binder to improve the adhesion of the composition to the substrate and to improve the weather resistance of the finished surface. The binder may include or be, for example, an aqueous dispersion of an environmentally advanced linear acrylic copolymer (e.g., without any additional solvents, formaldehyde, or ammonia). The binder may be included in the composition in an amount of, for example, 3% to 20%, preferably 5% to 10%.

[0043] As used herein and hereinafter, "coating" and "covering" are coverings present on the surface of a substrate or material. Although the covering is typically on the surface of the substrate or material, the covering may also be present within the substrate or material. The function of the coating can be decorative, functional, or both. Examples of decorative coatings include, but are not limited to, paint and lacquer. Examples of functional coatings include, but are not limited to, coatings that impart flame retardancy and coatings that alter the surface properties of the substrate (such as adhesion, wettability, corrosion resistance, or abrasion resistance). The binder can be included in the coating by itself and / or in combination with additional components. It should be understood that the coating can include the composition of the present invention, or, alternatively, the coating can include additional components or other components other than the composition of the present invention. Thus, the composition of the present invention can form a coating of the material and / or can be absorbed by the material.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the binder comprises a polymer of one or more acrylate monomers. The polymer can be a homopolymer or a copolymer. Examples of acrylate monomers include, but are not limited to, n-butyl acrylate (BA), ethyl acrylate, methacrylate, lauryl acrylate, phenoxyethyl acrylate, tripropylene glycol diacrylate, hexanediol diacrylate, and trimethylolpropane triacrylate, or any derivatives thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the binder comprises a polymer of one or more commercially available binders. Examples of commercially available binders include, but are not limited to, Zeffle SE 310 (Daikin Chemical Europe GmbH), Zeffle SE 405 (Daikin Chemical Europe GmbH), Zeffle SE 700 (Daikin Chemical Europe GmbH), Synexil SAB (Synthos S.A.), Synexil DGP (Synthos S.A.), 477 (Polynt Composities), 4848 (BASF Dispersions & Resins), ECO 6270 (BASF Dispersions & Resins), 4111 (BASF Dispersions & Resins), 8273( 8273&Re), Revacryl AE 3723 (Synthomer), 477 (Polynt Composites), Akuabrid HM2124 (T&L Co., Polymer Technology Center), CHP 559 (CH-Polymers), CHP 550 (CH-Polymers), and CHP 570 (CH-Polymers).

[0045] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the binder comprises a polymer of one or more acrylate monomers, and the one or more acrylate monomers are independently selected from the group consisting of n-butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate (MMA), lauryl acrylate, phenoxyethyl acrylate, tripropylene glycol diacrylate, hexanediol diacrylate, and trimethylolpropane triacrylate.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the binder comprises a copolymer of two or more monomers, and each monomer is independently selected from the group consisting of acrylates, styrene, and vinyl acetate.

[0047] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the binder comprises a copolymer of two or more monomers, and each monomer is independently selected from the group consisting of n-butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, vinyl acetate, and styrene.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the binder comprises a copolymer of silanized, phosphorus-containing, and / or fluorinated monomers.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the binder comprises a copolymer of two or more monomers, and each monomer is independently selected from the group consisting of: n-butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, vinyl acetate, styrene, and silanized, phosphorus-containing, and / or fluorinated monomers.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the binder is an aqueous acrylate emulsion, preferably having a minimum film-forming temperature below room temperature. In a non-limiting embodiment, the binder may be an acrylic polymer prepared from a monomer mixture of n-butyl acrylate (BA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA), preferably using sodium dodecyl sulfate and / or polyethylene glycol monononyl phenyl ether as surfactants and potassium persulfate as an initiator for seed emulsion polymerization. For weather-resistant compositions, preferred binders include copolymers formed from a monomer mixture containing BA and MMA and functional monomers containing silicon, phosphorus, fluorine, nitrogen derivatives, and / or free radical generators or combinations thereof.

[0051] In addition to being produced as a single-stage process (also known as homogeneous dispersion) of the classical emulsion process, dispersions can also be produced in a two-stage process (also known as heterogeneous dispersion or core-shell dispersion). In addition, crosslinking reactions can be initiated during emulsion polymerization or film drying. Generally, during the manufacturing process, in order to crosslink polymer particles (internal specific crosslinking), difunctional or trifunctional monomers are polymerized. Alternatively, during the film-forming process, functional groups (such as carboxyl groups) of acrylate dispersions can be crosslinked by adding polyvalent metal ions. Crosslinking enhances the non-stickiness (anti-blocking property) of the film used for wood coatings.

[0052] Emulsion polymerization can be carried out in batch, semi-batch or continuous reactor systems using conventional, mini, micro or inverse emulsion polymerization techniques.

[0053] As used herein and hereinafter, "derivative" is a compound or a group of a compound. The group of the compound can be covalently linked to the monomer that forms the polymer. As used herein and hereinafter, "monomer" forms the repeating unit of the polymer. Examples of fluorine derivatives include, but are not limited to, fluorides and trifluoromethyl groups. It should also be understood that silicon, phosphorus, fluorine and / or nitrogen derivatives can be silicon, phosphorus, fluorine and / or nitrogen-containing compounds contained in the monomer-containing mixture. Examples of functional monomers containing silicon, phosphorus, fluorine, nitrogen derivatives and free radical generators include, but are not limited to, 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, phosphate ester of polypropylene glycol monomethacrylate, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(phenylthio)-4-piperidyl methacrylate, N-(cyclohexylthio)phthalimide and 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7-dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate, N-(cyclohexylphenylthio)phthalimide, fluoride, trifluoromethyl group, ammonium sulfate and disodium hydrogen phosphate.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition for imparting flame retardancy includes an organic salt, a surfactant and a binder, wherein the binder includes a composition of a polymer formed from one or more acrylates, one or more silicon, phosphorus and / or fluorine-containing monomers, one or more nitrogen derivatives, and / or one or more free radical generators.

[0055] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the composition for imparting flame retardancy includes an organic salt, a surfactant and a binder, wherein the binder includes a composition of a polymer formed from acrylates, styrene, one or more functional monomers containing one or more silicon, phosphorus, fluorine and / or nitrogen derivatives, and / or one or more free radical generators.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition includes an organic salt, a surfactant and a binder, wherein the binder includes a polymer of BA and MMA and silanized, phosphorus-containing and / or fluorinated monomers.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition for imparting flame retardancy comprises an organic salt, a surfactant, and a binder, wherein the binder provides a water contact angle of 51° or higher for the coating.

[0058] The applicant has found that the composition for imparting flame retardancy of the present invention comprising a polymer containing a silicon-containing monomer as one or more binders improves the water resistance of the wood coating. The amount of the silicon monomer is preferably high enough such that the water contact angle is 51° or higher, preferably between 70° and 150°. The composition of the present invention comprising a polymer composed of a phosphorus-containing monomer improves the flame retardancy and adhesion properties and the distribution of the pigments optionally present in the composition. The composition of the present invention comprising a fluorine-containing monomer also increases the hydrophobicity (i.e., water resistance) of the substrate, and particularly increases the flame retardancy performance.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises an organic acid salt, a surfactant, and a binder, wherein the binder is selected from commercially available binders.

[0060] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises: an organic acid salt, preferably potassium citrate; a surfactant, preferably Lutensol AT18; and a binder, preferably a binder comprising a polymer of Acronal ECO 6270, Synexil SAB, Synexil DGP or CHP-559, Zeffle SE 310, Zeffle SE 405 or Zeffle SE 700.

[0061] In a very specific embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises: an organic acid salt, preferably potassium citrate; a surfactant, preferably Lutensol AT18; and a binder, preferably a polymer of Acronal ECO 6270; and one or more other additives, preferably silver nitrate and / or sulfonamide additives.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition comprises an organic acid salt, a surfactant, a commercially available binder, and further comprises sulfonamide, alkoxyamine, calcium carbonate, ammonium sulfate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, Aflammit 978 (Thor) and / or Aflammit 926 (Thor).

[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition for imparting flame retardancy comprises an organic salt, a surfactant, and a binder, wherein at least a portion of the composition is contained in a coating of a substrate, wherein the coating imparts both flame retardancy and improves the weather resistance of the substrate.

[0064] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the composition for imparting flame retardancy comprises an organic salt, a surfactant, and an adhesive, wherein the adhesive comprises a polymer of silanized and / or fluorinated monomers, preferably providing a water contact angle of equal to or higher than 51° for the coating, preferably a water contact angle between 70° and 150°.

[0065] In another specific embodiment of the present invention, the composition for imparting flame retardancy comprises an organic salt, a surfactant, and an adhesive, wherein the adhesive comprises a copolymer of BA and MMA and functional monomers containing silicon, phosphorus, fluorine, and / or nitrogen derivatives or free radical generators or combinations thereof, preferably providing a water contact angle of equal to or higher than 51° for the coating, more preferably a water contact angle between 70° and 150°.

[0066] In another specific embodiment of the present invention, the composition for imparting flame retardancy comprises an organic salt, a surfactant, and an adhesive, wherein the adhesive comprises a polymer of acrylate monomers, preferably wherein the adhesive forms a semi-transparent coating with a film-forming temperature below 20°C.

[0067] In another specific embodiment of the present invention, the composition for imparting flame retardancy comprises an organic salt, a surfactant, and an adhesive, wherein the adhesive comprises a polymer of acrylate, styrene, vinyl acetate monomers or a monomer or an aqueous alkyd resin emulsion, preferably forming an opaque or semi-transparent coating with a film-forming temperature below 20°C.

[0068] Typically, the composition of the adhesive comprises a polymer of BA and MMA (molar ratio 1:1) and 1% to 10% of a functional monomer, which functional monomer comprises silicon, phosphorus, fluorine, and / or free radical generating derivatives, or combinations thereof.

[0069] In an embodiment of the present invention, the composition for imparting flame retardancy comprises an organic salt, a surfactant, and an adhesive, wherein the adhesive additionally comprises a phosphorus-containing compound.

[0070] Optionally, in the present invention, the compounds comprising silicon, phosphorus, fluorine, and / or nitrogen or free radical generating compounds are either polymerizable or non-polymerizable, and then one or more compounds are mixed with an aqueous acrylate-based adhesive.

[0071] In an embodiment of the present invention, a composition comprising an organic salt, a suitable surfactant for enhancing the absorption of the organic salt in a substrate or material, and an adhesive is used to impart flame retardant properties to the substrate or material.

[0072] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the composition for imparting flame retardancy does not contain ammonium phosphate and / or boric acid.

[0073] This text describes a method for preparing a refractory composition and treating a suitable material (such as a porous material). One method for preparing the composition includes adding an organic acid to an aqueous solution of an inorganic or organic base, and then adding a binder and a surfactant to the resulting mixture to form a refractory composition. This method optionally includes mixing the organic acid with the aqueous solution of the organic or inorganic base to produce the refractory composition. In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition is prepared by adding citric acid to an aqueous solution of an inorganic salt containing magnesium, potassium, zinc, bismuth, or a mixture thereof, and then adding a binder and a surfactant to the resulting mixture to form a refractory composition. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the composition is prepared by adding citric acid to an aqueous solution of potassium carbonate, and then adding a binder and a surfactant to the resulting mixture to form a refractory composition.

[0074] In one embodiment, a surfactant is added to a mixture comprising an organic salt and a binder to form a refractory composition.

[0075] In one embodiment, a binder is added to a mixture comprising an organic salt and a surfactant to form a refractory composition.

[0076] In one embodiment, a mixture of a surfactant and a binder is added to a mixture comprising an organic salt to form a refractory composition.

[0077] Alternatively, the method for preparing the composition includes combining or mixing an organic salt (such as potassium citrate), a surfactant, and a binder.

[0078] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprising a binder, an organic salt, and a surfactant can optionally be further modified by mixing other additives such as flame retardants (such as sulfonamide-based and phosphorus-based flame retardants), radical generators, UV stabilizers, antioxidants, or other inorganic or organic additives. For example, fluorinated copolymers, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and its copolymers or silicone polymers, can be mixed with a binder comprising a polymer prepared from acrylate to further improve its water repellency, durability, and flame retardant properties. In another embodiment of the present invention, a radical generator that disrupts the wood combustion reaction, such as a sulfonamide or an alkoxyamine or a phosphorus-based flame retardant, is added to the composition comprising a binder, an organic salt, and a surfactant, or added to a combination of a mixture of one or more components of the binder, the organic salt, and the surfactant to form a first composition, and then the remaining one or more components are added to the formed first composition to form a second composition.

[0079] Optionally, other additives can also be added to the composition comprising an organic salt, a surfactant, and a binder to further improve the properties of the composition and its suitability for the intended use. The additives include, but are not limited to, compounds that bind moisture, compounds having antibacterial and / or antifungal activity, pigments, UV stabilizers, free radical generators, and / or any combination thereof. Further improved properties include, but are not limited to, for example, improved weather resistance of the treated surface, improved resistance to mechanical wear of the treated surface, and / or improved flame retardant properties.

[0080] If desired, other compounds can be added to the composition to alter one or more properties of the composition to make it more suitable for a given application. Examples of some additives that can be used are given below.

[0081] In one embodiment of the present invention, an antifungal or antibacterial compound can be added to the composition to increase the shelf life of the product and prevent the formation of mold or fungus on the treated surface, and the compound can also have certain functions as a preservative. The compound can be added to the composition using any conventional method known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprising an organic salt, a surfactant, and a binder further comprises a compound having antibacterial and / or antifungal activity. Compounds suitable for this use can be selected from, but are not limited to, the group consisting of nitrates (preferably silver nitrate), nitrites (preferably sodium nitrite), benzoates (preferably sodium benzoate), sulfites (preferably sulfur dioxide), CaCO3, triclosan, triclocarban, tetracyclines, β-lactam antibiotics, fluoroquinolones, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and fluconazole, and any combination or mixture thereof. The antifungal and / or antibacterial compound can be included in the composition in an amount, for example, less than 50 ppm, preferably less than 10 ppm, and most preferably 0.5 to 2 ppm.

[0082] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprising an organic salt, a surfactant, and a binder further comprises a compound that binds moisture, such as a hygroscopic component. The compound can be added to the composition using any conventional method known to those skilled in the art. The function of such a compound that binds moisture is to retain a small amount of moisture in the material treated with the composition, further improving the flame retardant properties of the treated material. In one embodiment of the present invention, the compound that binds moisture (such as a hygroscopic additive) is selected from the group consisting of any urea compound, such as urea, thiourea, guanylurea phosphate, or any mixture thereof. The compound that binds moisture can be included in the composition in an amount, for example, less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, and most preferably 1% to 3%.

[0083] In one embodiment of the present invention, a composition comprising an organic salt, a surfactant, and a binder further comprises a flame-retardant radical generator and / or a phosphorus-based flame retardant, which can reduce the amount of radicals formed in the gas phase and / or can alter pyrolysis in the condensed phase or reduce carbonization. The flame-retardant radical generator and the phosphorus-based flame retardant can be added to the composition by any conventional method known to those skilled in the art. The role of the radical generator is to inhibit the formation of radicals or to act in the condensed phase, where radicals are necessary for the propagation of chemical reactions occurring during fuel combustion. In one embodiment of the present invention, the radical generators that further significantly improve the flame-retardant performance are selected from the group consisting of, for example, radical generators such as 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-diphenylbutane (DMDPA); 3,4-dimethyl-3,4-diphenylhexane; 4,5-dimethyl-4,5-diphenyloctane; peroxides such as diisopropyl peroxide and bis(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl) peroxide; 1,4-diisopropylbenzene (polyisopropyl); alkoxyamines (NOR) such as Flame Stab NOR116; ADKLA-81; sulfonamides; azoalkanes; oxoimides; disulfides; silylamines; phosphorus-based flame retardants; their derivatives; and mixtures thereof. Examples of phosphorus-based flame retardants include, but are not limited to, phosphine oxides, phosphates, phosphorus-functionalized acrylates (such as Sipomer PAM-200, Aflammit 978, Aflammit 926), PCO 900, PCO 960, aluminum diethylphosphonate (AlPi), bisphenol-A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BDP), triphenyl phosphate (TPP), and resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) (RDP), and ammonium polyphosphate.

[0084] It is understood that the radical generator derivatives can be covalently or non-covalently linked to the monomers that form the polymers contained in the binder. Thus, the radical generator derivatives can be monovalent or polyvalent radicals or neutral compounds of the radical generator.

[0085] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the radical generator is a sulfonamide, an alkoxyamine, an azo compound, an oxoimide, a disulfide, a silylamine, or a derivative or mixture thereof. The radical generator can be included in the composition in an amount of, for example, less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, and most preferably 0.5% to 2%.

[0086] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises an organic salt, a surfactant, a binder, a compound that binds moisture, and a compound having antibacterial and / or antifungal activity.

[0087] In another specific embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises an organic salt, a surfactant, a binder, a compound for binding moisture, a compound having antibacterial and / or antifungal activity, and a radical generator.

[0088] In a very specific embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises: one or more organic salts (preferably potassium citrate and / or magnesium citrate) as refractory compounds; urea and / or thiourea as compounds for binding moisture; a binder (a polymer comprising one or more acrylate monomers); silver nitrate as a compound having antibacterial and / or antifungal activity; a non-ionic surfactant, preferably selected from the group consisting of α-olefin sulfonates / esters, polyether-modified polysiloxanes, polyether-modified polysiloxanes, ethoxylated sorbitan alkanoates, alkyl glucosides, fatty acid ethoxylates, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, fatty amide ethoxylates, or mixtures thereof, as a compound for enhancing the absorption of the composition in a substrate. Preferably, the non-ionic surfactant is in solution form.

[0089] In another very specific embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises: potassium citrate as a refractory compound; a binder, a polymer comprising one or more acrylate monomers,; urea and / or thiourea as compounds for binding moisture; silver nitrate as a compound having antibacterial and / or antifungal activity; a non-ionic surfactant, preferably selected from the group consisting of α-olefin sulfonates / esters, polyether-modified polysiloxanes, polyether-modified polysiloxanes, ethoxylated sorbitan alkanoates, alkyl glucosides, fatty acid ethoxylates, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, fatty amide ethoxylates, or mixtures thereof, as a compound for enhancing the absorption of the composition in a substrate; and a radical generator for reducing the amount of free radicals formed during the combustion of a flammable substrate. Preferably, the non-ionic surfactant is in solution form.

[0090] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition is, for example, an aqueous solution comprising an organic salt, a non-ionic surfactant, and a binder. In another embodiment, the composition is an aqueous solution comprising at least 10% (e.g., 10% to 40%), preferably at least 15%, most preferably 19% to 23% of the organic salt and less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, most preferably 0.5% to 2% of the non-ionic surfactant.

[0091] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition is an aqueous solution containing, for example, an organic salt, a non-ionic surfactant, and a binder. In another embodiment, the composition is an aqueous solution containing at least 10% (e.g., 10% to 40%), preferably at least 15%, most preferably 19 - 23% of an organic salt, and less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, most preferably 0.5% to 2% of a non-ionic surfactant and less than 50%, preferably less than 30%, most preferably 2.5% to 10% of a binder.

[0092] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the composition is an aqueous solution containing, for example, an organic salt, a non-ionic surfactant, a binder, and an antibacterial and / or antifungal compound. In another embodiment, the composition is an aqueous solution containing at least 10% (e.g., 10% to 40%), preferably at least 15%, most preferably 19% to 23% of citrate, less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, most preferably 0.5% to 2% of a non-ionic surfactant, less than 50%, preferably 2.5% to 10% of a binder, and less than 50 ppm, preferably less than 10 ppm, most preferably 0.5 ppm to 2 ppm of an antibacterial and / or antifungal compound.

[0093] In a very specific embodiment of the present invention, the composition is an aqueous solution containing, for example, citrate, a non-ionic surfactant, a binder, an antibacterial and / or antifungal compound, and a compound for binding moisture. In a further embodiment, the composition is an aqueous solution containing at least 10% (e.g., 10% to 40%), preferably at least 15%, most preferably 19% to 23% of citrate, less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, most preferably 0.5% to 2% of a non-ionic surfactant, less than 30%, preferably 2.5% to 10% of a binder, less than 50 ppm, preferably less than 10 ppm, most preferably 0.5 ppm to 2 ppm of an antibacterial and / or antifungal compound, and less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, most preferably 1% to 3% of a compound for binding moisture.

[0094] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition further comprises up to 10%, preferably up to 5%, or most preferably 0.5% to 2% of a sulfonamide derivative as a free radical generator. In a specific embodiment, non-limiting examples of the sulfonamide derivative are 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(phenylthio)piperidin-4-one, 1-((4-methoxyphenyl)thio)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-one, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-((4-nitrophenyl)thio)piperidin-4-one, 1-(2-nitrophenylthio)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-one, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(4-methylphenylthio)piperidin-4-one, 1-(2,4,6-trimethylphenylthio)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-one, 1-(2-pyridylthio)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-one, 1,2-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(phenylthio)piperidin-4-ylidene)hydrazine, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(phenylthio)-4-piperidyl methacrylate, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(((thio-λ 4-sulfonyl)amino)thio)piperidin-4-one, trans-2,5-dimethyl-1,4-bis(phenylthio)piperazine, 1-butylthio-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, 4'-thiobis-morpholine, 1,1'-thiobis-(2,6-dimethyl)piperidine, 1,1'-thiobis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl)piperidine, N-1,5,9-((4-methoxyphenyl)thio)-bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)-amine, 1,1'-thiobis-phthalimide, 1,1'-thiobis-carbazole, 2-[(4-methoxyphenyl)thio]-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione, 9-(phenylthio)-9H-carbazole, 9-[(4-methoxyphenyl)thio]-9H-carbazole, N-2-naphthyl-N-phenyl-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide, N-bis[4-(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)phenyl]-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide, N-cyclohexyl-S-phenyl-N-(phenylthio)hydroxylamine, 2,4,6-tris(4-morpholinothio)-[1,3,5]-triazine, S-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-N,N-diisopropylhydroxylamine, S-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-N,N-dicyclohexylhydroxylamine, S-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-N-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylthio)-N-(tert-butyl)-hydroxylamine, benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, 3-(piperazin-1-yl)benzo[d]isothiazole, 5-nitrobenzo[c]isothiazol-3-amine, 3-phenyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-amine, bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(phenylthio)piperidin-4-yl)sebacate, bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(phenylthio)piperidin-4-yl)carbonate and 1,3-bis(phenylthio)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2(3H)-one, or any mixture thereof.

[0095] The addition of free radical generating monomers (such as sulfonamides) to the binder significantly improves the overall flame retardant properties.

[0096] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition further comprises up to 10%, up to 5%, or 0.5% to 2% of an alkoxyamine as a free radical generator. In a specific embodiment, non-limiting examples of the alkoxyamine are Adeka LA-81 (CAS No. 705257-84-7), 1-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-octadecylaminopiperidine, bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) sebacate, 2,4-bis[(1-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) butylamino]-6-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)amino-s-triazine, bis(1-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) adipate, 2,4-bis[(1-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) butylamino]-6-chloro-s-triazine, 1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, 1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-oxo-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, 1-(2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propoxy)-4-octadecyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, bis(1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) sebacate, bis(1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) adipate, 2,4-bis{N-[1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl]-n-butyl-amino}-6-(2-hydroxyethylamino)-s-triazine, the reaction product of 2,4-bis[(1-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)-butylamino]-6-chloro-s-triazine with N,N'-bis(3-aminopropyl)ethylenediamine, 2,4-bis[(1-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) butylamino]-6-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)amino-s-triazine. Some of the above alkoxyamine compounds are commercial products sold under the following names: FLAMESTAB 116 (RTM), TINUVIN 371 (RTM), IRGATEC CR76 (RTM), Hostavin NOW (RTM) of Clariant or ADK Stab LA 81 (RTM) of Adeka.

[0097] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition further comprises up to 10%, up to 5%, or from 0.5% to 2% of an organic sulfur compound. As the organic sulfur compound, for example, monosulfides, disulfides, oligomeric disulfides, polymeric disulfides, oligomeric or polysulfides are suitable. Disulfides, oligomeric and polymeric disulfides are preferred. Particularly preferred are disulfides and polymeric disulfides.

[0098] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition further comprises up to 10%, up to 5%, or from 0.5% to 2% of an oxoimide. Non-limiting examples of suitable oxoimides can be found in EP2978804B1.

[0099] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition further comprises up to 10%, up to 5%, or from 0.5% to 2% of an azo compound. Non-limiting examples of suitable azo compounds can be found in WO2008101845A1 and EP1668073B1.

[0100] In a very specific embodiment of the present invention, the composition is, for example, an aqueous solution comprising a salt, a non-ionic surfactant, a binder, an antibacterial and / or antifungal compound, a water-binding compound, and a free radical generator. In another embodiment, the composition is an aqueous solution comprising at least 10% (e.g., 10% to 40%), preferably at least 15%, most preferably 19% to 23% organic salt, less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, most preferably 0.5 to 2% non-ionic surfactant, less than 50%, preferably less than 30%, most preferably 2.5% to 10% binder, less than 50 ppm, preferably less than 10 ppm, most preferably 0.5 ppm to 2 ppm antibacterial and / or antifungal compound, less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, most preferably 1% to 3% water-binding compound, and less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, most preferably 0.5% to 2% free radical generator.

[0101] Optionally, the composition of the present invention may include an aqueous solvent. Aqueous solvents suitable for the present invention include, but are not limited to, water. In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition is in the form of an aqueous solution. Alternatively, the composition of the present invention may be in the form of granules or powders. Any known method for preparing granules or powders may optionally be used in the method for preparing the composition of the present invention, and these methods include, but are not limited to, evaporating an aqueous solvent system.

[0102] The flame retardant composition may also be prepared in the form of a concentrate, in which the amounts of the components are higher, but their relative amounts are the same as those listed above. The concentrate can be diluted to the concentration specified at the place of use to form the fire-resistant composition of the present invention.

[0103] Optionally, once all components are added and thoroughly mixed, the resulting composition is optionally heated and / or degassed with air to remove excess CO2 formed during the process. The heating or degassing is carried out, for example, to prevent the composition from foaming.

[0104] Another object of the present invention is to develop a method in which pigments are added to a refractory chemical composition comprising an organic acid salt, a surfactant, and a binder, so that the composition can be directly used to color materials such as wood, thereby eliminating the need to add a separate color layer or topcoat to the material in addition to the flame retardant treatment, and thus improving the fire resistance of the finished product. In fact, in one embodiment of the present invention, pigments or binders or combinations thereof can be further added to the refractory composition of the present invention. The combination of pigments and binders can be used to produce a colored composition for coloring the material to be treated. The pigments can be any suitable inorganic or organic pigments and can be added to the composition, for example, in the form of a paste, powder, liquid, or solution. Examples of pigments include, but are not limited to, TiO2, iron oxides, carbon black, and bismuth vanadate. Any pigment known to those skilled in the art can be selected according to the specific requirements of the finished product. The binder can be included in the composition in an amount, for example, less than 50%, preferably less than 30%, and most preferably 2.5% to 12%. The amount and type of pigment can be selected from those pigments known to those skilled in the art according to the desired color. Optionally, the binder added to the composition can further include a mixture of ammonium polyphosphate of less than 20%, less than 15%, or about 10% to further improve the flame retardant efficiency. The binder can further contain up to 10% of CaCO3.

[0105] In one embodiment of the present invention, the binder added to the refractory composition comprises 10% of ammonium polyphosphate and 10% of CaCO3.

[0106] In one embodiment of the present invention, the flame retardant composition comprises an organic salt, a surfactant, and a binder, wherein the composition additionally comprises a pigment.

[0107] In a very specific embodiment of the present invention, the composition is, for example, an aqueous solution comprising an organic salt, a non-ionic surfactant, a binder which is a polymer comprising one or more acrylate monomers, an antibacterial and / or antifungal compound, a compound for binding moisture, an additive for reducing the amount of free radicals formed during the combustion of a flammable substrate, and a pigment.

[0108] In a very specific embodiment of the present invention, the composition is, for example, an aqueous solution comprising an organic salt, a non-ionic surfactant, an antibacterial and / or antifungal compound, a moisture-binding compound, a binder, an additive for reducing the amount of free radicals formed during the combustion of a flammable substrate, and a pigment. In another embodiment, the composition is an aqueous solution comprising at least 10% (e.g., 10% to 40%), preferably at least 15%, most preferably 19% to 23% organic salt, less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, most preferably 0.5% to 2% non-ionic surfactant, less than 50 ppm, preferably less than 10 ppm, most preferably 0.5 ppm to 2 ppm antibacterial and / or antifungal compound, less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, most preferably 1% to 3% moisture-binding compound, less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, most preferably 0.5% to 2% additive for reducing the amount of free radicals formed during the combustion of a flammable substrate, 3% to 20%, preferably 5% to 10% binder and pigment (in an amount suitable to achieve the desired color or hue).

[0109] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for imparting flame retardancy to a material or substrate comprises applying the composition of the present invention to the material or substrate.

[0110] As used herein and hereinafter, "applying the composition" means a method that includes applying the composition of the present invention to a material in one step. Additionally or alternatively, different components included in the composition of the present invention (including organic acid salts, binders, and surfactants) may be applied to the material in any order and in two or more steps. Therefore, it should be understood that after applying the composition to a material to form a treated material, the formed treated material includes the composition disclosed herein. It should be understood that the application of the composition of the present invention to the material may be repeated one or more times, preferably with a coverage rate of at least 150 g / m 2 、at least 200 g / m 2 or at least 300 g / m 2 of the refractory composition of the present invention. Additionally or alternatively, it should be understood that different components included in the composition disclosed herein (i.e., at least organic acid salts, binders, and surfactants) may be applied to the material in any order and in two or more steps, and the application of the different components included in the composition to the material may be repeated one or more times, preferably with a coverage rate of at least 150 g / m 2 、at least 200 g / m 2 or at least 300 g / m 2 of the refractory composition of the present invention.

[0111] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for imparting flame retardancy to a material or substrate comprises applying the composition of the present invention in two steps: i) applying an organic acid salt and a surfactant to the material to form a first treated material, and ii) further applying an adhesive to the formed first treated material to form a second treated material.

[0112] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for imparting flame retardancy to a material or substrate comprises applying the composition of the present invention in two steps: i) applying an organic acid salt to the material to form a first treated material, and ii) further applying a surfactant and an adhesive to the formed first treated material to form a second treated material.

[0113] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for imparting flame retardancy to a material comprises applying the composition of the present invention to a material or substrate, wherein the material or substrate is selected from the group consisting of wood, fabric, insulation materials, plastics, polymers, paper, cardboard, and any combination thereof.

[0114] In one embodiment of the present invention, a refractory composition is applied to a suitable substrate or material to improve the fire resistance and flame retardancy of the material. In another embodiment of the present invention, the refractory composition can be applied to the material on-site (e.g., at a construction site) or during the manufacturing process of the material. The treated material can be any suitable porous flammable material used, for example, in construction, furniture, interior decoration, clothing, or other similar applications. The material or substrate can be wood, cotton, insulation materials, isolations, plastics, polymers, fabrics, paper, cardboard, similar materials, or any combination or mixture thereof. The method of treating the material can be selected from any suitable method of treating with the same or similar materials such as paints, coatings, varnishes, etc.

[0115] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition can be in a form that can be easily applied to the material or surface using methods well-known to those skilled in the art. In a specific embodiment, the composition of the present invention is applied, for example, by spraying treatment, pressure treatment, vacuum treatment, impregnation treatment, brushing treatment, dipping or roll coating, or any combination thereof.

[0116] In one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the composition of the present disclosure applied to the material to be treated is at least 150 g / m 2 、preferably at least 250 g / m 2 、most preferably at least 350 g / m 2 。This corresponds to an amount of the organic salt of at least 15 g / m 2 、preferably at least 25 g / m 2 、most preferably at least 35 g / m 2 。

[0117] In another embodiment of the present invention, the refractory composition is applied to the material or substrate in two steps. The first treatment step comprises treating the material or substrate with the refractory composition of the present invention without binder or pigment. This treatment is repeated a sufficient number of times so that the coverage of the substrate is at least 150 g / m 2 , at least 200 g / m 2 or at least 300 g / m 2 of the refractory composition, corresponding to at least 15 g / m 2 , at least 20 g / m 2 or at least 30 g / m 2 of the amount of organic salt. The second step of this treatment comprises treating the material or substrate with a refractory composition comprising a binder, the amount of the refractory composition comprising a binder being such that the total amount of the composition used reaches at least 150 g / m 2 , at least 250 g / m 2 or at least 350 g / m 2 of the refractory composition, corresponding to at least 15 g / m 2 , at least 25 g / m 2 or at least 35 g / m 2 of the amount of organic salt. Thus, after the second step, the treated material or substrate comprises the composition of the present invention for imparting flame retardancy, wherein said composition comprises an organic salt, a surfactant and a binder.

[0118] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the refractory composition is applied to the substrate or material in two treatment steps. The first treatment step comprises treating the substrate with the refractory composition of the present invention. The first treatment step is repeated a sufficient number of times so that the coverage of the substrate is at least 150 g / m 2 , at least 200 g / m 2 or at least 300 g / m 2 of the refractory composition, corresponding to at least 15 g / m 2 , at least 20 g / m 2 or at least 30 g / m 2 of the amount of organic salt. The second step of this treatment comprises treating the substrate with a refractory composition comprising a binder and / or a pigment, the amount of the refractory composition comprising a binder and / or a pigment preferably being such that the total amount of the composition used reaches at least 150 g / m 2 , at least 250 g / m 2 or at least 350 g / m 2 of the refractory composition, corresponding to at least 15 g / m 2 , at least 25 g / m 2 or at least 35 g / m 2 of the amount of organic salt.

[0119] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the refractory composition is applied to the substrate or material in two treatment steps. The first treatment step comprises treating the substrate with the refractory composition of the present invention which further comprises a pigment. This treatment is repeated a sufficient number of times so that the coverage of the substrate is at least 150 g / m 2 、at least 200 g / m 2 or at least 300 g / m 2 of the refractory composition, corresponding to at least 15 g / m 2 、at least 20 g / m 2 or at least 30 g / m 2 of the amount of the organic salt. The second step of this treatment comprises treating the substrate with the refractory composition of the present invention which further comprises a pigment, wherein the amount of the refractory composition which further comprises a pigment is preferably such that the total amount of the composition used reaches at least 150 g / m 2 、at least 250 g / m 2 or at least 350 g / m 2 of the refractory composition, corresponding to at least 15 g / m 2 、at least 25 g / m 2 or at least 35 g / m 2 of the amount of the organic salt.

[0120] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the refractory composition is applied to the substrate or material in two treatment steps. The first treatment step comprises treating the substrate with the refractory composition of the present invention which further comprises a pigment. This treatment is repeated a sufficient number of times so that the coverage of the substrate is at least 150 g / m 2 、at least 200 g / m 2 or at least 300 g / m 2 of the refractory composition, corresponding to at least 15 g / m 2 、at least 20 g / m 2 or at least 30 g / m 2 of the amount of the organic salt. The second step of the treatment comprises treating the substrate with the refractory composition comprising a pigment and a second binder, and the amount of the refractory composition comprising a pigment and a second binder is preferably such that the total amount of the composition used reaches at least 150 g / m 2 、at least 250 g / m 2 or at least 350 g / m 2 of the refractory composition, corresponding to at least 15 g / m 2 、at least 25 g / m 2 or at least 35 g / m 2 of the amount of the organic salt.

[0121] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the refractory composition comprising an organic acid salt, a binder, a surfactant, and a free radical generator is applied to a substrate or material one or more times, preferably such that the coverage of the material is at least 150 g / m 2 、at least 200 g / m 2 、or at least 350 g / m 2 of the refractory composition of the present disclosure. Preferably, the free radical generator is selected from the group consisting of sulfonamides, alkoxyamines, phosphorus-based flame retardants, their derivatives, and mixtures thereof.

[0122] In another specific embodiment of the present invention, the refractory composition is applied to a substrate or material in two treatment steps. The first treatment step comprises applying the refractory composition comprising an organic acid salt, a surfactant, and a free radical generator to the substrate or material one or more times by spraying treatment and / or vacuum treatment, preferably such that the coverage of the material is at least 150 g / m 2 、at least 200 g / m 2 、or at least 300 g / m 2 of the refractory composition of the present disclosure. The second treatment step comprises applying the substrate or material one or more times with a refractory composition comprising an organic acid salt, a binder, a free radical generator, and a pigment, preferably such that the coverage of the material is at least 150 g / m 2 、at least 250 g / m 2 、or at least 350 g / m 2 of the refractory composition of the present disclosure.

[0123] In yet another specific embodiment of the present invention, the refractory composition is applied to a substrate or material in two treatment steps. The first treatment step comprises applying the refractory composition comprising an organic acid salt, a surfactant, and a free radical generator to the substrate or material one or more times by spraying treatment and / or vacuum treatment, preferably such that the coverage of the material is at least 150 g / m 2 、at least 200 g / m 2 、or at least 300 g / m 2 of the refractory composition of the present disclosure. The second treatment step comprises applying the refractory composition comprising a binder, a free radical generator, and a pigment to the substrate or material one or more times, preferably such that the coverage of the material is at least 150 g / m 2 、at least 250 g / m 2 、or at least 350 g / m 2 of the refractory composition of the present disclosure.

[0124] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of imparting flame retardancy to a material or substrate comprises applying the composition of the present disclosure to a portion of the substrate or material and applying the composition of the present disclosure to another portion of the substrate or material.

[0125] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the method for imparting flame retardancy to a material or substrate includes: 1) applying a refractory composition comprising an organic acid salt, a surfactant, and a free radical generator to a part of the material, preferably with a coverage rate of at least 150 g / m 2 , at least 250 g / m 2 , or at least 350 g / m 2 of the refractory composition, and 2) applying the refractory composition of the present disclosure to another part of the material, preferably with a coverage rate of at least 150 g / m 2 , at least 250 g / m 2 , or at least 350 g / m 2 of the refractory composition.

[0126] The composition for imparting flame retardancy of the present invention can be added to or included in any existing product. By way of example, mention may be made of products for flame retardant or fire fighting applications. Such products include, but are not limited to, liquids, foams, powders, fats, oils, paints, impregnating solutions, and coating and polishing paint products.

[0127] In one embodiment of the present invention, the use of the composition of the present disclosure is to impart flame retardancy to a material.

[0128] Examples

[0129] The present invention will be described below with the aid of examples. The examples given are for illustrative purposes only and they do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0130] Example 1a: Prepare a composition comprising an adhesive and a surfactant in the presence or absence of an additive.

[0131] Adhesive composition 1: Seed emulsion polymerization was carried out in a 250 ml double-walled glass reactor equipped with temperature control, mechanical stirring, and a reflux condenser. First, a monomer mixture of 40 g of butyl acrylate (BA) (CAS number: 141-32-2) and 30 g of methyl methacrylate (MMA) (CAS number: 80-62-6) was prepared. Secondly, an aqueous surfactant solution was prepared by mixing water (80 g) with a mixture of 2.5 g of sodium dodecyl sulfate, 1 g of octylphenoxy poly(ethyleneoxy) ethanol, and 0.6 g of sodium bicarbonate. A third mixture consisting of 60 g of water and 1.4 g of potassium persulfate (KPS) was used as the initiator solution.

[0132] First, the surfactant solution was charged into a reactor and heated to 80 °C under strong stirring. Then, 14 g of the monomer mixture and 12 g of the initiator solution were added dropwise into the reactor together within a few minutes. After an additional 15 minutes of polymerization, seed core particles for growing the final emulsion particles were formed. After that, the remaining monomer mixture together with the remaining initiator was fed into the reactor within 5 hours. Then, the temperature was raised to 90 °C and maintained for 45 minutes, followed by cooling and neutralizing with ammonia to a pH of approximately 8. The water contact angle of the resulting coating was 40°.

[0133] Adhesive composition 2: Prepared in the same manner as adhesive composition 1, except that after adding all of the BA and MMA, 3, 6, or 12 g of a silicon-functionalized acrylate (3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, CAS No. 2530-85-0) was additionally added to the reactor before heating to 90 °C. The water contact angle of the resulting coating increased from 51° (using 3 g of the silicon-functionalized acrylate) to 70° (using 6 g of the silicon-functionalized acrylate), indicating that the water contact angle increased with an increase in the concentration of the silicon-functionalized acrylate. Compared with the water contact angle of 70° of the coating obtained using 6 g of the silicon-functionalized acrylate, 12 g of the silicon-functionalized acrylate only caused a slight increase in the water contact angle of the resulting coating.

[0134] Adhesive composition 3: Prepared in the same manner as adhesive composition 1, except that after adding all of the BA and MMA, 6 g of a silicon-functionalized acrylate (3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, CAS No. 2530-85-0) and 4 g of a phosphorus-functionalized acrylate (polypropylene glycol monomethacrylate phosphate, trade name Sipomer PAM-200) were additionally added to the reactor.

[0135] Adhesive composition 4: Prepared in the same manner as adhesive composition 1, except that after adding all of the BA and MMA, 6 g of a silicon-functionalized acrylate (3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane), 4 g of a phosphorus-functionalized acrylate (phosphate of polypropylene glycol monomethacrylate, trade name Sipomer PAM-200), and 2.25 g of a sulfonamide-functionalized acrylate (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(phenylthio)-4-piperidyl methacrylate) were additionally added to the reactor.

[0136] Adhesive composition 5: Prepared in the same manner as adhesive composition 1, except that after adding all of the BA and MMA, 6 g of a silicon-functionalized acrylate (3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane), 4 g of a phosphorus-functionalized acrylate (phosphate of polypropylene glycol monomethacrylate), 2.15 g of a sulfonamide-functionalized acrylate (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(phenylthio)-4-piperidyl methacrylate), and 5 g of a perfluorinated acrylate (2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7-dodecafluorooctyl methacrylate) are additionally added to the reactor.

[0137] Adhesive composition 6: Prepared in the same manner as adhesive composition 1, except that after adding all of the BA and MMA and before heating the emulsion to 90 °C, 2.15 g of a hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS)-functionalized acrylate (CAS No.: 68548-08-3, trade name: ADK STAB LA-82) is additionally added to the reactor.

[0138] Example 1b: Preparation of a composition comprising an adhesive and an additive

[0139] Adhesive composition 7: 1 wt% of a nonionic surfactant Lutensol and 1 wt% of a sulfonamide additive N-(cyclohexylthio)phthalimide (CAS No.: 17796-82-6) are added to a dispersion of BA and MMA (Acronal ECO6270).

[0140] Adhesive composition 8: 1 wt% of a nonionic surfactant Lutensol and 1 wt% of a sulfonamide (2-benzothiazolesulfenamide, N-(2-benzothiazolylthio)-N-(1,1-dimethylethyl), CAS No.: 3741-80-8) are added to a dispersion of BA and MMA (Acronal Eco 6270).

[0141] Adhesive composition 9: 1 wt% of a nonionic surfactant Lutensol and 1 wt% of an alkoxyamine (ADK LA-81, CAS No.: 705257-84-7) are added to a BA and MMA dispersion (Acronal Eco 6270).

[0142] Adhesive composition 10: 1 wt% of a nonionic surfactant Lutensol and 10 wt% of fine calcium carbonate particles are added to a dispersion of BA and MMA (Acronal Eco 6270).

[0143] Binder composition 11: A mixture of 20 wt% ammonium sulfate and disodium hydrogen phosphate (1:1 molar ratio) was added to a dispersion of BA and MMA (Acronal Eco 6270).

[0144] Binder composition 12: 10 wt% of a phosphorus-based flame retardant produced by Thor and sold under the trade name Aflammit 978 was added to a dispersion of BA and MMA (Acronal Eco 6270).

[0145] Binder composition 13: 10 wt% of a phosphorus-based flame retardant produced by Thor and sold under the trade name Aflammit 926 was added to a dispersion of BA and MMA (Acronal Eco 6270).

[0146] To investigate the water repellency of coatings prepared with different binders, the water contact angle of the coatings was measured. A higher water contact angle means better water tolerance of the treated wood and longer durability of the flame retardant. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0147] Table 1. Water contact angles of the prepared binders

[0148] Item Adhesive Water contact angle 1 Adhesive composition 1 40° 2 Adhesive composition 2 51° to 70°* 3 Adhesive composition 3 51° 4 Adhesive composition 5 70°

[0149] *Depending on the addition amount of the silicon-functionalized acrylate.

[0150] Compared with the water contact angle (40°) of binder composition 1, the increased water contact angles (51° to 70°) of binder compositions 2, 3, and 5 clearly show that dispersions containing silicon-functionalized acrylate and / or fluorinated acrylate repel water more than dispersions lacking silicon-functionalized acrylate and / or fluorinated acrylate; thus, higher water resistance is achieved, thereby improving the durability of the coated flame-retardant wood products against weathering effects.

[0151] Example 2: Preparation of a flame-retardant chemical composition containing an organic salt

[0152] 100 kg of K2CO3 (724 mol) was dissolved in 530 L of water and stirred well. 100 kg of citric acid monohydrate (476 mol) was slowly added, and the resulting mixture was stirred until the evolution of gas ended to form a solution containing potassium citrate and potassium carbonate. The mixture was further aerated by introducing pressurized air at the bottom of the container to remove the excess CO2 dissolved in the solution.

[0153] 0.5 g of silver nitrate and 1 wt% of a non-ionic surfactant (Lutensol AT18, 20%, from BASF) were added, and the mixture was stirred well.

[0154] Once all the components are added and thoroughly mixed, the resulting composition is heated and degassed with air to remove the excess CO2 formed during the process to prevent foaming.

[0155] Example 3: Preparation of a flame-retardant chemical composition containing an organic salt and a free-radical generator

[0156] Prepare the flame-retardant chemical composition as in Example 2.

[0157] Once all the components are added and thoroughly mixed, the resulting composition is heated and degassed with air to remove the excess CO2 formed during the process to prevent foaming.

[0158] In addition, 0.5% w / w of the sulfonamide additive N-(cyclohexylthio)-phthalimide (CAS No.: 17796-82-6) is added to the composition.

[0159] Example 4a: Preparation of a flame-retardant chemical composition containing an organic salt, a binder, a surfactant, and a pigment

[0160] To the flame-retardant chemical composition of Example 2, 10% of the pigment TiO2 and 10% of the Acronal Eco6270 binder are added to produce a transparent white composition. The mixture is stirred vigorously until a homogeneous solution is obtained. A white refractory composition is obtained with the pigment TiO2.

[0161] Example 4b: Preparation of a flame-retardant chemical composition containing an organic salt, a binder, a surfactant, a pigment, and a free-radical initiator

[0162] To the flame-retardant chemical composition of Example 3, 10% of the pigment TiO2 and 10% of the Acronal Eco6270 binder are added to produce a transparent white composition. The mixture is stirred vigorously until a homogeneous solution is obtained. A white flame-retardant composition is produced with the pigment TiO2.

[0163] Example 5a: Absorption of a refractory composition without a surfactant in wood

[0164] The effect of the absorption of a refractory composition without a surfactant in wood is evaluated by immersing a piece of untreated spruce into a solution of a commercially available refractory composition (Phos-Chek from Perimeter Solutions ). The wood block is immersed in the refractory solution for 1 minute and then dried for 1 minute under ambient conditions. The wood blocks are weighed before and after treatment to determine the improvement in the absorption of the refractory composition in the wood. Two parallel experiments are carried out on two samples.

[0165] When weighing, the average weight difference for the composition without a surfactant treatment is 3.19 g.

[0166] Example 5b: Influence of Surfactants on the Uptake of Flame Retardant Compositions Containing Surfactants in Wood

[0167] The influence of adding surfactants on the uptake of flame retardants by wood was evaluated by dipping a piece of untreated spruce into a commercially available fire retardant composition (Phos-Chek from Perimeter solutions) containing 1% Lutensol AT 18 (20% non-ionic surfactant). The wood block was immersed in the fire retardant solution for 1 minute and then dried for 1 minute under ambient conditions. The wood blocks were weighed before and after treatment to determine the improvement in the uptake of the fire retardant composition. Two parallel experiments were conducted on two samples.

[0168] When weighed, the average weight difference for the treatment with the composition without surfactant was 3.19 g (see Example 5a), and the average weight difference for the treatment with the composition containing surfactant was 3.88 g. Thus, the improvement in uptake caused by the addition of surfactant was approximately 18%.

[0169] Example 6: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Fire Retardant Compositions

[0170] Flame retardant compositions containing potassium citrate (prepared as described in Example 2 without adding silver nitrate and surfactant), magnesium citrate (CAS No.: 144-23-0, 20 wt%), or zinc citrate (CAS No.: 5990-32-9, 4 wt%) were tested.

[0171] Table 2 shows the effectiveness of selected citrates as wood flame retardants determined using a cone calorimeter according to the ISO 5560 standard.

[0172] When testing the product according to ISO 5660, samples with dimensions of 100 mm x 100 mm were subjected to a specific irradiance level. The surface of the sample was heated, and pyrolysis gases ignited by a spark igniter were released. The emitted gases were collected in a hood and conveyed through a ventilation system. The heat release was measured using the data of the oxygen concentration in the emitted flue gas. During the entire test, the smoke generation was continuously measured using a laser system.

[0173] When testing according to ISO 5660, the measured parameters were the heat release rate (kW / m 2 ), the total heat release (MJ / m 2 ), the mass loss (g / s), the effective net heat of combustion (mJ / kg), and the smoke production rate (m 2 / s). The level of toxic gases can also be measured by FTIR analysis.

[0174] Table 2

[0175] Item <![CDATA[Organic salt a) > Adhesive Peak heat release rate (PHRR) 1 - - 179 2 Potassium citrate - 165 3 Magnesium citrate - 170 4 Zinc citrate - 162

[0176] a) The wood of the spruce samples was immersed 3 times in the corresponding aqueous citrate solution for 30 seconds. After each impregnation, the samples were dried for 30 minutes under ambient conditions.

[0177] The effectiveness of the fire-resistant compositions containing a binder, a surfactant, and potassium citrate was evaluated using a cone calorimeter. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0178] Table 3. Comparison of the fire-inhibiting effectiveness of various fire-resistant compositions containing a binder, a surfactant, and potassium citrate on wood (spruce) by cone calorimeter

[0179] Item <![CDATA[Organic salt a) > <![CDATA[Adhesives and surfactants b) > Peak heat release rate (PHRR) 1 Potassium citrate 7.5% Adhesive composition 1 171 2 Potassium citrate <![CDATA[7.5% Binder Composition 2 c) > 175 3 Potassium citrate 7.5% Adhesive composition 3 163 4 Potassium citrate 7.5% Adhesive composition 4 80

[0180] a) The spruce wood samples were soaked 3 times in a 23% potassium citrate solution for 30 s. After each impregnation, the wood samples were dried using infrared irradiation. b) After treating the wood samples with the potassium citrate solution, the respective binder compositions (based on the concentration of the potassium citrate solution) were applied to the wood samples containing potassium citrate. Each binder composition contained 1 wt% of the nonionic surfactant Lutensol. c) Binder composition 2 was prepared as described above using 6 g of a silicon-functionalized acrylate and provided a water contact angle of 70°.

[0181] The results in Table 3 show that compared with binder compositions 1 and 2 without phosphorus and sulfonamide functional monomers, both phosphorous acrylate (binder composition 3) and sulfonamide acrylate (binder composition 4) improved the flame retardancy performance.

[0182] The effectiveness of the fire-resistant compositions containing an organic acid salt, a binder, a surfactant, and / or an additive on the coated wood (spruce) was evaluated using a cone calorimeter. The evaluation was carried out according to the results shown in Table 3, with the difference that the binder composition (based on the concentration of the organic salt solution) also included or did not include an additive (based on the concentration of the organic salt solution). The results are shown in Table 4.

[0183] Table 4. Determination of the peak heat release rate (PHRR) of different fire-resistant compositions containing an organic acid salt, a binder composition (containing a binder and a surfactant), and / or an additive.

[0184]

[0185]

[0186] a) After treating the wood samples with the organic salt solution, a corresponding binder composition (based on the concentration of the organic salt solution) containing a corresponding additive (based on the concentration of the organic salt solution) is applied to the wood samples containing the organic salt. The binders of Entries 1 to 14 also include 1 wt% of the nonionic surfactant Lutensol. b) 30% sodium polymethacrylate in water is mixed with the Acronal Eco 6270 binder. c) Tripotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetate dihydrate is mixed with the Acronal Eco 6270 binder.

[0187] The results in Table 4 clearly show that, compared with the Acronal ECO 6270 binder (Entry 2), binder compositions 3 and 4 (Entries 9 and 10 respectively) enhance the flame retardancy effect, which may be due to the additional phosphorus-functionalized acrylate (in binder compositions 3 and 4) and sulfonamide (in composition 4). In addition, compared with Entry 2, the fire-resistant compositions containing poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid) (Entries 11 and 12) show enhanced flame retardancy efficacy. In addition, compared with the compositions without additives (Entries 1 and 2), the fire-resistant compositions of Entries 3 - 8 containing different additives show enhanced flame retardancy efficacy. In addition, compared with the composition without potassium citrate (Entry 1), the composition containing the Acronal Eco 6270 binder and potassium citrate (Entry 2) shows enhanced flame retardancy effect. In addition, compared with the compositions without organic salts, the compositions containing the Acronal Eco 6270 binder and poly(sodium methacrylate) (Entry 13) or tripotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetate dihydrate (Entry 14) show enhanced flame retardancy effects (Entry 1).

[0188] In addition, single burning item tests (EN13823:2010+A1:2014) were carried out on two spruce wood samples, as shown in Table 5. The total amount of the fire-resistant composition used was 350 g / m 2 equivalent to approximately 79 g / m 2 Potassium citrate.

[0189] Table 5. Single burning item test

[0190]

[0191] a) Binder composition 2 is used, which uses 6 g of silicon-functionalized acrylate and provides a water contact angle of 70 degrees for the produced coating.

[0192] Example 7: Testing the fire resistance performance of fire-resistant compositions containing pigments

[0193] A flame-retardant chemical composition according to Example 4a was prepared, except that the amounts of potassium carbonate and citric acid monohydrate were 100 kg (724 mol) and 101.4 kg (482 mol), respectively. The flame-retardant properties of the prepared composition were tested in accordance with the provisions of EN 13501-1:2007 and A1:2009. The products tested were spruce wood with a thickness of 20 mm or 45 mm treated with the composition of Example 4a. The wood was treated by the impregnation method, and the total amount of the flame retardant was 350 g / m 2 , corresponding to approximately 72 g / m 2 of potassium citrate. No additional coating was applied to the treated wood. The classification included two separate tests: the single burning item test and the combustibility test.

[0194] For the single burning item test (EN13823:2010+A1:2014), a single burning item (30 kW propane burner, in the test device) was placed in the corner between two walls treated with the refractory composition and exposed to the flame for 20 minutes. The exhaust gas was collected in the exhaust pipe. During the test, the heat release rate (HRR) of the sample was measured by oxygen calorimetry, the smoke production rate (SPR) was measured based on the light attenuation in the exhaust duct, the fall of burning droplets or particles was visually observed within the first 600 seconds, and the lateral flame spread was additionally observed. The classification parameters for the test were the fire growth rate index (FIGRA); lateral flame spread (LFS); total heat release (THR 600s ); and, an additional classification for smoke generation, namely the smoke growth rate index (MOGRA) and the total smoke production (TSP 600s ). The occurrence of burning particles or droplets within the first 600 seconds of the test was also classified.

[0195] The second test included was the combustibility test (EN ISO 11925-2), in which the sample was directly exposed to a small flame. The flame was applied at an angle of 40° to the vertical sample, and a filter paper was placed under the sample to monitor the fall of burning debris. The flame was applied for 30 seconds, and the entire test duration was 60 seconds. Table 6 below summarizes the test results.

[0196] Table 6. Test results of the fire resistance properties of the fire-resistant composition containing pigments (including organic salts, binders, surfactants and pigments) prepared as described in Example 7

[0197]

[0198]

[0199] According to the test, the samples were classified as B-s1-d0 .

[0200] Example 8: Testing the refractory properties of a refractory composition containing a radical generator

[0201] Prepare a refractory composition according to the method of Example 4b. As shown in Example 7, evaluate the effectiveness of this composition as a flame retardant. The product tested is cedar wood with a thickness of 20 mm or 25 mm treated with this composition. The wood is treated by the impregnation method, and the total amount of the flame retardant is 350 g / m 2 . The test results are summarized in Table 7 below.

[0202] Table 7. Results of the refractory properties of a refractory composition containing a radical generator (including organic salts, binders, surfactants, pigments, and radical initiators) prepared as described in Example 4b

[0203]

[0204] According to the test, the samples were classified as B-s1-d0 .

[0205] Example 9: VOC emission test, CDPH

[0206] Test whether the chemical composition of Example 4a meets the standards established for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful compounds into the air. The test is carried out according to standards CEN / TS 16516, ISO16000 Parts 3, 6, 9, and 11, and CDPH (California Department of Public Health), and the test results are summarized in Table 8 below. Specific information on sampling and analysis can be found from the respective standardization bodies.

[0207] Homogenize the sample composition and apply it to a petri dish with a flat bottom. On each sample, the application amount for three layers is 120 g / m 2 , and the drying time is 1 hour.

[0208] Place the dried sample in a closed test chamber, maintain the air change rate, temperature, and relative humidity (RH) in the test chamber, and monitor the levels of total VOC (TVOC; C5-C17), formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde after 11, 12, and 14 days to determine the specific emission rate (SER), from which the concentration of the VOCs in the standardized classroom or office air is calculated according to CDPH. The test results are summarized in Table 8 below.

[0209] Table 8. Test results of the VOC emission test (CPDH) of the flame retardant chemical composition prepared according to Example 4a; the obtained levels of TVOC, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde.

[0210]

[0211] In Table 8, CREL = relative concentration, TVOC = total volatile organic compounds.

[0212] Example 10: VOC Emission Test, M1

[0213] According to the M1 protocol of January 2015, the VOC emissions of the composition of Example 4a were tested. The test was standardized in accordance with CEN / TS16516, ISO 16000 Parts 3, 6, 9, and 11, M1, and Appendix C of EN15251. The test sample preparation and test procedures were the same as those described in Example 9, but the test time was 28 days. In addition, a sensory test of the odor of the sample was also conducted. The results of the VOC emission test after 28 days are presented in Table 9.

[0214] Table 9. Results of VOC Emission Test (M1) of the Flame-Retardant Chemical Composition Prepared According to Example 4a after 28 Days

[0215]

[0216] In Table 10, TVOC = total volatile organic compounds, TVVOC = total extremely volatile organic compounds, TSVOC = total semi-volatile organic compounds, SER = specific emission rate.

[0217] Under controlled conditions, the sensory test was completed after storing in the test chamber for 28 days. The test panel first evaluated the odor of the indoor air and then conducted two odor ratings for each room. There was at least a 2-minute break between the two evaluations. Each individual judgment was based on the odor impression after 2 - 3 inhalations. After each evaluation, the odor was immediately rated on a continuous scale, with values between +1 (clearly acceptable) and -1 (clearly unacceptable), just acceptable = +0.1 and just unacceptable = -0.1. The accuracy scale of the readings was ±0.1. The result was calculated based on the average value of the panel odor ratings, and only the results with a received note > 0.1 were considered. Only the panel members who rated the clean and moist air as acceptable (> 0.8) were considered in the calculation.

[0218] The sample received an average evaluation value of 0.9, with a 90% confidence interval of 0.9 - 0.9 and a standard deviation of 0.1.

[0219] The results of the test samples were compared with the M1 extreme values in Table 10.

[0220] Table 10. Comparison of M1 Extreme Values of the Flame-Retardant Chemical Composition Prepared According to Example 4a

[0221]

[0222] According to the test, the composition of Example 4a meets the M1 standard.

[0223] Example 11: Weather resistance of fire protection

[0224] According to the NT FIRE 053 - artificial weathering method, the effectiveness of the treatment was tested by using a cone calorimeter conforming to ISO 5660 before and after weathering to evaluate the durability of the fire protection treatment against weathering according to the European standard EN 16755.

[0225] The weather resistance was evaluated by treating a total of six pieces of spruce with dimensions 20 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm with the fire - resistant composition prepared according to Example 4a in an amount equivalent to approximately 350 g / m 2 ², where three pieces were subjected to artificial weathering and the remaining three were used as unweathered controls.

[0226] According to the evaluation by the cone calorimeter, the total heat release (THR) of the weathered samples increased by an average of 15.6% compared to the unweathered controls. This complies with EN16755, where the THR must not increase by more than 20% during weathering.

[0227] According to the test results, the samples achieved a heat release rate (average HRR over 30 s) of <150 kW / m 2 ² for fire - resistance classification B.

Claims

1. A composition for imparting flame retardancy to a material, wherein, The material is wood, and the composition comprises: an organic salt as a refractory compound, a surfactant, and a binder; wherein the composition does not contain ammonium phosphate; wherein, the organic salt is selected from the group consisting of potassium salts of citric acid and its hydrates, and / or any combination thereof; wherein, the binder comprises: a polymer of one or more acrylate monomers, the one or more acrylate monomers independently selected from the group consisting of n-butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate (MMA), lauryl acrylate, phenoxyethyl acrylate, tripropylene glycol diacrylate, hexanediol diacrylate, and trimethylolpropane triacrylate; a copolymer of two or more monomers, the two or more monomers each independently selected from the group consisting of acrylates and styrene; a polymer of BA and MMA with silanized, phosphorus-containing, and / or fluorinated monomers; a copolymer formed from a monomer mixture comprising BA and MMA with functional monomers containing silicon, phosphorus, fluorine, nitrogen derivatives, and / or free radical generators or combinations thereof; or a polymer of acrylate, styrene, and vinyl acetate monomers, and the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of dialkyl sulfosuccinate / salt, polyether-modified polysiloxane, and fatty alcohol ethoxylate or mixtures thereof; wherein the organic salt can be mixed with the binder without flocculation, emulsification, or sedimentation.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein, The composition further comprises a compound having antibacterial and / or antifungal activity.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The composition further comprises a free radical generator that further improves the refractory performance of the composition.

4. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The composition is in the form of granules or powder, or in the form of an aqueous solution.

5. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The composition further comprises an aqueous solvent.

6. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The binder provides a water contact angle of equal to or higher than 51° for the coating.

7. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The composition further comprises a compound that binds moisture.

8. The composition according to claim 3, wherein, The free radical generator is selected from the group consisting of sulfonamides, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-diphenylbutane, 1,4-diisopropylbenzene, alkoxyamines, peroxides, disulfides, azoalkanes, oxoimides, silylamines, phosphorus-based flame retardants, their derivatives, and mixtures thereof.

9. The composition according to claim 3, wherein The radical generator is selected from the group consisting of Adeka LA-81 (CAS No. 705257-84-7), 1-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-octadecylaminopiperidine, bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) sebacate, 2,4-bis[(1-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)butylamino]-6-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)amino-s-triazine, bis(1-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) adipate, 2,4-bis[(1-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)butylamino]-6-chloro-s-triazine, 1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, 1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-4-oxo-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, 1-(2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propoxy)-4-octadecyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, bis(1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) sebacate, bis(1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) adipate, 2,4-bis{N-[1-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl]-n-butyl-amino}-6-(2-hydroxyethylamino)-s-triazine, 2,4-bis[(1-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)-butylamino]-6-chloro-s-triazine and the reaction product of N,N'-bis(3-aminopropyl)ethylenediamine, 2,4-bis[(1-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)butylamino]-6-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)amino-s-triazine, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(phenylthio)piperidin-4-one, 1-((4-methoxyphenyl)thio)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-one, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-((4-nitrophenyl)thio)piperidin-4-one, 1-(2-nitrobenzothio)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-one, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(4-methylphenylthio)piperidin-4-one, 1-(2,4,6-trimethylphenylthio)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-one, 1-(2-pyridylthio)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-one, 1,2-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(phenylthio)piperidin-4-ylidene)hydrazine, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(phenylthio)-4-piperidyl methacrylate, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(((thio-λ 4 -sulfonyl)amino)thio)piperidin-4-one, trans-2,5-dimethyl-1,4-bis(phenylthio)piperazine, 1-butylthio-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, 4'-thiobis(morpholine), 1,1'-thiobis-(2,6-dimethyl)piperidine, 1,1'-thiobis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl)piperidine, N-1,5,9-((4-methoxyphenyl)thio)-bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)-amine, 1,1'-thiobisphthalimide, 1,1'-thiobiscarbazole, 2-[(4-methoxyphenyl)thio]-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione, 9-(phenylthio)-9H-carbazole, 9-[(4-methoxyphenyl)thio]-9H-carbazole, N-2-naphthyl-N-phenyl-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide, N-bis[4-(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)phenyl]-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide, N-cyclohexyl-S-phenyl-N-(phenylthio)hydroxylamine, 2,4,6-tris(4-morpholinothio)-[1,3,5]-triazine, S-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-N,N-diisopropylhydroxylamine, S-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-N,N-dicyclohexylhydroxylamine, S-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-N-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylthio)-N-(tert-butyl)-hydroxylamine, benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, 3-(piperazin-1-yl)benzo[d]isothiazole, 5-nitrobenzo[c]isothiazol-3-amine, 3-phenyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-amine, bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(phenylthio)piperidin-4-yl)sebacate, bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(phenylthio)piperidin-4-yl)carbonate, and 1,3-bis(phenylthio)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2(3H)-one, or any mixture thereof.

10. The composition according to claim 2, wherein, The compound having antifungal and / or antibacterial activity is selected from the group consisting of: nitrates; nitrites; benzoates; sulfites; and any combination thereof.

11. The composition according to claim 2, wherein The compound having antifungal and / or antibacterial activity is selected from the group consisting of: silver nitrate; sodium nitrite; sodium benzoate; sulfur dioxide; and any combination thereof.

12. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The surfactant is selected from the group consisting of polyether-modified polysiloxane and fatty alcohol ethoxylate, or mixtures thereof.

13. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The composition additionally comprises a pigment.

14. The composition according to claim 8, wherein, The binder additionally comprises a phosphorus-containing compound.

15. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The composition does not contain ammonium phosphate and boric acid.

16. A method for imparting flame retardancy to a material, comprising: The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 15 is applied to the material, wherein the material is wood.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The application of the composition is carried out by first applying the organic acid salt and the surfactant to the material to form a first treated material, and further applying the binder to the formed first treated material to form a second treated material.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein The composition is applied by spraying treatment, pressure treatment, vacuum treatment, impregnation treatment, brushing treatment, dipping or roll coating.

19. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The composition is applied to the material on-site or during the manufacturing process of the material.

20. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for imparting flame retardancy to a material, wherein the material is wood.

21. A product comprising a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

Images