Sorbent composition

Abstract

This invention relates to a solid composition for sorbing another substance. The solid composition can be used for clearing a location through its sorbent properties or for drying surfaces by sorbing liquid, such as water. The present composition can have a further benefit of cooling surfaces. The composition may be suitable for sorbing the liquids of the hands improving the grip of a user during physical activity or sport; however, the use can be applied much broader than this.

Description

Sorbent Composition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0010] Chalk has now become a climbing essential, many users even chalk up while waiting to climb just out of habit or ritual. This mass use of loose chalk in gyms results in a severe impact on air quality due to the dust from climbers chalking up. Filtration can reduce air pollution but even indoor climbing focused specialised units are not truly fit for purpose given the high parts per million (ppm) and struggle to keep up. The most effective solution was found to be liquid chalk which drastically improves the particulate air quality of climbing gyms when compared to loose. In certain embodiments, the present invention aims to provide a solid composition with lower friability and higher density compared to solid blocks decided to form loose powder chalk. In certain embodiments, the present invention aims to provide a solid composition with an engineered range of friability and hardness along with a higher density compared to solid blocks decided to form loose powder chalk. The lower friability and higher hardness paired witha higher density, in turn, reduces the amount of particulate powder and dust that might enter the atmosphere. In certain embodiments, the present invention aims to reduce the impact of loose chalk on air quality. Although liquid chalk improves particulate air quality, it does introduce an additional problem of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A high quantity of solvent is needed to place the solid chalk in a liquid state where it can be poured and spread. This solvent evaporates to leave behind a solid chalk residue. The solvent enters the atmosphere contributing to VOC pollutant levels. In certain embodiments, the present invention aims to reduce the environmental impact of chalk application when compared to liquid chalk and loose chalk.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0019] In certain specific embodiments the sorbent material is a bodily fluid sorbent material. In certain embodiments the bodily fluid may be sweat and / or interstitial fluid.

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

[0021] In certain embodiments the volatile solvent is a volatile organic solvent.

[0022] In certain embodiments of the present invention there is provided a sorbent material being a solid composition comprising a sorbent powder and a sorbed volatile solvent, wherein the volatile solvent is present in an amount from 0.001% to 100% of the sorption capacity of the sorbent powder. Alternatively the volatile solvent is present in an amount of from: 0.01% to 100%, 0.1% to 100%, 1% to 100%, 2.5% to 100%, 5% to 100%, 10% to 100%, 15% to 100%, 20% to 100%, 25% to 100%, 30% to 100%, 35% to 100%, 40% to 100%, 50% to 100%, 0.1% to 90%, 1% to 90%, 2.5% to 90%, 5% to 90%, 10% to 90%, 15% to 90%, 20% to 90%, 25% to 90%, 30% to 90%, 35% to 90%, 40% to 90%, 45% to 90%, 50% to 90%, 0.1% to 80%, 1% to 80%, 2.5% to 80%, 5% to 80%, 10% to 80%, 15% to 80%, 20% to 80%, 25% to 80%, 30% to 80%, 40% to 80%, 0.1% to 70%, 1% to 70%, 2.5% to 70%, 5% to 70%, 10% to 70%, 15% to 70%, 20% to 70%, 25% to 70%, 30% to 70%, 35% to 70%, 40% to 70%, 75% to 100%, 0.001% to 80%, 1% to 75%, 1% to 65%, 1% to 60%, 1% to 55%, 1% to 50%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, or 10% to 50%; where the percentage is based on the sorption capacity of the solid sorbent material. Optionally the volatile solvent may be a volatile organic solvent.

[0023] In certain embodiments the volatile solvent is present in an amount of from: 0.1% to 80%, 1% to 80%, 2.5% to 80%, 5% to 80%, 10% to 80%, 20% to 80%, 25% to 80%, 30% to 80%, 40% to 80%, 50% to 80%, 1% to 75%, 1% to 70%, 1% to 65%, 1% to 60%, 1% to 55%, 1% to 50%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, or 10% to 50% where the percentage is based on the sorption capacity of the solid sorbent material. In certain embodiments, the volatile solvent is present in an amount of from: 0.1% to 80%, 1% to 80%, 2.5% to 80%, 5% to 80%, 10% to 80%, 25% to 80%, 20% to 80%, 30% to 80%, 40% to 80%, or 50% to 80%, where the percentage is based on the sorption capacity of the solid sorbent material.

[0024] The amount of volatile solvent comprised in the solid sorbent material can also be defined as a weight percent based on the weight of the solid sorbent material. In certain embodiments the sorbent powder comprises from 0.01 to 99 w / w% of the volatile solvent based on the weight of the solid sorbent material. In certain embodiments the sorbent powder comprises from 0.01 to 80 w / w% of the volatile solvent based on the weight of the solid sorbent material. Alternatively, the sorbent powder may comprise from: 1 to 90 w / w%,2.5% to 90 w / w%, 5% to 90 w / w%, 10% to 90 w / w%, 15% to 90 w / w%, 20% to 90 w / w%, 30% to 90 w / w%, 40% to 90 w / w%, 50% to 90 w / w%, 1 to 80 w / w%, 2.% to 80 w / w%, 5 to 80 w / w%, 10 to 80 w / w%, 15 to 80 w / w%, 20 to 80 w / w%, 25% to 80 w / w%, 30 to 80 w / w%, 40 to 80 w / w%, 50% to 80 w / w%, 10 to 50 w / w%, 10 to 60 w / w%, 1% to 70 w / w%, 2.5% to 70 w / w%, 5% to 70 w / w%, 10 to 70 w / w%, 15% to 70 w / w%, 20% to 70 w / w%, 25% to 70 w / w%, 30% to 70 w / w%, 40% to 70 w / w%, 50% to 70 w / w%, 1% to 75 w / w%, 2.5% to 75 w / w%, 5% to 75 w / w%, 10% to 75 w / w%, 15% to 75 w / w%, 20% to 75 w / w%, 25 to 75 w / w%, 30 to 75 w / w%, 40 to 75 w / w%, 50 to 75 w / w%, or 30 to 60 w / w% of the volatile solvent based on the weight of the solid sorbent material. Alternatively, the sorbent powder may comprise from: 40 to 60 w / w% or 50 to 60 w / w% of the volatile solvent based on the weight of the solid sorbent material. Alternatively, the sorbent powder may comprise from: 40 to 70 w / w% or 50 to 70 w / w% of the volatile solvent based on the weight of the solid sorbent material. Alternatively, the sorbent powder may comprise from: 40 to 80 w / w% or 50 to 80 w / w% of the volatile solvent based on the weight of the solid sorbent material. Alternatively, the sorbent powder may comprise from: 50 to 80 w / w% or 53 to 74 w / w% of the volatile solvent based on the weight of the solid sorbent material.

[0025] In certain embodiments the volatile solvent is different to the material, for example liquid, that is to be sorbed by the sorbent material. Although the volatile solvent is sorbed within the sorbent material, when in use the solid sorbent material is designed to sorb further material. This further material is different to the volatile solvent. For example, the solid sorbent material of the present invention may be used to sorb sweat from a hand during exercise. Sweat is a different material to the volatile solvent, in this example. Thus, the present invention can sorb a further material, in use, that is different to the volatile solvent. This can occur because the volatile solvent evaporates or because there is additional sorption capacity within the solid sorbent material.

[0026] The sorbent material of the present invention may operate via absorption or adsorption or a combination of both. The sorbent material of the present invention may be sorbent in a solid block form or in a solid powdered form. The solid form may take on the appearance of a compressed powder. The powdered form of the sorbent material may be derived from the solid form by crumbling the solid form.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the solid composition has a friability percentage (F%) of up to 99%, optionally up to 95%. In certain embodiments the solid composition has a F% of from 0.1% to 100%, from 0.1% to 99%, from 0.1% to 90%, from 0.1% to 80%, from 0.1% to 70%, from 0.1% to 60%, from 0.1% to 55%, from 0.5% to 100%, from 0.5% to 99%, from 0.5% to 90%, from 0.5% to 80%, from 0.5% to 70%, from 0.5% to 60%, from 0.5% to 55%, from 1% to 100%, from 1% to 99%, from 1% to 90%, from 1% to 80%, from1% to 70%, from 1% to 60%, from 1% to 55%, from 1.5% to 100%, from 1.5% to 99%, from 1.5% to 90%, from 1.5% to 80%, from 1.5% to 70%, from 1.5% to 60%, from 1.5% to 55%, from 2.5% to 100%, from 2.5% to 99%, from 2.5% to 90%, from 2.5% to 80%, from 2.5% to 70%, from 2.5% to 60%, from 2.5% to 55%, from 3% to 100%, from 3% to 99%, from 3% to 90%, from 3% to 80%, from 3% to 70%, from 3% to 60%, or from 3% to 55%. In certain embodiments the solid composition has a F% of from 0.1% to 10%, from 0.1% to 5%, from 0.5% to 5%, or 1% to 5%. In certain embodiments the F% is 2.0% to 5.0%. Friability % is calculated as follows F% = ((mass of initial sample - mass of remaining largest piece) I mass of initial sample) x 100% when a sample is dropped from a defined height. The process for measuring friability is set out in detail in Example 26 - Friability testing.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the solid composition has a Shore Durometer A value of greater than 0. In certain embodiments, the solid composition has a Shore Durometer A value of greater than 5. In certain embodiments, the solid composition has a Shore Durometer A value of greater than 10. In certain embodiments, the solid composition has a Shore Durometer A value of greater than 15. In certain embodiments, the solid composition has a Shore Durometer A value of greater than 20. In certain embodiments, the solid composition has a Shore Durometer A value of greater than 25. In certain embodiments, the solid composition has a Shore Durometer A value of greater than 30. In certain embodiments, the solid composition has a Shore Durometer A value of greater than 50. In certain embodiments, the solid composition has a Shore Durometer A value of from 0 to 100, from 5 to 100, from 10 to 100, from 0 to 90, from 5 to 90, from 10 to 90, from 0 to 85, from 5 to 85, from 10 to 85, from 0 to 80, from 5 to 80, from 10 to 80, from 15 to 100, from 15 to 90, from 15 to 85, from 15 to 80, from 20 to 100, from 20 to 90, from 20 to 85, from 20 to 80, from 25 to 100, from 25 to 90, from 25 to 85, from 25 to 80, from 30 to 100, from 30 to 90, from 30 to 80, from 50 to 90, from 60 to 90 or 50 to 80. The protocol for measuring the Shore Durometer A hardness is explained in Example 27 - Hardness Testing.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the solid composition has a Shore Durometer A value from 30 to 80 and a friability % (F%) of greater than 5%. It is incredibly surprising that a solid of this hardness is capable of such a high friability % enabling the crumbling of it only when desired. Most products available on the market have one or the other, either high friability and low hardness, or low friability and high hardness, but not both. Therefore, an aim of certain embodiments is to provide a solid composition of relatively high hardness and high friability.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the solid composition has a dust contribution value of less than 60%, less than 50% or less than 40%, wherein the dust contribution value is a % of the mass of material lost from a sample during friability testing as dust based on the total mass of the sample tested when tested as in Example 26. Dust is defined as any material than can pass through a 1000 micron steel filter. A lower value of dust contribution improves air quality within climbing gyms because less sorbent material is expelled into air as dust, when a sorbent material is being used as a climbing chalk, for example. In certain embodiments, the solid composition has a dust contribution value of from 0.1% to 50% or from 0.1% to 40%, In certain embodiments, the solid composition has a dust contribution value of 5% to 50% or 10% to 40%.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the solid composition has a dust contribution value of 0.1% to 100%, 0.1% to 95%, 0.1% to 900%, 0.1% to 85%, 0.1% to 80%, 0.1% to 75%, 0.1% to 70%, 0.1% to 65%, 0.1% to 60%, 0.1% to 55%, 0.1% to 50%, 0.5% to 100%, 0.5% to 95%, 0.5% to 90%, 0.5% to 85%, 0.5% to 80%, 0.5% to 75%, 0.5% to 70%, 0.5% to 65%, 0.5% to 60%, 0.5% to 55%, 0.5% to 50%, 1% to 100%, 1% to 95%, 1% to 90%, 1% to 85%, 1% to 80%, 1% to 75%, 1% to 70%, 1% to 65%, 1% to 60%, 1% to 55%, 1% to 50%, 1.5% to 100%, 1.5% to 95%, 1.5% to 90%, 1.5% to 85%, 1.5% to 80%, 1.5% to 75%, 1.5% to 70%, 1.5% to 65%, 1.5% to 60%, 1.5% to 55%, 1.5% to 50%, 2% to 100%, 2% to 95%, 2% to 90%, 2% to 85%, 2% to 80%, 2% to 75%, 2% to 70%, 2% to 65%, 2% to 60%, 2% to 55% or 2% to 50%.

[0032] The sorbent material of the present invention has unique physical properties which makes it applicable to use as a sorbent material. The sorbent material may be formed as a solid block or may be in a powdered form. A block of the present invention will crack and fracture when it is impacted or exposed to a point force, for example when struck by a hammer or dropped. However, when the block or the powder is exposed to a compression force and allowed to spread, such as being pressed in between two hands when in use, the solid material will crumble into small pieces and result in a powder. When compressed the solid block and the powder forms of the sorbent material transitions through a paste-like state. As such, in certain embodiments there is provided a sorbent material that is configured to be compressible to form an intermediate paste before drying to a powder. The intermediate paste may be defined as a layer that when stretched does not fracture or fragment.

[0033] The beneficial characteristics of the present invention are now described in relation to its use. The sorbent material of the present invention is configured to be capable of returning to the same state as the sorbent powder. In other words, when in use, the solid sorbent material of the invention is configured to be powdered. This is generallyachievable by compressing the solid sorbent material without maintaining the volume. When the sorbent material of the present invention is compressed sufficiently to crumble and break up the solid form, there is an increase in the surface area of the sorbent material, the sorbent material eventually becomes a powder. This can be viewed as the sorbent material of the present invention being a powder block. The invention provides a solid form of a powder which can be powdered on demand. The present invention consequently provides means for far easier handling of a powdered material because the sorbent powdered material is provided as a solid sorbent material. The solid can be handled with great ease.

[0034] In addition, the solid sorbent material of the present invention provides means for applying the powdered material or sorbent powder in a layer on the surface upon which the solid sorbent material was compressed. For example, when the solid sorbent material is compressed and distributed across a surface, the sorbent powder comprising the volatile solvent is deposited on the surface. The volatile solvent evaporates from the sorbent powder leaving dry sorbent powder applied to the surface ready for sorbing any material (for example a liquid) on the surface. The surface may be human skin and the temperature of the human skin may contribute to evaporation of the volatile solvent. Thus, in certain embodiments there is provided a solid sorbent material being a solid composition comprising a sorbent powder and a sorbed volatile solvent, adapted to be compressed onto a surface to provide a layer of the sorbent powder on the surface. In addition, the solid sorbent material may be adapted to provide a cooling effect when compressed onto a surface in addition or alternatively to providing the layer of sorbent powder. As discussed, above, thermal energy transfer and evaporation of the volatile solvent provides the cooling effect.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the solid sorbent material is configured to have a greater thermal energy transfer potential through refrigeration of the solid sorbent material prior to compression onto a surface.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the solid sorbent material is configured to breakdown under compression into a high surface area sorbent powder in order to provide the maximum rate of thermal energy transfer available to it.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the solid sorbent material is configured to evaporate the volatile solvent within 0 to 8 seconds when the sorbent material is rubbed between two hands to apply a layer of the sorbent powder on the hands. The layer of the sorbent powder may be a thin layer. A thin layer can be considered to be a layer of the sorbent powder that provides complete coverage of the surface but without excess material that would move around when rubbed. The volatile solvent can evaporate very quickly givingthe impression that it is instantaneous when rubbed between two hands. Hence, a time of 0 seconds is considered to be reasonable.

[0038] In certain embodiments the sorbent material is a solid block or fragmented pieces of a solid block. In certain embodiments, the sorbent material is formed by compressing the sorbent powder to form a solid block. The sorbent composition may be referred to as the composition throughout the present application. The composition may be a solid because the sorbent powder has been densified, for example compacted, settled, sedimented or pressurised. Alternatively, the composition may be a powder.

[0039] The sorbent powder may be a sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium salt, silica, activated charcoal or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the sorbent powder may be a sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium salt or silica or combinations thereof. The sorbent powder may be a hydrate of the sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium salt or a non-hydrate. The sorbent powder may be selected from: magnesium carbonate (such as magnesite (MgCCh), barringtonite (MgCO3'2H2O), nesquehonite (MgCO3'3H2O), lansfordite (MgCO3'5H2O), artinite (Mg2CC>3(OH)2'3H2O), hydromagnesite (Mgs(CO3)4(OH)2'4H2O), dypingite (Mgs(CO3)4(OH)2'5H2O), magnesium sulphate, magnesium chloride, sodium sulphate, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium chloride, potassium sulphate, potassium carbonate, calcium sulphate, calcium carbonate, silica gel (for example silicon dioxide), fumed silica, activated charcoal, molecular sieves (such as calcium aluminosilicate, or sodium aluminosilicate) and combinations thereof.

[0040] In certain embodiments the sorbent powder is selected from: magnesium carbonate, calcium sulphate, powdered molecular sieves, calcium carbonate, magnesium sulphate, fumed silica and combinations thereof; and the volatile solvent is selected from: ethanol, acetone, and isopropyl alcohol.

[0041] In certain embodiments the sorbent powder is selected from: magnesium carbonate, calcium sulphate, powdered molecular sieves, calcium carbonate, magnesium sulphate, fumed silica and combinations thereof; and the volatile solvent is selected from: ethanol, acetone, and isopropyl alcohol. The sorbent powder may be a hydrate, for example hydromagnesite. Alternatively or additionally, the sorbent powder may be anhydrous. In certain embodiments the sorbent powder comprises magnesium carbonate, in an anhydrous or partially hydrated form. The composition may include magnesium carbonate hydroxide, such as hydromagnesite, with a hydration state varying between 0 and 4 water molecules per unit.

[0042] In certain embodiments the sorbent powder is magnesium carbonate (optionally hydromagnesite (Mgs(CO3)4(OH)2'4H2O)), fumed silica or a combination thereof. In a particular embodiment the sorbent powder is hydromagnesite (Mgs(CO3)4(OH)2'4H2O).

[0043] The volatile solvent may be a volatile organic solvent. In certain embodiments the volatile solvent (optionally a volatile organic solvent) has a boiling point in the range of from 35 °C to 90 °C. Optionally, the boiling point of the volatile solvent (optionally an organic solvent) is from 35 °C to 80 °C or from 50 °C to 85 °C.

[0044] A liquid’s vapour pressure shows the tendency of the liquid to vaporise. A liquid with a higher vapor pressure will vaporise more readily at a given temperature than substances with lower vapour pressure. In certain embodiments the solvent has a vapour pressure at between 20°C and 25°C in the range of 2 kPa to 60 kPa. Optionally, the volatile solvent has a vapour pressure at between 20°C and 25°C in the range of 2 kPa to 25 kPa.

[0045] The volatile solvent may be selected from: ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, cyclopentane, n-pentane, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, cyclohexane, tert-butanol and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, in addition to all other definitions of the volatile solvent, the volatile solvent may comprise water. Thus, in certain embodiments the volatile solvent may be water in combination with another solvent selected from: ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, cyclopentane, n-pentane, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, cyclohexane, tertbutanol and combinations thereof. The volatile solvent may comprise water as a minor component for example, as is normal for non-anhydrous forms of commercial ethanol or the water may be mixed with the volatile solvent. Thus, for example, the volatile solvent may have a boiling point in the range of from 35 °C to 90 °C. Furthermore, the volatile solvent may be selected from: ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, cyclopentane, n-pentane, n- hexane, ethyl acetate, cyclohexane, tert-butanol and combinations thereof.

[0046] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the volatile solvent is ethanol and sorbent powder is magnesium carbonate (optionally hydromagnesite (Mgs(CO3)4(OH)2'4H2O)), fumed silica or a combination thereof. The ethanol may comprise water, for example as a minor component as is normal for non-anhydrous form of commercial ethanol.

[0047] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the sorbent material has a drying time of less than 8 seconds (optionally 5 seconds) when an amount of the sorbent material is distributed across a surface with a temperature of about 28°C at atmospheric pressure. The amount of the sorbent material may be between 0.1 and 1.0 g, optionally 0.4 g. The distribution across the surface may mean spreading evenly across a surface the size of a human hand.

[0048] In certain embodiments the sorbent material further comprises water. In certain embodiments the sorbent material comprises up to 55 w / w% water based on the total weight of the sorbent material. Optionally, the solid sorbent material comprises up to 20w / w%, up to 15 w / w%, up to 10 w / w% up to 5 w / w% of water based on the total weight of the sorbent material.

[0049] In an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacture of a solid sorbent material, the method comprising: suspending a sorbent powder within a volatile solvent to form a suspension; mixing the sorbent powder in the solvent; densifying the suspended sorbent powder; removing non-sorbed volatile solvent; and optionally removing a portion of the sorbed solvent.

[0050] In embodiments the amount of solvent is selected to form a mobile suspension of the sorbent powder. In embodiments the solvent is present in an excess of the sorbent powder by mass. In certain embodiments, the ratio of volatile solvent to sorbent powder is greater than the solid’s measured liquid sorbing capacity. In embodiments the mass ratio of solvent to sorbent powder is 5: 1 to 1 : 1. Optionally the mass ratio of solvent to sorbent powder is 2.5:1 to 1.5:1.

[0051] The method of densifying the suspension may take on any form known in the art to increase the density of the suspension. However, in examples particularly relevant to the present invention the densification may be achieved by allowing the suspended solid to settle within the solvent to form a sedimented layer or by applying pressure to the suspension. Pressure can be applied to the suspension by pouring the suspension into a press, for example a hydraulic press or hydraulic filter press.

[0052] The steps of densifying the suspended sorbent powder and removing the solvent can be achieved in one step, two steps or more. For example, applying pressure to the suspended sorbent powder reduces its volume and expels the solvent from the sorbent powder and increases the density of the sorbent powder.

[0053] The step of removing the non-sorbed solvent and the step of removing a portion of the sorbed solvent may be conducted by filtration, decanting, compression or a combination thereof.

[0054] The step of densifying may refer to the progression of the suspended sorbent powder from a suspension to a layer either by settling due to gravity or compression forces applied to the sorbent powder. As densification of the solid sorbent particle structure progresses the particle separation of the structure reduces further, expelling and removing solvent from spaces between the sorbent powder particles and removing sorbed solvent from the solid sorbent material thereby reducing its liquid content % m / m.

[0055] The densification may comprise compressing the suspended sorbent powder to a pressure of greater than 0.1 MPa, optionally up to the pressure limit of the apparatus. Optionally, the densification may comprise compressing the suspended sorbent powder to a pressure of from 0.1 MPa to 1.0 MPa. Optionally the pressure may be from: 0.1 MPa to 0.5 MPa, 0.1 MPa to 0.4 MPa, 0.1 MPa to 0.3 MPa, 0.1 MPa to 0.2 MPa, 0.2 MPa to 0.5 MPa, 0.3 MPa to 0.5 MPa, or 0.3 MPa to 0.4 MPa. In certain embodiments, the pressure is 0.1 MPa to 0.4 MPa, 0.1 MPa to 0.3 MPa, 0.5 MPa to 1.0 MPa or 0.1 MPa to 0.2 MPa. Further optionally, the densification may comprise compressing the suspended sorbent powder to a pressure of from 0.1 MPa to 10.0 MPa. Optionally the pressure may be from: 0.1 MPa to 9.0 MPa, 0.1 MPa to 8.0 MPa 0.1 MPa to 7.5 MPa, 0.1 MPa to 7.0 MPa, 0.1 MPa to 6.0 MPa, 0.1 MPa to 5.0 MPa, 0.1 MPa to 4.0 MPa, 1.0 MPa to 5.0 MPa, 1.0 MPa to 4.0 MPa, 2.0 MPa to 5.0 MPa, 3.0 MPa to 5.0 MPa, or 3.0 MPa to 4.0 MPa. In certain embodiments, the pressure is from: 0.1 MPa to 5 MPa, 0.5 MPa to 5.0 MPa, 1.0 MPa to 4.0 MPa, 2.0 MPa to 5.0 MPa or 3.0 MPa to 4.0 MPa In a particular embodiment the pressure is 3.9 MPa.

[0056] The method may further comprise a processing and degassing stage where the suspended sorbent powder is subject to a pressure less than 0.1 MPa, optionally down to the pressure limit of the apparatus. Optionally, the processing stage may comprise utilising pressures of from 0 MPa to 0.1 MPa. Optionally the pressure may be from: 0.001 MPa to 0.1 MPa, 0.01 MPa to 0.1 MPa, 0.05 MPa to 0.1 MPa, 0.06 MPa to 0.1 MPa, 0.07 MPa to 0.1 MPa, 0.08 MPa to 0.1 MPa, or 0.09 MPa to 0.1 MPa, or 0.095 MPa to 0.1 MPa.

[0057] The step of removing the solvent may optionally remove only any supernatant or remaining volatile solvent that has not been sorbed within the sorbent powder or the supernatant liquid may be removed along with volatile solvent sorbed within the solid. The present invention contemplates removing the volatile solvent and densifying the suspended sorbent powder in a single operation or in more than one operation (for example two).

[0058] In certain embodiments the step of densifying the suspended powder further comprises vibrating the suspension. In embodiments where the method comprises a step of vibrating the frequency of vibration may be up to 20 hertz.

[0059] In embodiments the method results in a solid block of the sorbent powder comprising sorbed volatile solvent, wherein the sorbent powder comprises 0.01 to 80 w / w% of the volatile solvent based on the weight of the composition. Any amount of volatile solvent disclosed herein is contemplated by the present invention.

[0060] Any features of the solid sorbent material discussed throughout this application may apply to the solid sorbent material produced by the method of manufacture of the present invention.

[0061] The method of manufacture may be conducted in a single vessel or across more than one vessel.

[0062] The method of manufacture may further comprise the step of drying the solid sorbent material to reduce the amount of volatile solvent sorbed within the solid sorbent material. The solid sorbent material can be dried to the point where all volatile solvent has been removed. The determination of whether all solvent has been removed can be determined by ensuring consistent mass readings of the solid sorbent material of three consecutive mass readings with each reading being one hour apart during a drying process.

[0063] As such, the method of the present invention can produce a solid sorbent material that contains no volatile solvent. Such a product has use as a sorbent material that avoids the downsides associated with solid sorbent materials.

[0064] In certain embodiments, method of manufacture of a solid sorbent material comprises: suspending a sorbent powder within a volatile solvent to form a suspension; mixing the sorbent powder in the solvent; densifying the suspended sorbent powder; removing non-sorbed volatile solvent; and drying the solid sorbent material to remove all sorbed volatile organic solvent.

[0065] In an aspect of the present invention there is provided a solid sorbent material comprising a sorbent powder and an sorbed volatile solvent, wherein the sorbent material is produced by a method comprising: suspending the sorbent powder within the volatile solvent to form a suspension; mixing the sorbent powder in the volatile solvent; densifying the suspended sorbent powder; and removing the non-sorbed volatile solvent.

[0066] In embodiments the sorbent powder comprises from 5 to 80 w / w% of the solvent based on the weight of the solid sorbent material. The sorbent powder comprises an amount of volatile solvent disclosed elsewhere herein.

[0067] The solid sorbent material of this aspect may be a solid sorbent material of the present invention produced by the method of manufacture of the present invention or a sorbent material as disclosed elsewhere herein. The solid sorbent material of this aspect of the invention may have any combination of the features of the material of the invention as set out herein. Equally, the method of manufacture may have any combination of the features of the method of the invention.

[0068] In certain embodiments the sorbent powder is selected from: magnesium carbonate, calcium sulphate, powdered molecular sieves, calcium carbonate, magnesium sulphate, fumed silica and combinations thereof; and the volatile solvent is selected from: ethanol, acetone, and isopropyl alcohol.

[0069] In certain embodiments the solid sorbent material is produced by a method comprising: suspending a sorbent powder within a volatile solvent to form a suspension; mixing the sorbent powder in the solvent; densifying the suspended sorbent powder; removing non-sorbed volatile solvent; and drying the solid sorbent material to remove all sorbed volatile organic solvent.

[0070] In a further aspect of the present invention there is contemplated a packaged sorbent material of the present invention. The packaged sorbent material may be the solid sorbent material disclosed anywhere herein. The packaged solid sorbent material may comprise a solid sorbent material of the present invention contained in an air tight container.

[0071] The packaged sorbent material may be packaged along with supernatant volatile solvent. The packaging may be configured not to allow the volatile solvent to vaporise. The packaging is sealed to avoid exit of the volatile solvent. The packaging, such as a sealed bag, provides an internal environment that reduces vaporisation by facilitating a full or partial saturation condition of the internal environment with the gaseous volatile solvent. The vapour build up in the bag prevents or reduces more vapour from being released from the solid sorbent material. This can be achieved by introducing gaseous volatile solvent to the internal environment of the packaging prior to sealing or liquid from the solid sorbent material can vaporise or volatile liquid can be added to the bag. Adding volatile liquid to the bag has the effect that if the temperature increases the volatile liquid added to the container vaporises rather than the sorbed volatile liquid creating a positive pressure environment which thus reduces vaporisation of solvent within the solid sorbent material.

[0072] In certain embodiments the packaged sorbent material is adapted to be stored in a refrigerator. Preferably, the temperature of the refrigerator will be between -5°C and 15°C. The present invention benefits from being stored at a low temperature and being applied to a body surface, such as a hand, to improve the cooling effect on that surface that the invention provides.

[0073] In certain embodiments the packaged sorbent material is packaged in a reusable container. In alternative embodiments the packaged sorbent material may be packaged in a disposable packaging. The sorbent material sold in the disposable packaging being intended to be stored in the reuseable container.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 is a perspective view of a block of the solid composition of Example 1.Figure 2 is another perspective view of a block of the solid composition of Example 1 with some of the solid composition crumbled off the main body.Figure 3 is a top down view of a block of the solid composition of Example 1 with some of the solid composition crumbled off the main body, some of these fragments have been further crumbled into the smaller pieces along with some of the much finer crumbled powder these pieces break down into.Figure 4 is a perspective view of forms of Example 1 shown in Figure 3 in a different layout.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Figure 1 shows a section of an embodiment of the solid sorbent material, in particular Example 1, it is clear to the naked eye that its structure is solid. The clear and crisp defined acute angles of its edges and overall shape, along with an array of production related indentations also further demonstrate its solid nature. The section in Figure 1 measured 35mm x 36mm x 31mm with a mass of 30g and a hardness of 73 as demonstrated in Example 23.

[0076] Figure 2 shows the same section of the solid sorbent material, in particular Example 1 after the fingers of a human hand were compressed onto the bottom and top of the block and a snapping motion was performed. It is very clear to the naked eye that the solid sorbent material fractures as you would expect a solid to fracture with bits breaking off into irregular shards, splinters and smaller blocks. These fragments could be described as jagged, some elongated, some thin and some thicker. A portion of the resultant piecescould also be described as dust although whole shapes larger than 1mm make up the majority of the pieces. The fragments have an uneven, rough texture with some showing a powdery appearance suggesting a porous quality. What is also clear is that the fragments are not purely dust, the hardness of the structure leads to fragments with little dust obvious to the observer.

[0077] Figure 3 & 4 shows the progression of the same section of the resultant solid sorbent material, in particular Example 1 , as the fingers of a human hand were used to compress multiple individual fragments described in relation to Figure 2. Each form shown in Figures 1 to 4 represents different forms of embodiments of the invention. Thus, the present invention encompasses each physical form shown in the Figures. The bottom left pile in Figure 4 and second from top pile in Figure 3 show the subsequent intermediary stage of breakage as the larger fragments in Figure 2, also visible in the top left of Figure 4 and second from bottom pile in Figure 3, are reduced in size down to smaller fragments. The bottom right pile of Figure 4 and top pile of Figure 3 shows the final repeated compression of these smaller fragments are pulverised into a fine powder by yet again repeating the compression between fingers.

[0078] It is clear to the naked eye that the pile of smaller fragments are still identifiable as induvial fragments with a rough and jagged surface and edges. It is also clear that there is a larger proportion of the fragments which have been reduced to very small fragments approaching or already identifiable as having a powder-like appearance. Whilst this is the case it would still be appreciated by the skilled person that this pile is mainly made up of medium-small solid fragments still of irregular shape.

[0079] It would be clear to the skilled person that the final pile containing the result of the final compression between fingers of these smaller particles is almost all a fine powder with no significant chunks remaining visible. The surface of this final pile looks much more uniform, with a softer feel when compared with the rough texture of the fragments of other piles.

[0080] The present invention relates to a composition having the physical form of a solid mass. The solid mass is formed of a powdered solid which has been compacted to form the mass. The solid mass may be in the form of a cuboid block. The solid mass may be of any size. However, the composition of the present invention is conveniently formed into cuboids with dimensions of from 2 to 10cm by 2 to 10 cm by 2 to 10cm. The composition may be manufactured directly into a cuboid with the dimensions set out above or the composition may be cut to a desired size.

[0081] The solid sorbent material of the present invention is capable of being crumbled. The solid sorbent material can be crumbled to yield the sorbent powder. However, thesolid sorbent material of the present invention is able to resist fracturing in the absence of an applied force. The solid sorbent material must be crushed by an applied force, such as between two fingers or hands, in order to form the powder. As such, the solid sorbent material can be used like a powder but the sorbed volatile solvent provides a cooling effect when evaporating.

[0082] It may not seem possible to have a sorbent material of the present invention when the material comprises a volatile liquid sorbed within it. One might question how it is possible to sorb liquid when a liquid is already sorbed within the sorbent material of the present invention. The present invention makes use of the volatile nature of the sorbed volatile solvent to evaporate from the sorbent powder to leave behind a sorbent powder that is capable of sorbing further liquid. Alternatively, the present invention does contemplate a product produced by the method of the invention that is free of volatile solvent and that can be used to sorb a liquid up to the sorption capacity of the sorbent material.

[0083] It is also contemplated by the invention that the sorbent material will have excess capacity for sorbing further liquid. The sorbent material of the present invention comprises the volatile solvent in an amount from 0.01% to 100% of the sorption capacity of the solid sorbent material, optionally below 80%. As such, it is possible that the sorbent material of the present invention will comprise less than the full amount of liquid that the sorbent material may comprise. As such, there will be further sorbing potential associated with the sorbent material of the present invention even when the sorbent material comprises a volatile solvent, as required by the present invention.

[0084] The sorbent powder of the present invention can be sourced from various suppliers commercially. The sorbent powder can also be derived from various sources, for example mined or as a byproduct of water desalination. Any available source of sorbent powder is applicable for the present invention. The sorbent powder is also supplied in various purities. The present invention can be carried out with any available purity of the sorbent powder. In certain embodiments the sorbent material has a purity of greater than 90%, optionally greater than 95%. In a particular embodiment, the sorbent material has a purity level of 97.95% or greater.

[0085] The present invention contemplates a liquid saturated solid. A liquid-saturated solid is a solid material that has sorbed or taken in as much liquid as it can hold at a given temperature and pressure. In this state, the pores and interstitial spaces within the solid are completely filled with the liquid, and no more liquid can be sorbed without external changes in temperature or pressure. The solid remains solid in its physical form, but it is thoroughly permeated by the liquid, resulting in a saturated condition. A liquid-saturatedsolid is a solid where the amount of liquid contained within the solid is at the upper limit of the amount of liquid that the solid can contain whilst maintaining solid physical characteristics. The solid cannot hold any more volatile solvent. This is referred to as the sorption capacity of a solid. The liquid limit of a solid sorbent material of the invention may be above the liquid limit of the sorbent powder. The process of the present invention imparts the solid sorbent material with the ability to hold more liquid whilst maintaining solid physical characteristics than would ordinarily be possible based on the sorbent powder alone. The process of the present invention is said to increase the liquid limit of the structure created, above that of the sorbent powder alone. This is yet a further advantage of the present invention. This is evidenced in the sorption capacity testing of Example 23 when comparing Examples 15 and 3.

[0086] The present invention also contemplates a sorbent material that comprises a volatile solvent in an amount that is less than the sorption capacity of the sorbent powder component. Such a solid is not referred to as a liquid-saturated solid but is instead referred to herein as a “wet solid". It should be noted that a liquid saturated solid is a wet solid as the term “wet solid” is the general term for a liquid containing solid. Within this context, the sorbent material of the present material is a wet solid. As such, the wet solid comprises a sorbent powder and a volatile organic solvent. The wet solid may contain volatile solvent at the sorption capacity or a percentage of the sorption capacity above 0%. Thus, in embodiments the wet solid comprises a sorbent powder and a volatile organic solvent, wherein the volatile solvent is present at between 0.1% and 100% of the sorption capacity of the sorbent powder. The sorption capacity or sorbent capacity of a sorbent powder is defined as the amount of liquid a powder can sorb before it can no longer sorb more liquid. At this point the sorbent powder is saturated with liquid and is said to be a liquid-saturated solid.

[0087] The liquid limit is a property normally associated with soil that represents the moisture content at which the soil transitions from a plastic (deformable) to a liquid (flowable) state under applied stress. In a plastic state, the soil would be described as a solid. Exceeding this limit with an excess of moisture would no longer support this solid structure and under applied stress the soil becomes liquid.

[0088] With reference to the liquid content of a liquid-solid mixture in place of the water content of a water-solid mixture, the liquid limit can be used to describe the limit of liquid content, above which a liquid-solid mixture would transition to a liquid under applied stress or without any applied stress.

[0089] Certain embodiments of the solid sorbent material exhibit thixotropy and are capable of maintaining a solid state whilst holding within their structure, a liquid contentwell in excess of the sorbent powders liquid limit. The solid sorbent material is a solid post processing, which, without being bound by theory, we believe to be due to the structured state of the composition. However, following application of shear force the structure of the solid sorbent material will become partly unstructured, displaying viscoelastic properties. If shear continues, shear thinning produces an unstructured mixture with lower viscosity. This was evidenced by vigorously mixing samples from Example 15, with a metal spatula, breaking up the solid structure which, due to the physical breakdown of some aspect of the structure of the material whether immediately, or within 15 minutes of mixing formed a paste or runny liquid where just previously there was a wet solid. This property is emblematic of the thixotropic nature of certain mixtures where under certain conditions they exist as solids, only to transition to liquids under stress. Thixotropy is a rheological property whereby the viscosity of a liquid decreases when it is agitated. The shear-thinning demonstrated above exhibits strong hysteresis. The transition is reversible but not immediately upon removing the stress, the reformation of a solid structure exhibits a large time lag.

[0090] The method of manufacturing the composition utilises a homogeneous distribution of the solvent through the sorbent powder structure. In certain embodiments, the first step is to obtain a complete wet out of the sorbent powder. Enough solvent is initially required such that the sorbent powder is suspended in the solvent. Varying degrees of suspension are contemplated by the present invention. For example, the suspension can be a relatively thick slurry or a highly diluted suspension. In any event, certain embodiments of the present invention require that the porous capacity of the carrier is exceeded. Excess solvent dictates that the sorbent powder particle separation is sufficient for a liquid suspension to be maintained during the wet out phase.

[0091] Following the formation of a suspension the suspension must be densified and any non-sorbed volatile solvent must be removed from the suspension to bring its state to a solid while maintaining homogeneous distribution of the solvent throughout the carrier’s macro structure. The densification and solvent removal process can be conducted simultaneously or sequentially. The method of manufacture may comprise a drying process. However, a drying process poses certain problems such as producing an uneven distribution of solvent throughout the carrier, causing internal expansion of gas creating structural instability, and requiring a process to capture and recycle the solvent. Filtration is also possible to densify the suspension and remove the solvent. However, filtration results in an uneven distribution of solvent within the solid sorbent material and caking can prove problematic, especially where continuous production / larger batches are desired.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment of the invention a sedimentation process is utilised. In certain embodiments the sorbent powder particle size is large enough to form a suspension and exhibit settling characteristics in the solvent. The sorbent powder and solvent suspension when in high concentration exhibits zone settling behaviour. The suspension settles as layers with the formation of a solvent interface on top, a distinct transition layer below of a more concentrated carrier-solvent mixture and a bottom compacted layer acting as a liquid-saturated solid. The solvent top layer may be clear or may contain some sorbent powder particles contained therein. Generally, the suspension settles as distinct layers with the formation of a low sorbent powder containing layer on top. This production method is passive, low energy and enables the removed solvent to be recycled.

[0093] Once a top layer has formed the bottom layer of compressed sorbent powder increases in thickness as more of the middle, transition layer settles and compresses under gravity. Eventually all material is densified close to the maximum amount under gravity and there is only a liquid and a solid layer. The bottom layers below the top layer can be classed as a solid. Without wishing to be bound by theory, any sorbent powder present within the layers would be considered to be a liquid saturated solid but as you progress from the top settled layer to the bottom layer the solvent content is believed to drop as the solid is compressed under gravity; thus, pushing out more solvent.

[0094] Where a low density sorbent powder was used the settling rate could be relatively long, generally in the range of 1-3 weeks from first step to yield product. Exposing the suspension to greater than atmospheric pressure resulted in the speed of the settling process being increased dramatically. The formation of a transition layer was avoided forcing the transition of the mixture from suspension to a densified layer. A pressure greater than atmospheric pressure was achieved by a hydraulic press along with filter papers and a mould. Utilising the press, a finished product could be obtained from the suspension in under an hour. The densification process using a greater than atmospheric pressure also further clarified the suspension beyond what was previously possible with a settling process.

[0095] In order for the suspension to be exposed to the greater than atmospheric pressure the densification step may comprise pouring the suspension into a mould for compression. The step of pouring the suspension into a mould can also perform the solvent removal step by filtering the solid suspension. As such, the suspension is filtered and compressed. This has the advantage of avoiding the time requirements associated with sedimentation / settling.

[0096] The present invention aims to obtain the physical handling and usability characteristic of dry block chalk used as a sweat sorbent material in many sports including climbing. One handed use of a sweat sorbent material within a chalk bag requires that the sweat sorbent material is hard enough to hold its shape both within the bag and in the hands, such that it can be held and crushed between the fingers and spare excess product falls off the skin back into the bag. Additionally the liquid content must be such that once rubbed into the skin, the majority, if not all of the volatile liquid sorbed within the sorbent powder evaporates, significantly quicker, almost instantaneously when compared with liquid chalk, whilst providing a cooling effect akin to liquid chalk.

[0097] Production of such a sorbent material requires radical rethinking of the current state of the art because the current art is to provide a liquid, flowable chalk product to evenly coat. However, such a flowable product cannot be used in the same way as a solid block chalk and must be kept in a dispensing container and used two handed to pour the product from the container onto another hand. Additionally, many liquid chalks of the current art dry slowly and such their cooling effect is minimal.

[0098] In order to ensure a homogeneous distribution of the liquid through or onto the solid structure of the sorbent powder, the first step is to obtain a liquid: solid ratio greater than the solids liquid sorbing capacity. Enough volatile solvent is initially required such that the sorbent powder is in suspension within the resultant mixture, the porous capacity of the sorbent powder is exceeded and excess volatile solvent dictates that the carrier particle separation is sufficient for a liquid suspension to be maintained.

[0099] The next step is removing enough liquid from the suspension to bring its state to a solid while maintaining homogeneous distribution of the liquid throughout the carrier’s macro structure. A drying process and filtration are possible. Based on the particle characteristics of the sorbent powder used (size being large enough to form a suspension and inherit the settling characteristics of such a system) a sedimentation process was utilised.

[0100] In embodiments a press was used to compress the suspended sorbent powder into a mould, forming a block.

[0101] An additional aspect of the mixture was discovered during investigation into the production method. A liquid-solid system produced by the process of the present invention may lead to the creation of a solid sorbent material of a liquid content approaching or exceeding a liquid-saturated solid system, where the system exists as a solid, containing a volume of liquid near or above its maximum sorption capacity as tested in Example 23 when dry. Following vigorous agitation, the ability of Example 15 to transition into a liquid from a solid, demonstrates the liquid-solid system produced exists in its solid form, at aliquid content above what is described as its previous liquid limit or that previous liquid limit of the sorbent powder. The solid fractures and it will not flow without a specific external force being applied. With a low force input the solid will exhibit viscoelastic properties. If sufficiently disrupted though, even without the addition of further liquid, the system will fully transition to a liquid and not return to its solid state in the same time period it took to transition to a liquid. This phenomenon aids the pasting and spreading feature of the sorbent material of the present invention, allowing the right amount to be spread across the skin with excess falling off as reusable crumbled pieces.

[0102] EXAMPLES

[0103] Method 1

[0104] 8kg of ethanol at 10°C was decanted into a graduated 15L HDPE mixing vessel. A mechanical mixer was used to create a vortex and light magnesium carbonate powder was added until 3.680kg of solid had been added. This ratio of up to 1:2.38 solid to solvent was found to be optimum for yield and efficiencies sake. The prime focus when considering the ratio of solid to solvent is in obtaining a homogenous, fully dispersed suspension. Mixing was continued until all the added light magnesium carbonate powder was distributed throughout the liquid and no lumps were present.

[0105] Mixing was carried out at room temperature and the mixture was kept below 10°C at standard atmospheric pressure for 1 to 3 weeks until sedimentation occurred.

[0106] The suspension was allowed to settle. An upper layer containing primarily ethanol and an ever reducing proportion of magnesium carbonate powder is formed. Below this a layer of a more concentrated suspension (sludge zone) was formed as the solid powder settles. Sitting on the bottom of the vessel and increasing in height as the sedimentation progresses was a compressed layer containing the lowest liquid content. The sedimentation process was considered complete when either a sufficient amount of the compressed product had been formed or when the bottom layer had reached a steady state.

[0107] The various layers were tested using a glass rod dropped vertically oriented from the surface of the suspension, whilst the mixture is still settling the rod will penetrate the layers of the sludge zone. When the glass rod can barely penetrate the upper layer of sediment and gets stuck, sufficient sedimentation was confirmed.

[0108] The sedimentation process can be accelerated by the addition of uniform vibration to the magnesium carbonate-ethanol suspension.

[0109] Method 2

[0110] The process of Method 1 was followed and a sample of the settled magnesium carbonate was taken at any point after the first day and placed within a 15 micron filter membrane lined press mould and exposed to a compression force of 3.9 MPa. Clear to cloudy solvent is expelled from the suspension and is collected to be reused. Once no pressure drop is observed, the desired conditions have been achieved and the finished product is extracted from the mould to be packaged.

[0111] This method was advantageous as it enabled further densification and liquid removal beyond what Method 1 could produce within a reasonable period of time. It also further enhanced the final product's solid state, reducing friability.

[0112] Method 3

[0113] An amount of solvent in the ratio of 1:1.88 solid:solvent was decanted into an appropriately sized beaker and dry carrier was added to it slowly until the aforementioned ratio was reached while mixing with an inert rod to form a paste of homogeneous consistency. The paste was then transferred into a 15 micron filter membrane lined press mould and exposed to a compression force of 3.9 MPa. Clear to cloudy solvent is expelled from the suspension and is collected to be reused. Once no pressure drop was observed, the desired conditions were achieved and the finished product is extracted from the mould to be packaged.

[0114] Example 1

[0115] A sample of magnesium carbonate light (99.6% passing a 45 micron sieve) and 96% denatured ethanol v / v was prepared using Method 1 to the stated ratio of 1 :2.38 then finished using Method 2 to a final pressure of 3.9 MPa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[0116] Example 2

[0117] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 3.9 MPa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[0118] Example 2.1

[0119] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 0.39 MPa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[0120] Example s

[0121] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using the initial steps of Method 3, instead of pressing, the sample was dried at100°C at atmospheric pressure to provide a base sample for sorbent capacity testing. The resultant sample was a dry solid structure.

[0122] Example 4

[0123] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 46% denatured ethanol v / v (with the balance being water) was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 3.9 MPa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[0124] Example s

[0125] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 99.9% isopropyl alcohol was prepared using the initial steps of Method 3, instead of pressing, the sample was dried at 100°C at atmospheric pressure to provide a base sample for sorbent capacity testing. The resultant sample was a dry solid structure.

[0126] Example 6

[0127] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 99.9% isopropyl alcohol was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 3.9 MPa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[0128] Example ?

[0129] A sample of calcium sulphate and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 3.9 MPa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[0130] Example s

[0131] 5A molecular sieves were ground in a pestle and mortar. The resultant powdered molecular sieves and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 3.9 MPa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[0132] Example 9

[0133] A sample of calcium carbonate and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 3.9 MPa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[0134] Example 10

[0135] A sample of magnesium sulphate and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 3.9 MPa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[0136] Example 11

[0137] A sample of fumed silica and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using the initial steps of Method 3, instead of pressing to completion, the sample was then dried at 100°C at atmospheric pressure to provide a base sample for sorbent capacity testing. The resultant sample was a dry solid structure.

[0138] Example 12

[0139] A sample of fumed silica and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 3.9 MPa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[0140] Example 13

[0141] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and water was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 3.9 MPa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[0142] Example 14

[0143] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 99.9% acetone was prepared using Method 3 to a final pressure of 3.9 MPa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[0144] Example 15

[0145] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using Method 1 to the stated ratio of 1 :2.38. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure near the sample’s sorption capacity, as calculated in Example 23.

[0146] Example 15.1

[0147] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using Method 1 to the stated ratio of 1 :2.38. The sample was then aged, periodically decanting expelled previously sorbed volatile solvent until no further sorbed volatile solvent was expelled. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure of a lower liquid content than Example 15, as calculated in Example 20.

[0148] Example 16

[0149] A sample of fumed silica mixed with magnesium carbonate light to a ratio of 1 :1.77, and 96% denatured ethanol was prepared using Method 3 to the stated ratio of 1 :1.88 to a final pressure of 3.9 MPa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[0150] Example 17

[0151] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and water was prepared using the initial steps of Method 3 to the stated ratio of 1 :1.88, instead of pressing to completion, the sample was then dried at 100°C at atmospheric pressure to provide a base sample for sorbent capacity testing. The resultant sample was a dry solid structure.

[0152] Example 18

[0153] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 96% denatured ethanol v / v was prepared using Method 1 to the stated ratio of 1:2.38 then finished using Method 2 to a final pressure of 5.9 Mpa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[0154] Example 19

[0155] A sample of magnesium carbonate light and 96% denatured ethanol v / v was prepared using method 1 to the stated ratio of 1:2.38 then finished using method 2 to a final pressure of 7.8 Mpa. The resultant sample was a wetted solid structure.

[0156] Example 20 - ‘liquid content %w / w’ and ‘liquid content / solid ratio’ in end product

[0157] Method:

[0158] Samples of the product were prepared and gathered, some at a point where it is reasonably expected the liquid content of such samples was at its highest whilst maintaining the solid physical characteristics of the product. For Production Method 1 this is understood to be at the first identifiable point in time a defined compression layer is created within the mixture. Excess non-sorbed liquid was drained and the sample was inspected for its solid properties. If the sample could be fractured into pieces the solid aspect of the product was satisfied and the sample was deemed to qualify for testing. The same rational for qualifying a sample’s solid properties was used for samples prepared using Method 2 or Method 3.

[0159] The wet mass of a sample was measured immediately following its production.

[0160] If the wet mass sample displayed sufficient viscoelastic properties such that it was assumed to be towards its liquid limit it was placed into a glass beaker, weighed and agitated to create sufficient stress such that the non-Newtonian thixotropic properties of the mixture enabled it to flow, evenly covering the internal base of the beaker.

[0161] All samples were placed on a heat source at 100 °C for at least 24 hours to speed up evaporation of the sorbed liquid. Measurements were taken intermittently at least 1 hours apart after the first 24 hours until the mass stabilised over three consecutive measurements, this final mass was recorded. At this point a dry mass was deemed to have been produced and the liquid mass was calculated by subtracting the dry mass from the wet mass. The liquid content was calculated as a percentage by dividing the mass of liquid by the wet mass of the sample to give a liquid content percentage (LC %). The liquid content percentage is the percentage of liquid mass of the total mass of a sample that was tested.

[0162] Sample sizes were 50-300g of wet mass and measurements were taken on a Ohaus NVE2102 weighing scale with readability of 0.01g, repeatability of 0.02g and linearity of +-0.03g.

[0163]

[0164]

[0165] Example 21 Range of water content within volatile solvent

[0166] It is a beneficial and novel aspect of the invention to utilise the azeotropic effect from the combination of ethanol and water within the preferred embodiment of the invention (for dryer magnesium carbonate delivery, more efficient cooling and drying). Therefore the water content of the volatile solvent is preferred to be within 0% and 50% and optimally within 3% and 20% and most optimally 4.4%.

[0167] The table below shows “Water Retention in Final Product" the subtitles below this title represent the possible extremes of how the present invention could interact with water, present in the initial loading liquid. 100% represents the scenario where the mixture retains all of the water, 0% represents the composition of the invention if no water was retained and “Homogenous” represents the composition of the invention if the proportions of ethanol and water remain the same throughout.

[0168] Example 22 - Density of final preferred product g / cm3

[0169] Samples of the invention were produced and their density was measured. A 100mL measuring cylinder was graduated using a scale to two decimal points to 100.00g using RO water and the meniscus was marked. Approx 25g of sample was added to the cylinder and the overall weight noted. It was left to equilibrate for 20 minutes. Water was pipetted out until the meniscus reached the previous graduation mark and the new settled mass is noted. Density is calculated using water displaced vs mass of sample at measured temperature. Temperature was approximately 10 C throughout, this had a negligible effect on the density of water as rounding to the error of the scale results in the density being 1.00.

[0170]

[0171] Example 23 - Examples of sorption capacity of post process dried samples (g / g sorbed)

[0172] A selection of the example compositions were dried at 100°C at atmospheric pressure. The determination of whether all solvent has been removed and the sample can be deemed “dry” can be determined by ensuring consistent mass readings of the solid sorbent material of three consecutive mass readings with each reading being one hour apart. If required the examples were carefully broken up into smaller pieces in order for them to fit in a test container. Whole pieces of samples from the examples were picked, weighed to two decimal places and placed in weighing boats towards one end. Various solvents were pipetted onto the upper surface of each sample, the solvent was then poured in to fully cover the sample. Samples were left submerged for 20 minutes or longer if bubbling persisted. The sample test containers were then carefully emptied of the respective solvent and placed with the sample end of the weighing boat slightly raised to enable excess solvent to pool at the bottom towards the other end of the boat. Each sample was carefully lifted and placed back down once in order to release any solvent held between it and the weighing boat. Excess runoff was pipetted away ensuring small solid debris remained within the boat. The boat was reweighed to two decimal places to find the final mass of the sample plus sorbed solvent. The total solvent sorbed by the carrier represents its sorption capacity for that particular solvent. The mass of sorbed solvent was calculated by subtracting the final mass of the sample from the starting mass of the sample. The liquid content of the final sorbent material, including the solvent and sample, (LCw / w%) was calculated as a percentage of the mass of sorbed solvent relative to the end mass of the solvent saturated sample. Each combination of carrier / solvent was repeated 3 times and averages were calculated.

[0173] TSDA1 refers to denatured alcohol comprising of an initial 999 parts ethanol with 1 part tertiary butyl alcohol along with 10mg / L of denatonium benzoate. To the resultant mixture water is added bringing the ethanol content down to 96%.

[0174] ;00175]

[0176] Example 24 - Cooling effect and Drying time test

[0177] Performed after 20 minute warmup in a climbing gym to establish baseline hand temperature during climbing, measured and noted as the standard temperature. Reset procedure between tests was:1. Warmup routine to maintain skin heat,2. towel off excess chalk,3. ethanol spray & towel to remove contaminants,4. skin was allowed to reach baseline temperature,5. application of testing sample,6. towel,7. ethanol & towel,8. Repeat from step 1

[0178] Cooling effect to be tested via IR thermometer measurement of skin visible alongside evaporation rate within video recording of the entire process. Footage reviewed to determine evaporation rate via visual cue of chalk becoming entirely visible and all visible liquid gone.

[0179] Liquid chalks of various brands compared volumetrically. Applied using pipette and distributed across the skin using a silicon spatula for 10 concentric movements.

[0180] Gekco Liquid Chalk was compared against Example 1 by weighing out a set mass of Example 1 and by dispensing a visually similar application amount of Gekco Liquid Chalk. Due to drastically different composition and density of the two samples, weighing out the same mass of liquid chalk would have produced volumetrically a much bigger and incomparable sample size therefore a visual sample size was deemed most suitable. All samples were rubbed in with both hands for 4 seconds.

[0181] Sample size in g for comparison against liquid chalk examples.

[0182] Samples of the preferred embodiment of the invention were produced. Wholly structured sample sizes of 0.1g, 0.2g, 0.3g, 0.4g, 0.5g were collected and weighed out. Individually these samples were crushed and then rubbed between the palms of the hands for 10 circular revolutions. The hands were then opened and left facing upwards for 10 seconds of drying time. The hands were visually inspected for satisfactory coverage of the product. Satisfactory coverage was deemed as a mostly whole colour change of the palm with a white powder showing the presence of magnesium carbonate following the evaporation of the solvent. 0.4g best represented satisfactory coverage.

[0183] Samples of the present invention were tested in the same way as the method to determine the mass to be used set out above.

[0184] Example 25 - Grind gauge test

[0185] A 0-100 micron Grind Gauge (Elcometer 2020 / 3 SN WK08113) was placed on an analytical balance (OHALIS NVE2102UK) which was fared. Sample sizes of 0.1g were used for each test. A grind gauge is primarily utilised for measuring uniform particle distribution, dispersion and particle size within pastes / gels / suspensions. It’s also useful in categorising the flow and deformation characteristics of a liquid and thus is also useful in categorising a sample as not liquid through low or zero Grind values for the solids tested.

[0186] Samples of the preferred embodiment of the invention were produced. Example 1 was used as a sample representing an embodiment of the invention. GEKCO Liquid chalk (GLC) was used as a sample of a thinner liquid chalk. Friction Labs Secret Stuff (FLSS) was used as one sample of a thicker liquid chalk, a paste and the most viscous of available brands. GEKCO fine powdered chalk (GPC) was used as a sample of a fine powdered loose chalk. PEAK block chalk powder (PBCP) was used as a sample of a solid block chalk powder. Tested samples were spread along the length of the gauge using the supplied doctor blade and their spreading behaviour was recorded. The spreading patterns and all results were then compared.

[0187] Attempts were made to measure the distribution of solid block formed powder chalk (PBCP) and fine powdered chalk (GPC) as controls to compare against. The initial trial runs testing Example 1 and PBCP produced no measurable results as the solid did not deform from the sliding of the angled doctor blade, this was somewhat expected due to the solid nature of these two samples. A true solid will not behave like a paste or liquid and will fail to spread evenly across the gauge. Instead, it will remain in clumps or chunks without filling the grooves of the grind gauge properly. Specifically, the samples moved along the gauge with the doctor blade without depositing any material in the channel. However, the fine powder variant did produce a small, nonuniform and inconsistent observable result. Therefore, the PBCP and Example 1 were repeated after being slightly crushed once applied to the channel to allow for a high surface area contact between the grind gauge and doctor blade in order to produce a measurable result.

[0188] Example 26 - Friability testing

[0189] Friability of samples was measured utilising in-house friability testing equipment based on the design and operating principles of the Sotax FT2. Friability testing apparatus utilises a reusable drum with an internal baffle which rotates, collecting the samples on the baffle before the samples fall from the set height of the baffle. Each rotation of the drum repeats this collection and dropping process. The friability tester was set to rotate for 30 revolutions at a speed of 30 RPM. The sample was weighed on an analytical balance (OHALIS NVE2102UK) prior to testing. After the set revolutions were completed the largest piece was weighed in order to obtain a value for the material breakage and loss of material from the original sample, thus indicating the friability of the sample.

[0190] This friability measurement was calculated as per European Pharmacopeia guidelines with a noted reduction in total revolutions accounting for the friable nature of all solid formed chalk.

[0191] The equation used is as follows Friability % = ((mass of initial sample - mass of remaining largest piece) I mass of original sample) x 100%

[0192] F% = ((IS-RLP) / IS) * 100%E.g a 100g starting mass with a 96g finishing mass would demonstrate a Friability of 4%.

[0193] Additionally all fractured pieces were then sifted through a 1000 micron steel filter mesh to indicate the quantity of particles that would contribute to dust in the air if the sample were to be used in a climbing gym environment.

[0194] The results indicate that in certain embodiments of the invention, the quantity of dust contributing particles produced through the breakdown of the solid structure into smaller pieces is lower than in commonly available solid block formed powder chalk. Additionally in certain embodiments of the invention whilst the dust generation is remarkably low the solid block formed structure remains relatively friable, more so than all of the block formed powder chalk tested. In certain embodiments of the invention the high friability is to assist with coverage and application when compressed onto a surface.

[0195] Example 27 - Hardness testing

[0196] A Shore type A Durometer (RS Pro LX-V-02) was used to test the hardness of various embodiments of the invention along with publicly available samples of branded solid block formed chalk and liquid chalks.

[0197] The principle used to determine Shore Hardness is based on measuring the resistance force of the penetration of an accurately ground conical probe into the test material under a known spring load. The amount of penetration is converted into a Shore Hardness value on a dial with 100 Shore Hardness graduations. Specimen size should allow measurement to be taken at least 12mm from any edge The specimen surface should be flat and parallel to allow the presser foot to contact its surface over an area which has a minimum radius of 6mm from the Durometer’s indenter.

[0198] As expected all liquid chalk, both a thinner liquid chalk and the thickest branded liquid chalk available(a paste), returned a zero value which for the purposes of this test acts as a control for the hardness characteristic of a liquid chalk product.

[0199] The test sample was placed on a flat hard surface (a laboratory table) with a flat section of the sample facing upwards. The durometer was placed parallel to the top of the sample to take a measurement. The measurement is made by lowering the durometer down towards the sample until the base of the tool touches the sample surface, the test needle of the tool is depressed by the sample surface providing a hardness reading which was noted down. The durometer was held in place until the reading stabilised. The test was carried out 6 times.

[0200] The results indicate that embodiments of the present invention are comparable in hardness to solid block formed variants of other branded chalks. In contrast, measurements of liquid chalk tested failed to measure above 0, suggestive of their liquid flowable characteristics.

[0201] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0202] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings),or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0203] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A solid sorbent material, wherein the solid sorbent material is a solid composition comprising a sorbent powder and a sorbed volatile solvent.

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

3. The solid sorbent material of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the volatile solvent is a volatile organic solvent.

4. The solid sorbent material of any preceding claim, wherein the volatile solvent is present in an amount of: 0.001% to 100%, 0.01% to 100%, 0.1% to 100%, from 1% to 100%, 2.5% to 100%, 5% to 100%, 10% to 100%, 15% to 100%, 20% to 100%, 25% to 100%, 30% to 100%, 35% to 100%, 40% to 100%, 50% to 100%, 0.1% to 90%, 1% to 90%, 2.5% to 90%, 5% to 90%, 10% to 90%, 15% to 90%, 20% to 90%, 25% to 90%, 30% to 90%, 35% to 90%, 40% to 90%, 45% to 90%, 50% to 90%, 0.1% to 80%, 1% to 80%, 2.5% to 80%, 5% to 80%, 10% to 80%, 15% to 80%, 20% to 80%, 25% to 80%, 30% to 80%, 40% to 80%, 0.1% to 70%, 1% to 70%, 2.5% to 70%, 5% to 70%, 10% to 70%, 15% to 70%, 20% to 70%, 25% to 70%, 30% to 70%, 35% to 70%, 40% to 70%, 75% to 100%, 30% to 90%, 40% to 100%, 0.001% to 80%, 1% to 75%, 1% to 65%, 1% to 60%, 1% to 55%, 1% to 50%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, or 10% to 50%; of the sorption capacity of the sorbent powder.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. The solid sorbent material of any preceding claim, wherein the solid composition has a friability percentage (F%) above 0.1%, optionally above 1%.

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

15. A method of claim 14, wherein the solid sorbent material is the solid sorbent material of any one of claims 1 to 13.

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

17. The method of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the step of removing the nonsorbed solvent is done by filtration, decanting, compression or a combination thereof18. The method of any one of claims 14 or 15, wherein the steps of densifying the suspended sorbent powder and removing non-sorbed volatile solvent is done by compression in a mould.

19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein applying pressure or compressing the suspended sorbent powder is done at a pressure of greater than 0.1 MPa,20. The method of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the method of manufacture further comprises the step of drying the solid sorbent material to reduce the amount of volatile solvent sorbed within the solid sorbent material.

21. A solid sorbent material of any of claims 1 to 13 produced by the method of any one of claims 14 to 20.

22. A packaged solid sorbent material of claims 1 to 13 and 21.

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

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

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