EP1158112A1 - Controlled release article for protecting thatched roofs - Google Patents
Controlled release article for protecting thatched roofs Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1158112A1 EP1158112A1 EP01202012A EP01202012A EP1158112A1 EP 1158112 A1 EP1158112 A1 EP 1158112A1 EP 01202012 A EP01202012 A EP 01202012A EP 01202012 A EP01202012 A EP 01202012A EP 1158112 A1 EP1158112 A1 EP 1158112A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- water soluble
- article according
- soluble polymer
- article
- roof
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000013270 controlled release Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 16
- 239000013543 active substance Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 229920002472 Starch Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 239000008107 starch Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 235000019698 starch Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 239000003063 flame retardant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000003619 algicide Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000000417 fungicide Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 230000000855 fungicidal effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000010902 straw Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 229920001059 synthetic polymer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 235000014676 Phragmites communis Nutrition 0.000 claims description 26
- 229920003169 water-soluble polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 22
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000012459 cleaning agent Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethene Chemical compound C=C VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000005977 Ethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004372 Polyvinyl alcohol Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920002451 polyvinyl alcohol Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920001222 biopolymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920002134 Carboxymethyl cellulose Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004716 Ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 108010010803 Gelatin Proteins 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004368 Modified starch Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000881 Modified starch Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920003171 Poly (ethylene oxide) Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920002845 Poly(methacrylic acid) Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- BAPJBEWLBFYGME-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid methyl ester Natural products COC(=O)C=C BAPJBEWLBFYGME-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000001768 carboxy methyl cellulose Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000010948 carboxy methyl cellulose Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000008112 carboxymethyl-cellulose Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000010980 cellulose Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000159 gelatin Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000008273 gelatin Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000019322 gelatine Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000011852 gelatine desserts Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 150000004676 glycans Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000019426 modified starch Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920002401 polyacrylamide Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001610 polycaprolactone Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004632 polycaprolactone Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001282 polysaccharide Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000005017 polysaccharide Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920002223 polystyrene Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 241000195493 Cryptophyta Species 0.000 abstract description 6
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 244000273256 Phragmites communis Species 0.000 description 11
- 239000004577 thatch Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 7
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 241000209140 Triticum Species 0.000 description 3
- 235000021307 Triticum Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000049 pigment Substances 0.000 description 3
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 2
- MHAJPDPJQMAIIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen peroxide Chemical compound OO MHAJPDPJQMAIIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 244000061456 Solanum tuberosum Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000002595 Solanum tuberosum Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 240000008042 Zea mays Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000005824 Zea mays ssp. parviglumis Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000002017 Zea mays subsp mays Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 2
- ARUVKPQLZAKDPS-UHFFFAOYSA-L copper(II) sulfate Chemical compound [Cu+2].[O-][S+2]([O-])([O-])[O-] ARUVKPQLZAKDPS-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 235000005822 corn Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000008187 granular material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001782 photodegradation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229940043810 zinc pyrithione Drugs 0.000 description 2
- PICXIOQBANWBIZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N zinc;1-oxidopyridine-2-thione Chemical compound [Zn+2].[O-]N1C=CC=CC1=S.[O-]N1C=CC=CC1=S PICXIOQBANWBIZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- AKMUYDBXQQKKHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N C(C)(=O)C(=C(C(C)=O)C(C)=O)C(C)=O.[Na] Chemical group C(C)(=O)C(=C(C(C)=O)C(C)=O)C(C)=O.[Na] AKMUYDBXQQKKHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000007575 Calluna vulgaris Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000006162 Chenopodium quinoa Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000005749 Copper compound Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005696 Diammonium phosphate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 102000004190 Enzymes Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 108090000790 Enzymes Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 241000233866 Fungi Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920004449 Halon® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 240000007594 Oryza sativa Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000007164 Oryza sativa Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000004115 Sodium Silicate Substances 0.000 description 1
- QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sulfate Chemical compound [O-]S([O-])(=O)=O QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfur Chemical compound [S] NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000003915 air pollution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- RIOXQFHNBCKOKP-UHFFFAOYSA-N benomyl Chemical compound C1=CC=C2N(C(=O)NCCCC)C(NC(=O)OC)=NC2=C1 RIOXQFHNBCKOKP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- MITFXPHMIHQXPI-UHFFFAOYSA-N benzoxaprofen Natural products N=1C2=CC(C(C(O)=O)C)=CC=C2OC=1C1=CC=C(Cl)C=C1 MITFXPHMIHQXPI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910021538 borax Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011111 cardboard Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003197 catalytic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006555 catalytic reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009264 composting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001880 copper compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 1
- MNNHAPBLZZVQHP-UHFFFAOYSA-N diammonium hydrogen phosphate Chemical compound [NH4+].[NH4+].OP([O-])([O-])=O MNNHAPBLZZVQHP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000388 diammonium phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000019838 diammonium phosphate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- PXBRQCKWGAHEHS-UHFFFAOYSA-N dichlorodifluoromethane Chemical compound FC(F)(Cl)Cl PXBRQCKWGAHEHS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003344 environmental pollutant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013312 flour Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910052736 halogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002367 halogens Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000813 microbial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002557 mineral fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005445 natural material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229930014626 natural product Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004014 plasticizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100000719 pollutant Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000012015 potatoes Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002243 precursor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003755 preservative agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002335 preservative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000003856 quaternary ammonium compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002994 raw material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009418 renovation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000009566 rice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000344 soap Substances 0.000 description 1
- WXMKPNITSTVMEF-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium benzoate Chemical compound [Na+].[O-]C(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1 WXMKPNITSTVMEF-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 235000010234 sodium benzoate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000004299 sodium benzoate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000003388 sodium compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 159000000000 sodium salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- NTHWMYGWWRZVTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium silicate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-][Si]([O-])=O NTHWMYGWWRZVTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052911 sodium silicate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004328 sodium tetraborate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000010339 sodium tetraborate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007480 spreading Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052717 sulfur Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011593 sulfur Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910021653 sulphate ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000003746 surface roughness Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
- E04D9/00—Roof covering by using straw, thatch, or like materials
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
- E04D13/00—Special arrangements or devices in connection with roof coverings; Protection against birds; Roof drainage ; Sky-lights
- E04D13/002—Provisions for preventing vegetational growth, e.g. fungi, algae or moss
Definitions
- Thatched roofs have been built for a long time and are still popular in some countries.
- the advantage of thatched roofs is that the insulation properties are very good. They keep the house cool during summers and warm in winter. Thatched roofs are also popular because they are entirely made of natural materials.
- a disadvantage of these roofs is that they are regarded as less safe in case of fire than conventional roof materials.
- a fire retardant Such fire retardant coatings are for example described in DE 19727998 and NL 9101915.
- the drawback of spraying fire retardants is that they can create a change in color of the roof which is undesirable from an esthetic point of view.
- a further solution to make the roofs fire retardant is the incorporation of sheets of mineral fibers into the roof, such as described in DE 4420671.
- the drawback of this method is that it can only be applied in new roofs.
- a further drawback is that it is relatively expensive.
- the controlled release article comprises a matrix with the active agent incorporated in the matrix.
- the controlled release article can be a film.
- the film is particularly suitable for newly built thatched roofs where it can be positioned underneath or between reed layers.
- the controlled release article can also have a strip or straw like shape, preferably similar to natural reed.
- the latter embodiment of the invention will be referred to hereafter as "artificial reed".
- the artificial reed can be laid in the roof during construction or pushed in during renovation. Also combinations of film and artificial reeds are possible, for instance a film having artificial reeds attached thereto with a predetermined distance between the artificial reeds.
- the roof can be protected against fires and attacks by algae, etc. resulting in a roof which not only looks better but which will also need less repair.
- Controlled release mechanisms which can be used are known in the art and depend on the type of material used as a matrix for the active agents. According to one mechanism the matrix material is slowly removed due to microbial activity and the ingredients are set free. The external effect of washing out by rain provides spreading of the ingredients over the roof. Another mechanism is that via dissolving of the ingredients a wash out effect occurs that is determined by diffusion of the ingredients through the matrix material. Another mechanism is degradation under the influence of U.V. radiation (photodegradation) and thus gradual release of the active agents incorporated therein.
- the preferred mechanism is a combination of two or more of the above described mechanisms. Depending on the type of mechanism involved the article can either partly or completely degenerate over time.
- the article of the invention releases the active agents over time to the surrounding area of natural thatch.
- the controlled release properties are selected such that the article releases the active agents during a time period which corresponds with the "life cycle" of the thatch layer in which the article is incorporated. In that case the degenerated article can be replaced at the same time as the thatch layer. Therefore, the article will gradually release the active agents over a period of at least 6 months, preferably at least 1 year, most preferably at least 3 years up to a period of 30 to 80 years.
- the controlled release article can comprise a polymer matrix with the active agents incorporated therein. Any polymeric matrix which releases the active agents over time, can be used. Such matrices are known to the skilled person and are readily available on the market.
- the polymeric matrix comprises a non-water soluble polymer, preferably a thermoplastic polymer, and a water soluble polymer.
- the amount of water soluble polymer, based on the total weight of non-water soluble polymer and water soluble polymer is 10 to 100 % by weight, preferably 25 to 80 % by weight.
- the non-water soluble polymer is a polymer that does not dissolve in water at 20 °C, i.e. at the most 5 wt.% of this polymer dissolves in water at 20 °C. It is preferably selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene/methyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer, polycaprolactone, polyurethane, copolymers and blends thereof.
- the non-water soluble polymer is preferably a polyolefin, most preferably polyethylene.
- the water soluble polymer dissolves in water at 20 °C in amount of at least 80 % by weight.
- the water soluble polymer can be selected from biopolymers, such as gelatin and water soluble polysaccharides such as starch, modified starch, cellulose, modified cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and water soluble derivatives of chitine, and synthetic polymers such as poly(meth)acrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide and polyacryl amide.
- biopolymers starch is preferred.
- a suitable starch is SolanylTM.
- polyvinyl alcohol is preferred.
- a suitable polyvinyl alchol is PVAXXTM.
- starch is understood to be native starch, granular starch, fractions and derivatives of starch and agricultural raw materials which are rich in starch (containing at least 60 % starch wt./wt.), such as wheat flour.
- the starch can originate from a wide variety of natural sources, such as wheat, corn, amylocorn, wax corn, potatoes, quinoa, rice, etc.
- the article comprising non-water soluble polymer, water soluble polymer and active agents can be prepared as follows. First the active agents are processed in the presence of some water in the water soluble polymer. A granulate will be obtained that contains defined amounts of active agents. Typical particle sizes of the granulate pellets range from 1 to 10 mm, in particular 3-4 mm. The next step is that these pellets are mixed with the non-water soluble polymer, blended with further additives and processed under shear and elevated temperature, for instance in an extruder. The pellets are melted together with the non-water soluble polymer and dispersed as little droplets inside the plastic. The typical size of these droplets will be around 5 to 200 microns.
- the active agent contained in the controlled release article can be an algaecide, fungicide and/or cleaning agent.
- the cleaning agents, fungicides and/or algaecides incorporated serve to protect the roofs against moss, algae, fungi, mycella and dirt.
- Any algaecide and/or fungicide suitable for protecting materials such as natural reed can be used. These materials are known to a skilled person. Examples are benomyl and copper based fungicides.
- examples of algaecides are copper, copper compounds, such as copper sulphate, quaternary ammonium compounds and zinc pyrithione. against moss ferro sulphate can be used.
- a general preservative is for example sodium benzoate.
- the surfactant compounds generally used in soaps or detergents like alkylates, sodium salts or sodium compounds may be used.
- the cleaning agent may contain a whitener such as for example sodium tetraacetylethylene diamine, hydrogen peroxide or a precursor thereof. It may also contain suitable enzymes. Combinations thereof are also possible.
- the active agent is a fire retardant.
- fire retardants are halogens, halon fire retardants and intumescent fire retardants. These fire retardants are known in the art. Examples of possible fire retardants are diammonium phosphate and sodium silicate.
- the article can further contain any additives known in the art, such as plasticizers, pigments, fillers and U.V. stabilizers. Of particular importance are the pigments. Preferably pigments are added which mask the article so that it is not obviously visible between the natural reeds.
- the article preferably degrades under the influence of UV-light. This can for instance be reached by using additives which can speed up or slow down the rate of photo degradation, for instance by reducing the molecular weight of the polymer by catalytic or oxidation reactions that are UV-induced.
- An example of a material which can be used according to the invention is a coextruded material of 50 % by weight polyethylene and 50 % by weight starch, for instance Solanyl a potato based starch containing as active agents polybor (borax), zinc pyrithione and copper sulphate.
- Another material that can be used for the controlled release article is a cellulosic material that is impregnated with the active agents.
- a preferred material is paper or cardboard.
- the artificial reeds according to the invention can be incorporated into the roofs together with the natural reed. According to the invention it is therefore preferred that the reeds have mechanical properties comparable to the natural reed. One way of accomplishing this is by making the artificial reeds round. Further the material can be adjusted such that the reeds have the right flexibility and surface roughness.
- the dimensions of the artificial reed will also be similar to that of the natural reed.
- the length is variable in conjunction as to where it finds itself on the roof, anywhere between 10 to 100 cm.
- the diameter depends on the thickness of the artificial reed to ensure that sufficient active agent can be incorporated into the artificial reed.
- the diameter can also be adjusted such that it corresponds largely to that of the type of natural reed used for the roof. In general the diameter will vary between 1 mm to 15 mm.
- the controlled release article When the controlled release article is a film, it will generally have a thickness of 0.05 to 2 mm.
- the width of the film will generally be in the range of 10 cm to 100 cm.
- the length of the film can be cut on site by the skilled person depending on the size of the roof.
- a further aspect of the invention relates to the thatched roof containing the controlled release article of the invention.
- the amount of the article in the roof will depend on many factors, such as the dimensions of the article and concentration of active agents. Also the location of the building will determine to what extent the roof is exposed to external influences. In case of artificial reeds in general one would expect the surface of the roof to contain between 1 to 25 % artificial reeds.
- any form of thatch is meant, i.e. any sheltering cover, such as a house roof, made of a plant material. Suitable plant materials are wheat straw, water reed, long straw, heather etc. Depending on the type of natural material used for the thatch, the dimensions and shape of the artificial reed can be adjusted.
- the present invention also provides a method of protecting a thatched roof, wherein controlled release articles containing one or more active agents are incorporated in the roof.
- the active agent is an algicide, fungicide, cleaning agent and/or fire retardant.
- the controlled release articles have the properties as described above.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Biotechnology (AREA)
- Compositions Of Macromolecular Compounds (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- Thatched roofs have been built for a long time and are still popular in some countries. The advantage of thatched roofs is that the insulation properties are very good. They keep the house cool during summers and warm in winter. Thatched roofs are also popular because they are entirely made of natural materials.
- A disadvantage of these roofs is that they are regarded as less safe in case of fire than conventional roof materials. To solve this problem thatched roofs are often sprayed with a fire retardant. Such fire retardant coatings are for example described in DE 19727998 and NL 9101915. The drawback of spraying fire retardants is that they can create a change in color of the roof which is undesirable from an esthetic point of view.
- A further solution to make the roofs fire retardant is the incorporation of sheets of mineral fibers into the roof, such as described in DE 4420671. The drawback of this method is that it can only be applied in new roofs. A further drawback is that it is relatively expensive.
- Another reason why thatched roofs could become less accepted is that in several cases, algae have suffocated the surface so that a composting process takes place inside the thatch layer. The effect of this is to dramatically reduce life expectancy. There are several factors which may be the cause of this, such as design and decreased sulfur content in the air. Also the air pollution is an important factor. As thatch is a completely natural product it too has become affected by pollutants. Friendly organisms die, increased nitrogen feeds algae: thatch deteriorates. The presence of algae, moss and dirt is also undesirable from an esthetic point of view.
- These above mentioned problems can now be solved by means of the present invention which provides a controlled release article for the protection of thatched roofs which gradually releases one or more active agents over time. The controlled release article comprises a matrix with the active agent incorporated in the matrix.
- The controlled release article can be a film. The film is particularly suitable for newly built thatched roofs where it can be positioned underneath or between reed layers. The controlled release article can also have a strip or straw like shape, preferably similar to natural reed. The latter embodiment of the invention will be referred to hereafter as "artificial reed". The artificial reed can be laid in the roof during construction or pushed in during renovation. Also combinations of film and artificial reeds are possible, for instance a film having artificial reeds attached thereto with a predetermined distance between the artificial reeds.
- By incorporating into the roofs films or artificial reeds containing active agents that are particularly suited for the problem, the roof can be protected against fires and attacks by algae, etc. resulting in a roof which not only looks better but which will also need less repair.
- Controlled release mechanisms which can be used are known in the art and depend on the type of material used as a matrix for the active agents. According to one mechanism the matrix material is slowly removed due to microbial activity and the ingredients are set free. The external effect of washing out by rain provides spreading of the ingredients over the roof. Another mechanism is that via dissolving of the ingredients a wash out effect occurs that is determined by diffusion of the ingredients through the matrix material. Another mechanism is degradation under the influence of U.V. radiation (photodegradation) and thus gradual release of the active agents incorporated therein. The preferred mechanism is a combination of two or more of the above described mechanisms. Depending on the type of mechanism involved the article can either partly or completely degenerate over time.
- The article of the invention releases the active agents over time to the surrounding area of natural thatch. The controlled release properties are selected such that the article releases the active agents during a time period which corresponds with the "life cycle" of the thatch layer in which the article is incorporated. In that case the degenerated article can be replaced at the same time as the thatch layer. Therefore, the article will gradually release the active agents over a period of at least 6 months, preferably at least 1 year, most preferably at least 3 years up to a period of 30 to 80 years.
- The controlled release article can comprise a polymer matrix with the active agents incorporated therein. Any polymeric matrix which releases the active agents over time, can be used. Such matrices are known to the skilled person and are readily available on the market. Preferably, the polymeric matrix comprises a non-water soluble polymer, preferably a thermoplastic polymer, and a water soluble polymer. The amount of water soluble polymer, based on the total weight of non-water soluble polymer and water soluble polymer is 10 to 100 % by weight, preferably 25 to 80 % by weight.
- The non-water soluble polymer is a polymer that does not dissolve in water at 20 °C, i.e. at the most 5 wt.% of this polymer dissolves in water at 20 °C. It is preferably selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene/methyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer, polycaprolactone, polyurethane, copolymers and blends thereof. The non-water soluble polymer is preferably a polyolefin, most preferably polyethylene.
- The water soluble polymer dissolves in water at 20 °C in amount of at least 80 % by weight. The water soluble polymer can be selected from biopolymers, such as gelatin and water soluble polysaccharides such as starch, modified starch, cellulose, modified cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and water soluble derivatives of chitine, and synthetic polymers such as poly(meth)acrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide and polyacryl amide. Of the biopolymers, starch is preferred. A suitable starch is Solanyl™. Of the synthetic polymers polyvinyl alcohol is preferred. A suitable polyvinyl alchol is PVAXX™.
- According to the present description starch is understood to be native starch, granular starch, fractions and derivatives of starch and agricultural raw materials which are rich in starch (containing at least 60 % starch wt./wt.), such as wheat flour. The starch can originate from a wide variety of natural sources, such as wheat, corn, amylocorn, wax corn, potatoes, quinoa, rice, etc.
- The article comprising non-water soluble polymer, water soluble polymer and active agents can be prepared as follows. First the active agents are processed in the presence of some water in the water soluble polymer. A granulate will be obtained that contains defined amounts of active agents. Typical particle sizes of the granulate pellets range from 1 to 10 mm, in particular 3-4 mm. The next step is that these pellets are mixed with the non-water soluble polymer, blended with further additives and processed under shear and elevated temperature, for instance in an extruder. The pellets are melted together with the non-water soluble polymer and dispersed as little droplets inside the plastic. The typical size of these droplets will be around 5 to 200 microns.
- According to a first embodiment, the active agent contained in the controlled release article can be an algaecide, fungicide and/or cleaning agent. The cleaning agents, fungicides and/or algaecides incorporated serve to protect the roofs against moss, algae, fungi, mycella and dirt. Any algaecide and/or fungicide suitable for protecting materials such as natural reed can be used. These materials are known to a skilled person. Examples are benomyl and copper based fungicides. Examples of algaecides are copper, copper compounds, such as copper sulphate, quaternary ammonium compounds and zinc pyrithione. Against moss ferro sulphate can be used. A general preservative is for example sodium benzoate.
- As a cleaning agent the surfactant compounds generally used in soaps or detergents like alkylates, sodium salts or sodium compounds may be used. The cleaning agent may contain a whitener such as for example sodium tetraacetylethylene diamine, hydrogen peroxide or a precursor thereof. It may also contain suitable enzymes. Combinations thereof are also possible.
- According to a second embodiment of the invention, the active agent is a fire retardant. Examples of fire retardants are halogens, halon fire retardants and intumescent fire retardants. These fire retardants are known in the art. Examples of possible fire retardants are diammonium phosphate and sodium silicate.
- The article can further contain any additives known in the art, such as plasticizers, pigments, fillers and U.V. stabilizers. Of particular importance are the pigments. Preferably pigments are added which mask the article so that it is not obviously visible between the natural reeds. The article preferably degrades under the influence of UV-light. This can for instance be reached by using additives which can speed up or slow down the rate of photo degradation, for instance by reducing the molecular weight of the polymer by catalytic or oxidation reactions that are UV-induced.
- An example of a material which can be used according to the invention is a coextruded material of 50 % by weight polyethylene and 50 % by weight starch, for instance Solanyl a potato based starch containing as active agents polybor (borax), zinc pyrithione and copper sulphate.
- Another material that can be used for the controlled release article is a cellulosic material that is impregnated with the active agents. A preferred material is paper or cardboard.
- The artificial reeds according to the invention can be incorporated into the roofs together with the natural reed. According to the invention it is therefore preferred that the reeds have mechanical properties comparable to the natural reed. One way of accomplishing this is by making the artificial reeds round. Further the material can be adjusted such that the reeds have the right flexibility and surface roughness.
- The dimensions of the artificial reed will also be similar to that of the natural reed. The length is variable in conjunction as to where it finds itself on the roof, anywhere between 10 to 100 cm. The diameter depends on the thickness of the artificial reed to ensure that sufficient active agent can be incorporated into the artificial reed. The diameter can also be adjusted such that it corresponds largely to that of the type of natural reed used for the roof. In general the diameter will vary between 1 mm to 15 mm.
- When the controlled release article is a film, it will generally have a thickness of 0.05 to 2 mm. The width of the film will generally be in the range of 10 cm to 100 cm. The length of the film can be cut on site by the skilled person depending on the size of the roof.
- A further aspect of the invention relates to the thatched roof containing the controlled release article of the invention. The amount of the article in the roof will depend on many factors, such as the dimensions of the article and concentration of active agents. Also the location of the building will determine to what extent the roof is exposed to external influences. In case of artificial reeds in general one would expect the surface of the roof to contain between 1 to 25 % artificial reeds.
- With thatched roofs any form of thatch is meant, i.e. any sheltering cover, such as a house roof, made of a plant material. Suitable plant materials are wheat straw, water reed, long straw, heather etc. Depending on the type of natural material used for the thatch, the dimensions and shape of the artificial reed can be adjusted.
- The present invention also provides a method of protecting a thatched roof, wherein controlled release articles containing one or more active agents are incorporated in the roof. As described above the active agent is an algicide, fungicide, cleaning agent and/or fire retardant. Preferably the controlled release articles have the properties as described above.
Claims (12)
- Controlled release article for the protection of thatched roofs which gradually releases one or more active agents over time.
- Article according to claim 1, wherein the active agent is an algaecide, fungicide, cleaning agent, fire retardant or mixture thereof.
- Article according to claim 1 or 2, which is a film.
- Article according to claim 1 or 2, which has a strip or straw like shape preferably similar to natural reed.
- Article according to any of claims 1 to 4, comprising a polymeric matrix and one or more active agents incorporated in the polymeric matrix.
- Article according to claim 5, wherein the polymeric matrix comprises a non-water soluble polymer and a water soluble polymer, wherein preferably the amount of water soluble polymer, based on the total weight of non-water soluble polymer and water soluble polymer, is 10 to 100 % by weight, preferably 25 to 80 % by weight.
- Article according to claim 6, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene/methyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer, polycaprolactone, polyurethane and blends thereof.
- Article according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the water soluble polymer is selected from the group of biopolymers including gelatin and water soluble polysaccharides, preferably starch, modified starch, cellulose, modified cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and water soluble derivatives of chitine, and the group of synthetic polymers including poly(meth)acrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide and polyacryl amide.
- Article according to claim 6, wherein the non-water soluble polymer is polyethylene and the water soluble polymer is polyvinyl alcohol or starch.
- Article according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that comprises a cellulosic material, preferably paper, impregnated with the active agents.
- Method of protecting a thatched roof, characterized in that an article according to any of the preceding claims is incorporated in the roof.
- Thatched roof, containing an article according to any of the claims 1 to 10.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP01202012A EP1158112A1 (en) | 2000-05-26 | 2001-05-28 | Controlled release article for protecting thatched roofs |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP00201904 | 2000-05-26 | ||
EP00201904 | 2000-05-26 | ||
EP01202012A EP1158112A1 (en) | 2000-05-26 | 2001-05-28 | Controlled release article for protecting thatched roofs |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP1158112A1 true EP1158112A1 (en) | 2001-11-28 |
Family
ID=26072312
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP01202012A Withdrawn EP1158112A1 (en) | 2000-05-26 | 2001-05-28 | Controlled release article for protecting thatched roofs |
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EP (1) | EP1158112A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1779985A1 (en) | 2005-10-28 | 2007-05-02 | A'Ollebolle Taek | A method of carrying out a fireproofing treatment of rushes for thatching and an assembly for carrying out the method. |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3888682A (en) * | 1972-10-25 | 1975-06-10 | Gaf Corp | Algicidal post treated roofing granules |
US4092441A (en) * | 1973-08-30 | 1978-05-30 | Gaf Corporation | Roofing granule treatment by coating with a metallic algicide |
DE3220536A1 (en) * | 1982-02-15 | 1983-08-25 | Ulrich 4722 Ennigerloh Stollberg | Roofing element for producing roofs covered with straw, thatch or the like |
GB2146055A (en) * | 1983-09-01 | 1985-04-11 | Ian Ollerearnshaw | Inhibiting fungal or algal growth on buildings and other structures |
US4583344A (en) * | 1984-06-06 | 1986-04-22 | Butler Delica M | Simulated thatched roofing |
US4891404A (en) * | 1988-05-27 | 1990-01-02 | Purdue Research Foundation | Biodegradable graft copolymers |
-
2001
- 2001-05-28 EP EP01202012A patent/EP1158112A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3888682A (en) * | 1972-10-25 | 1975-06-10 | Gaf Corp | Algicidal post treated roofing granules |
US4092441A (en) * | 1973-08-30 | 1978-05-30 | Gaf Corporation | Roofing granule treatment by coating with a metallic algicide |
DE3220536A1 (en) * | 1982-02-15 | 1983-08-25 | Ulrich 4722 Ennigerloh Stollberg | Roofing element for producing roofs covered with straw, thatch or the like |
GB2146055A (en) * | 1983-09-01 | 1985-04-11 | Ian Ollerearnshaw | Inhibiting fungal or algal growth on buildings and other structures |
US4583344A (en) * | 1984-06-06 | 1986-04-22 | Butler Delica M | Simulated thatched roofing |
US4891404A (en) * | 1988-05-27 | 1990-01-02 | Purdue Research Foundation | Biodegradable graft copolymers |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1779985A1 (en) | 2005-10-28 | 2007-05-02 | A'Ollebolle Taek | A method of carrying out a fireproofing treatment of rushes for thatching and an assembly for carrying out the method. |
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