Moisture capture, storage and / or release compositions

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions comprising a first component which is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure and a second component which is a hygroscopic compound; methods for making such compositions; composites comprising such compositions; articles comprising such compositions and / or composites; and the use of such compositions and / or composites as flame retardants or humidity regulators.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to compositions comprising a first component which is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure and a second component which is a hygroscopic compound; methods for making such compositions; composites comprising such compositions; articles comprising such compositions and / or composites; and the use of such compositions and / or composites as flame retardants or humidity regulators. [Background technology]

[0002] Compositions that can capture, store, and / or release water or moisture are of interest in a wide variety of technical fields, such as air conditioning, fire retardants, absorbents, wetting agents, desiccants, or packaging.

[0003] The application of such materials can vary depending on the technical problem that needs to be addressed. For example, certain moisture-storing materials are used in fire prevention. These moisture-storing materials remove heat from a fire by endothermically releasing and / or evaporating the stored water at high temperatures. The release of water or moisture can slow the growth of a fire or, in rare cases, even extinguish the source of the fire. The endothermic release and / or evaporation of water or moisture can also directly dilute the oxygen content of the environment with inert water vapor. Depending on the nature of the moisture-storing material, the release and / or evaporation of water or moisture can be accompanied by complete decomposition of the material, which can contribute to endothermic heat removal and / or dilution of oxidizing gases.

[0004] Humidity-regulating materials, i.e., moisture-releasing and / or moisture-trapping materials, are often incorporated into food, cosmetic, and / or personal care products or used in packaging applications. For example, humectants trap and release water and / or moisture, thereby maintaining moisture in the product. Desiccants are also often used to remove water and / or moisture from the surroundings of moisture-sensitive products. In either case, humidity-regulating materials are used to prevent loss of product quality.

[0005] Known moisture scavenging, storage, and / or release compositions are sometimes difficult to handle, may exhibit certain toxicities, and / or are too reactive, which limits their use due to their direct exposure to consumables, interior working or living spaces, and / or the environment. For example, moisture scavenging, storage, and / or release silica-based compositions are often suspected of being carcinogenic when inhaled and are therefore often strictly regulated. Furthermore, known moisture scavenging, storage, and / or release materials often have the disadvantage of not being easily producible and / or available in large quantities and / or from renewable sources. Another disadvantage of known moisture scavenging, storage, and / or release materials is that the moisture content of such materials cannot be adjusted, i.e., these materials take up or release water or moisture in an uncontrollable manner. Furthermore, certain materials that may exhibit good moisture scavenging activity may have low stability due to their deliquescent nature, i.e., due to the fact that these materials dissolve in the water and / or moisture they capture. The aforementioned limitations of known moisture acquisition, storage, and / or release compositions complicate their use for certain technical applications, for example, as humidity control agents or as flame retardants.

[0006] In view of the above, there remains an interest in developing improved materials that capture, store, and / or release water and / or moisture as needed. Ideally, new materials for such purposes would overcome the aforementioned shortcomings of comparable materials known in the prior art. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide an improved moisture capture, storage, and / or release composition. It is desirable that the moisture and / or humidity content of a material can be adjusted. It is also desirable that the composition retain its physical form after capturing or releasing a specific amount of moisture. It is also desirable that the composition be easy to handle and / or be based on non-toxic materials. It is also desirable that the composition be free of silica and / or silicates. It is also desirable that the composition be easily manufactured and / or be manufactured from abundant, ideally renewable, raw materials. It is further desirable that the composition may be useful as a humidity regulator and / or flame retardant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One or more of the above mentioned objects may be achieved by the subject matter defined herein in the independent claims.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composition comprising a first component which is an inorganic mineral or inorganic mineral-like material having a porous structure, and a second component which is a hygroscopic compound.

[0010] Surprisingly, the present inventors have found that the composition of the present invention can capture, store, and / or release water and / or moisture in an adjustable and controlled manner. The composition of the present invention is stable, i.e., it does not change its aggregation state when it comes into contact with water or moisture, and is not toxic, irritating, or reactive. Therefore, the present invention provides an easy-to-handle and safe composition for capturing, storing, and / or releasing water and / or moisture. Furthermore, it has been found that the composition of the present invention can be used in various technical applications, such as a flame retardant or humidity regulator.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing the composition of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first component that is an inorganic mineral or inorganic mineral-like material having a porous structure; (b) providing a second component that is a hygroscopic compound; (c) mixing the first component of step (a) with the second component of step (b); (d) optionally drying the mixture obtained in step (c).

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composite material comprising the composition of the present invention.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of manufacture comprising the composition of the present invention and / or the composite material of the present invention.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of the inventive composition and / or the inventive composite as a flame retardant or as a humidity control agent, preferably as a drying agent or wetting agent.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material is a calcium carbonate-, magnesium carbonate-, calcium phosphate- and / or magnesium phosphate-containing material, preferably a calcium carbonate- and / or magnesium carbonate-containing material, more preferably surface-reacted calcium carbonate or hydromagnesite, and most preferably surface-reacted calcium carbonate.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the surface-reacted calcium carbonate is a mixture of natural ground calcium carbonate or precipitated calcium carbonate with carbon dioxide and one or more of HO. + The carbon dioxide is a reaction product with the ion donor, and this carbon dioxide is converted into HO + It may be formed in situ by treatment with an ion donor and / or supplied from an external source, preferably at least one HO + The ion donor is selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, sulfurous acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, acid salts, acetic acid, formic acid, mixtures thereof, and acid salts thereof, and more preferably phosphoric acid.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second component is present in anhydrous form, or the second component is present in at least partially hydrated and / or dissolved form.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the composition is a solid blend or the first component is impregnated with the second component.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the composition further comprises one or more coating and / or encapsulating agents.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hygroscopic compound is selected from the group consisting of salts, polyalkylene glycols, polyols, silicon-containing compounds, urea, α-hydroxy acids, and polymers, more preferably a hygroscopic salt, and most preferably calcium chloride.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hygroscopic compound in its anhydrous or partially hydrated form has a moisture uptake susceptibility of 0.01-4.00 g [H2O] / g [compound], preferably 0.01-3.0 g [H2O] / g [compound], more preferably 0.25-2.5 g [H2O] / g [compound], even more preferably 0.50-2.5 g [H2O] / g [compound], and most preferably 1.0-2.0 g [H2O] / g [compound] at 50% relative humidity, a temperature of +23°C (±2°C), and an equilibrium volume.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hygroscopic compound is present in an amount of 1.0 to 90% by weight, preferably 5.0 to 75% by weight, more preferably 7.5 to 60% by weight, and most preferably 10 to 40% by weight, calculated from the dry weight of the hygroscopic compound, based on the total dry weight of the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material and the hygroscopic compound.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material has a median particle size d of 1.0 μm to 100 μm, more preferably 2.0 μm to 80 μm, and most preferably 3.0 μm to 40 μm. 50 , and / or 20 to 200 m as measured by the BET nitrogen method 2 / g, more preferably 25 to 180m 2 / g, most preferably 30 to 100m 2 / g specific surface area.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material has a thickness of 0.1 to 2.3 cm, as calculated from mercury porosimetry measurements. 3 / g, more preferably 0.4 to 1.8 cm 3 / g, most preferably 0.6 to 1.6 cm 3 / g.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the composition has a total water content ranging from 1.0 to 90% by weight, preferably from 2.5 to 75% by weight, more preferably from 5.0 to 60% by weight, and most preferably from 10 to 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, step (c) is one or more solid blending steps, preferably providing the second component of step (b) in anhydrous or partially hydrated form; or Step (c) is one or more impregnation steps, preferably wherein the first component of step (a) is provided in solid form or in the form of an aqueous suspension, more preferably in solid form, and preferably wherein the second component of step (b) is provided in liquid form, more preferably in the form of an aqueous solution.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises the steps of: (f) providing a coating and / or encapsulant; (g) mixing the coating and / or encapsulating agent of step (f) with the mixture obtained in step (c) or (d).

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the composite material further comprises one or more materials selected from a polymer, an organic fiber, a binder, or a resin, and preferably the composite material further comprises a resin or a combination of a resin and an organic fiber.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the composition and / or the composite material is present throughout the entire product or only in at least one portion of the product, preferably in a surface or near-surface layer of the product.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the product is a wood-based board, wetting agent, or desiccant, preferably a wood-based board, more preferably a fiberboard or particleboard, and most preferably a particleboard, high density fiberboard (HDF), medium density fiberboard (MDF), low density fiberboard (LDF), oriented strand board (OSB), hardboard, or insulation board.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the flame retardant is part of a flame retardant product, preferably a flame retardant wood-based board, more preferably a flame retardant fiberboard or particleboard, most preferably particleboard, high density fiberboard (HDF) board, medium density fiberboard (MDF) board, low density fiberboard (LDF) board, oriented strand board (OSB), hardboard, or insulation board.

[0033] For purposes of the present invention, the following terms shall be understood to have the following meanings:

[0034] A "porous structure" in the sense of the present invention is a solid structure having interconnected pores, cavities, channels and / or interstices with a diameter of at least 0.2 nm, preferably between 0.2 nm and 2000 nm, which are accessible to an external liquid and / or gas. Preferably, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure described herein is characterized by displaying a measurable amount of intruded mercury using a mercury intrusion / extrusion porosimeter, such as, for example, a Micromeritics Autopore III.

[0035] A "hygroscopic compound" in the sense of the present invention is a compound that, in its anhydrous or partially hydrated form, is capable of binding water molecules from its surroundings. For example, water molecules may be bound by the hygroscopic compound by absorption and / or adsorption, which may be accompanied by a change in molecular structure and / or physical properties. Preferably, the hygroscopic compound according to the present invention, in its anhydrous or partially hydrated form, has a moisture uptake sensitivity at 50% relative humidity, a temperature of +23°C (±2°C), and equilibrium volume of 0.01 to 4.00 g [H2O] / g [compound], preferably 0.01 to 3.0 g [H2O] / g [compound], more preferably 0.25 to 2.5 g [H2O] / g [compound], even more preferably 0.50 to 2.5 g [H2O] / g [compound], and most preferably 1.0 to 2.0 g [H2O] / g [compound].

[0036] The "anhydrous form" of a hygroscopic compound according to the present invention refers to a hygroscopic compound that has essentially no or very few bound water molecules.

[0037] The "partially hydrated form" of a hygroscopic compound according to the present invention refers to a hygroscopic compound that is not anhydrous, i.e., a hygroscopic compound that has already been exposed to water and / or moisture, but is still capable of absorbing and / or adsorbing water molecules from its surroundings.

[0038] Specific pore volume is measured using mercury intrusion porosimetry using a Micromeritics Autopore V 9620 mercury porosimeter with a maximum applied mercury pressure of 414 MPa (60,000 psi), equivalent to a Laplace throat diameter of 0.004 μm (~nm). For analysis, sample material is placed in a 5 cm 3 The powder is sealed in a powder penetrometer chamber. Data are corrected for mercury compression, penetrometer expansion, and sample material compression using the software Pore-Comp (Gane, PAC, Kettle, JP, Matthews, GP, and Ridgway, CJ, "Void Space Structure of Compressible Polymer Spheres and Consolidated Calcium Carbonate Paper-Coating Formulations," Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, 35(5), 1996, pp. 1753-1764).

[0039] For purposes of this invention, "acid" is defined as a Bronsted-Lowry acid, i.e., it is an acid that reacts with HO + It is an ion donor. "Acid salt" is H3O + An ion donor, such as a hydrogen-containing salt, is defined as a partially neutralized salt with an electropositive element. A "salt" is defined as an electrically neutral ionic compound formed from an anion and a cation. A "partially crystalline salt" is defined as a salt that exhibits an essentially discrete diffraction pattern in XRD analysis.

[0040] According to the present invention, pK a is the symbol for the acid dissociation constant associated with a given ionic hydrogen in a given acid, and indicates the rate at which this hydrogen spontaneously dissociates from the acid at equilibrium in water at a given temperature. aValues can be found in reference textbooks such as "Quantitative Chemical Analysis: Third Edition" by DC Harris, 1991, WH Freeman Company (USA), ISBN 0-7167-2170-8.

[0041] "Ground calcium carbonate" (GCC) in the sense of the present invention is calcium carbonate obtained from natural sources such as limestone, marble, dolomite, or chalk and processed through wet and / or dry processes such as grinding, screening, and / or fractionation, for example by means of a cyclone or classifier.

[0042] "Precipitated calcium carbonate" (PCC) in the sense of the present invention is a synthetic material obtained by precipitation following the reaction of carbon dioxide with lime in an aqueous, semi-arid or humid environment, or by precipitation of calcium with a source of carbonate ions in water. PCC can be in the crystalline form of vaterite, calcite or aragonite.

[0043] For purposes of the present invention, "surface-reacted calcium carbonate" is a material comprising calcium carbonate and, preferably, an insoluble, at least partially crystalline, non-carbonate calcium salt extending from at least a portion of the surface of the calcium carbonate. The calcium ions forming the at least partially crystalline, non-carbonate calcium salt are predominantly derived from the starting calcium carbonate material that also serves to form the core of the surface-reacted calcium carbonate. Such salts are preferably OH - It may contain anions and / or water of crystallization.

[0044] In the sense of the present invention, a "water-insoluble" material is defined as a material that, when mixed with deionized water and filtered at 20° C. using a filter having a pore size of 0.2 μm, and the liquid filtrate recovered, results in the recovery of less than or equal to 0.1 g of solid material after evaporating 100 g of the liquid filtrate at 95-100° C. A "water-soluble" material is defined as a material that results in the recovery of more than 0.1 g of solid material after evaporating 100 g of the liquid filtrate at 95-100° C.

[0045] Throughout this specification, the "particle size" of calcium carbonate and other materials is described by its particle size distribution. x The value is given by the formula: x wt% of particles are d x This refers to the diameter of the 20 The value is the particle size below which 20% by weight of all particles are smaller than d 75 This value means that 75% by weight of all particles have a particle size smaller than this value. 50 is the weight median particle size, i.e., 50% by weight of all particles are larger or smaller than this particle size. For the purposes of this invention, particle size is referred to as the weight median particle size d unless otherwise specified. 50 It is defined as the weight median particle size d 50 A Sedigraph can be used to determine the particle size. For purposes of this invention, the "particle size" of the surface-reacted calcium is described as a particle size distribution measured by volume. A particle size distribution measured by volume, e.g., the volume median particle size (d 50 ) or top cut particle size measured by volume (d 98 For the determination of particle size, a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 can be used. If all particles have the same density, the particle size distribution measured by weight can correspond to the particle size measured by volume.

[0046] The "specific surface area (SSA)" of calcium carbonate in the sense of the present invention is defined as the surface area of calcium carbonate divided by its mass. The specific surface area is measured by nitrogen gas adsorption using the BET isotherm (ISO 9277:2010) and is expressed in m 2 It is specified as / g.

[0047] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "viscosity" or "Brookfield viscosity" refers to the Brookfield viscosity, measured for this purpose on a Brookfield (RVT type) viscometer at 20°C ± 2°C with the appropriate spindle at 100 rpm and specified in mPa·s.

[0048] A "suspension" or "slurry" in the sense of the present invention comprises insoluble solids and water, and optionally further additives, and will usually contain a large amount of solids and may therefore be more viscous and have a higher density than the liquid from which it is formed.

[0049] Where the term "comprising" is used in the present description and claims, it does not exclude other elements. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "consisting of" is considered to be a preferred embodiment of the term "comprising of". Hereinafter, when a group is defined to include at least a certain number of embodiments, this should be understood to disclose a group that preferably consists only of these embodiments.

[0050] When an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun, for example "a", "an" or "the", this includes a plural of that noun unless otherwise stated.

[0051] Terms such as "obtainable" or "definable" and "obtained" or "defined" are used interchangeably. This means, for example, that unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the term "obtained" does not indicate that an embodiment must be obtained by, for example, the sequence of steps following the term "obtained," but that such a limited understanding is always included by the term "obtained" or "defined" as a preferred embodiment.

[0052] The composition of the present invention comprises a first component which is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure, and a second component which is a hygroscopic compound.

[0053] The details and preferred embodiments of the composition of the present invention are described in more detail below, and it should be understood that these technical details and embodiments also apply to the method of the present invention for producing the composition, the composite material of the present invention comprising the composition, the product of the present invention comprising the composite material and / or the composition, and the use of the composition and / or the composite material according to the present invention.

[0054] 1. Compositions according to the present invention

[0055] First component One requirement of the compositions of the present invention is that they include a first component that is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure.

[0056] The first component will now be described in more detail. The terms "first component" and "inorganic mineral or mineral-like material" are used interchangeably. Thus, all embodiments referring to "first component" also disclose "inorganic mineral or mineral-like material," and vice versa.

[0057] It is understood that the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material according to the present invention is present in the composition of the present invention in solid form.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the first component is an inorganic mineral material, which can be selected from any inorganic mineral material known in the art, as long as the inorganic mineral material has a porous structure.

[0059] According to an alternative embodiment, the first component is an inorganic mineral-like material. An "inorganic mineral-like material" in the sense of the present invention is an inorganic material that does not occur in nature. For example, the inorganic mineral-like material may be a synthetic inorganic salt such as precipitated calcium carbonate.

[0060] Inorganic minerals or mineral-like materials having specific physical properties are preferred for the present invention.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material has a median particle size d of 1.0 μm to 100 μm, more preferably 2.0 μm to 80 μm, and most preferably 3.0 μm to 40 μm. 50 It has.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material has a nitrogen content of 20 to 200 m as measured by the BET nitrogen method. 2 / g, more preferably 25 to 180m 2 / g, and most preferably 30 to 100 m 2 / g specific surface area.

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material has a median particle size d of 1.0 μm to 100 μm, more preferably 2.0 μm to 80 μm, and most preferably 3.0 μm to 40 μm. 50 and has a viscosity of 20 to 200 m when measured by the BET nitrogen method. 2 / g, more preferably 25 to 180m 2 / g, most preferably 30 to 100m 2 / g specific surface area.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material has a surface area of 0.1 to 2.3 cm, as calculated from mercury porosimetry measurements. 3 / g, more preferably 0.4 to 1.8 cm 3 / g, and most preferably 0.6 to 1.6 cm 3 / g.

[0065] Certain inorganic mineral or mineral-like materials are preferred for the present invention.

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material is a calcium carbonate-, magnesium carbonate-, calcium phosphate- and / or magnesium phosphate-containing material, more preferably a calcium carbonate- and / or magnesium carbonate-containing material.

[0067] The first component may be essentially free of silica- and / or silicate-containing materials. Thus, according to one preferred embodiment, the first component is free of silica- and / or silicate-containing materials.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material is a calcium phosphate-containing material, which may include, for example, octacalcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, chlorapatite, fluoroapatite, carbonate apatite, and mixtures thereof, and is preferably a hydroxyapatite-containing material.

[0069] Furthermore, the calcium phosphate-containing material may be a natural or synthetic calcium phosphate-containing material. For example, the synthetic calcium phosphate-containing material may be a precipitated calcium phosphate-containing material. One option for producing a precipitated calcium phosphate-containing material is by reacting natural or synthetic calcium carbonate with phosphoric acid.

[0070] According to one preferred embodiment, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material is a precipitated calcium phosphate-containing material, more preferably a surface-reacted calcium carbonate, wherein the surface-reacted calcium carbonate is a mixture of natural ground calcium carbonate or precipitated calcium carbonate with carbon dioxide and one or more HO. + The reaction product with the ion donor is carbon dioxide, which is H3O + formed in situ by treatment with an ion donor and / or supplied from an external source and HO + The ion donor is phosphoric acid.

[0071] According to another embodiment, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material is a magnesium phosphate-containing material.

[0072] According to another embodiment, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material is a calcium carbonate-containing material. For example, the calcium carbonate-containing material may be natural ground calcium carbonate, precipitated calcium carbonate, surface-reacted calcium carbonate, or a mixture thereof.

[0073] According to another embodiment, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material is a magnesium carbonate-containing material. For example, the magnesium carbonate-containing material may be hydromagnesite, upsalite, or hydrotalcite.

[0074] It should be understood that the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material may also be a material containing calcium carbonate-containing material and magnesium carbonate-containing material, or alternatively, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material may be a material containing calcium carbonate-containing material and calcium phosphate-containing material.

[0075] According to another preferred embodiment, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material is a calcium carbonate-containing material and / or a calcium phosphate-containing material.

[0076] Certain materials from the group consisting of calcium carbonate-containing materials and / or magnesium carbonate-containing materials are more preferred for the present invention.

[0077] According to a preferred embodiment, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material is surface-reacted calcium carbonate or hydromagnesite, preferably surface-reacted calcium carbonate.

[0078] Thus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material is hydromagnesite. Hydromagnesite is defined by the chemical formula: Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2·4H2O and is well known to those skilled in the art. Hydromagnesite can be used in any available form. According to one embodiment, the hydromagnesite is naturally occurring or synthetic hydromagnesite. According to a preferred embodiment, the hydromagnesite is synthetic hydromagnesite, more preferably precipitated hydromagnesite.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material is hydromagnesite and has a median particle size d of 1.0 μm to 100 μm, more preferably 2.0 μm to 80 μm, and most preferably 3.0 μm to 40 μm. 50 It has.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material is hydromagnesite, having a median particle size d of 1.0 μm to 100 μm, more preferably 2.0 μm to 80 μm, and most preferably 3.0 μm to 40 μm. 50 and has a viscosity of 20 to 200 m when measured by the BET nitrogen method. 2 / g, more preferably 25 to 180m 2 / g, most preferably 30 to 100m 2 / g median particle size d 50 It has.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material is hydromagnesite and has a porosity of 0.1 to 2.3 cm, as calculated from mercury porosimetry measurements. 3 / g, more preferably 0.4 to 1.8 cm 3 / g, and most preferably 0.6 to 1.6 cm 3 / g. For example, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material may be hydromagnesite, which has an intra-particle indented specific pore volume in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 cm3 / g, as calculated from mercury porosimetry measurements. 3 / g.

[0082] As mentioned above, a particularly preferred inorganic mineral or mineral-like material according to the present invention is surface-reacted calcium carbonate.

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the surface-reacted calcium carbonate is a mixture of natural ground calcium carbonate or precipitated calcium carbonate with carbon dioxide and one or more of HO. + The reaction product with the ion donor, where carbon dioxide is H3O + This HO may be formed in situ by treatment with an ion donor and / or may be supplied from an external source, preferably at least one + The ion donor is selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, sulfurous acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, acid salts, acetic acid, formic acid, mixtures thereof, and acid salts thereof, and more preferably phosphoric acid.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the surface-reacted calcium carbonate is obtained by a process comprising the following steps: (a) providing a suspension of natural or precipitated calcium carbonate; (b) adding to the suspension of step (a) a solution containing a pK of 0 or less at 20°C; a or pK value between 0 and 2.5 at 20°C a adding at least one acid having a value of (c) treating the suspension of step (a) with carbon dioxide before, during, or after step (b). According to another embodiment, the surface-reacted calcium carbonate is obtained by a process comprising the following steps: (A) providing natural or precipitated calcium carbonate; (B) providing at least one water-soluble acid; (C) providing CO2 gas; (D) contacting the natural or precipitated calcium carbonate of step (A) with at least one acid of step (B) and with CO of step (C); wherein the process is characterized by: (i) at least one of said acids in step (B) has a pK at 20°C, relative to the ionization of its first available hydrogen, of greater than 2.5 and less than or equal to 7; a and the corresponding anion is formed upon loss of this first available hydrogen capable of forming a water-soluble calcium salt; and (ii) after contacting the natural or precipitated calcium carbonate with at least one of said acids, the hydrogen-containing salt has a pK, relative to the ionization of the first available hydrogen, of greater than 7 at 20°C; a and if the salt anion is capable of forming a water-insoluble calcium salt, additionally providing at least one water-soluble salt.

[0085] "Natural ground calcium carbonate" (GCC) is preferably selected from calcium carbonate-containing minerals selected from the group including marble, chalk, limestone, and mixtures thereof. Natural ground calcium carbonate may further include naturally occurring components such as magnesium carbonate, aluminosilicates, etc.

[0086] In general, the grinding of natural ground calcium carbonate can be carried out by a dry or wet grinding process, for example, using any conventional grinding equipment, i.e., one or more of the following, under conditions where most of the grinding occurs as a result of impact with secondary objects: ball mills, rod mills, vibratory mills, roll crushers, centrifugal impact mills, vertical bead mills, attrition crushers, pin mills, hammer mills, crushers, shredders, decramber, knife cutters, or other such equipment known to those skilled in the art. When the calcium carbonate-containing mineral material containing mineral material comprises wet-ground calcium carbonate containing mineral material, the grinding process may be carried out under conditions where autogenous grinding occurs and / or by horizontal ball milling and / or by other such processes known to those skilled in the art. The wet-processed ground calcium carbonate containing mineral material thus obtained can be washed and dewatered by known processes, for example, by flocculation, filtration, or forced evaporation, before drying. The subsequent drying step (if necessary) can be carried out in a single step, such as spray drying, or in at least two steps. Such mineral materials are also typically subjected to beneficiation processes (such as flotation, bleaching or magnetic separation processes) to remove impurities.

[0087] "Precipitated calcium carbonate" (PCC) in the sense of the present invention is a synthetic material generally obtained by precipitation following the reaction of carbon dioxide with calcium hydroxide in an aqueous environment, or by precipitation of calcium and carbonate ions from solution, e.g., CaCl2 and Na2CO3. Further possible methods for producing PCC are the lime-soda process or the Solvay process, in which PCC is a by-product of ammonia production. Precipitated calcium carbonate exists in three primary crystalline forms: calcite, aragonite, and vaterite, and for each of these crystalline forms, many different polymorphs (crystal habits) exist. Calcite has a trigonal crystal structure with typical crystal habits such as scalenohedral (S-PCC), rhombohedral (R-PCC), hexagonal prismatic, tabular, colloidal (C-PCC), cubic, and prismatic (P-PCC). Aragonite has an orthorhombic structure with a typical crystal habit of twinned hexagonal prisms, but also structures with a varied assortment of thin, elongated prisms, curved blades, steeply sloped pyramids, chisel-like crystals, branched tree forms, and coral- or worm-like morphologies. Vaterite belongs to the hexagonal crystal system. The resulting aqueous PCC slurry solution can be mechanically dewatered and dried.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the precipitated calcium carbonate is a precipitated calcium carbonate, preferably comprising the mineralogical crystal forms of aragonite, vaterite, or calcite, or mixtures thereof.

[0089] Precipitated calcium carbonate is prepared by grinding natural calcium carbonate as described above with carbon dioxide and at least one HCl solution. + It may be milled prior to treatment with the ion donor.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the natural ground calcium carbonate or precipitated calcium carbonate has a weight median particle size d of 0.05 to 10.0 μm, preferably 0.2 to 5.0 μm, most preferably 0.4 to 3.0 μm. 50According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the natural ground calcium carbonate or precipitated calcium carbonate has a weighted top cut particle size d of 0.15 to 30 μm, preferably 0.6 to 15 μm, more preferably 1.2 to 10 μm, most preferably 1.5 to 4 μm, especially 1.6 μm. 98 The particle form has the formula:

[0091] The natural ground calcium carbonate and / or precipitated calcium carbonate can be used in dry form or suspended in water. Preferably, the corresponding slurry has a content of natural ground calcium carbonate or precipitated calcium carbonate in the range of 1% to 90% by weight, more preferably 3% to 60% by weight, even more preferably 5% to 40% by weight, and most preferably 10% to 25% by weight, based on the weight of the slurry.

[0092] One or more H₃O particles used for the preparation of surface-reacted calcium carbonate + The ion donor is HO under the preparation conditions. + The acid may be any strong, medium-strong, or weak acid, or mixture thereof, that produces ions. + The ion donor is HO under the preparation conditions. + It may also be an acid salt that generates ions.

[0093] According to one embodiment, at least one HO + The ion donor has a pK of 0 or less at 20°C. a It is a strong acid having the formula:

[0094] According to another embodiment, at least one HO + The ion donor has a pK of 0–2.5 at 20°C. a It is a moderately strong acid with a pK at 20°C. a When pK at 20°C is 0 or less, the acid is preferably selected from sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, or a mixture thereof. a If is between 0 and 2.5, this H3O +The ion donor is preferably selected from H2SO3, H3PO4, oxalic acid, or mixtures thereof. + The ion donor can also be an acid salt, e.g., Li + , Na + Or K + HSO4 that is at least partially neutralized by the corresponding cation such as - or H2PO4 - , or Li + , Na + , K. + , Mg 2+ or Ca 2+ HPO4 that has been at least partially neutralized by the corresponding cation such as 2- At least one H3O + The ion donor may also be a mixture of one or more acids and one or more acid salts.

[0095] According to yet another embodiment, at least one HO + The ion donor has a pK, relative to the ionization of the first available hydrogen, greater than 2.5 and less than or equal to 7, as measured at 20°C. a value and have a corresponding anion capable of forming a water-soluble calcium salt. Subsequently, the hydrogen-containing salt has a pK value, relative to the ionization of the first available hydrogen, greater than 7 when measured at 20°C. a and if the salt anion is capable of forming a water-insoluble calcium salt, at least one water-soluble salt is additionally provided. According to a more preferred embodiment, the weak acid has a pK of greater than 2.5 to 5 at 20°C. aPreferably, the weak acid is selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, formic acid, propanoic acid, and mixtures thereof. An exemplary cation of the water-soluble salt is selected from the group consisting of potassium, sodium, lithium, and mixtures thereof. In a more preferred embodiment, the cation is sodium or potassium. An exemplary anion of the water-soluble salt is selected from the group consisting of phosphate, dihydrogen phosphate, monohydrogen phosphate, oxalate, silicate, mixtures thereof, and hydrates thereof. In a more preferred embodiment, the anion is selected from the group consisting of phosphate, dihydrogen phosphate, monohydrogen phosphate, mixtures thereof, and hydrates thereof. In a most preferred embodiment, the anion is selected from the group consisting of dihydrogen phosphate, monohydrogen phosphate, mixtures thereof, and hydrates thereof. The addition of the water-soluble salt may be carried out dropwise or in one step. If added dropwise, the addition is preferably carried out within a period of 10 minutes. It is more preferred to add the salt in one step.

[0096] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one HO + The ion donor is selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, sulfurous acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, at least one HO + Ion donors are hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, sulfurous acid, phosphoric acid, and oxalic acid; Li + , Na + Or K + H2PO4 that is at least partially neutralized by the corresponding cation, such as - ;Li + , Na + , K. + , Mg 2+ or Ca 2+ HPO4 that has been at least partially neutralized by the corresponding cation such as 2- and mixtures thereof, more preferably the at least one acid is selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, sulfurous acid, phosphoric acid, oxalic acid, or mixtures thereof. +The ion donor is phosphoric acid.

[0097] One or more H3O + The ion donor can be added to the suspension as a concentrated solution or as a more dilute solution. Preferably, HO for natural or precipitated calcium carbonate. + The molar ratio of the ion donor is 0.01 to 4, more preferably 0.02 to 2, even more preferably 0.05 to 1, and most preferably 0.1 to 0.58.

[0098] Alternatively, natural or precipitated calcium carbonate may be added to the suspension in water prior to suspending. + An ion donor can also be added to the water.

[0099] In the next step, the natural or precipitated calcium carbonate is treated with carbon dioxide. + When a strong acid such as sulfuric or hydrochloric acid is used for treatment with the ion donor, carbon dioxide is automatically formed. Alternatively or additionally, carbon dioxide can be supplied from an external source.

[0100] H3O + The ion donor treatment and the carbon dioxide treatment can be carried out simultaneously, which is the case when a strong or moderately strong acid is used. For example, a pK of 0-2.5 at 20°C is used. a First, using a medium-strong acid with + An ion donor treatment can also be performed where carbon dioxide is formed in situ, thus the carbon dioxide treatment can be performed without HO + This will be carried out automatically at the same time as the treatment with the ion donor, followed by an additional treatment with carbon dioxide supplied from an external source.

[0101] Preferably, the concentration of carbon dioxide gas in the suspension is adjusted so that the ratio of (volume of suspension):(volume of carbon dioxide gas) in volume terms is 1:0.05 to 1:20, more preferably 1:0.05 to 1:5.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, HO + The ion donor treatment step and / or the carbon dioxide treatment step are repeated at least once, more preferably several times. + The ion donor is added over a period of at least about 5 minutes, typically about 5 to about 30 minutes. + The ion donor is added over a period of about 30 minutes, preferably about 45 minutes, and sometimes about 1 hour or more.

[0103] H3O + Following the ion donor treatment and the carbon dioxide treatment, the pH of the aqueous suspension, measured at 20°C, spontaneously reaches a value greater than 6.0, preferably greater than 6.5, more preferably greater than 7.0, and even more preferably greater than 7.5, thereby preparing the surface-reacted natural or precipitated calcium carbonate as an aqueous suspension having a pH greater than 6.0, preferably greater than 6.5, more preferably greater than 7.0, and even more preferably greater than 7.5.

[0104] H3O + It is understood that the ion donor treatment and the carbon dioxide treatment can be carried out over a wide temperature range. + The ion donor treatment and carbon dioxide treatment can be carried out at room temperature or at elevated temperatures. + When the ion donor treatment and carbon dioxide treatment are carried out at high temperatures, the treatment is preferably carried out in the range of 30 to 90°C, more preferably 40 to 80°C, most preferably 50 to 80°C, for example 60 to 80°C.

[0105] Further details regarding the preparation of surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate are disclosed in WO 00 / 39222 A1, WO 2004 / 083316 A1, WO 2005 / 121257 A2, WO 2009 / 074492 A1, EP 2 264 108 A1, EP 2 264 109 A1, and US 2004 / 0020410 A1, the contents of which references are incorporated herein.

[0106] Similarly, surface-reacted precipitated calcium carbonate can be obtained. As can be seen in detail from WO 2009 / 074492 A1, surface-reacted precipitated calcium carbonate is obtained by reacting precipitated calcium carbonate in an aqueous medium with HO. + and anions capable of being solubilized in an aqueous medium and forming water-insoluble calcium salts thereof to form a slurry of surface-reacted precipitated calcium carbonate, wherein the surface-reacted precipitated calcium carbonate comprises at least partially crystalline insoluble calcium salts of said anions formed on the surface of at least a portion of the precipitated calcium carbonate.

[0107] The solubilized calcium ions are dissolved in HO + corresponds to the excess solubilized calcium ions relative to the solubilized calcium ions naturally produced upon dissolution of precipitated calcium carbonate by ions, where this HO + The ions are provided solely in the form of counterions to the anions, i.e., through the addition of the anions in the form of acids or non-calcium acid salts, and in the absence of any further calcium ions or calcium ion generating sources.

[0108] The excess solubilized calcium ions are preferably provided by the addition of a soluble neutral or acid calcium salt, or by the addition of an acid which generates a soluble neutral or acid calcium salt in situ, or a neutral or acid non-calcium salt.

[0109] This H3O+ The ions may be provided by the addition of an acid or an acid salt of the anion, or by the addition of an acid or acid salt which simultaneously serves to provide all or part of the excess solubilized calcium ions.

[0110] In a further preferred embodiment of the preparation of surface-reacted natural or precipitated calcium carbonate, the natural or precipitated calcium carbonate is reacted with the acid and / or carbon dioxide as described above in the presence of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of silicates, silica, aluminum hydroxide, alkaline earth aluminates such as sodium or potassium aluminate, magnesium oxide, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the at least one silicate is selected from aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, or alkaline earth metal silicates. These components can be added to the aqueous suspension comprising the ground natural or precipitated calcium carbonate before the addition of the acid and / or carbon dioxide.

[0111] Alternatively, the silicate and / or silica and / or aluminum hydroxide and / or alkaline earth aluminate and / or magnesium oxide components can be added to the aqueous suspension of natural or precipitated calcium carbonate while the reaction of the natural or precipitated calcium carbonate with the acid and carbon dioxide has already begun. Details regarding the preparation of surface-reacted natural or surface-reacted precipitated calcium carbonate in the presence of at least one silicate and / or silica and / or aluminum hydroxide and / or alkaline earth aluminate component are disclosed in WO 2004 / 083316 A1, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0112] The surface-reacted calcium carbonate can be kept in suspension and optionally further stabilized by a dispersing agent. Conventional dispersing agents known to those skilled in the art can be used. Preferred dispersing agents are comprised of polyacrylic acid and / or carboxymethyl cellulose.

[0113] Alternatively, the aqueous suspension described above can be dried, thereby obtaining solid (i.e., dry or containing so little water that it is not in fluid form) surface-reacted natural or precipitated calcium carbonate in the form of granules or powder.

[0114] The surface-reacted calcium carbonate may have different particle shapes, for example, rose, golf ball and / or brain shapes.

[0115] In one embodiment, the surface-reacted calcium carbonate has a surface-reacted pH of 20 m as measured using nitrogen and BET methods. 2 / g~200m 2 / g, preferably 25m 2 / g~180m 2 / g, most preferably 30m 2 / g~100m 2 / g. BET specific surface area in the sense of the present invention is defined as the surface area of the particle divided by the mass of the particle. As used herein, specific surface area is measured by adsorption using the BET isotherm (ISO 9277:2010) and is expressed as m 2 It is specified as / g.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the surface-reacted calcium carbonate has a median particle size d of 1.0 to 100 μm, more preferably 2.0 to 80 μm, most preferably 3.0 to 40 μm. 50 Furthermore, the surface-reacted calcium carbonate particles have a volume top cut particle size d of 2 to 150 μm, preferably 4 to 100 μm, more preferably 6 to 80 μm, even more preferably 8 to 60 μm, and most preferably 8 to 30 μm. 98 It is preferred that the compound has the following structure:

[0117] d x The value is given by the formula: x wt% of particles are d x This refers to the diameter of the 98 The value means that 98% by weight of all particles have a particle size smaller than this value. 98 The value is also called the "top cut." xThe value can be given as a volume percentage or as a weight percentage. 50 (wt) is the weight median particle size, i.e., the particle size below which 50% of all particles by weight are smaller, and d 50 (vol) is the volume median particle size, i.e., the particle size below which 50% by volume of all particles are smaller.

[0118] Volume median particle size d 50 was measured using a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 Laser Diffraction System. 50 or d 98 The values indicate that 50% or 98% by volume of the particles have a diameter smaller than this value, respectively. The raw data obtained from the measurements are analyzed using Mie theory, with a particle refractive index of 1.57 and an absorption coefficient of 0.005.

[0119] The weight median particle size is determined by the sedimentation method, which is an analysis of sedimentation behavior in the field of gravimetry. Measurements are made using a Sedigraph™ 5100 or 5120 from Micromeritics Instrument Corporation. The method and instrument are known to those skilled in the art and are commonly used to determine particle size of fillers and pigments. Measurements are carried out in an aqueous solution of 0.1 wt% Na4P2O7. The sample is dispersed using a high-speed stirrer and sonicated.

[0120] This process and instrumentation is known to those skilled in the art and is commonly used to determine particle size of fillers and pigments.

[0121] Specific pore volume is measured using mercury intrusion porosimetry using a Micromeritics Autopore V 9620 mercury porosimeter with a maximum applied pressure of 414 MPa (60,000 psi), equivalent to a Laplace throat diameter of 0.004 μm (~nm). The equilibration time used at each pressure step is 20 seconds. For analysis, the sample material is placed in a 5 cm 3 The powder is sealed in a powder penetrometer chamber. Data are corrected for mercury compression, penetrometer expansion, and sample material compression using the software Pore-Comp (Gane, PAC, Kettle, JP, Matthews, GP, and Ridgway, CJ, "Void Space Structure of Compressible Polymer Spheres and Consolidated Calcium Carbonate Paper-Coating Formulations," Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, 35(5), 1996, pp. 1753-1764).

[0122] The total pore volume seen in the integrated intrusion data can be separated into two regions with penetration data ranging from 214 μm down to approximately 1-4 μm, indicating a strong contribution from coarse packing of the sample between any aggregate structures. Below these diameters, there is fine interparticle packing of the particles themselves. If the particles also contain intraparticle pores, this region is bimodal, and the specific intraparticle pore volume is defined as the specific pore volume of mercury intrusion into pores narrower than the inflection point of the bimodal distribution. The sum of these three regions gives the total pore volume of the powder, but is heavily influenced by the precipitation of powder at the coarse pore end of the original sample compaction / distribution.

[0123] Taking the first derivative of the cumulative penetration curve reveals a pore size distribution based on the equivalent Laplace diameter, which necessarily includes pore blocking. The derivative curve clearly shows the coarse aggregate pore structure region, the interparticle pore region, and, if present, the intraparticle pore region. Once the intraparticle pore size range is known, it is possible to subtract the remaining interparticle and interaggregate pore volumes from the total pore volume to obtain only the desired internal pore volume as pore volume per unit mass (specific pore volume). Of course, the same subtraction principle applies to isolating any other pore size region of interest.

[0124] Preferably, the surface-reacted calcium carbonate has a thickness of 0.1 to 2.3 cm, as calculated from mercury porosimetry measurements. 3 / g, more preferably 0.2 to 2.0 cm 3 / g, particularly preferably 0.4 to 1.8 cm 3 / g, most preferably 0.6 to 1.6 cm 3 For example, surface-reacted calcium carbonate has an intraparticle indented specific pore volume in the range of 0.5-1.0 cm / g, calculated from mercury porosimetry measurements. 3 / g.

[0125] The intraparticle pore size of the surface-reacted calcium carbonate is preferably in the range of 0.004 to 1.6 μm, more preferably 0.005 to 1.3 μm, particularly preferably 0.006 to 1.15 μm, and most preferably 0.007 to 1.0 μm, for example 0.004 to 0.16 μm, as determined by mercury porosimetry measurement.

[0126] According to an exemplary embodiment, the surface-reacted calcium carbonate has a volume median particle size d of 3.0 to 40 μm, preferably 4 to 6 μm. 50 Measured using nitrogen and BET methods, 30-100m 2 / g, preferably 60 to 100m 2 / g; and a specific surface area of 0.2 to 2.0 cm calculated from mercury porosimetry measurements. 3 / g, preferably 0.6 to 1.6 cm 3 / g of indented specific pore volume.

[0127] Due to the intra- and inter-pore structure of surface-reacted calcium carbonate, it may be a better agent (active agent) for delivering pre-adsorbed and / or absorbed materials over time than common materials with similar specific surface areas. Therefore, generally, any active agent that fits within the intra-particle and / or inter-particle pores of surface-reacted calcium carbonate is suitable for transport by the surface-reacted calcium carbonate of the present invention. For example, active agents such as those selected from the group including pharmaceutically active agents, biologically active agents, disinfectants, antiseptics, flavoring agents, surfactants, oils, fragrances, essential oils, and mixtures thereof can be used. According to one embodiment, at least one active agent is associated with the surface-reacted calcium carbonate.

[0128] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the surface-reacted calcium carbonate comprises a water-insoluble, at least partially crystalline calcium salt of an anion of at least one acid formed on the surface of the natural ground calcium carbonate or precipitated calcium carbonate. According to one embodiment, the water-insoluble, at least partially crystalline salt of an anion of at least one acid at least partially, preferably completely, covers the surface of the natural ground calcium carbonate or precipitated calcium carbonate. Depending on the at least one acid used, the anion may be sulfate, sulfite, phosphate, citrate, oxalate, acetate, formate, and / or chloride.

[0129] Natural ground calcium carbonate or precipitated calcium carbonate with carbon dioxide and one or more H₃O +None of the reaction products formed by the reaction with the ion donor are hygroscopic compounds according to the present invention. For example, it is understood that the water-insoluble, at least partially crystalline calcium salt of at least one acid anion that may be present in the surface-reacted calcium carbonate is not a hygroscopic compound according to the present invention. Thus, according to one embodiment, the surface-reacted calcium carbonate does not contain any hygroscopic compounds, preferably does not contain calcium chloride. According to one embodiment, the water-insoluble, at least partially crystalline calcium salt of at least one acid anion is not a hygroscopic compound, preferably does not contain calcium chloride.

[0130] For example, phosphoric acid, H2PO4 - , or H2PO4 2- H3O + Use as an ion donor can lead to the formation of hydroxylapatite, therefore in a preferred embodiment the at least one water-insoluble calcium salt is hydroxylapatite.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the at least one water-insoluble calcium salt is hydroxylapatite, wherein the surface-reacted calcium carbonate provides a ratio of hydroxylapatite to calcite, aragonite, and / or vaterite, preferably calcite, in the range of 1:99 to 99:1 by weight. Preferably, the surface-reacted calcium carbonate provides a ratio of hydroxylapatite to calcite, aragonite, and / or vaterite, preferably calcite, in the range of 1:9 to 9:1, preferably 1:7 to 8:1, more preferably 1:5 to 7:1, and most preferably 1:4 to 7:1 by weight.

[0132] Similarly, other H3O +The use of an ion donor can lead to the formation of a corresponding water-insoluble calcium salt other than calcium carbonate on at least a portion of the surface of the surface-reacted calcium carbonate. Thus, in one embodiment, the at least one water-insoluble calcium salt is selected from the group consisting of octacalcium phosphate, hydroxylapatite, chlorapatite, fluoroapatite, carbonate apatite, and mixtures thereof, wherein the surface-reacted calcium carbonate exhibits a ratio of the at least one water-insoluble calcium salt to calcite, aragonite, and / or vaterite, preferably calcite, in the range of 1:99 to 99:1 by weight, preferably 1:9 to 9:1, more preferably 1:7 to 8:1, even more preferably 1:5 to 7:1, and most preferably 1:4 to 7:1.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the surface-reacted calcium carbonate is (i) 20-200m measured using nitrogen and BET methods according to ISO9277:2010 2 / g specific surface area, and (ii) 0.1 to 2.3 cm calculated from mercury porosimetry measurements 3 / g range of indented specific pore volume, It is equipped with:

[0134] In one embodiment of the present invention, the surface-reacted calcium carbonate described herein is provided in the form of granules. "Granules" in the sense of the present invention are aggregates of surface-reacted calcium carbonate, having a particle size of 20 to 300 μm. That is, granules having a particle size of 20 to 300 μm have a volume median particle size d of 0.1 to 90 μm. 50 The primary particles of surface-reacted calcium carbonate have

[0135] second component One requirement of the compositions of the present invention is that they include a second component that is a hygroscopic compound.

[0136] The second component will now be described in more detail. The terms "second component" and "hygroscopic compound" are used interchangeably. Thus, all embodiments referring to the "second component" also disclose the "hygroscopic compound," and vice versa.

[0137] The hygroscopic compound may be present in the composition of the present invention in different forms, i.e., with different water contents, depending on the amount of water molecules absorbed and / or adsorbed by the hygroscopic compound. For example, the hygroscopic compound may be present in anhydrous form, in partially or fully hydrated form, in dissolved form, or as a mixture of these forms.

[0138] Furthermore, the hygroscopic compound may exist in a solid or liquid form. When the hygroscopic compound exists in a solid form, the compound may exist either in an anhydrous form, a partially or fully hydrated form, or as a mixture of these forms. Therefore, the term "solid" hygroscopic compound as used in the present invention does not indicate the water content of the hygroscopic compound, but rather its state of aggregation. Similarly, a liquid hygroscopic compound may exist in an anhydrous form when the hygroscopic compound is itself a liquid, such as in the case of glycerol. The liquid hygroscopic compound may exist in a partially or fully hydrated form, or in a dissolved form. Therefore, the term "liquid" hygroscopic compound as used in the present invention does not indicate the water content of the hygroscopic compound, but rather its state of aggregation.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the hygroscopic compound is present in anhydrous form, at least partially hydrated form, dissolved form, or as a mixture of these forms.

[0140] The uptake of water and / or moisture by hygroscopic compounds is well known to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art will also know that hygroscopic compounds can capture and / or store water molecules through different mechanisms. For example, hygroscopic compounds can incorporate water molecules into their crystal lattice. Additionally or alternatively, water and / or moisture can be adsorbed and / or absorbed by hygroscopic compounds.

[0141] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hygroscopic compound is present in anhydrous form. In view of the above definition of the "anhydrous form" of a hygroscopic compound, a person skilled in the art will understand the characteristics of anhydrous hygroscopic compounds. In particular, a person skilled in the art will understand that "anhydrous form" does not mean the absence of even a single water molecule.

[0142] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hygroscopic compound is present in an at least partially hydrated form.

[0143] For example, hygroscopic compounds exist in a partially hydrated form. When a hygroscopic compound comes into contact with water and / or moisture, it becomes partially hydrated. In view of the above definition, it is understood that "partially hydrated" in the sense of the present invention refers to a hygroscopic compound that is not saturated with water and can still pick up additional water and / or moisture from its surroundings.

[0144] According to another preferred embodiment, the hygroscopic compound is present in a fully hydrated form, and therefore may be saturated with water and / or moisture, i.e., the compound may not pick up any more water and / or moisture from the environment.

[0145] In another preferred embodiment, the hygroscopic compound is present in a dissolved form, more preferably in the form of an aqueous solution. In such a case, the hygroscopic compound can be dissolved in water and / or moisture captured from the surroundings. This is the case, for example, when the hygroscopic compound is also a deliquescent compound. Additionally or alternatively, the hygroscopic compound can be dissolved in a deliberately added solvent, such as water.

[0146] Additionally, the hygroscopic compound can exist in more than one of the above forms, for example, the hygroscopic compound may exist in a partially hydrated form and a fully hydrated form, or the hygroscopic compound may exist in a partially hydrated form, a fully hydrated form, and an aqueous solution form.

[0147] A hygroscopic compound can be defined by its moisture uptake susceptibility. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a hygroscopic compound in its anhydrous or partially hydrated form has a moisture uptake susceptibility of 0.01 to 4.00 g [H2O] / g [compound], preferably 0.01 to 3.0 g [H2O] / g [compound], more preferably 0.25 to 2.5 g [H2O] / g [compound], even more preferably 0.50 to 2.5 g [H2O] / g [compound], and most preferably 1.0 to 2.0 g [H2O] / g [compound] at 50% relative humidity, a temperature of +23°C (±2°C), and an equilibrium volume. Methods for determining moisture uptake susceptibility are well known in the art.

[0148] The second component according to the present invention may be any hygroscopic compound known in the art.

[0149] According to a preferred embodiment, the hygroscopic compound is selected from the group consisting of a salt, a polyalkylene glycol, a polyol, a silicon-containing compound, urea, an alpha-hydroxy acid, or a polymer.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the hygroscopic compound is a polyalkylene glycol. Hygroscopic polyalkylene glycols are known in the art.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the hygroscopic compound is a polyol. A "polyol" in the sense of the present invention is a compound containing two or more hydroxyl groups. For example, suitable polyols are propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, butylene glycol, or sugar alcohols, preferably glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol, or maltitol.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the hygroscopic compound is a silicon-containing compound. A preferred hygroscopic silicon-containing compound is a zeolite.

[0153] Although certain silicon-containing compounds may be preferred as the second component according to the present invention, the second component is essentially free of silica-containing and / or silicate-containing materials. Thus, according to another preferred embodiment, the second component is free of silica-containing and / or silicate-containing materials.

[0154] In one embodiment, the first and second components do not contain silica-containing and / or silicate-containing materials.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the hygroscopic compound is urea. According to one embodiment, the hygroscopic compound is an alpha-hydroxy acid, such as, for example, lactic acid. According to one embodiment, the hygroscopic compound is a hygroscopic polymer such as, for example, nylon, cellulose, polycarbonate, or polyacrylate.

[0156] Preferably, the hygroscopic compound is a hygroscopic salt.Hygroscopic salts are well known to those skilled in the art.According to one embodiment, the hygroscopic salt is selected from the group consisting of chlorates, sulfates, halides, nitrates, carboxylates, hydroxides, phosphates, and mixtures and hydrates thereof, more preferably selected from the group consisting of sulfates, chlorides, bromides, iodides, nitrates, citrates, acetates, hydroxides, phosphates, and mixtures and hydrates thereof, even more preferably selected from the group consisting of magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, iron chloride, zinc chloride, aluminum chloride, magnesium bromide, calcium bromide, Iron bromide, zinc bromide, aluminum bromide, magnesium iodide, calcium iodide, nitric acid Magnesium, calcium nitrate, iron nitrate, zinc nitrate, aluminum nitrate, magnesium acetate, calcium acetate, iron acetate, zinc acetate ,vinegarFor example, the hygroscopic compound may be selected from the group consisting of magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, aluminum chloride, zinc chloride, and mixtures and hydrates thereof.

[0157] According to a preferred embodiment, the hygroscopic salt is a hygroscopic chloride salt, preferably a hygroscopic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride. Hygroscopic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chlorides are well known to those skilled in the art. The above-mentioned salts are particularly suitable for the present invention due to their good moisture capture, storage, and / or release properties combined with their general non-toxicity, ready availability, and low reactivity.

[0158] The hygroscopic chloride salt, preferably a hygroscopic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride, can be present in any known form. Thus, according to one embodiment, the hygroscopic chloride salt is present in anhydrous form, i.e., in the form of anhydrous chloride salt. In one embodiment, the chloride salt is present in at least partially hydrated form, i.e., in the form of one of its hydrates. In one embodiment, the chloride salt, preferably a hygroscopic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride, is present in dissolved form.

[0159] The most preferred hygroscopic compound according to the present invention is calcium chloride. Calcium chloride can exist in any known form. Thus, according to one embodiment, calcium chloride is present in anhydrous form, i.e., in the form of anhydrous calcium chloride with the chemical formula CaCl. In one embodiment, calcium chloride is present in at least partially hydrated form, i.e., in the form of one of its hydrates, such as calcium chloride monohydrate, calcium chloride dihydrate, calcium chloride tetrahydrate, or calcium chloride hexahydrate, preferably calcium chloride dihydrate with the chemical formula CaCl·2H0. In one embodiment, calcium chloride is present in dissolved form. Preferably, calcium chloride is present in at least partially hydrated form.

[0160] Further ingredients The composition of the present invention may further comprise other components in addition to the first and second components. Those skilled in the art will select appropriate additional components depending on the field of application.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the composition further comprises one or more coating and / or encapsulating agents. Coating and encapsulating agents are known in the art. In principle, any agent is suitable as a coating and / or encapsulating agent capable of coating and / or encapsulating (encapsulating) the first and / or second components of the composition of the present invention, preferably the first component. Such agents are used to improve the chemical or physical properties of the coated and / or encapsulated components, thereby improving, for example, the interaction or bonding with different materials. Coating and / or encapsulating agents can regulate the uptake or release of certain materials, such as water or moisture.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the coating and / or encapsulating agent is a linking agent, which promotes binding of the composition of the present invention to organic materials such as cellulose or cellulose fibers.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the coating and / or encapsulating agent is a coupling agent, which are known to those skilled in the art and include, for example, maleic anhydride-based, titanate-based or silane-based coupling agents.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the coating and / or encapsulating agent is a wax. Suitable waxes may be paraffin wax or synthetic waxes.

[0165] Compositions, composite materials and pharmaceuticals The composition according to the present invention comprises a first component which is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure, and a second component which is a hygroscopic compound.

[0166] In view of the above, those skilled in the art will understand that the composition must contain two components: the composition according to the present invention does not refer to a single material such as a hygroscopic inorganic mineral material having a porous structure.

[0167] Furthermore, it is understood that the compositions of the present invention are not limited to containing one inorganic mineral or mineral-like material. Thus, the compositions of the present invention can contain two or more inorganic minerals or mineral-like materials. For example, the compositions can contain three inorganic minerals or mineral-like materials. Preferably, the compositions of the present invention contain one inorganic mineral or mineral-like material.

[0168] Furthermore, the composition of the present invention is not limited to containing one hygroscopic compound. Thus, the composition of the present invention may contain two or more hygroscopic compounds. For example, the composition may contain three hygroscopic compounds. Preferably, the composition of the present invention contains one hygroscopic compound.

[0169] It is understood that the composition according to the present invention preferably does not contain silica-containing materials and / or silicate-containing materials, more preferably does not contain silica-containing materials and / or silicate-containing materials in solid form.Furthermore, the composition preferably does not contain aluminate-containing materials, more preferably does not contain aluminate-containing materials in solid form.In one embodiment, the composition does not contain silicate-containing materials and aluminate-containing materials, more preferably does not contain silicate-containing materials and aluminate-containing materials in solid form.

[0170] Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present invention comprises a first component which is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure, a second component which is a hygroscopic compound, and is free of silica- and / or silicate-containing materials. In one embodiment, the composition according to the present invention comprises a first component which is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure, a second component which is a hygroscopic compound, and is free of aluminate-containing materials.

[0171] For example, a composition according to the present invention comprises a first component that is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure, a second component that is a hygroscopic compound, and is free of silica- and / or silicate-containing materials and aluminate-containing materials. In one embodiment, a composition according to the present invention comprises a first component that is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure, and a second component that is a hygroscopic compound, and is free of silicate- and aluminate-containing materials.

[0172] Preferably, the composition according to the invention is free of silica-containing and / or silicic acid-containing materials, and optionally free of aluminate-containing materials in solid form. In one embodiment, the composition according to the invention is free of silicate-containing and aluminate-containing materials in solid form.

[0173] The composition according to the present invention preferably does not comprise silicates and / or silicate-containing materials selected from the group comprising synthetic silica, monovalent silicates such as calcium silicate, potassium silicate, lithium silicate, sodium silicate, and mixtures thereof.

[0174] The composition according to the present invention is preferably free of aluminate-containing materials selected from the group comprising aluminum hydroxide, sodium aluminate, potassium aluminate, and mixtures thereof.

[0175] In one embodiment, the composition according to the present invention is free of silicate-containing materials and aluminate-containing materials, preferably selected from aluminum silicates.

[0176] The composition according to the invention can be in liquid or solid form. According to one embodiment, the composition is in liquid form, preferably in the form of a suspension or slurry, preferably in the form of an aqueous suspension or slurry.

[0177] When the composition is provided in the form of an aqueous slurry or suspension, the aqueous slurry or suspension preferably contains the composition in an amount of 1.0 to 80.0 wt % based on the total weight of the aqueous slurry or suspension, more preferably 30.0 to 78.0 wt %, more preferably 50.0 to 78.0 wt %, and most preferably 70.0 to 78.0 wt % based on the total weight of the aqueous slurry or suspension.

[0178] An aqueous "slurry" or "suspension" within the meaning of the present invention comprises insoluble solids, water, and optionally further additives such as dispersants, biocides and / or thickeners, and can usually contain a large amount of solids and therefore may be more viscous and generally have a higher density than the liquid from which it is formed.

[0179] According to a preferred embodiment, the composition is in solid form.

[0180] For example, the composition may be a solid blend of the first component and the second component. A "solid blend" in the sense of the present invention refers to a composition comprising the first component in solid form and the second component in solid form, for example, in at least partially hydrated or anhydrous form. In one embodiment, the composition is a solid blend, in which the first component and the second component are present in at least partially hydrated form. For example, the second component may be present in the solid blend in a fully hydrated form.

[0181] In another embodiment, the composition is a solid blend, wherein the first component is present in solid form and the second component is present in anhydrous or partially hydrated form.

[0182] According to a preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present invention is a solid blend of a first component and a second component, wherein the second component is a hygroscopic salt, preferably a hygroscopic chloride salt, more preferably a hygroscopic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride, most preferably calcium chloride. More preferably, the composition according to the present invention is a solid blend of a first component and a second component, wherein the first component is a calcium carbonate-, magnesium carbonate-, calcium phosphate- and / or magnesium phosphate-containing material, preferably a calcium carbonate- and / or magnesium carbonate-containing material, more preferably surface-reacted calcium carbonate or hydromagnesite, more preferably surface-reacted calcium carbonate, and the second component is a hygroscopic salt, preferably a hygroscopic chloride salt, more preferably a hygroscopic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride, most preferably calcium chloride.

[0183] According to another preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention is a solid blend of a first component and a second component, wherein the second component is a hygroscopic salt, preferably a hygroscopic chloride salt, more preferably a hygroscopic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride, most preferably calcium chloride, and the second component is present in at least partially hydrated form. More preferably, the composition according to the invention is a solid blend of a first component and a second component, wherein the first component is a calcium carbonate-, magnesium carbonate-, calcium phosphate- and / or magnesium phosphate-containing material, preferably a calcium carbonate- and / or magnesium carbonate-containing material, more preferably a surface-reacted calcium carbonate or hydromagnesite, even more preferably a surface-reacted calcium carbonate, and the second component is a hygroscopic salt, preferably a hygroscopic chloride salt, more preferably a hygroscopic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride, most preferably calcium chloride, and the second component is present in at least partially hydrated form.

[0184] According to another preferred embodiment, the first component of the composition is impregnated with the second component. "Impregnated" in the sense of the present invention means that the second component is at least partially adsorbed onto the surface of the first component and / or absorbed into the pores of the first component. In other words, the first component may be at least partially coated with the second component.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the first component is impregnated with the second component, wherein the impregnated first component is obtained by mixing the first component with the second component in liquid form, preferably in the form of an aqueous solution, and optionally drying the obtained composition.

[0186] Depending on the manufacturing process, the impregnated first component can include any one or a combination of the above-mentioned forms of the second component. Thus, according to one embodiment, the first component is impregnated with the second component, wherein the second component is present in an anhydrous form, an at least partially hydrated form, and / or a dissolved form.

[0187] For example, the first component can be impregnated with an aqueous solution of the second component, followed by a drying step to produce the first component impregnated with the anhydrous form of the second component. Thus, according to one embodiment, the first component is impregnated with the second component, wherein the second component is present in anhydrous form.

[0188] The first component can also be impregnated with, for example, an aqueous solution of the second component, followed by a drying step to produce a first component impregnated with the second component in at least a partially hydrated form. Thus, according to another embodiment, the first component is impregnated with the second component. According to another embodiment, the first component is impregnated with the second component, wherein the second component is present in at least a partially hydrated form. According to yet another embodiment, the first component is impregnated with the second component, wherein the second component is present in a dissolved form. According to yet another embodiment, the first component is impregnated with the second component, wherein the second component is present in both an at least partially hydrated and dissolved form.

[0189] According to a preferred embodiment, the first component is impregnated with the second component, wherein the second component is a hygroscopic salt, preferably a hygroscopic chloride salt, more preferably a hygroscopic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride, and most preferably calcium chloride.

[0190] According to a preferred embodiment, the first component is impregnated with the second component, wherein the second component is a hygroscopic salt, preferably a hygroscopic chloride salt, more preferably a hygroscopic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride, most preferably calcium chloride, and wherein the second component is present in at least a partially hydrated and / or dissolved form.

[0191] More preferably, the first component is impregnated with the second component, wherein the first component is a calcium carbonate-, magnesium carbonate-, calcium phosphate- and / or magnesium phosphate-containing material, preferably a calcium carbonate- and / or magnesium carbonate-containing material, more preferably surface-reacted calcium carbonate or hydromagnesite, even more preferably surface-reacted calcium carbonate, and the second component is a hygroscopic salt, preferably a hygroscopic chloride salt, more preferably a hygroscopic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride, most preferably calcium chloride.

[0192] According to another preferred embodiment, the first component is impregnated with the second component, wherein the first component is a calcium carbonate-, magnesium carbonate-, calcium phosphate- and / or magnesium phosphate-containing material, preferably a calcium carbonate- and / or magnesium carbonate-containing material, more preferably a surface-reacted calcium carbonate or hydromagnesite, even more preferably a surface-reacted calcium carbonate, and the second component is a hygroscopic salt, preferably a hygroscopic chloride salt, more preferably a hygroscopic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride, most preferably calcium chloride, and the second component is present in at least partially hydrated and / or dissolved form.

[0193] For example, the first component is impregnated with the second component, wherein the first component is surface-reacted calcium carbonate and the second component is a hygroscopic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride, most preferably calcium chloride, and the second component is present in at least a partially hydrated and / or dissolved form. Alternatively, the first component is impregnated with the second component, wherein the first component is hydromagnesite and the second component is a hygroscopic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride, most preferably calcium chloride, and the second component is present in at least a partially hydrated and / or dissolved form.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the composition further comprises a coating and / or encapsulating agent.

[0195] For example, a coating agent and / or encapsulant can be used to cover and / or encapsulate the impregnated first component. Thus, according to one embodiment, the first component is impregnated with the second component, and the impregnated first component is further coated with a coating agent and / or encapsulant. According to a preferred embodiment, the first component is impregnated with the second component, where the second component is present in at least a partially hydrated and / or dissolved form, and the impregnated first component is further coated with a coating agent and / or encapsulant.

[0196] By coating and / or encapsulating the first component impregnated with an at least partially hydrated and / or dissolved hygroscopic compound, the moisture storage and / or release of the composition of the present invention can be further improved. For example, the temperature at which the composition of the present invention releases stored water and / or moisture can be better controlled. Furthermore, the coating and / or encapsulating agent can improve the bonding of the composition of the present invention to another material, preferably to an organic material such as an organic fiber.

[0197] The above-mentioned components may be present in the compositions of the present invention in specific amounts. For any amount of hygroscopic compound defined herein, it is understood that this amount is calculated based on the dry weight of the hygroscopic compound, i.e., the weight of the anhydrous hygroscopic compound.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the hygroscopic compound is present in an amount of 1.0 to 90% by weight, preferably 5.0 to 75% by weight, more preferably 7.5 to 60% by weight, and most preferably 10 to 40% by weight, calculated from the dry weight of the hygroscopic compound, based on the total dry weight of the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material and the hygroscopic compound.

[0199] Surprisingly, the present inventors have found that the moisture capture, storage, and / or release capacity of the composition of the present invention can be controlled in a simple and effective manner by selecting the amount of hygroscopic compound.Furthermore, the moisture capture, storage, and / or release capacity of the composition of the present invention can also be adjusted by selecting a specific group of hygroscopic compounds, such as the hygroscopic salts defined above.The moisture capture, storage, and / or release capacity of the composition of the present invention can also be adjusted by selecting a specific form in which the hygroscopic compound is present in the composition, for example, in an at least partially hydrated form.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material is present in an amount of 10 to 99 wt. %, preferably 25 to 95 wt. %, more preferably 40 to 92.5 wt. %, and most preferably 60 to 90 wt. %, based on the total dry weight of the inorganic mineral or mineral-like substance and the hygroscopic compound.

[0201] According to one embodiment, the hygroscopic compound is present in an amount of 1.0 to 90 wt. %, preferably 5.0 to 75 wt. %, more preferably 7.5 to 60 wt. %, and most preferably 10 to 40 wt. %, and the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material is present in an amount of 10 to 99 wt. %, preferably 25 to 95 wt. %, more preferably 40 to 92.5 wt. %, and most preferably 60 to 90 wt. %, based on the total dry weight of the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material and the hygroscopic compound, calculated from the dry weight of the hygroscopic compound.

[0202] According to one embodiment, the composition comprises an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material impregnated with a hygroscopic compound, wherein the first component is a calcium carbonate-, magnesium carbonate-, calcium phosphate-, and / or magnesium phosphate-containing material, preferably a calcium carbonate- and / or magnesium carbonate-containing material, more preferably surface-reacted calcium carbonate or hydromagnesite, even more preferably surface-reacted calcium carbonate; the second component is a hygroscopic salt, preferably a hygroscopic chloride salt, more preferably a hygroscopic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride, most preferably calcium chloride; the second component is present at least partially in hydrated and / or dissolved form; and the hygroscopic compound is present in an amount of 7.5 to 60% by weight, preferably 10 to 40% by weight, and the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material is present in an amount of 40 to 92.5% by weight, preferably 60 to 90% by weight, calculated from the dry weight of the hygroscopic compound, based on the total dry weight of the inorganic mineral or mineral-like substance and the hygroscopic compound.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the composition comprises an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material impregnated with a hygroscopic compound, wherein the first component is surface-reacted calcium carbonate; the second component is a hygroscopic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride, preferably calcium chloride; the second component is present in at least a partially hydrated and / or dissolved form; and the hygroscopic compound is present in an amount of 7.5 to 60 wt. %, preferably 10 to 40 wt. %, and the inorganic mineral or mineral-like material is present in an amount of 40 to 92.5 wt. %, preferably 60 to 90 wt. %, calculated from the dry weight of the hygroscopic compound, based on the total dry weight of the inorganic mineral or mineral-like substance and the hygroscopic compound.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the composition comprises a coating and / or encapsulating agent in an amount of 0.1 to 10 wt. %, preferably 1.0 to 7.5 wt. %, more preferably 2.0 to 5.0 wt. %, based on the total dry weight of the composition.

[0205] The composition according to the present invention can be further defined by its moisture scavenging susceptibility. Methods for determining the moisture scavenging susceptibility of a composition are well known in the art. According to one embodiment, the composition in its anhydrous or partially hydrated form has a moisture scavenging susceptibility of 0.01-4.00 g [H2O] / g [compound], preferably 0.01-3.0 g [H2O] / g [compound], more preferably 0.25-2.5 g [H2O] / g [compound], even more preferably 0.50-2.5 g [H2O] / g [compound], and most preferably 1.0-2.0 g [H2O] / g [compound] at 50% relative humidity, a temperature of +23°C (±2°C), and equilibrium volume.

[0206] The composition according to the present invention can be further defined by its total moisture content. Methods for determining the total moisture content of a composition are also well known in the art. According to one embodiment, the composition has a total moisture content in the range of 1.0 to 90 wt. %, preferably 2.5 to 75 wt. %, more preferably 5.0 to 60 wt. %, and most preferably 10 to 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0207] The "total moisture content" of the compositions of the present invention refers to the percentage of moisture (i.e., water) that desorbs from a sample upon heating to 220°C. The total moisture content, as defined herein, can be measured according to Karl Fischer coulometric titration, in which moisture is desorbed in an oven at 220°C for 10 minutes and the sample is continuously passed through a KF coulometer (Mettler Toledo coulometric KF Titrator C30 in combination with a Mettler Oven DO 337) using dry nitrogen at 100 ml / min for 10 minutes. A calibration curve using water should be recorded, and a 10-minute nitrogen flow blank without sample should be considered.

[0208] According to one embodiment, the composition comprises an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material impregnated with a hygroscopic compound, wherein the first component is a calcium carbonate-, magnesium carbonate-, calcium phosphate-, and / or magnesium phosphate-containing material, preferably a calcium carbonate-, and / or magnesium carbonate-containing material, more preferably a surface-reacted calcium carbonate or hydromagnesite, even more preferably a surface-reacted calcium carbonate; the second component is a hygroscopic salt, preferably a hygroscopic chloride salt, more preferably a hygroscopic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride, most preferably calcium chloride; the second component is present in at least partially hydrated and / or dissolved form; and the composition has a total moisture content in the range of 1.0 to 90 wt. %, preferably 2.5 to 75 wt. %, more preferably 5.0 to 60 wt. %, and most preferably 10 to 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0209] According to one embodiment, the composition comprises an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material impregnated with a hygroscopic compound, wherein the first component is a hygroscopic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride, most preferably calcium chloride, the second component is present in at least a partially hydrated and / or dissolved form, and the composition has a total moisture content in the range of 10 to 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0210] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a composite material comprising the composition of the present invention.

[0211] The composite material is not particularly limited to a particular composite material. However, certain composite materials are preferred. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the composite material further comprises one or more materials selected from a polymer, an organic fiber, a binder, or a resin.

[0212] According to one embodiment, the composite material further comprises one or more polymers, for example, the composite material may further comprise one or more polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, polyurethane, and / or polyvinyl chloride components.

[0213] According to one embodiment, the composite material further comprises one or more resins, preferably thermosetting resins. For example, the composite material may further comprise one or more of a phenolic resin, an epoxy resin, a melamine-urea formaldehyde resin, and / or a polyester resin. According to another embodiment, the resin is selected from the group consisting of phenol-formaldehyde resin (PF), urea-formaldehyde resin (UF), melamine-formaldehyde resin (MF), melamine-urea-formaldehyde resin (MUF), urea-melamine-formaldehyde resin (UMF), urea-melamine-phenol-formaldehyde resin (UMPF), an epoxy resin, methylene diphenyl diisocyanate resin (MDI), polyurethane resin (PU), and mixtures thereof.

[0214] According to one embodiment, the composite material further comprises one or more organic fibers, which in one embodiment are cellulosic fibers, preferably softwood species, hardwood species, non-wood fiber plants, and / or mixtures thereof.

[0215] According to a preferred embodiment, the composite material further comprises a resin or a combination of resin and organic fibers, more preferably a combination of resin and organic fibers, for example, the composite material may further comprise a thermosetting resin such as melamine-urea-formaldehyde resin (MUF) and organic fibers, preferably derived from wood species.

[0216] The composite material can have any type of structure. In one embodiment, the composite material has a homogeneous structure. "Homogeneous structure" in the sense of the present invention refers to a composite material in which the composition of the present invention is evenly distributed. In another embodiment, the composite material has a layered structure. "Layered structure" in the sense of the present invention refers to a composite material in which the composition of the present invention is present only or mainly in certain parts of the structure, such as a surface layer or a core layer.

[0217] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of manufacture comprising the composition of the present invention and / or the composite material of the present invention.

[0218] The product may comprise the composition of the present invention and / or the composite of the present invention in any part of the product, and thus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the composition and / or composite is present throughout the product or in only at least one part of the product.

[0219] The compositions and / or composites of the present invention are used to capture, store and / or release moisture. Therefore, it is advantageous to incorporate the compositions and / or composites into a surface or near-surface layer of a product, i.e., in an area of the product that is in direct communication with or near the external environment. According to a preferred embodiment, the compositions and / or composites are present in a surface or near-surface layer of the product. A "surface layer" in the sense of the present invention is a layer that is in direct communication with the external environment, and a "near-surface layer" is a layer that is closer to the surface of the product than the core.

[0220] The product may be any product in which it is desirable to have a certain amount of water or moisture capture, storage and / or release activity. For example, such products may be food, cosmetic and / or personal care products, pharmaceuticals, packaging materials or packaging inlays for food or other consumables, building materials such as thermal insulation materials, polymer-based or wood-based boards, automotive, marine or aviation applications, electronic applications.

[0221] According to a preferred embodiment, the product is a wood-based board, a wetting agent, or a drying agent.

[0222] According to a preferred embodiment, the product is a humectant. A "humectant" in the sense of the present invention is a substance used to maintain a certain amount of moisture in or around a product. Due to increased dryness, some products may lose their quality more quickly or may not exhibit certain properties or activity in the absence of the humectant. The application fields of humectants are well known to those skilled in the art. Humectants are used, for example, in food products, cosmetics and / or personal care products, pharmaceuticals, or packaging materials.

[0223] According to a preferred embodiment, the product is a desiccant. A "desiccant" in the sense of the present invention is a substance that captures moisture from its surroundings in order to maintain a certain level of dryness. For example, desiccants are used in packaging materials or inlays for packaging materials.

[0224] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the product is a wood-based board. Wood-based boards are known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the wood-based board is a fiberboard or particleboard, more preferably a particleboard, a high-density fiberboard (HDF) board, a medium-density fiberboard (MDF) board, a low-density fiberboard (LDF) board, an oriented strand board (OSB), a hardboard, or an insulation board.

[0225] The inventors have surprisingly found that wood-based boards containing the composition of the present invention have improved properties compared to conventional boards when exposed to heat and / or fire. More precisely, the wood-based boards of the present invention exhibit a reduced heat release rate and / or less smoke generation compared to conventional wood-based boards, and are therefore particularly safe building materials. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesized that moisture stored in the composition of the present invention is released upon exposure to heat and / or fire, thereby removing heat from the heat source. Furthermore, it has surprisingly been found that wood-based boards containing the composition of the present invention have improved strength properties compared to wood-based boards containing only a hygroscopic compound. It is hypothesized that the composition of the present invention prevents the absorption of stored water by wood fibers, which allows the board to maintain good strength properties. In contrast, using only a hygroscopic compound is disadvantageous because the trapped moisture can be absorbed by the fibers.

[0226] The composition and / or composite according to the present invention can be present in any part of the wood-based board. According to one embodiment, the wood-based board contains the composition and / or composite throughout the entire wood-based board. For example, if the wood-based board is a multi-layer wood-based board, the composition and / or composite is present in every layer of the board. According to another embodiment, the wood-based board contains the composition and / or composite in the core layer or in the surface or near-surface layer, preferably in the surface or near-surface layer.

[0227] Methods for producing wood-based boards are well known to those skilled in the art and are described in detail, for example, in EP 2 944 621 A1 or EP 3 189 952 A1.

[0228] The wood-based board can contain the compositions and / or composite materials of the present invention in a wide range of amounts.

[0229] According to one embodiment, the wood-based board comprises the composition and / or composite according to the invention in an amount of 2.5 to 40.0 wt. %, preferably 5.0 to 35 wt. %, more preferably 10.0 to 30.0 wt. %, and most preferably 15 to 25 wt. %, based on the total dry weight of the composition and / or composite and wood fibers and / or particles.

[0230] According to another embodiment, the wood-based board comprises a base layer and a surface layer on a first side and / or a back side of the wood-based board, and the composition and / or composite according to the present invention is present in the surface layer on the first side and / or back side of the wood-based board in an amount of 2.5 to 40.0 wt. %, preferably 5.0 to 35 wt. %, more preferably 10.0 to 30.0 wt. %, and most preferably 15 to 25 wt. %, based on the total dry weight of the composition and / or composite and wood fibers and / or particles.

[0231] 2. The method according to the present invention In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preparing a composition according to the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first component that is an inorganic mineral or inorganic mineral-like material having a porous structure; (b) providing a second component that is a hygroscopic compound; (c) mixing the first component of step (a) with the second component of step (b); (d) optionally drying the mixture obtained in step (c).

[0232] According to one embodiment, the first component provided in step (a) is a calcium carbonate-, magnesium carbonate-, calcium phosphate- and / or magnesium phosphate-containing material, preferably a calcium carbonate- and / or magnesium carbonate-containing material, more preferably a surface-reacted calcium carbonate or hydromagnesite, most preferably a surface-reacted calcium carbonate.

[0233] According to one embodiment, the first component provided in step (a) has a median particle size d of 1.0 μm to 100 μm, more preferably 2.0 μm to 80 μm, and most preferably 3.0 μm to 40 μm. 50 , and / or 20 to 200 m as measured by the BET nitrogen method 2 / g, more preferably 25 to 180m 2 / g, most preferably 30 to 100m 2 / g specific surface area.

[0234] According to one embodiment, the first component provided in step (a) has a thickness of 0.1 to 2.3 cm, calculated from mercury porosimetry measurements. 3 / g, more preferably 0.4 to 1.8 cm 3 / g, most preferably 0.6 to 1.6 cm 3 / g.

[0235] According to one embodiment, the first component is provided in step (a) in the form of an aqueous suspension or in solid form.

[0236] According to one embodiment, the first component is provided in the form of an aqueous suspension. Preferably, the aqueous suspension comprises the first component in an amount of 1.0 to 80.0 wt. % based on the total weight of the aqueous suspension. More preferably, the aqueous slurry or suspension comprises the first component in an amount of 30.0 to 78.0 wt. %, more preferably 50.0 to 78.0 wt. %, and most preferably 70.0 to 78.0 wt. %, based on the total weight of the aqueous suspension.

[0237] Preferably, the first component is provided in step (a) in solid form.

[0238] According to one embodiment, the second component provided in step (b) is selected from the group consisting of salts, polyalkylene glycols, polyols, silicon-containing compounds, urea, α-hydroxy acids, and polymers, more preferably a hygroscopic salt, and most preferably calcium chloride. According to a preferred embodiment, the second component provided in step (b) is a hygroscopic chloride salt, more preferably a hygroscopic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride salt, and most preferably calcium chloride.

[0239] According to one embodiment, the second component provided in its anhydrous or partially hydrated form in step (b) has a moisture uptake susceptibility of 0.01-4.00 g [H2O] / g [compound], preferably 0.01-3.0 g [H2O] / g [compound], more preferably 0.25-2.5 g [H2O] / g [compound], even more preferably 0.50-2.5 g [H2O] / g [compound], and most preferably 1.0-2.0 g [H2O] / g [compound] at 50% relative humidity, a temperature of +23°C (±2°C), and equilibrium volume.

[0240] According to one embodiment, the second component is provided in step (b) in at least partially hydrated or anhydrous form. According to a preferred embodiment, the second component is provided in step (b) in anhydrous or partially hydrated form.

[0241] When the first component in step (a) and the second component in step (b) are provided in solid form, i.e., anhydrous, partially hydrated, or fully hydrated, the mixing step (c) refers to a solid blending step. Thus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, step (c) refers to one or more solid blending steps. Those skilled in the art will understand that a solid blending step requires that the first component and the second component be provided in solid form.

[0242] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method for preparing the composition according to the present invention comprises the following steps: (a) providing a first component that is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure, wherein the first component is provided in solid form; (b) providing a second component that is a hygroscopic compound, wherein the second component is provided in a solid form, preferably anhydrous or partially hydrated; (c) mixing the first component of step (a) with the second component of step (b), wherein step (c) is a solid blending step; and (d) optionally drying the mixture obtained in step (c).

[0243] According to one embodiment, the method according to the present invention comprises a step (d) of drying the mixture obtained in step (c). Drying can be carried out by any method known to those skilled in the art, who will adapt the drying conditions, such as temperature, according to their own process equipment. For example, drying step (d) can be a spray drying step.

[0244] According to one embodiment, drying step (d) is carried out at a temperature in the range of 80 to 150°C, preferably 100 to 140°C, preferably until the dried material reaches a constant weight, for example, drying step (d) is carried out at 130°C.

[0245] It is understood that when step (c) is more than one solid blending step, a second or further solid blending step can include adding different amounts of the same first and / or second components, and / or different amounts of the first and / or second components. For example, step (c) can include two solid blending steps, where a first component is blended with one second component and then blended with a second second component.

[0246] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the step (b2) of providing another amount of the same or a different second component, and the step (c2) of solid blending the second component provided in step (b2) with the composition obtained in step (c) or step (d).

[0247] Step (c) may also be an impregnation step. An "impregnation step" in the sense of the present invention refers to a mixing step in which the first and second components are mixed in the presence of a solvent, preferably water, or the second component is liquid. If necessary, the solvent mediates the adsorption and / or absorption of the second component onto the surface of the first component and / or into the pores of the first component. According to a preferred embodiment, step (c) refers to one or more impregnation steps.

[0248] If such a hygroscopic compound is solid, the impregnation step may require the presence of a solvent, preferably water, to be carried out successfully. Therefore, the first and / or second component are provided in liquid form in step (a) and / or step (b). According to one embodiment, step (c) is one or more impregnation steps, in which the first component is provided in liquid form, preferably in the form of an aqueous suspension, in step (a). According to another embodiment, step (c) is one or more impregnation steps, in which the second component is provided in liquid form, preferably in the form of an aqueous solution. According to a preferred embodiment, step (c) is one or more impregnation steps, in which the first component is provided in solid form in step (a) and the second component is provided in the form of an aqueous solution in step (b).

[0249] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method for producing the composition according to the present invention comprises the following steps: (a) providing a first component that is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure, wherein the first component is provided in solid form; (b) providing a second component that is a hygroscopic compound, wherein the second component is provided in the form of an aqueous solution; (c) mixing the first component of step (a) with the second component of step (b), wherein step (c) is an impregnation step.

[0250] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method for producing the composition according to the present invention comprises the following steps: (a) providing a first component that is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure, wherein the first component is provided in solid form; (b) providing a second component that is a hygroscopic compound, wherein the second component is provided in the form of an aqueous solution; (c) mixing the first component of step (a) with the second component of step (b), wherein step (c) is an impregnation step; and (d) drying the mixture obtained in step (c).

[0251] Step (c) may include more than one impregnation step. When step (c) includes two or more impregnation steps, the second or further impregnation may include adding different amounts of the same first and / or second components and / or different amounts of the first and / or second components. For example, step (c) may include two impregnation steps, where the first component is impregnated with a first second component and then with a second second component, which may be the same or different. Step (c) may also include two impregnation steps, where the first component is impregnated with a first second component and then with a second second component.

[0252] Thus, according to one embodiment, the method further comprises a step (b2) of providing a different second component and a step (c2) of impregnating the composition obtained in step (c) with the second component provided in step (b2).

[0253] It is also possible to repeat the impregnation step with the same second component. Thus, according to one embodiment, step (c) comprises two impregnation steps, impregnating the first component with a first amount of the second component and then with a second amount of the second component. According to one embodiment, the method further comprises step (b2) of providing another amount of the second component, and step (c2) of impregnating the composition obtained in step (c) with the second component provided in step (b2).

[0254] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method for preparing the composition according to the present invention comprises the following steps: (a) providing a first component that is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure, wherein the first component is provided in solid form; (b) providing a second component that is a hygroscopic compound, wherein the second component is provided in the form of an aqueous solution; (b2) providing another amount of the same second component, wherein the second component is provided in the form of an aqueous solution; (c) mixing the first component of step (a) with the second component of step (b), wherein step (c) is an impregnation step; and (c2) mixing the composition obtained in step (c) with the second component of step (b2), wherein step (c2) is the second impregnation step.

[0255] Additionally or alternatively, a second or further impregnation step can be carried out after the drying step (d). For example, the composition obtained in step (d) can be impregnated with the same and / or different second component as in step (c). According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of (b2) providing another amount of the same or different second component, and (c2) impregnating the composition obtained in step (d) with the second component provided in step (b2).

[0256] Step (c) is not limited to any particular mixing conditions, and therefore step (c) can be carried out by any mixing conditions and / or using any mixing equipment known in the art. Those skilled in the art will adapt these mixing conditions (such as the configuration of the mixing pallet and the mixing speed) according to their own process equipment.

[0257] It will be appreciated that, in general, the moisture content of the composition can be adjusted by adjusting the moisture content of the first and / or second compositions provided in steps (a) and / or (b), by a drying step (d), and / or by contacting the composition obtained in step (c) or (d) with moisture in step (e). The particular method of adjusting the moisture content can be selected depending on the type of composition desired and / or the available process equipment.

[0258] Thus, it is possible to adjust the total moisture content of the compositions of the present invention by adjusting the moisture content of the first and / or second compositions provided in steps (a) and / or (b), preferably by adjusting the moisture content of the second component provided in step (b).

[0259] For example, the second component can be provided in the form of an aqueous solution. In this case, if a high total moisture content is desired in the composition, step (d) of drying the composition obtained in step (c) may not be necessary. On the other hand, if a low or lower total moisture content is desired in the composition, the composition obtained in step (c) may be subjected to drying step (d). In another example, the second component can be provided in anhydrous form. In this case, if a high total moisture content is desired in the composition, step (d) of drying the composition obtained in step (c) may not be necessary.

[0260] Furthermore, the desired final moisture content of the composition according to the invention can be adjusted in the drying step (d).

[0261] According to one embodiment, the composition obtained in step (d) has a total moisture content of 1.0 wt. % or less, preferably 0.5 wt. % or less, more preferably 0.2 wt. % or less, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0262] According to another embodiment, the composition obtained in step (d) has a total water content in the range of 1.0 to 90 wt. %, preferably 2.5 to 75 wt. %, more preferably 5.0 to 60 wt. %, and most preferably 10 to 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0263] Furthermore, the final total moisture content of the composition of the present invention can be adjusted by allowing the composition obtained in step (c) or (d) to absorb and / or adsorb moisture from its surroundings in step (e) of this method. Step (e) can be carried out by allowing the composition obtained in step (c) or (d) to absorb and / or adsorb moisture from the surrounding air until the composition reaches a certain weight. Step (e) of this method can be preferably carried out when the composition of the present invention is used as a composition that stores and / or releases moisture.

[0264] Thus, according to one embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: (a) providing a first component that is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure; (b) providing a second component that is a hygroscopic compound; (c) mixing the first component of step (a) with the second component of step (b); (e) enabling the composition obtained in step (c) to absorb and / or adsorb moisture.

[0265] According to one preferred embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: (a) providing a first component that is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure; (b) providing a second component that is a hygroscopic compound; (c) mixing the first component of step (a) with the second component of step (b); (d) drying the mixture obtained in step (c); (e) enabling the composition obtained in step (d) to absorb and / or adsorb moisture.

[0266] According to one preferred embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: (a) providing a first component that is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure; (b) providing a second component that is a hygroscopic compound; (c) mixing the first component of step (a) with the second component of step (b); (d) drying the mixture obtained in step (c); (e) allowing the composition obtained in step (d) to absorb and / or adsorb moisture until the composition reaches a constant weight.

[0267] According to one preferred embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: (a) providing a first component that is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure, wherein the first component is provided in solid form; (b) providing a second component that is a hygroscopic compound, wherein the second component is provided in the form of an aqueous solution; (c) mixing the first component of step (a) with the second component of step (b), wherein step (c) is an impregnation step; (d) drying the mixture obtained in step (c); (e) enabling the composition obtained in step (d) to absorb and / or adsorb moisture.

[0268] The composition obtained in step (c), (d) or (e) can be further processed in additional process steps, for example the composition obtained in step (c), (d) or (e) can be coated and / or encapsulated with a coating and / or encapsulating agent.

[0269] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: (f) providing a coating and / or encapsulant; (g) mixing the coating and / or encapsulating agent of step (f) with the mixture obtained in step (c), (d) or (e).

[0270] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method for preparing the composition according to the present invention comprises the following steps: (a) providing a first component that is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure, wherein the first component is provided in solid form; (b) providing a second component that is a hygroscopic compound, wherein the second component is provided in the form of an aqueous solution; (c) mixing the first component of step (a) with the second component of step (b), wherein step (c) is an impregnation step; (f) providing a coating and / or encapsulant; (g) mixing the coating and / or encapsulating agent of step (f) with the mixture obtained in step (c).

[0271] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method for preparing the composition according to the present invention comprises the following steps: (a) providing a first component that is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure, wherein the first component is provided in a solid form; (b) providing a second component that is a hygroscopic compound, wherein the second component is provided in the form of an aqueous solution; (c) mixing the first component of step (a) with the second component of step (b), wherein step (c) is an impregnation step; (d) drying the mixture obtained in step (c); (f) providing a coating and / or encapsulant; (g) mixing the coating and / or encapsulating agent of step (f) with the mixture obtained in step (d).

[0272] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method for preparing the composition according to the present invention comprises the following steps: (a) providing a first component that is an inorganic mineral or mineral-like material having a porous structure, wherein the first component is provided in solid form; (b) providing a second component that is a hygroscopic compound, wherein the second component is provided in the form of an aqueous solution; (c) mixing the first component of step (a) with the second component of step (b), wherein step (c) is an impregnation step; and (d) drying the mixture obtained in step (c); (e) enabling the composition obtained in step (d) to absorb and / or adsorb moisture; (f) providing a coating and / or encapsulant; (g) mixing the coating and / or encapsulating agent of step (f) with the mixture obtained in step (e);

[0273] 3. Uses according to the present invention In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of the composition and / or composite of the present invention as a flame retardant or as a humidity control agent.

[0274] The present inventors have surprisingly found that the compositions and / or composites defined in the present invention can be used as flame retardants or humidity control agents. For example, the present inventors have surprisingly found that products such as wood-based boards comprising the compositions of the present invention exhibit improved heat and / or fire resistance.

[0275] According to one embodiment, the composition and / or composite is used as a flame retardant, wherein the flame retardant is part of a flame retardant product, preferably a flame retardant wood-based board, more preferably a flame retardant fiberboard or particleboard, most preferably particleboard, high density fiberboard (HDF) board, medium density fiberboard (MDF) board, low density fiberboard (LDF) board, oriented strand board (OSB), hardboard, or insulation board. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0276] [Figure 1] 1 is a graph comparing the moisture acquisition and storage of inventive Composition 1 with surface-reacted calcium carbonate SRCC1 (50% and 90% relative humidity) not impregnated with a hygroscopic compound at 50% relative humidity (50%) and 90% relative humidity (90%) over 100 minutes at 25° C. "Moisture Uptake" indicates the amount of moisture / water acquired in grams per gram of composition. [Figure 2]1 is a graph comparing moisture uptake and storage of inventive Composition 1 at 50% relative humidity (50%) and 90% relative humidity (90%) over a 3-day period at 25° C. with surface-reacted calcium carbonate SRCC1 (50% and 90% relative humidity) that is not impregnated with a hygroscopic compound. "Moisture uptake" indicates the amount of moisture / water captured in grams per gram of composition. [Figure 3] 1 shows the rate of heat release over time for products of the present invention (particle boards P13 and P14 containing inventive composition 1 as a flame retardant) and comparative products in a fire resistance test according to ISO 5660-1, Pruefung zum Brandverhalten (fire behavior test). [Figure 4] 1 shows the total heat release rate and total mass loss over time of products according to the invention (particle boards P13 and P14 containing inventive composition 1 as flame retardant) and comparative products in a fire resistance test according to ISO 5660-1, Pruefung zum Brandverhalten (fire behavior test). [Figure 5] 1 shows the measured extinction coefficient over time (EXT) for a product according to the invention (MCI, MDF: containing composition 1 according to the invention as a flame retardant) and a comparative product in a fire resistance test according to ISO 5660-1, Pruefung zum Brandverhalten (fire behavior test). [Figure 6] 1 shows the carbon monoxide (smoke) evolution measured for a product according to the invention (MCI, MDF: containing composition 1 according to the invention as a flame retardant) and a comparative product in a fire resistance test according to ISO 5660-1, Pruefung zum Brandverhalten (fire behavior test). [Figure 7] 1 is a graph comparing the moisture acquisition and storage of inventive compositions 2a (10%), 2b (20%), and 2c (30%) to surface-reacted calcium carbonate SRCC2 that is not dry-blended with calcium chloride. "Moisture Uptake" indicates the amount of moisture / water acquired in grams per gram of composition. [Example]

[0277] 1. Preparation of the Composition of the Invention 1.1 Materials

[0278] A) First component: Surface-reacted calcium carbonate (SRCC) a) SRCC1 is d 50 = 4.44 μm, d 98 = 11.0 μm, SSA = 54.7 m 2 / g and (for the pore size range of 0.004 to 0.47 μm) 0.807 cm 3 / g of indented specific pore volume.

[0279] SRCC1 was prepared according to the following procedure: SRCC1 was obtained by preparing 350 liters of an aqueous suspension of ground calcium carbonate in a mixing vessel by adjusting the solids content of ground limestone calcium carbonate from Omya SAS, Orgon, having a median particle size by weight of 1.3 μm, as determined by sedimentation, to obtain a solids content of 10 wt. % based on the total weight of the aqueous suspension.

[0280] While the slurry was mixed at a speed of 6.2 m / s, 11.2 kg of phosphoric acid in the form of an aqueous solution containing 30% by weight of phosphoric acid was added to the above suspension over a period of 20 minutes at a temperature of 70° C. After the acid addition, the slurry was stirred for a further 5 minutes, after which it was removed from the vessel and dried using a jet dryer.

[0281] b) SRCC2 is d 50 =6.6mm,d 98 =13.7mm, SSA=59.9m 2 / g and (for the pore size range of 0.004 to 0.51 μm) 0.939 cm 3 / g of indented specific pore volume.

[0282] SRCC2 was obtained by preparing 350 liters of an aqueous suspension of ground calcium carbonate in a mixing vessel by adjusting the solids content of ground limestone calcium carbonate from Omya SAS, Orgon, having a median particle size by weight of 1.3 μm, as determined by sedimentation, to obtain a solids content of 10 wt. % based on the total weight of the aqueous suspension.

[0283] While the slurry was mixed at a speed of 6.2 m / s, 11.2 kg of phosphoric acid in the form of an aqueous solution containing 30% by weight of phosphoric acid was added to the above suspension over a period of 20 minutes at a temperature of 70° C. After the acid addition, the slurry was stirred for a further 5 minutes, after which it was removed from the vessel and dried using a jet dryer.

[0284] B) Second component: calcium chloride a) Calcium chloride 1: 42% calcium chloride in aqueous solution b) Calcium chloride 2: Pelleted CaCl2 (anhydrous, granular, ≤7.0 mm, ≥93%, Sigma-Aldrich, Switzerland) was ground to particles of ≤0.2 mm using a high-speed rotor mill (Ultra Centrifugal Mill ZM 200, Retsch GmbH, Haan, Germany).

[0285] 1.2 Methods for preparing the compositions of the present invention A) Composition 1 of the present invention: Inventive composition 1 was obtained by carrying out the following steps: (a) Providing a surface-reacted calcium carbonate SRCC1 in solid form. (b) providing calcium chloride in the form of a 42% calcium chloride aqueous solution (Calcium Chloride 1); (c) Impregnating the surface-reacted calcium carbonate of step (a) with the aqueous calcium chloride solution of step (b) by placing 623 g of surface-reacted calcium carbonate (TP2760 / 2) in a Loedige mixer and adding 335 g of 42 wt. % CaCl2 aqueous solution using a funnel while stirring the surface-reacted calcium carbonate at a constant speed of 400-900 rpm. 958 g of a composition of the present invention was obtained, having a final CaCl2 content of 18 wt. % based on the surface-reacted calcium carbonate (dry wt / dry wt). (d) drying the product obtained in step (c) in a drying chamber at 130°C overnight.

[0286] B) Composition 2 of the present invention: Inventive composition 2 was obtained by carrying out the following steps: (a) providing surface-reacted calcium carbonate SRCC2 in solid form; (b) providing calcium chloride in anhydrous form (calcium chloride 2); (c) SRCC2 was weighed into a 0.5-liter bottle (PE-LD, Semadini, Germany) and calcium chloride 2 was added to obtain the indicated calcium chloride loading for compositions 2a-2c of the present invention. The bottle was immediately closed, and the components were dry-blended by mixing for 2 minutes in a Turbula® Shaker Mixer (Glen Mills Inc., Clifton, NJ, USA). Approximately 100 ml was transferred to a 600 ml beaker (150 mm diameter) and covered with filter paper for testing (see Test 2 in Section 1.3.B). The remaining powder mixture was closed, and the PE bottle was sealed with parafilm.

[0287] According to the above method, three different compositions of the present invention were prepared: Inventive composition 2a: 10% by weight of calcium chloride Inventive composition 2b: 20% by weight of calcium chloride Inventive composition 2c: 30% by weight of calcium chloride

[0288] dry mass Dry mass was measured using a halogen moisture analyzer (HB43-S, Mettler Toledo, Switzerland) after drying at 200 °C.

[0289] 1.3 Moisture Capture and Storage Capability of the Compositions of the Invention A) Test 1 A water uptake test was carried out to determine the water uptake and storage potential of the surface-reacted calcium carbonate described in 1.1.A)a), i.e. SRCC1 alone, and of the inventive composition 1 obtained by the method described in 1.2.A).

[0290] Samples from both batches were placed in Petri dishes and dried overnight at 105°C. The samples were kept under two different humidity conditions: 50% relative humidity in a temperature- and humidity-controlled laboratory at 25°C 90% relative humidity in a laboratory desiccator at 25°C The weight of the sample was recorded over time. After 3 days, the sample was dried overnight at 105°C and the experiment was repeated. The moisture uptake and storage results are shown in Figure 1 on a 100 minute time scale and in Figure 2 on a 3 day time scale.

[0291] Figure 1 shows that samples at 50% relative humidity (rH) absorbed more water than samples at 90% rH over the first 100 minutes. The samples at 50% rH were placed in an open laboratory with laboratory airflow, rather than in a confined desiccator. In a desiccator, the samples absorb moisture from the static, local atmosphere, and the atmosphere must be replenished by diffusing moisture. Figure 2 shows that the comparative surface-reacted calcium carbonate SRCC1 at 50% rH absorbed only a small amount of water over a 3-day period. The comparative sample at 90% rH exhibited slight moisture uptake. In comparison, Inventive Composition 1 captured and stored significantly more water over the first 100 minutes and 3-day periods. At 50% rH, Inventive Composition 1 reached equilibrium at 0.35 g water / g composition. This means that for every gram of Composition 1 (18% by weight of which is CaCl), 0.35 grams of water was incorporated into the composition, which was still a free-flowing powder and easy to handle.

[0292] B) Test 2 Covered beakers containing compositions 2a-2c of the invention were placed in a climatic chamber (KBF LQC 240, Binder, Germany) in the dark at 25° C. and 60% relative humidity. FIG. 7 shows the water uptake and storage of inventive compositions 2a (10%), 2b (20%), and 2c (30%) compared to surface-reacted calcium carbonate SRCC2 without dry blended calcium chloride.

[0293] 2. Use of the composition of the present invention as a flame retardant - Preparation of composites containing the composition of the present invention and evaluation of their fire resistance 2.1 Example 1 2.1.1 Production of particleboard containing the composition of the present invention as a flame retardant Different types of particleboards in which wood particles were partially replaced by flame retardants were produced on a laboratory scale (Table 1). Surface (fine) and core (coarse) wood chips were used to produce the triple-layer particleboards. The MUF adhesive was provided by BASF AG under the name Kauramin Leim 620 fluessig. The amount of adhesive applied to each board and other production parameters are shown in Table 1.

[0294] [Table 1]

[0295] [Table 2]

[0296] [Table 3]

[0297] The wood particles were placed in a drum blender (rotation speed: 110 rpm) and the adhesive was applied with a pre-nozzle (air pressure: 2 bar). After applying the adhesive / glue, the resinized particles were mixed for an additional 5 minutes. The flame retardant was then added and the mixture was blended for 5 minutes. Hot pressing of the particleboards was carried out at 220 °C in a laboratory press (HLOP210, Hoefer Presstechnik GmbH). After production, the boards were left to cool overnight.

[0298] 2.1.2 Fire resistance of particle board containing composition 1 of the present invention as a flame retardant The board samples were conditioned at a temperature of 23±2°C and a relative humidity of 50±5% until a constant mass was reached according to DIN EN 13238. They were then subjected to a test according to ISO 5660-1, Prüfung zum Brandverhalten (Fire Behaviour Test) - Part 1: Heat Release Rate (Cone-Calorimeter Method) and Smoke Development (Dynamic Measurement), using board samples measuring 100 mm x 100 mm and at a temperature of 50 kW / m 2 The back and edges of the sample were sealed with aluminum foil of 0.02 mm thickness.

[0299] The heat release rate test results, i.e., total heat release rate and total mass loss test results shown in Figures 3 and 4, show that particle boards containing inventive composition 1 as a flame retardant (P13 and P14) perform at least as well as particle boards containing a commercial flame retardant (EcoChem).

[0300] 2.2 Example 2 2.2.1 Production of Medium Density Fiberboard Containing Composition 1 of the Invention as a Flame Retardant Five different medium density fiberboards were then submitted for fire resistance testing (Table 4).

[0301] [Table 4]

[0302] Technical-grade wood fibers were weighed and the moisture content was determined. The fibers were placed in a Lödige mixer and 15% (dry weight based on dry fiber) of the resin MUF Kauramin 627 BASF (68% solids) was applied. In addition, ammonium sulfate hardener and hydrophobizing agent Hydrowax 730 (from Sasol Wax) were applied to the fibers.

[0303] The flame retardant was added to the wood fiber as a replacement for the fiber in an amount of 15% by weight for the MDF variant containing EcoChem flame retardant and in an amount of 35% by weight (dry / dry weight) for the MDF variant containing Inventive Composition 1.

[0304] A press time of 12 seconds and a temperature of 220°C were used, with a final thickness of 15.2 mm and a target density of 700 kg / m 2 The fibers were then pressed into panels using a Hoefer hot press. The B1 MDF board was a commercially available panel available on the open market.

[0305] 2.2.2 Fire resistance of MDF containing composition 1 of the present invention as a flame retardant The MDF samples were conditioned at a temperature of 23±2° C. and a relative humidity of 50±5% until constant mass was reached according to DIN EN 13238. Then, according to ISO 5660-1, Pruefung zum Brandverhalten (Fire Behaviour Test) - Part 1: Heat Release Rate (Cone-Calorimeter Method) and Smoke Evolution (Dynamic Measurement), samples measuring 100 mm x 100 mm were used at a temperature of 50 kW / m 2 The back and edges of the sample were sealed with aluminum foil of 0.02 mm thickness.

[0306] [Table 5]

[0307] The results in Table 5 and Figures 5 and 6 demonstrate the superior performance of the two MDF boards (MCI) containing the compositions of the present invention compared to the other boards tested, Eco and B1 MDF. The superior performance is demonstrated by the lower extinction coefficient (EXT), a measure of smoke generation. Overall, the MDF boards containing the compositions of the present invention as a flame retardant are characterized by significantly lower smoke generation when compared to boards made with a commercial flame retardant (Eco) and the commercial B1 MDF board. Furthermore, the carbon monoxide yield is significantly lower for the MDF boards containing the compositions of the present invention as a flame retardant and is in the range of the reference board (REF), while this value for the board with the commercial flame retardant (Eco) and the commercial board (B1 MDF) is nearly double. The invention disclosed herein includes the following aspects: [1] a first component that is an inorganic mineral material or an inorganic mineral-like material having a porous structure; and The second component is a hygroscopic compound A composition comprising: [2] The composition according to the above item [1], wherein the inorganic mineral material or the inorganic mineral-like material is a calcium carbonate-containing material, a magnesium carbonate-containing material, a calcium phosphate-containing material and / or a magnesium phosphate-containing material, preferably a calcium carbonate-containing material and / or a magnesium carbonate-containing material, more preferably a surface-reacted calcium carbonate or hydromagnesite, and most preferably a surface-reacted calcium carbonate. [3] The surface-reacted calcium carbonate is a mixture of natural ground calcium carbonate or precipitated calcium carbonate with carbon dioxide and one or more H 3 O + the carbon dioxide is a reaction product with the ion donor, 3 O + formed in situ by treatment with an ion donor and / or provided from an external source; Preferably, at least one of the H 3 O + The composition according to [2] above, wherein the ion donor is selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, sulfurous acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, acid salts, acetic acid, formic acid, mixtures thereof, and acid salts thereof, and more preferably phosphoric acid. [4] the second component is present in anhydrous form; or The composition according to any one of the above [1] to [3], wherein the second component is present in an at least partially hydrated and / or dissolved form. [5] the composition is a solid blend, or The composition according to any one of the above [1] to [4], wherein the first component is impregnated with the second component. [6] The composition according to any one of [1] to [5] above, further comprising one or more coating agents and / or encapsulating agents. [7] The composition according to any one of the above [1] to [6], wherein the hygroscopic compound is selected from the group consisting of salts, polyalkylene glycols, polyols, silicon-containing compounds, urea, α-hydroxy acids, and polymers, more preferably a hygroscopic salt, and most preferably calcium chloride. [8] The hygroscopic compound in anhydrous or partially hydrated form has a relative humidity of 50%, a temperature of +23°C (±2°C), and a volume of 0.01 to 4.00 g [H 2 O] / g [compound], preferably 0.01 to 3.0 g [H 2 O] / g [compound], more preferably 0.25 to 2.5 g [H 2 O] / g [compound], more preferably 0.50 to 2.5 g [H 2 O] / g [compound], most preferably 1.0 to 2.0 g [H 2 The composition according to any one of the above [1] to [7], which has a moisture capture sensitivity of [0] / g [compound]. [9] The composition according to any one of the above [1] to [8], wherein the hygroscopic compound is present in an amount of 1.0 to 90% by weight, preferably 5.0 to 75% by weight, more preferably 7.5 to 60% by weight, and most preferably 10 to 40% by weight, calculated from the dry weight of the hygroscopic compound, based on the total dry weight of the inorganic mineral material or the inorganic mineral-like material and the hygroscopic compound.

[10] The inorganic mineral material or the inorganic mineral-like material has a median particle size d of 1.0 μm to 100 μm, more preferably 2.0 μm to 80 μm, and most preferably 3.0 μm to 40 μm. 50 , and / or 20 to 200 m as measured by the BET nitrogen method 2 / g, more preferably 25 to 180m 2 / g, most preferably 30 to 100m 2 The composition according to any one of the above [1] to [9], which has a specific surface area of 1 / g.

[11] The inorganic mineral material or the inorganic mineral-like material has a porosity of 0.1 to 2.3 cm as calculated from mercury porosimetry measurement. 3 / g, more preferably 0.4 to 1.8 cm 3 / g, most preferably 0.6 to 1.6 cm 3 The composition according to any one of the above [1] to

[10] , which has an intra-particle indented specific pore volume in the range of / g.

[12] The composition according to any one of the above [1] to

[11] , wherein the composition has a total water content in the range of 1.0 to 90 wt %, preferably 2.5 to 75 wt %, more preferably 5.0 to 60 wt %, and most preferably 10 to 50 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[13] A method for preparing the composition according to any one of [1] to

[12] above, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a first component that is an inorganic mineral or inorganic mineral-like material having a porous structure; (b) providing a second component that is a hygroscopic compound; (c) mixing the first component of step (a) with the second component of step (b); (d) optionally drying the mixture obtained in step (c).

[14] Step (c) is one or more solid blending steps, preferably providing the second component of step (b) in anhydrous or partially hydrated form; or step (c) is one or more impregnation steps, preferably wherein the first component of step (a) is provided in solid form or in the form of an aqueous suspension, more preferably in solid form, and preferably wherein the second component of step (b) is provided in liquid form, more preferably in the form of an aqueous solution; The method described in

[13] above.

[15] The method according to

[13] or

[14] above, further comprising the following steps: (f) providing a coating and / or encapsulant; (g) mixing the coating and / or encapsulating agent of step (f) with the mixture obtained in step (c) or (d).

[16] A composite material comprising the composition according to any one of [1] to

[12] above.

[17] The composite material according to

[16] above, further comprising one or more materials selected from a polymer, an organic fiber, a binder, or a resin, preferably a resin, or a combination of a resin and an organic fiber.

[18] A product comprising the composition according to any one of [1] to

[12] above and / or the composite material according to

[16] or

[17] above.

[19] The product of

[18] above, wherein the composition and / or composite material is present throughout the product or in only at least one portion of the product, preferably in a surface or near-surface layer of the product.

[20] The product according to

[19] above, wherein the product is a wood-based board, a wetting agent, or a desiccant, preferably a wood-based board, more preferably a fiberboard or particleboard, and most preferably a particleboard, a high density fiberboard (HDF) board, a medium density fiberboard (MDF) board, a low density fiberboard (LDF) board, an oriented strand board (OSB), a hardboard, or an insulation board.

[21] Use of the composition according to any one of [1] to

[12] above and / or the composite material according to

[16] or

[17] above as a flame retardant or a humidity adjusting agent, preferably as a drying agent or a wetting agent.

[22] The use according to

[21] above, wherein the flame retardant is part of a flame retardant product, preferably a flame retardant wood-based board, more preferably a flame retardant fiberboard or a flame retardant particleboard, most preferably a particleboard, a high density fiberboard (HDF) board, a medium density fiberboard (MDF) board, a low density fiberboard (LDF) board, an oriented strand board (OSB), a hardboard, or an insulation board.

Claims

1. a first component that is an inorganic mineral or inorganic mineral-like material having a porous structure; and The second component is a hygroscopic compound A composition comprising: the inorganic mineral material or the inorganic mineral-like material is surface-reacted calcium carbonate; the hygroscopic compound is a hygroscopic salt selected from the group consisting of magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, zinc chloride, aluminum chloride, magnesium bromide, calcium bromide, zinc bromide, aluminum bromide, magnesium iodide, calcium iodide, magnesium nitrate, calcium nitrate, zinc nitrate, aluminum nitrate, magnesium acetate, calcium acetate, zinc acetate, aluminum acetate, and mixtures and hydrates thereof; The surface-reacted calcium carbonate is a mixture of natural ground calcium carbonate or precipitated calcium carbonate with carbon dioxide and one or more H ３ O ＋ The carbon dioxide is a reaction product with the ion donor, and ３ O ＋ formed in situ by treatment with an ion donor and / or provided from an external source; At least one of the H ３ O ＋ the ion donor is phosphoric acid, and The composition is a solid blend or the first component is impregnated with the second component; composition.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition has a total moisture content in the range of 1.0 to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition further comprises one or more coating and / or encapsulating agents.

4. The hygroscopic compound in anhydrous or partially hydrated form has a relative humidity of 50%, a temperature of +23°C (±2°C), and a volume at equilibrium of 0.01 to 4.00 g [H ２ 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition has a moisture-trapping sensitivity of 0 / g [compound].

5. 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the hygroscopic compound is present in an amount of 1.0 to 90% by weight, calculated from the dry weight of the hygroscopic compound, based on the total dry weight of the inorganic mineral or inorganic mineral-like material and the hygroscopic compound.

6. The inorganic mineral material or the inorganic mineral-like material has a median particle size d of 1.0 μm to 100 μm. ５０ The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, having

7. The inorganic mineral material or the inorganic mineral-like material has a viscosity of 20 to 200 m as measured by the BET nitrogen method. ２ The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, having a specific surface area of 1 / g.

8. The inorganic mineral material or the inorganic mineral-like material has a thickness of 0.1 to 2.3 cm as calculated from mercury porosimetry measurements. ３ The composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, having an intra-particle indented specific pore volume in the range of 1 / g.

9. A method for preparing a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first component that is an inorganic mineral or inorganic mineral-like material having a porous structure; (b) providing a second component that is a hygroscopic compound; (c) mixing the first component of step (a) with the second component of step (b); (d) optionally drying the mixture obtained in step (c).

10. 10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the steps of: (f) providing a coating and / or encapsulant; (g) mixing the coating and / or encapsulating agent of step (f) with the mixture obtained in step (c) or (d).

11. A composite material comprising the composition of any one of claims 1 to 8.

12. A product comprising a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and / or a composite material according to claim 11.

13. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and / or the composite material according to claim 11 as a flame retardant or as a humidity regulator.

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