Sorbent composition

Abstract

A solid sorbent material is a solid composition and comprises a sorbent powder and a sorbed volatile solvent. The material may be a wet impregnated solid. A method of manufacturing the material may co

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a composition for sorbing another substance. The composition can be used for clearing a location through its sorbent properties or for drying surfaces by sorbing liquid, such as water. The present composition can have a further benefit of cooling surfaces. The composition may be suitable for sorbing the liquids of the hands improving the grip of a user during physical activity or sport; however, the use can be applied much broader than this. For example, the composition may be used on parts of the human body or coverings of the human body to sorb the water or skin oils from the skin or clothing surface having the beneficial effect of sorbing sweat during sports or activities requiring improved grip. The present invention also contemplates a packaged composition, where the packaging aids in maintaining the beneficial properties of the composition. Further contemplated is a method of manufacture of the composition and a product made by the process. BACKGROUND

[0002] Sorbing materials, whether through absorption or adsorption or a combination of both, have found utility in a wide variety of applications. For example, sorbing materials have been used in a wide variety of industries. Sorbing materials have been used on a global scale as environmental clearing agents for oil spills at sea, to an industrial scale for the sorption of waste liquids, to the local scale as fire prevention materials to sorb flammable spills. Although sorbents can be used on large scale such as the foregoing examples, they can also be used on smaller scales such as for the sorption of sweat and other liquids from body surfaces, particularly in sports and activities that benefit from a dry handling surface. This is generally to avoid wet and slippery surfaces to prevent any potential negative effects from surface liquids on grip.

[0003] Sorbent materials are generally powders or agglomerated powders. This is generally to increase the surface area of the sorbent material. Increasing the surface area of the sorbent material has the beneficial effect of increasing the rate and volume of sorbed external substance. Generally the external substance is a liquid. There are several disadvantages of powdered sorbent materials. They can take up a great deal of storage space. They have an incredibly low density so take up a massive volume. Powdered materials generally can be very challenging to handle, especially those that are low density. They can be subject to static forces and can be flammability risks. It is therefore an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a sorbent material that avoids these problems.

[0004] In addition to providing a sorbent material generally, the present invention is also applicable to the more specific application of improving the grip of athletes in a sporting environment. Grip can be improved by mechanical means, such as hand wraps in weight lifting, clothing, such as gloves, sticky or tacky substances, such as in handball, or powders, such as chalk for gymnastics or climbing. Evidently, these different methods of improving grip operate under different mechanisms. The present invention provides a composition for drying applied surfaces with the added benefit of cooling the applied surface.

[0005] A powdered composition, commonly referred to as chalk, has been used for many years in sports and other activities to improve grip. Athletes in ancient Greece would use a chalk called “pulvis” to improve grip. There have been many developments in chalk since the use of pulvis. Modern day chalk is generally magnesium carbonate rather than “true” chalk, calcium carbonate. There are many different types of chalk with many different applications.

[0006] The first use for climbing was credited to John Gill in 1954. He had been using it for gymnastics and recognised its potential. He introduced it to his climbing friends, who found it to drastically increase friction with the rock through absorbing sweat on their hands. Slowly, this use of chalk spread across the climbing world until becoming common practice among almost all climbers.

[0007] The use of chalk prompted debate in the 1970s when a group of British climbers refused to use chalk, known as the Clean Hand Gang. Some argued that chalk violated crag and Leave No Trace ethics which have become an important part of climbing culture and its community. Chalk leaves bright, noticeable markings on every hold, creating an eyesore and taking away the excitement of working out the route for any future climber. This issue has led to chalk bans in some climbing regions across the world, including Garden of the Gods in Colorado, Arches National Park in Utah and many areas across the Czech Republic.

[0008] Chalk typically comes in the form of loose powder, designed to be decanted and held in either a chalk bag or chalk ball, or as liquid chalk held within bottles varying from paste consistency to a runny cream. Hundreds of sizes and types of loose and liquid chalk exist. They vary on quality of ingredients, performance, packaging, branding and size. Some even create blends of oils and chalk attempting to create an added skincare benefit to chalking up. Many brands include drying agents such as silica, which often gets a bad name. However, most are harmless and act in a similar way to magnesium carbonate or simply as bulking agents to reduce cost. People with sensitive or dry skin may struggle with some forms of chalk and should therefore try products that do not include harsher drying agents.

[0009] The main marketed point of difference between most products currently on the market is their perceived “quality” and purity, with nearly all brands claiming their products are 100% magnesium carbonate. The truth behind this statement is that no climbing chalk product actually contains 100% magnesium carbonate. Magnesium can be processed from both magnesite ores and sea water / brines, however, calcium and other carbonates are often naturally occurring / present within these sources. Due to its chemical properties, it is not often commercially possible to remove all impurities from the final product, and therefore, climbing chalk products will always contain at least some calcium carbonate along with other trace impurities. Currently, the highest purity magnesium carbonate produced still contains 0.2% calcium, therefore, claims of 100% purity are misplaced.

[0010] Chalk has now become a climbing essential, many users even chalk up while waiting to climb just out of habit or ritual. This mass use of loose chalk in gyms results in a severe impact on air quality due to the dust from climbers chalking up. Filtration can reduce air pollution but the most effective solution was found to be Liquid chalk which drastically improves the particulate air quality of climbing gyms when compared to loose. In certain embodiments, the present invention aims to provide a solid composition with lower friability compared to solid blocks decided to form loose powder chalk. The lower friability, in turn, reduces the amount of particulate powder and dust that might enter the atmosphere. In certain embodiments, the present invention aims to reduce the impact of loose chalk on air quality. Although liquid chalk improves particulate air quality, it does introduce an additional problem of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A high quantity of solvent is needed to place the solid chalk in a liquid state where it can be poured and spread. This solvent evaporates to leave behind a solid chalk residue. The solvent enters the atmosphere contributing to VOC pollutant levels. In certain embodiments, the present invention aims to reduce the environmental impact of chalk application when compared to liquid chalk and loose chalk.

[0011] The application process of loose chalk can also lead to an increase in hand temperature. Chalk application can be a lengthy and time consuming process. Application can involve prolonged hand rubbing, wringing and scrubbing increasing the impact on skin health and increasing skin temperature. The present invention, in certain embodiments, aims to increase the ease of application of a solid form chalk. Certain embodiments of the invention additionally or alternatively aim to reduce the skin temperature of a user. The present invention increases the ease of application of a cooling liquid-chalk-like product when compared with liquid chalk. The solid sorbent material of the present invention can be applied single handed, unlike liquid chalk which requires one hand to apply to the other hand. The invention is also capable of being used in a chalk bag, in a similar manner to loose chalk, given that is a solid material, whilst providing the cooling benefit of liquid chalk.

[0012] Liquid chalk usage has seen a huge increase during the Covid-19 pandemic due to the high alcohol content used for it’s disinfectant properties. A study funded by the Association of British Climbing Walls, The Warehouse Climbing Centre Gloucester and Lakeland Climbing Centre, later showed magnesium carbonate inhibited infectivity of Covid-19. This study is limited in its scope and many have stayed with advising liquid chalk only due to the dust reduction and added cleanliness. However, most liquid chalk products currently on the market contain resins and thickeners.

[0013] Resin comes from pine trees and appears in many liquid chalk brands. The resin is employed as a filler, allowing brands to cheaply produce something that appears the same as any other liquid chalk, but contains less magnesium carbonate. Resin, while warmed from the climbers hand, transfers from the climber’s hands to the holds, over time creating a build up of resin which cools and hardens upon contact with the hold / rock. This leaves behind a slippery, glassy surface and can render gyms holds unusable within a matter of weeks. Thus, resin actually has a net detrimental effect on friction. Certain embodiments of the present invention aim to avoid the use of resin.

[0014] Liquid chalk has many benefits and additional functions to loose chalk. Most liquid chalks contain a volatile liquid which is volatile at standard temperature and pressure that evaporates when the liquid chalk is rubbed onto the skin. This delivers a cooling effect which can be very beneficial for hot weather climbing or big volume climbing sessions where sweating can peak. This evaporative function in combination with the sorbent nature of the chalk and the ability to dissolve certain skin oils also contributes to dry the skin. The cooling and drying function helps create optimum skin conditions for immediate climbing once the liquid has evaporated. The liquid state of the product enables an unparalleled even application which is more difficult and slower to achieve with loose chalk. It is often less messy to use and own than loose chalk and contributes less to the dust pollution problems within gyms discussed above.

[0015] The draw backs of liquid chalk are that most brands take a frustratingly long time to dry once applied when compared with the application time of loose chalk. Due to it’s volatile nature and liquid state it is also limited by the requirement to be contained in a bottle. Liquid chalk being in a bottle and the need to be rubbed in and spread thinly over the skin to aid evaporation of the liquid also limits it to requiring two hands for application. In certain embodiments, the present invention aims to provide a chalk that can be applied single handedly. In certain embodiments, the present invention additionally or alternatively aims to provide a product that can be placed in a chalk bag or chalk ball in a powdered solid form, avoiding the need to be contained in a bottle. Because of the volume of volatile liquid per application of liquid chalk, some people with sensitive skin can suffer from the harsh drying effects. In certain embodiments, the present invention aims to avoid the negative effects of over drying the skin due to the application of high volumes of solvent. In certain embodiments, the present invention aims to provide a cooling effect on the skin without providing a liquid composition. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0016] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a solid sorbent material. The solid sorbent material is a solid composition comprising a sorbent powder and a sorbed volatile solvent.

[0017] In certain embodiments of the present invention the sorbent material is liquidsorbent. The liquid may be an aqueous liquid or a non-aqueous liquid. Thus, the sorbent material may be an aqueous sorbent material or a non-aqueous sorbent material. Where the present invention relates to an aqueous sorbent material, the sorbent material may be a hygroscopic material and / or the powdered sorbent solid may be a hygroscopic powdered solid.

[0018] In certain embodiments the sorbent powder is an aqueous sorbent powder or a non-aqueous sorbent powder.

[0019] In certain specific embodiments the sorbent material is a sweat sorbent material.

[0020] In certain embodiments the solid sorbent material is a wet impregnated solid. The solid composition may also be referred to as a liquid-saturated solid. The solid composition may be a wet impregnated solid or a liquid saturated solid. The present invention is a solid composition, for example present in the form of a block, that contains a liquid impregnated within the solid structure. The volatile liquid may be present within the solid composition at any point below the maximum sorption capacity of the sorbent powder. In certain embodiments the volatile solvent is present in an amount from the sorption capacity of the sorbent powder to an amount of 0.01% of the sorption capacity.

[0021] In certain embodiments of the present invention there is provided a sorbent material being a solid composition comprising a sorbent powder and a sorbed volatile solvent, wherein the volatile solvent is present in an amount from 0.001% to 100% of the sorption capacity of the sorbent powder, Alternatively the volatile organic solvent is present in an amount of from: 0.01% to 100%, 0.1% to 100%, from 1% to 100%, 2.5% to 100%, 5% to 100%, 10% to 100%, 25% to 100%, 50% to 100%, 0.1% to 90%, 1% to 90%, 25% to 80%, 25% to 90%,75% to 100%, 20% to 90%, 30% to 90%, 40% to 100%, 1% to 80%, 0.001% to 80%, 1% to 75%, 1% to 70%, 1% to 65%, 1% to 60%, 1% to 55%, 1% to 50%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, or 10% to 50%; where the percentage is based on the sorption capacity of the solid sorbent material.

[0022] In certain embodiments the volatile organic solvent is present in an amount of from: 0.1% to 80%, 1% to 80%, 2.5% to 80%, 5% to 80%, 10% to 80%, 25% to 80%, 20% to 80%, 30% to 80%, 40% to 80%, 50% to 80%, 1% to 75%, 1% to 70%, 1% to 65%, 1% to 60%, 1% to 55%, 1% to 50%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, or 10% to 50% where the percentage is based on the sorption capacity of the solid sorbent material. In certain embodiments, the volatile organic solvent is present in an amount of from: 0.1% to 80%, 1% to 80%, 2.5% to 80%, 5% to 80%, 10% to 80%, 25% to 80%, 20% to 80%, 30% to 80%, 40% to 80%, or 50% to 80%, where the percentage is based on the sorption capacity of the solid sorbent material.

[0023] The amount of volatile solvent comprised in the solid sorbent material can also be defined as a weight percent based on the weight of the solid sorbent material. In certain embodiments the sorbent powder comprises from 0.01 to 80 w / w% of the volatile solvent based on the weight of the solid sorbent material. Alternatively, the sorbent powder may comprise from: 1 to 80 w / w%, 5 to 80 \NhN%, 10 to 80 \n / \n% , 15 to 80 w / w%, 20 to 80 w / w%, 30 to 80 wNWo, 40 to 80 w / w%, 10 to 50 w / w%, 10 to 60 w / w%, 10 to 70 w / w%, 25 to 75 w / w%, 30 to 75 w / w%, 40 to 75 w / w%, 50 to 75 w / w%, or 30 to 60 w / w% of the volatile solvent based on the weight of the solid sorbent material. Alternatively, the sorbent powder may comprise from: 40 to 60 w / w% or 50 to 60 w!\n% of the volatile solvent based on the weight of the solid sorbent material.

[0024] In certain embodiments the volatile solvent is different to the material, for example liquid, that is to be sorbed by the sorbent material. Although the volatile solvent is sorbed within the sorbent material, when in use the solid sorbent material is designed to sorb further material. This further material is different to the volatile solvent. For example, the solid sorbent material of the present invention may be used to sorb sweat from a hand during exercise. Sweat is a different material to the volatile solvent, in this example. Thus, the present invention can sorb a further material, in use, that is different to the volatile solvent. This can occur because the volatile solvent evaporates or because there is additional sorption capacity within the solid sorbent material.

[0025] The sorbent material of the present invention may operate via absorption or adsorption or a combination of both. The sorbent material of the present invention may be sorbent in a solid form or in a powdered form. The solid form may take on the appearance of a compressed powder. The powdered form of the sorbent material may be derived from the solid form by crumbling the solid form.

[0026] The sorbent material of the present invention has unique physical properties which makes it applicable to use as a sorbent material. The sorbent material may be formed as a solid block. A block of the present invention will crack and fracture when it is impacted or exposed to a point force, for example when struck by a hammer or dropped. However, when exposed to a compression force and allowed to spread, such as being pressed in between two hands, the solid material will crumble into small pieces and result in a powder. When compressed in this manner the sorbent material transitions through a paste-like state. As such, in certain embodiments there is provided a sorbent material that is configured to be compressible to form an intermediate paste before drying and crumbling to a powder. The intermediate paste may be defined as a layer that when stretched does not fracture or fragment.

[0027] The beneficial characteristics of the present invention are now described in relation to its use. The sorbent material of the present invention is configured to be capable of returning to the same state as the sorbent powder. In other words, when in use, the solid sorbent material of the invention is configured to be powdered. This is generally achievable by compressing the solid sorbent material without maintaining the volume. When the sorbent material of the present invention is compressed to increase the surface area of the sorbent material, the sorbent material becomes a powder. This can be viewed as the sorbent material of the present invention being a powder block. The invention provides a solid form of a powder which can be powdered on demand. The present invention consequently provides means for far easier handling of a powdered material because the sorbent powdered material is provided as a solid sorbent material. The solid can be handled with great ease.

[0028] In addition, the present invention provides means for applying the powdered material in a layer on the surface upon which the solid sorbent material was compressed. For example, when the solid sorbent material is compressed and distributed across a surface, the sorbent powder comprising the volatile solvent is deposited on the surface. The volatile solvent evaporates from the sorbent powder leaving dry sorbent powder applied to the surface ready for sorbing any material (for example a liquid) on the surface.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the solid sorbent material is configured to evaporate the volatile solvent within 0 to 8 seconds when the sorbent material is rubbed between two hands to apply a layer of the sorbent powder on the hands. The layer of the sorbent powder may be a thin layer. A thin layer can be considered to be a layer of the sorbent powder that provides complete coverage of the surface but without excess material that would move around when rubbed. The volatile solvent can evaporate very quickly given the impression that it is instantaneous when rubbed between two hands. Hence, a time of 0 seconds is considered to be reasonable.

[0030] In certain embodiments the sorbent material is a solid block or fragmented pieces of a solid block. In certain embodiments, the sorbent material is formed by compressing the sorbent powder to form a solid block. The sorbent composition may be referred to as the composition throughout the present application. The composition may be a solid because the sorbent powder has been densified, for example compacted or pressurised.

[0031] The sorbent powder may be a sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium salt, silica, activated charcoal or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the sorbent powder may be a sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium salt or silica or combinations thereof. The sorbent powder may be a hydrate of the sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium salt or a non-hydrate. The sorbent powder may be selected from: magnesium carbonate (such as magnesite (MgCOs), barringtonite (MgCO3-2H2O), nesquehonite (MgCO3-3H2O), lansfordite (MgCO3-5H2O), artinite (Mg2CO3(OH)2-3H2O), hydromagnesite (Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2-4H2O), dypingite (Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2-5H2O), magnesium sulphate, magnesium chloride, sodium sulphate, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium chloride, potassium sulphate, potassium carbonate, calcium sulphate, calcium carbonate, silica gel (for example silicon dioxide), fumed silica, activated charcoal, molecular sieves (such as calcium aluminosilicate, or sodium aluminosilicate) and combinations thereof.

[0032] In certain embodiments the sorbent powder is selected from: magnesium carbonate, calcium sulphate, powdered molecular sieves, calcium carbonate, magnesium sulphate, fumed silica and combinations thereof; and the volatile solvent is selected from: ethanol, acetone, isopropyl alcohol and water.

[0033] In certain embodiments the sorbent powder is selected from: magnesium carbonate, calcium sulphate, powdered molecular sieves, calcium carbonate, magnesium sulphate, fumed silica and combinations thereof; and the volatile solvent is selected from: ethanol, acetone, and isopropyl alcohol.

[0034] In certain embodiments the sorbent powder is magnesium carbonate (optionally hydromagnesite (Mgs(CO3)4(OH)2'4H2O)), fumed silica or a combination thereof. In a particular embodiment the sorbent powder is hydromagnesite (Mgs(CO3)4(OH)2-4H2O).

[0035] The volatile solvent may be a volatile organic solvent. In certain embodiments the volatile solvent (optionally a volatile organic solvent) has a boiling point in the range of from 35 °C to 90 °C. Optionally, the boiling point of the volatile solvent (optionally an organic solvent) is from 35 °C to 80 °C or from 50 °C to 85 °C.

[0036] A liquid’s vapour pressure shows the tendency of the liquid to vaporise. A liquid with a higher vapor pressure will vaporise more readily at a given temperature than substances with lower vapour pressure. In certain embodiments the solvent has a vapour pressure at between 20°C and 25°C in the range of 2 kPa to 60 kPa. Optionally, the volatile solvent has a vapour pressure at between 20°C and 25°C in the range of 2 kPa to 25 kPa.

[0037] The volatile solvent may be selected from: ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, cyclopentane, n-pentane, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, cyclohexane, tert-butanol and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, in addition to all other definitions of the volatile solvent, the volatile solvent may be water. Thus, for example, the volatile solvent may have a boiling point in the range of from 35 °C to 90 °C or be water. Furthermore, the volatile solvent may be selected from: water ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, cyclopentane, n-pentane, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, cyclohexane, tert-butanol and combinations thereof. Water is particularly relevant as a volatile solvent for the product by process.

[0038] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the volatile solvent is ethanol and sorbent powder is magnesium carbonate (optionally hydromagnesite (Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2-4H2O)), fumed silica or a combination thereof.

[0039] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the sorbent material has a drying time of less than 8 seconds (optionally 5 seconds) when an amount of the sorbent material is distributed across a surface with a temperature of about 28°C at atmospheric pressure. The amount of the sorbent material may be between 0.1 and 1.0 g, optionally 0.4 g. The distribution across the surface may mean spreading evenly across a surface the size of a hand.

[0040] In certain embodiments the sorbent material further comprises water. In certain embodiments the sorbent material comprises up to 55 xnMYo water based on the total weight of the sorbent material. Optionally, the solid sorbent material comprises up to 20 w / w%, up to 15 whN%, up to 10 w / w% up to 5 w / w% of water based on the total weight of the sorbent material.

[0041] In an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacture of a solid sorbent material, the method comprising: suspending a sorbent powder within a volatile solvent to form a suspension; mixing the sorbent powder in the solvent; densifying the suspended sorbent powder; and removing non-sorbed volatile solvent.

[0042] In embodiments the amount of solvent is selected to form a mobile suspension of the sorbent powder. In embodiments the solvent is present in an excess of the sorbent powder by mass. In certain embodiments, the ratio of volatile solvent to sorbent powder is greater than the solids liquid sorbing capacity. In embodiments the mass ratio of solvent to sorbent powder is 5:1 to 1:1. Optionally the mass ratio of solvent to sorbent powder is 2.5:1 to 1.5:1.

[0043] The method of densifying the suspension may take on any form known in the art to increase the density of the suspension. However, in examples particularly relevant to the present invention the densification may be achieved by allowing the suspended solid to settle within the solvent to form a sedimented layer or by applying pressure to the suspension. Pressure can be applied to the suspension by pouring the suspension into a press, for example a hydraulic press.

[0044] The steps of densifying the suspended sorbent powder and removing the solvent can be achieved in one step, two steps or more. For example, applying pressure to the suspended sorbent powder expels the solvent from the sorbent powder and increases the density of the sorbent powder.

[0045] The step of removing the non-sorbed solvent may be conducted by filtration, decanting, compression or a combination thereof.

[0046] The densification may comprise compressing the suspended sorbent powder to a pressure of greater than 0.1 MPa, optionally up to the pressure limit of the apparatus. Optionally, the densification may comprise compressing the suspended sorbent powder to a pressure of from 0.1 MPa to 1.0 MPa. Optionally the pressure may be from: 0.1 MPa to 0.5 MPa, 0.1 MPa to 0.4 MPa, 0.1 MPa to 0.3 MPa, 0.1 MPa to 0.2 MPa, 0.2 MPa to 0.5 MPa, 0.3 MPa to 0.5 MPa, or 0.3 MPa to 0.4 MPa. In certain embodiments, the pressure is 0.1 MPa to 0.4 MPa, 0.1 MPa to 0.3 MPa or 0.1 MPa to 0.2 MPa.

[0047] The step of removing the solvent may optionally remove only any supernatant or remaining volatile solvent that has not been sorbed within the sorbent powder or the supernatant liquid may be removed along with volatile solvent sorbed within the solid. The present invention contemplates removing the volatile solvent and densifying the suspended sorbent powder in a single operation or in more than one operation (for example two).

[0048] In certain embodiments the step of densifying the suspended powder further comprises vibrating the suspension. In embodiments where the method comprises a step of vibrating the frequency of vibration may be up to 20 hertz.

[0049] In embodiments the method results in a solid block of the sorbent powder comprising sorbed volatile solvent, wherein the sorbent powder comprises 0.01 to 80 w / w% of the volatile solvent based on the weight of the composition. Any amount of volatile solvent disclosed herein is contemplated by the present invention.

[0050] Any features of the solid sorbent material discussed throughout this application may apply to the solid sorbent material produced by the method of manufacture of the present invention.

[0051] The method of manufacture may be conducted in a single vessel or across more than one vessel.

[0052] The method of manufacture may further comprise the step of drying the solid sorbent material to reduce the amount of volatile solvent sorbed within the solid sorbent material. The solid sorbent material can be dried to the point where all volatile solvent has been removed. The determination of whether all solvent has been removed can be determined by ensuring consistent mass readings of the solid sorbent material of three consecutive mass readings with each reading being one hour apart.

[0053] As such, the method of the present invention can produce a solid sorbent material that contains no volatile solvent. Such a product has use as a sorbent material that avoids the downsides associated with solid sorbent materials.

[0054] In certain embodiments, method of manufacture of a solid sorbent material comprises: suspending a sorbent powder within a volatile solvent to form a suspension; mixing the sorbent powder in the solvent; densifying the suspended sorbent powder; removing non-sorbed volatile solvent; and drying the solid sorbent material to remove all sorbed volatile organic solvent.

[0055] In an aspect of the present invention there is provided a solid sorbent material comprising a sorbent powder and an sorbed volatile solvent, wherein the sorbent material is produced by a method comprising: suspending the sorbent powder within the volatile solvent to form a suspension; mixing the sorbent powder in the volatile solvent; densifying the suspended sorbent powder; and removing the non-sorbed volatile solvent.

[0056] In embodiments the sorbent powder comprises from 5 to 80 w / w% of the solvent based on the weight of the solid sorbent material. The sorbent powder comprises an amount of volatile solvent disclosed elsewhere herein.

[0057] The solid sorbent material of this aspect may be a solid sorbent material of the present invention produced by the method of manufacture of the present invention or a sorbent material as disclosed elsewhere herein. The solid sorbent material of this aspect of the invention may have any combination of the features of the material of the invention as set out herein. Equally, the method of manufacture may have any combination of the features of the method of the invention.

[0058] In certain embodiments the sorbent powder is selected from: magnesium carbonate, calcium sulphate, powdered molecular sieves, calcium carbonate, magnesium sulphate, fumed silica and combinations thereof; and the volatile solvent is selected from: ethanol, acetone, isopropyl alcohol and water.

[0059] In certain embodiments the solid sorbent material is produced by a method comprising: suspending a sorbent powder within a volatile solvent to form a suspension; mixing the sorbent powder in the solvent; densifying the suspended sorbent powder; removing non-sorbed volatile solvent; and drying the solid sorbent material to remove all sorbed volatile organic solvent.

[0060] In a further aspect of the present invention there is contemplated a packaged sorbent material of the present invention. The packaged sorbent material may be the solid sorbent material disclosed anywhere herein. The packaged solid sorbent material may comprise a solid sorbent material of the present invention contained in an air tight container.

[0061] The packaged sorbent material may be packaged along with supernatant volatile solvent. The packaging may be configured not to allow the volatile solvent to vaporise. The packaging is sealed to avoid exit of the volatile solvent. The packaging, such as a sealed bag, provides an internal environment that reduces vaporisation by facilitating a full or partial saturation condition of the internal environment with the gaseous volatile solvent. The vapour build up in the bag prevents or reduces more vapour from being released. This can be achieved by introducing gaseous volatile solvent to the internal environment of the packaging prior to sealing or liquid from the solid sorbent material can vaporise.

[0062] In certain embodiments the packaged sorbent material is adapted to be stored in a refrigerator. Preferably, the temperature of the refrigerator will be between -5°C and 15°C. The present invention benefits from being stored at a low temperature and being applied to a body surface, such as a hand, to improve the cooling effect on that surface that the invention provides.

[0063] In certain embodiments the packaged sorbent material is packaged in a reusable container. In alternative embodiments the packaged sorbent material may be packaged in a disposable packaging. The sorbent material sold in the disposable packaging being intended to be stored in the reuseable container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The present invention relates to a composition having the physical form of a solid mass. The solid mass is formed of a powdered solid which has been compacted to form the mass. The solid mass may be in the form of a cuboid block. The solid mass may be of any size. However, the composition of the present invention is conveniently formed into cuboids with dimensions of from 2 to 10cm by 2 to 10 cm by 2 to 10cm. The composition may be manufactured directly into a cuboid with the dimensions set out above or the composition may be cut to a desired size.

[0065] The solid sorbent material of the present invention is capable of being crumbled. The solid sorbent material can be crumbled to yield the sorbent powder. However, the solid sorbent material of the present invention is able to resist fracturing in the absence of an applied force. The solid sorbent material must be crushed by an applied force, such as between two fingers or hands, in order to form the powder. As such, the solid sorbent material can be used like a powder but the sorbed volatile solvent provides a cooling effect when evaporating.

[0066] It may not seem possible to have a sorbent material of the present invention when the material comprises a volatile liquid sorbed within it. One might question how it is possible to sorb liquid when a liquid is already sorbed within the sorbent material of the present invention. The present invention makes use of the volatile nature of the sorbed volatile solvent to evaporate from the sorbent powder to leave behind a sorbent powder that is capable of sorbing further liquid. Alternatively, the present invention does contemplate a product produced by the method of the invention that is free of volatile solvent and that can be used to sorb a liquid up to the sorption capacity of the sorbent material.

[0067] It is also contemplated by the invention that the sorbent material will have excess capacity for sorbing further liquid. The sorbent material of the present invention comprises the volatile solvent in an amount from 0.01 % to 100% of the sorption capacity of the solid sorbent material. As such, it is possible that the sorbent material of the present invention will comprise less than the full amount of liquid that the sorbent material may comprise. As such, there will be further sorbing potential associated with the sorbent material of the present invention even when the sorbent material comprises a volatile solvent, as required by the present invention.

[0068] The sorbent powder of the present invention can be sourced from various suppliers commercially. The sorbent powder can also be derived from various sources, for example mined or as a byproduct of water desalination. Any available source of sorbent powder is applicable for the present invention. The sorbent powder is also supplied in various purities. The present invention can be carried out with any available purity of the sorbent powder. In certain embodiments the sorbent material has a purity of greater than 90%, optionally greater than 95%. In a particular embodiment, the sorbent material has a purity level of 97.95 or greater%.

[0069] The present invention contemplates a liquid saturated solid. A liquid-saturated solid is a solid material that has sorbed or taken in as much liquid as it can hold at a given temperature and pressure. In this state, the pores and interstitial spaces within the solid are completely filled with the liquid, and no more liquid can be sorbed without external changes in temperature or pressure. The solid remains solid in its physical form, but it is thoroughly permeated by the liquid, resulting in a saturated condition. A liquid-saturated solid is a solid where the amount of liquid contained within the solid is at the upper limit of the amount of liquid that the solid can contain whilst maintaining solid physical characteristics. The solid cannot hold any more volatile solvent. This is referred to as the sorption capacity of a solid. The liquid limit of a solid sorbent material of the invention may be above the liquid limit of the sorbent powder. The process of the present invention imparts the solid sorbent material with the ability to hold more liquid whilst maintaining solid physical characteristics than would ordinarily be possible based on the sorbent powder alone. The process of the present invention is said to increase the liquid limit of the structure created, above that of the sorbent powder alone. This is yet a further advantage of the present invention. This is evidenced in the sorption capacity testing of Example 23 when comparing Examples 15 and 3.

[0070] The present invention also contemplates a sorbent material that comprises a volatile solvent in an amount that is less than the sorption capacity of the sorbent powder component. Such a solid is not referred to as a liquid-saturated solid but is instead referred to herein as a “wet solid". It should be noted that a liquid saturated solid is a wet solid as the term “wet solid” is the general term for a liquid containing solid. Within this context, the sorbent material of the present material is a wet solid. As such, the wet solid comprises a sorbent powder and a volatile organic solvent. The wet solid may contain volatile solvent at the sorption capacity or a percentage of the sorption capacity above 0%. Thus, in embodiments the wet solid comprises a sorbent powder and a volatile organic solvent, wherein the volatile solvent is present at between 0.1% and 100% of the sorption capacity of the sorbent powder. The sorption capacity or sorbent capacity of a sorbent powder is defined as the amount of liquid a powder can sorb before it can no longer sorb more liquid. At this point the sorbent powder is saturated with liquid and is said to be a liquid-saturated solid.

[0071] The liquid limit is a property normally associated with soil that represents the moisture content at which the soil transitions from a plastic (deformable) to a liquid (flowable) state under applied stress. In a plastic state, the soil would be described as a solid. Exceeding this limit with an excess of moisture would no longer support this solid structure and under applied stress the soil becomes liquid.

[0072] With reference to the liquid content of a liquid-solid mixture in place of the water content of a water-soil mixture, the liquid limit can be used to describe the limit of liquid content, above which a liquid-solid mixture would transition to a liquid under applied stress or without any applied stress.

[0073] Certain embodiments of the solid sorbent material exhibit thixotropy and are capable of maintaining a solid state whilst holding within their structure, a liquid content well in excess of the sorbent powders liquid limit. The solid sorbent material is a solid post processing, which, without being bound by theory, we believe to be due to the structured state of the composition. However, following application of shear force the structure of the solid sorbent material will become partly unstructured, displaying viscoelastic properties. If shear continues, shear thinning produces an unstructured mixture with lower viscosity. This was evidenced by vigorously mixing samples from Example 15, with a metal spatula, breaking up the solid structure which, due to the physical breakdown of some aspect of the structure of the material whether immediately, or within 15 minutes of mixing formed a paste or runny liquid where just previously there was a wet solid. This property is emblematic of the thixotropic nature of certain mixtures where under certain conditions they exist as solids, only to transition to liquids under stress. Thixotropy is a rheological property whereby the viscosity of a liquid decreases when it is agitated. The shear-thinning demonstrated above exhibits strong hysteresis. The transition is reversible but not immediately upon removing the stress, the reformation of a solid structure exhibits a large time lag.

[0074] The method of manufacturing the composition utilises a homogeneous distribution of the solvent through the sorbent powder structure. In certain embodiments, the first step is to obtain a complete wet out of the sorbent powder. Enough solvent is initially required such that the sorbent powder is suspended in the solvent. Varying degrees of suspension are contemplated by the present invention. For example, the suspension can be a relatively thick slurry or a highly diluted suspension. In any event, certain embodiments of the present invention require that the porous capacity of the carrier is exceeded. Excess solvent dictates that the sorbent powder particle separation is sufficient for a liquid suspension to be maintained during the wet out phase.

[0075] Following the formation of a suspension the suspension must be densified and any non-sorbed volatile solvent must be removed from the suspension to bring its state to a solid while maintaining homogeneous distribution of the solvent throughout the carrier’s macro structure. The densification and solvent removal process can be conducted simultaneously or sequentially. The method of manufacture may comprise a drying process. However, a drying process poses certain problems such as producing an uneven distribution of solvent throughout the carrier, causing internal expansion of gas creating structural instability, and requiring a process to capture and recycle the solvent. Filtration is also possible to densify the suspension and remove the solvent. However, filtration results in an uneven distribution of solvent within the solid sorbent material and caking can prove problematic, especially where continuous production / larger batches are desired.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment of the invention a sedimentation process is utilised. In certain embodiments the sorbent powder particle size is large enough to form a suspension and exhibit settling characteristics in the solvent. The sorbent powder and solvent suspension when in high concentration exhibits zone settling behaviour. The suspension settles as layers with the formation of a solvent interface on top, a distinct transition layer below of a more concentrated carrier-solvent mixture and a bottom compacted layer acting as a liquid-saturated solid. The solvent top layer may be clear or may contain some sorbent powder particles contained therein. Generally, the suspension settles as distinct layers with the formation of a low sorbent powder containing layer on top. This production method is passive, low energy and enabled the removed solvent to be recycled.

[0077] Once a top layer has formed the bottom layer of compressed sorbent powder increases in thickness as more of the middle, transition layer settles and compresses under gravity. Eventually all material is densified to the maximum amount under gravity and there is only a liquid and a solid layer. The bottom layers below the top layer can be classed as a solid. Any sorbent powder present within the layers would be considered to be a liquid saturated solid but as you progress from the top settled layer to the bottom layer the solvent content is believed to drop as the solid is compressed under gravity; thus, pushing out more solvent.

[0078] Where a low density sorbent powder was used the settling rate could be relatively long, generally in the range of 1-3 weeks from first step to yield product. Exposing the suspension to greater than atmospheric pressure resulted in the speed of the settling process being increased dramatically. The formation of a transition layer was avoided forcing the transition of the mixture from suspension to a densified layer. A pressure greater than atmospheric pressure was achieved by a hydraulic press along with filter papers and a mould. Utilising the press, a finished product could be obtained from the suspension in under an hour. The densification process using a greater than atmospheric pressure also further clarified the suspension beyond what was previously possible with a settling process.

[0079] In order for the suspension to be exposed to the greater than atmospheric pressure the densification step may comprise pouring the suspension into a mould for compression. The step of pouring the suspension into a mould can also perform the solvent removal step by filtering the solid suspension. As such, the suspension is filtered and compressed. This has the advantage of avoiding the time requirements associated with sedimentation / settling.

[0080] The present invention aims to obtain the physical handling usability characteristic of dry block chalk used as a sweat sorbent material in many sports fields including climbing. One handed use of a sweat sorbent material within a chalk bag requires that the sweat sorbent material is hard enough to hold its shape both within the bag and in the hands, such that it can be held and crushed between the fingers and spare excess product falls off the skin back into the bag. Additionally the liquid content must be such that once rubbed into the skin, the majority, if not all of the volatile liquid sorbed within the sorbent powder evaporates, significantly quicker, almost instantaneously when compared with liquid chalk, whilst providing a cooling effect akin to liquid chalk.

[0081] Production of such a sorbent material requires radical rethinking of the current state of the art because the current art is to provide a liquid, flowable chalk product to cool hands. However, such a flowable product cannot be used in the same way as a solid block chalk and must be kept in a container and used two handed to pour the product from the container onto another hand.

[0082] In order to ensure a homogeneous distribution of the liquid through or onto the solid structure of the sorbent powder, the first step is to obtain a liquid: sol id ratio greater than the solids liquid sorbing capacity. Enough volatile solvent is initially required such that the sorbent powder is in suspension within the resultant mixture, the porous capacity of the sorbent powder is exceeded and excess volatile solvent dictates that the carrier particle separation is sufficient for a liquid suspension to be maintained.

[0083] The next step is removing enough liquid from the suspension to bring its state to a solid while maintaining homogeneous distribution of the liquid throughout the carrier’s macro structure. A drying process and filtration are possible. Based on the particle characteristics of the sorbent powder used (size being large enough to form a suspension and inherit the settling characteristics of such a system) a sedimentation process was utilised.

[0084] In embodiments a press was used to compress the suspended sorbent powder into a mould, forming a block.

[0085] An additional aspect of the mixture was discovered during investigation into the production method. A liquid-solid system produced by the process of the present invention may lead to the creation of a solid sorbent material of a liquid content approaching a liquid-saturated solid system, where the system exists as a solid, containing a volume of liquid near its maximum sorption capacity as tested in Example 23 when dry. Following vigorous agitation, the ability of Example 15 to transition into a liquid from a solid, demonstrates the liquid-solid system produced exists in its solid form, at a liquid content above what is described as its previous liquid limit or that previous liquid limit of the sorbent powder. The solid fractures and it will not flow without a specific external force being applied. With a low force input the solid will exhibit viscoelastic properties. If sufficiently disrupted though, even without the addition of further liquid, the system will fully transition to a liquid and not return to its solid state in the same time period it took to transition to a liquid. This phenomenon aids the pasting and spreading feature of the sorbent material of the present invention, allowing the right amount to be spread across the skin with excess falling off as reusable crumbled pieces.

[0086] EXAMPLES

[0087] Method 1

[0088] 8kg of ethanol at 10°C was decanted into a graduated 15L HDPE mixing vessel. A mechanical mixer was used to create a vortex and light magnesium carbonate powder was added until 3.680kg of solid had been added. This ratio of up to 1:2.38 solid to solvent was found to be optimum for yield and efficiencies sake. The prime focus when considering the ratio of solid to solvent is in obtaining a homogenous, fully dispersed suspension. Mixing was continued until all the added light magnesium carbonate powder was distributed throughout the liquid and no lumps were present.

[0089] Mixing was carried out at room temperature and the mixture was kept below 10°C at standard atmospheric pressure for 1 to 3 weeks until sedimentation occurred.

[0090] The suspension was allowed to settle. An upper layer containing primarily ethanol and an ever reducing proportion of magnesium carbonate powder is formed. Below this a layer of a more concentrated suspension (sludge zone) was formed as the solid powder settles. Sitting on the bottom of the vessel and increasing in height as the sedimentation progresses was a compressed layer containing the lowest liquid content. The sedimentation process was considered complete when either a sufficient amount of the compressed product had been formed or when the bottom layer had reached a steady state.

[0091] The various layers were tested using a glass rod dropped vertically oriented from the surface of the suspension, whilst the mixture is still settling the rod will penetrate the layers of the sludge zone. When the glass rod can barely penetrate the upper layer of sediment and gets stuck, sufficient sedimentation was confirmed.

[0092] The sedimentation process can be accelerated by the addition of uniform vibration to the magnesium carbonate-ethanol suspension.

[0093] Method 2

[0094] The process of Method 1 was followed and a sample of the settled magnesium carbonate was taken at any point after the first day and placed within a 15 micron filter membrane lined press mould and exposed to a compression force of 0.39MPa. Clear to cloudy solvent is expelled from the suspension and is collected to be reused. Once no pressure drop is observed, the desired conditions have been achieved and the finished product is extracted from the mould to be packaged.

[0095] This method was advantageous as it enabled further densification and liquid removal beyond what Method 1 could produce within a reasonable period of time. It also further enhanced the final product's solid state, reducing friability.

[0096] Method 3

[0097] An amount of solvent in the ratio of 1:1.88 solid:solvent was decanted into an appropriately sized beaker and dry carrier was added to it slowly until the aforementioned ratio was reached while mixing with an inert rod to form a paste of homogeneous consistency. The paste was then transferred into a 15 micron filter membrane lined press mould and exposed to a compression force of 0.39MPa. Clear to cloudy solvent is expelled from the suspension and is collected to be reused. Once no pressure drop was observed, the desired conditions were achieved and the finished product is extracted from the mould to be packaged.

[0098] Example 1

[0099] A sample of magnesium carbonate light (99.6% passing a 45 micron sieve) and 96% denatured ethanol v / v was prepared using Method 1 to the stated ratio of 1:2.38 then finished using Method 2 to a final pressure of 0.39Mpa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[00100] Example 2

[00101] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 0.39MPa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[00102] Examples

[00103] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using the initial steps of Method 3, instead of pressing, the sample was dried at 100°C at atmospheric pressure to provide a base sample for sorbent capacity testing. The resultant sample was a dry solid structure.

[00104] Example 4

[00105] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 46% denatured ethanol v / v (with the balance being water) was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 0.39Mpa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[00106] Example 5

[00107] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 99.9% isopropyl alcohol was prepared using the initial steps of Method 3, instead of pressing, the sample was dried at 100°C at atmospheric pressure to provide a base sample for sorbent capacity testing. The resultant sample was a dry solid structure.

[00108] Example 6

[00109] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 99.9% isopropyl alcohol was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 0.39Mpa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[00110] Example 7

[00111] A sample of calcium sulphate and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 0.39Mpa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[00113] 5A molecular sieves were ground in a pestle and mortar. The resultant powdered molecular sieves and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 0.39Mpa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[00114] Example 9

[00115] A sample of calcium carbonate and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 0.39Mpa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[00116] Example 10

[00117] A sample of magnesium sulphate and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 0.39MPa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[00118] Example 11

[00119] A sample of fumed silica and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using the initial steps of Method 3, instead of pressing to completion, the sample was then dried at 100°C at atmospheric pressure to provide a base sample for sorbent capacity testing. The resultant sample was a dry solid structure.

[00120] Example 12

[00121] A sample of fumed silica and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 0.39MPa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[00122] Example 13

[00123] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and water was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 0.39MPa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[00124] Example 14

[00125] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 99.9% acetone was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 0.39MPa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[00126] Example 15

[00127] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using Method 1 to the stated ratio of 1:2.38. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure near the sample’s sorption capacity, as calculated in Example 23.

[00129] A sample of fumed silica mixed with magnesium carbonate light to a ratio of 1:1.77, and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using Method 3 to the stated ratio of 1:1.88 to a final pressure of 0.39MPa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[00130] Example 17

[00131] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and water was prepared using the initial steps of Method 3 to the stated ratio of 1:1.88, instead of pressing to completion, the sample was then dried at 100°C at atmospheric pressure to provide a base sample for sorbent capacity testing. The resultant sample was a dry solid structure.

[00132] Example 18

[00133] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 96% denatured ethanol v / v was prepared using Method 1 to the stated ratio of 1:2.38 then finished using Method 2 to a final pressure of 0.59Mpa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[00134] Example 19

[00135] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 96% denatured ethanol v / v was prepared using method 1 to the stated ratio of 1:2.38 then finished using method 2 to a final pressure of 0.78Mpa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[00136] Example 20 - ‘liquid content %w / w’ and ‘liquid content / solid ratio’ in end product

[00137] Method:

[00138] Samples of the product were prepared and gathered at a point where it is reasonably expected the liquid content of such samples was at its highest whilst maintaining the solid physical characteristics of the product. For Production Method 1 this is understood to be at the first identifiable point in time a defined compression layer is created within the mixture. Excess non-sorbed liquid was drained and the sample was inspected for its solid properties. If the sample could be fractured into pieces the solid aspect of the product was satisfied and the sample was deemed to qualify for testing. The same rational for qualifying a sample’s solid properties was used for samples prepared using Method 2 or Method 3.

[00139] The wet mass of a sample was measured immediately following its production.

[00140] If the wet mass sample displayed sufficient viscoelastic properties such that it was assumed to be towards its liquid limit it was placed into a glass beaker, weighed and agitated to create sufficient stress such that the non-Newtonian thixotropic properties of the mixture enabled it to flow, evenly covering the internal base of the beaker.

[00141] All samples were placed on a heat source at 100 °C for at least 24 hours to speed up evaporation of the sorbed liquid. Measurements were taken intermittently at least 1 hours apart after the first 24 hours until the mass stabilised over three consecutive measurements, this final mass was recorded. At this point a dry mass was deemed to 5 have been produced and the liquid mass was calculated by subtracting the dry mass from the wet mass. The liquid content was calculated as a percentage by dividing the mass of liquid by the wet mass of the sample to give a liquid content percentage (LC %). The liquid content percentage is the percentage of liquid mass of the total mass of a sample that was tested. 10

[00142] Sample sizes were 50-300g of wet mass and measurements were taken on a Ohaus NVE2102 weighing scale with readability of 0.01g, repeatability of 0.02g and linearity of +-0.03g.

[00143] Example Tested Average Highest Recorded LC % m / m L / S Ratio LC % m / m L / S Ratio Example 6 61.03% 1.58 63.71% 1.76 Example 13 59.09% 1.44 59.09% 1.44 Example 2 56.14% 1.28 56.40% 1.29 Example 4 55.31% 1.24 55.31% 1.24 Example 9 26.58% 0.36 26.58% 0.36 Example 7 10.62% 0.12 10.62% 0.12 Example 8 28.81% 0.40 28.81% 0.40 Example 14 53.47% 1.15 53.47% 1.15 Example 10 19.51% 0.24 19.51% 0.24 Example 12 66.75% 2.01 66.75% 2.01 Example 15 65.26% 1.88 67.10% 2.04 Example 1 57.68% 1.36 58.76% 1.42 Example 18 49.49% 0.98 49.49% 0.98 Example 19 40.96% 0.69 40.96% 0.69 P0144] 15   

[00145] Example 21 Range of water content within volatile solvent

[00146] It is a beneficial and novel aspect of the invention to utilise the azeotropic effect from the combination of ethanol and water within the preferred embodiment of the invention, (for dryer mag carb delivery, more efficient cooling and drying) Therefore the water content of the volatile solvent is preferred to be within 0% and 50% and optimally within 3% and 20% and most optimally 4.4%.

[00147] The table below shows “Water Retention in Final Product" the subtitles below this title represent the possible extremes of how the present invention could interact with water, 5 present in the initial loading liquid. 100% represents the scenario where the mixture retains all of the water, 0% represents the composition of the invention if no water was retained and “Homogenous” represents the composition of the invention if the proportions of ethanol and water remain the same throughout. Water retention in final product Liquid Content m / m 100% Homogenous 0% Example 15 67.10% Solvent % m / m 61.39% 61.88% 67.10% Water % m / m 5.71% 5.22% 0.00% Example 1 57.68% Solvent % m / m 50.33% 53.20% 57.68% Water % m / m 7.35% 4.48% 0.00% Example 4 55.31% Solvent % m / m 0.00% 21.45% 55.31% Water % m / m 55.31% 33.86% 0.00% 10   

[00148] Example 22 - Density of final preferred product g / cm3

[00149] Samples of the invention were produced and their density was measured. A 100mL measuring cylinder was graduated using a scale to two decimal points to 100.00g using RO water and the meniscus was marked. Approx 25g of sample was added to the cylinder and the overall weight noted. It was left to equilibrate for 20 minutes. Water was 15 pipetted out until the meniscus reached the previous graduation mark and the new settled mass is noted. Density is calculated using water displaced vs mass of sample at measured temperature. Temperature was approximately 10 C throughout, this had a negligible effect on the density of water as rounding to the error of the scale results in the density being 1.00.

[00150] Samples Tested Avg Density Example 15 1.05 Example 1 1.09 Example 1 (dried) 1.31 Example 12 1.09 Example 14 1.15 Example 16 1.17

[00151] Example 23 - Examples of sorption capacity of post process dried samples (g / g sorbed)

[00152] A selection of the example compositions were dried at 100°C at atmospheric pressure. The determination of whether all solvent has been removed and the sample can be deemed “dry” can be determined by ensuring consistent mass readings of the solid sorbent material of three consecutive mass readings with each reading being one hour apart. If required the examples were carefully broken up into smaller pieces in order for them to fit in a test container. Whole pieces of samples from the examples were picked, weighed to two decimal places and placed in weighing boats towards one end. Various solvents were pipetted onto the upper surface of each sample, the solvent was then poured in to fully cover the sample. Samples were left submerged for 20 minutes or longer if bubbling persisted. The sample test containers were then carefully emptied of the respective solvent and placed with the sample end of the weighing boat slightly raised to enable excess solvent to pool at the bottom towards the other end of the boat. Each sample was carefully lifted and placed back down once in order to release any solvent held between it and the weighing boat. Excess runoff was pipetted away ensuring small solid debris remained within the boat. The boat was reweighed to two decimal places to find the final mass of the sample plus sorbed solvent. The total solvent sorbed by the carrier represents its sorption capacity for that particular solvent. The mass of sorbed solvent was calculated by subtracting the final mass of the sample from the starting mass of the sample. The liquid content of the final sorbent material, including the solvent and sample, (LCw / w%) was calculated as a percentage of the mass of sorbed solvent relative to the end mass of the solvent saturated sample. Each combination of carrier / solvent was repeated 3 times and averages were calculated.

[00153] TSDA1 refers to denatured alcohol comprising of an initial 999 parts ethanol with 1 part tertiary butyl alcohol along with 10mg / L of denatonium benzoate. To the resultant mixture water is added bringing the ethanol content down to 96%.

[00154] Sample Tested Liquid used for test % Liquid capacity of carrier in g / g Liquid Content %m / m of end mass Example 7 TSDA1 0.36 26.46% Example 10 TSDA1 1.29 56.27% Example 9 TSDA1 1.22 55.02% Example 8 TSDA1 1.34 57.31% Example 11 TSDA1 2.38 72.35% Example 11 Water 3.61 78.29% Example 12 TSDA1 2.59 71.67% Example 12(not dried) TSDA1 0.25 20.00% Example 5 IPA 2.56 71.88% Example 5 TSDA1 2.52 71.60% Example 6 TSDA1 2.40 70.56% Example 3 TSDA1 2.44 70.97% Example 1 TSDA1 2.33 69.88% Example 2 TSDA1 2.26 69.33% Example 4 TSDA1 2.03 67.00% Example 14 TSDA1 2.38 70.38% Example 17 TSDA1 1.63 61.90% Example 13 TSDA1 1.58 61.26% Example 15 TSDA1 2.65 72.59% Example 17 Water 2.40 70.57% Example 15 Water 2.61 72.27% 5

[00155]

[00156] Example 24 - Cooling effect and Drying time test

[00157] Performed after 20 minute warmup in a climbing gym to establish baseline hand temperature during climbing, measured and noted as the standard temperature. Reset procedure between tests was: 10 1. Warmup routine to maintain skin heat, 2. towel off excess chalk, 3. ethanol spray &towel to remove contaminants, 4. skin was allowed to reach baseline temperature, 5. application of testing sample, 6. towel, 7. ethanol &towel, 8. Repeat from step 1

[00158] Cooling effect to be tested via IR thermometer measurement of skin visible alongside evaporation rate within video recording of the entire process. Footage reviewed to determine evaporation rate via visual cue of chalk becoming entirely visible and all visible liquid gone.

[00159] Liquid chalks of various brands compared volumetrically. Applied using pipette and distributed across the skin using a silicon spatula for 10 concentric movements.

[00160] Gekco Liquid Chalk was compared against Example 1 by weighing out a set mass of Example 1 and by dispensing a visually similar application amount of Gekco Liquid Chalk. Due to drastically different composition and density of the two samples, weighing out the same mass of liquid chalk would have produced volumetrically a much bigger and incomparable sample size therefore a visual sample size was deemed most suitable. All samples were rubbed in with both hands for 4 seconds. Chalk Brand Evaporation (s) Temperature Reduction Volume mL Gekco Liquid 1 24 30-26 0.5 Gekco Liquid 2 59 30-26 0.5 Gekco Liquid 3 57 28.4-25 0.5 Chalk Rebels 56 29-27.5 0.5 Friction Labs 80% 1 63 28-26 0.5 Friction Labs 80% 2 62 27-24 0.5 Friction Labs S / A 265 28.4-23.7 0.5 Rock Technologies 128 27.9-25.2 0.5 Chalk Evaporation s Temperature Gekco Liquid 10 27.7 Gekco Liquid 2 5 27.2 FC 80% 9 27.5 Example 1 3 27.1 Example 1 3 27.7

[00161] Sample size in g for comparison against liquid chalk examples.

[00162] Samples of the preferred embodiment of the invention were produced. Wholly structured sample sizes of 0.1g, 0.2g, 0.3g, 0.4g, 0.5g were collected and weighed out. 5 Individually these samples were crushed and then rubbed between the palms of the hands for 10 circular revolutions. The hands were then opened and left facing upwards for 10 seconds of drying time. The hands were visually inspected for satisfactory coverage of the product. Satisfactory coverage was deemed as a mostly whole colour change of the palm with a white powder showing the presence of magnesium carbonate following the 10 evaporation of the solvent. 0.4g best represented satisfactory coverage.

[00163] Samples of the present invention were tested in the same way as the method to determine the mass to be used set out above. Sample Evaporation Time (s) Temperature change Notes Example 14 0 33.6-29.9= 3.7 Dry before 10 hand rubbing revolutions were completed Example 9 NA 26.8-25.5= 1.3 Dry before 10 hand rubbing revolutions were completed Example 7 NA 26.7-21.4=5.3 Dry before 10 hand rubbing revolutions were completed Example 12 6 27.4-24.3=3.1 Examples 16 6 33.5-32.1=1.4 Possibly sample too dry Example 1 3 27.5-22.7=4.8 Example 8 NA 28.3-26.8=1.5 Dry before 10 hand rubbing revolutions were completed Example 6 5 33.6-32.4=1.2

[00164] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[00165] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A solid sorbent material, wherein the solid sorbent material is a solid composition comprising a sorbent powder and a sorbed volatile solvent.

2. The solid sorbent material of claim 1, wherein the solid sorbent material is a wet impregnated solid that contains a liquid impregnated within the solid structure.

3. The solid sorbent material of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the4. The solid sorbent material of any preceding claim, wherein the volatile organicsolvent is present in an amount of: from 0.1% to 80%, 1% to 80%, 2.5% to 80%, 5% to 80%, 10% to 80%, 25% to 80%, 20% to 80%, 30% to 80%, 40% to 80%, 50% to 80%, 1% to 75%, 1% to 70%, 1% to 65%, 1% to 60%, 1% to 55%, 1% to 50%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, or 10% to 50% where the percentage is based on the sorption capacity of the solid sorbent material.

5. The solid sorbent material of any preceding claim, wherein the sorbent powder comprises from 0.01 to 80 w / w% of the volatile solvent based on the weight of the solid sorbent material.

6. The solid sorbent material of any preceding claim, wherein the sorbent powder may comprise from: 1 to 80 w / w%, 5 to 80 w / w%, 10 to 80 \NhN% , 15 to 80 w / w%, 20 to 80 w / w%, 30 to 80 40 to 80 w / w%, 10 to 50 w / w%, 10 to 60 w / w%, 10 to 70 \NhN%, 25to 75 w / w%, 30 to 75 w / w%, 40 to 75 w / w%, 50 to 75 w / w%, or 30 to 60 w / w% of the volatile solvent based on the weight of the solid sorbent material.

7. The solid sorbent material of any preceding claim, wherein the volatile solvent is different to the material that is to be sorbed by the sorbent material.

8. The solid sorbent material of any preceding claim, wherein the solid sorbent material is configured to evaporate the volatile solvent within 0 to 8 seconds when the sorbent material is rubbed between two hands to apply a layer of the sorbent powder on the hands.

9. The solid sorbent material of any preceding claim, wherein the sorbent powder may be a sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium salt, silica, activated charcoal or combinations thereof.

10. The solid sorbent material of any preceding claim, wherein the volatile solvent has a boiling point in the range of from 35 °C to 90 °C or is water.

11. The solid sorbent material of any preceding claim, wherein the volatile solvent is selected from: water, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, cyclopentane, n-pentane, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, cyclohexane, tert-butanol and combinations thereof.

12. The solid sorbent material of any preceding claim, wherein the sorbent powder is selected from: magnesium carbonate, calcium sulphate, powdered molecular sieves, calcium carbonate, magnesium sulphate, fumed silica and combinations thereof; and the volatile solvent is selected from: ethanol, acetone, isopropyl alcohol and water.

13. A method of manufacture of a solid sorbent material, the method comprising:suspending a sorbent powder within a volatile solvent to form a suspension;mixing the sorbent powder in the solvent;densifying the suspended sorbent powder; andremoving non-sorbed volatile solvent.

14. A method of claim 14, wherein the solid sorbent material is the solid sorbent material of any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. The method of claims 13 or 14, wherein the densification may be achieved by allowing the suspended solid to settle within the solvent to form a sedimented layer or by applying pressure to the suspension.

16. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the step of removing the nonsorbed solvent is done by filtration, decanting, compression or a combination thereof17. The method of any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the steps of densifying the suspended sorbent powder and removing non-sorbed volatile solvent is done by compression in a mould.

18. The method of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein compressing the suspended sorbent powder is done at a pressure of greater than 0.1 MPa,19. The method of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the method of manufacture further comprises the step of drying the solid sorbent material to reduce the amount of volatile solvent sorbed within the solid sorbent material.

20. A solid sorbent material of any of claims 1 to 12 produced by the method of any one of claims 13 to 19.

21. A packaged solid sorbent material of claims 1 to 12 and 20.

22. The packaged solid sorbent material of claim 21, wherein the solid sorbent material is packaged along with supernatant volatile solvent.

23. The packaged solid sorbent material of claim 21 or 22, wherein the packaged solid sorbent material is adapted to be stored in a refrigerator.