Modelling material and method for the production thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a modelling material, at least consisting of a binder which is present as plastisol and at least one filler, as well as optionally further additives, wherein the plastisol is substantially composed of PVC and plasticiser, characterised in that the at least one filler is an organic filler, the at least one organic filler is in the form of flowers and / or petals, and the flowers and / or petals in the modelling material have a longitudinal extent of 1 to 7 mm.

Description

[0001] Modelling clay and processes for its production

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to an oven-hardenable modeling clay and a method for its production.

[0004] Oven-hardening masses for shaping and modeling objects are known in principle.

[0005] Modelling materials also include so-called clays, or polymer clays in the case of polymer-containing materials.

[0006] For example, DE 25 15 757 C3 and DE 10 2005 059 143 A1 disclose plastic modelling clays that can be shaped by hand and hardened by heating.

[0007] Such compounds essentially consist of a binder, filler, and plasticizer. The plasticizers are present in phthalate-containing and / or phthalate-free forms, in a concentration of up to 30 wt.%.

[0008] The disadvantage of the above-mentioned masses is that the surfaces of the modeled products are smooth and usually reflect the surface structure of the processing tool.

[0009] Furthermore, DE 10 2018 007 756 B4 discloses a plastic compound comprising a plastisol made of PVC and plasticizer. The compound also contains branched plastic fibers as filler, with fiber lengths ranging from 0.35 to 0.95 mm. After curing, these compounds exhibit a leather-like tactile and visual appearance / structure.

[0010] It is considered disadvantageous that such masses contain plastic fibres to create a visually and haptically perceptible structure, which are not biodegradable.

[0011] Furthermore, the degree of the optical and haptic structure is predetermined and cannot be influenced. The object of the invention is therefore to create a modeling or molding compound that does not have the disadvantages mentioned above and, in particular, contains a high proportion / content of biodegradable filler that, after the modeling process, automatically forms a surface structure that is particularly visually and / or haptically perceptible, i.e., without the aid of tools and / or other aids.

[0012] A further object of the invention is that both optical and haptic effects / surface structures can be created with the modeling clay according to the invention, whereby the degree of expression of the effects / structures can be determined / adjusted by the user himself.

[0013] This object(s) are achieved with the features included in claims 1 and 7.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the compositions according to the invention are covered by the further claims.

[0015] This task is accomplished by a modeling compound consisting at least of a binder, which is in the form of a plastisol, and possibly other additives. The plastisol is essentially composed of PVC and plasticizer. The compound also contains at least one organic filler.

[0016] It has been surprisingly shown that by adding organic fillers to modeling clay mixtures, a visually and / or haptically perceptible structured surface design is formed even before the curing process, which continues to be formed and remains after the curing process.

[0017] The organic filler is in the form of flower blossoms and / or petals. Examples of flower blossoms and / or petals include marigold blossoms, sunflower petals, rose petals, cornflowers, and / or mallow blossoms.

[0018] In the case of flower blossoms and / or flower petals, it has proven advantageous if they have a length extension of 1 to 7 mm, advantageously 1.5 to 5 mm, in the modeling clay.

[0019] Length / length extension refers to the greatest extent of the flower blossom and / or petal.

[0020] Depending on the length / length of the flower blossoms and / or petals, the effect of the structures forming on the surface of the modeling clay can be more or less pronounced, from fine to coarse structures / surface structures.

[0021] It is particularly worth mentioning that, for example, organic fillers in the form of flower blossoms and / or flower petals create a special effect due to the naturally pronounced, differentiated coloring and / or shaping, and thus each modeling clay provided as well as parts / products / objects manufactured / modeled with it are definitely unique.

[0022] In this way, the proportion of inorganic or synthetically produced colorants can be eliminated, reduced or at least minimized.

[0023] When making the modeling clay, you can add whole flower blossoms, such as marigold blossoms or rose blossoms. You can also use just the petals, such as sunflower petals or rose petals.

[0024] The residual moisture content of the flower petals and / or blossoms should not exceed 14%, preferably 11%, and particularly preferably 8%, to ensure trouble-free comminution of the organic fillers during the production of the modeling clay, as well as during use by the consumer. A high or higher residual moisture content would make the manufacture / production of the modeling clay more complex, as is clear from the description of the process for producing the modeling clay. Surprisingly, it has been shown that the residual moisture also influences the processing and / or effect advantages when the user processes the modeling clay.

[0025] Irrespective of this, the risk of mold and / or rot should also be safely excluded from the aspect of residual moisture, which is also the case with the residual moisture described above.

[0026] The modeling clay according to the invention comprises 1-8 wt.%, preferably 1.5-6 wt.%, particularly preferably 2 to 4.5 wt.% of organic fillers in the form of flower petals and / or flower blossoms.

[0027] In addition to the organic fillers used according to the invention, other fillers in the form of inorganic and / or organic fillers can be used, albeit in reduced form. Examples include kaolin, chalk, talc, aluminum hydroxide, and / or clay powder, which have a grain size of < 250 pm, preferably less than 100 pm.

[0028] Additional fillers can include metallic glitter, glitter or mixtures of these substances, for example to achieve further special optical effects.

[0029] Fillers in the form of so-called lightweight fillers can also be used or mixed with other fillers, which are available in the form of commercially available micro hollow glass spheres or hollow plastic spheres.

[0030] The particular advantages of the composition according to the invention lie in the surface structure that forms automatically, particularly during modeling. An example is the surface structure similar to handmade paper, which can be easily realized with the composition according to claim 1 and without additional effort, such as an additional work step and / or structuring tool.

[0031] In addition to the optical effect of the surface structure, a haptic effect is also achieved, which is not pronounced in the smooth surfaces of the masses according to the state of the art.

[0032] The modeling clay according to the invention consists of a binder, a plasticizer, and at least one filler which is designed as an organic filler.

[0033] The binder used consists primarily of plastisol. This plastisol is essentially composed of PVC and plasticizer. The PVC can be, among other things, emulsion PVC with or without an emulsifier, suspension PVC, microbead suspension PVC, or a mixture of the individual PVC types.

[0034] The plasticizer used in the present compositions can be a phthalate-containing and / or phthalate-free plasticizer.

[0035] A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is a modeling clay that is free of phthalate-containing plasticizers. Phthalate-free plasticizers are based, for example, on citric acid, adipic acid, and / or benzoate esters.

[0036] Examples of phthalate-free plasticizers include acetyl tributyl citrate, tri-(2-ethylhexyl)-acetyl citrate, trioctyl citrate, tridecyl citrate, tributyl citrate, trihexyl citrate, triethyl citrate, dioctyl adipate, diisodecyl adipate, diisononyl adipate, bis-(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester, acetic acid esters of monoglycerides, benzoates or a mixture of at least two of these substances.

[0037] Furthermore, the plasticizer can belong to the group of benzoates or benzoate esters. Examples include 2,2,4-triethyl-1,3-pentanediyl dibenzoate and derivatives thereof, such as triethylene glycol dibenzoate, diethylene glycol dibenzoate, diethylene glycol monobenzoate, and / or propylene glycol dibenzoate. Any mixtures of all of the aforementioned plasticizers are possible.

[0038] Phthalate-containing plasticizers can be present, for example, as diethylhexyl phthalate, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid esters, diisononyl phthalate, and / or diisodecyl phthalate. The modeling clay contains 22-36% by weight of plasticizer. Preferably, the clay contains 24-34% by weight of plasticizer. A plasticizer content of 26 to 30% by weight is particularly preferred.

[0039] Surprisingly, it has been shown that the use of organic fillers in the composition of the modeling clay creates a surface structure that is very similar to that of handmade paper. This structure forms automatically during the modeling process.

[0040] It has proven particularly advantageous if the organic filler is in the form of dried flower blossoms and / or petals.

[0041] A stabilizer and / or co-stabilizer in such modeling clay improves PVC stability, ie, it prevents, among other things, the release of hydrogen chloride. For this purpose, inorganic and organic salts of the metals calcium, zinc, tin, magnesium, sodium, and potassium are primarily used, e.g., calcium stearate, sodium stearate, potassium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, tin stearate, and / or mixtures of the metal salts.

[0042] Any colorants added may be pigments in pure form, as powder pigments, as pigment preparations, preferably as azo-free color pigments, effect pigments and / or azo-free laked dyes. As a selection of a variety of possible color pigments, there are Pigment Yellow 14 (Cl 21095), Pigment Red 254 (CI 56110), Pigment Orange 34 (CI 21110), Pigment Red 122 (Cl 73915), Pigment Green 7 (Cl 74260), Pigment White 6 (Cl 77891), Pigment Black 7 (CI 77266), Pigment Red 101 (Cl 77491), Pigment Violet 23 (CI 51319), Pigment Blue 29 (Cl 77007), Pigment Yellow 185 (Cl 56290), Pigment Yellow 1 (Cl11680), Pigment Red 48:2 (Cl 15865:2), Pigment Red 53:1 (Cl 15585:1), Pigment Orange 34 (CI 21115), Pigment Yellow 83 (CI 21108) and Pigment Blue 15 (Cl 74160). Other colorants listed are Pearlescent Pigments, Mica Iron Metal Luster Pigments, Polyester Glitter Pigments, and Luminescent Pigments.

[0043] It can be seen that differently colored modeling clays can also be mixed, blended or kneaded together as desired, which also creates a marbling effect in the base clay / color.

[0044] The invention will be illustrated in more detail using a framework example and some recipe examples.

[0045] Frame example modeling clay

[0046] 45 - 65 wt. % PVC or PVC copolymer

[0047] 22 - 36 wt. % plasticizer

[0048] 1 - 8 wt.% organic fillers

[0049] 0 - 20 wt. % inorganic fillers

[0050] 0 - 5 wt.% colorant

[0051] 0 - 5 wt. % other additives

[0052] Frame example, preferred version of the modeling clay

[0053] 48 - 63 wt. % PVC or PVC copolymer

[0054] 24 - 32 wt.% plasticizer

[0055] 1 - 6 wt. % organic fillers

[0056] 0 - 18 wt.% inorganic fillers

[0057] 0 - 4 wt.% colorant

[0058] 0 - 5 wt. % other additives

[0059] Frame example, particularly preferred version of the modeling clay

[0060] 48 - 63 wt. % PVC or PVC copolymer

[0061] 26 - 30 wt. % plasticizer

[0062] 1 - 4.5 wt.% organic fillers

[0063] 0 - 18 wt. % inorganic fillers 0 - 4 wt. % colorants

[0064] 0 - 5 wt. % other additives

[0065] Stabilizers and co-stabilizers are examples of other additives that may be present.

[0066] Recipe example 1 - Modeling clay "Flower Blossom"

[0067] 59 wt.% S-PVC

[0068] 28 wt.% citrate-based plasticizer

[0069] 4% by weight marigold blossoms

[0070] 7 wt.% Ca stearate

[0071] 1 wt.% silica

[0072] 1 wt.% chalk

[0073] Recipe example 2 - Modeling clay "petal"

[0074] 61 wt.% S-PVC or E-PVC

[0075] 27 wt.% citrate-based plasticizer

[0076] 3.5 wt. % sunflower petals

[0077] 6.5 wt. % Ca stearate

[0078] 1 wt.% silica

[0079] 1 wt.% chalk

[0080] Recipe example 3 - Modeling clay “petals and / or flower blossoms”

[0081] 60 wt.% S-PVC or E-PVC

[0082] 28 wt.% citrate-based plasticizer

[0083] 2.5% by weight sunflower petals

[0084] 2 wt. % marigold blossoms

[0085] 5.5 wt. % Ca stearate

[0086] 1 wt.% silica

[0087] 1 wt.% chalk

[0088] A desired or modified consistency of the mass can be achieved by varying the binder content and / or plasticizer content during the production process.

[0089] If, when processing the composition according to the invention by means of high pressure or when using a roller, the surfaces of the articles produced are almost smooth or have little structure, the surface structure can be formed similar to handmade paper by small movements / deformations of layers / areas close to the surface or by light pulling.

[0090] The curing temperature of such compounds is 110 to 130°C, with a curing time of up to 30 minutes. The preferred curing temperature is 110°C, as this prevents discoloration of the compound due to heat exposure.

[0091] The preparation of the composition according to the invention is carried out in principle as described in DE 25 15 757 C3, according to which the dry PVC powder is mixed with the filler, followed by the addition of the plasticizer and co-stabilizer. The resulting composition is then finished by kneading, optionally while refrigerating.

[0092] The process for producing the composition according to the invention is carried out in the steps shown below, by way of example for / on recipe example 1.

[0093] Step 1: Mixing the binder provided with the dried organic fillers in the form of dried flower petals and / or flower blossoms and optionally stabilizer / co-stabilizer;

[0094] Step 2: Adding and mixing the plasticizer;

[0095] Step 3: Mixing the composition from the previous steps until the organic fillers have a length / length extension of 1 to 7 mm, preferably 1.5 to 5 mm;

[0096] Optional Step 4: To create a finer surface structure, the previous step 3 can be extended and / or repeated, resulting in a decrease in the average length / length of the organic filler. The length of the organic filler is thus a function of the mixing time (t);

[0097] It is important to note that the length / length expansion of the organic filler decreases the longer the mixing process lasts in steps 3 and 4. The dried flowers can be described as fragile due to their low residual moisture content and therefore disintegrate during the mixing process, a process that is dependent on time.

[0098] It has now surprisingly been shown that comminution of the organic filler is of great benefit in the production of consumable / saleable modeling clay—as described above—as well as for the consumer / user in the use of the clay to create items / objects. This means that the consumer can adjust / influence the length / lengthening of the organic filler themselves through prolonged kneading and / or repeated conditioning, such as rotating it in a meat grinder or using commercially available kneading presses, and thus achieve the desired optical and / or tactile surface structure.

[0099] The mass produced for the modeling process / saleable product has a length / length extension of the organic filler in the form of dried flower blossoms and / or petals in the range of 1 to 7 mm. If the resulting structure is too coarse for the user, they have the option of further crushing the embedded organic filler, e.g., in the form of dried flower petals, by intensively kneading / conditioning the starting mass, thereby generating a finer surface structure on the modeled object.

[0100] Kneading the clay can be done, for example, by hand or using kneading aids such as rolling pins, dough rollers, kneading presses, or extruders. Such treatments of the modeling clay fall under the term "conditioning the clay."

[0101] The following table shows the length / length expansion (mm) of an organic filler based on formulation example 2, as a function of the number of conditioning processes.

[0102] As a comparison example, the mass according to DE 10 2018 007 756 B4 was included in the table.

[0103] In the experiment, conditioning by the user was carried out using a pasta press with a roller spacing of 2.5 mm.

[0104] Kneading presses are known, for example, from US 7,413,429 B1 and US 2420616, in which the mass is conveyed under pressure and pressed through a slotted die / die, whereby the organic filler is further comminuted by deformation or shearing on the slotted die / die.

[0105] Kneading extruders work on the principle of a meat grinder, which, if desired, represent effective tools for the process of comminution / conditioning of the organic filler.

[0106] Processes / workflows using presses or extruders can be repeated as often as desired. The inventive compound is used in the production of plastic materials that can be molded by hand and / or with kneading aids and hardened by heating, also known as modeling compounds.

[0107] The modeling clay according to the invention is particularly suitable for the production of products which are very similar in haptic and optical characteristics to handmade paper or the structured surface of handmade paper.

[0108] Such products are suitable for versatile design of products / objects, regardless of whether they are present as thin layers or volume models.

[0109] Thin layers can be produced by rolling out the dough, for example with a rolling pin or dough roller.

[0110] Due to the specified curing time and curing temperature of the composition according to the invention, it is shown that, for example, thin layers in the cured form have a certain flexibility and pliability.

[0111] The invention further relates to articles and objects produced from a modeling compound according to claim 1, wherein the compound has been cured by the action of heat after shaping to form the articles and objects, and has a structured, haptic and optical surface like handmade paper.

[0112] The manufactured objects are bendable before and after hardening, as is known from handmade paper.

[0113] After curing / oven curing, the modeled objects, even in the form of thin layers, are stable against tensile forces.

Claims

Patent claims 1.) Modelling clay, consisting at least of a binding agent, which serves as Plastisol and at least one filler, and possibly other additives, whereby the plastisol consists essentially of PVC and Plasticizer, characterized in that the at least one filler is at least one organic filler, that the at least one organic filler is formed as flower blossoms and / or flower petals and that the flower blossoms and / or flower petals in the modeling mass have a longitudinal extension of 1 to 7 mm. 2.) Mass according to claim 1, characterized in that the mass contains 1 - 8 wt.%, preferably 1.5 - 6 wt.%, particularly preferably 2 to 4.5 wt.% of organic fillers in the form of flower blossoms and / or flower petals. 3.) Mass according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flower blossoms and / or flower petals have a residual moisture content of 14%, preferably 11%, particularly preferably 8%. 4.) Mass according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flower blossoms and / or flower petals are present as marigold blossoms, sunflower petals, rose petals, cornflowers and / or mallow blossoms. 5.) Mass according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mass consists of 45 - 65 wt. % PVC or PVC copolymer 22 - 36 wt. % plasticizer 1 - 8 wt.% organic fillers 0 - 20 wt. % inorganic fillers 0 - 5 wt.% colorant 0 - 5 wt.% other additives. 6.) Mass according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that the mass contains phthalate-containing and / or phthalate-free plasticizers. 7.) A method for producing a modeling clay according to claim 1, wherein the method for producing the clay comprises the following steps: Step 1: Mixing the binder provided with the dried organic fillers in the form of dried flower petals and / or flower blossoms and optionally stabilizer / co-stabilizer; Step 2: Adding and mixing the plasticizer; Step 3: Mix the composition from the previous steps until the organic fillers have a length / length expansion of 1 to 7 mm; 8.) Method according to claim 7, wherein the method comprises a step 4 for producing a finer surface structure, wherein in step 4, the preceding step 3 is carried out longer and / or is carried out repeatedly, whereby the average length / longitudinal expansion of the organic filler decreases and wherein the longitudinal expansion of the organic filler is a function of the mixing time (t);

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