GB2208867A

GB2208867A - Formulation of biologically active surface coatings

Info

Publication number: GB2208867A
Application number: GB8719764A
Authority: GB
Inventors: R James Alfred Jones
Original assignee: BRAMCHEM Ltd
Current assignee: BRAMCHEM Ltd
Priority date: 1987-08-21
Filing date: 1987-08-21
Publication date: 1989-04-19
Also published as: GB8719764D0

Abstract

This invention relates to the formulation of a substance to improve the visual appearance of new stone, concrete, brickwork and roofing tiles. The formulation is designed to give: a weatherproof coating and colouration to the masonry surface to match the ambient surroundings and the subsequent natural effect to be achieved, and the promotion of the growth of natural microflora such as algae, fungi, mould and lichen by providing a nutrient containing substrate, and initiation of the growth of such micro-flora by incorporation of freeze dried spores, seeds and cells of the principal species, to give the desired natural effect.

Description

FORPIULATION OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SURFACE COATINGS We, BRAMCHEM LIMITED, a United Kingdom Company of Newton Abbot, Devon, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the methods by which it is to be performed to be described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to the formulation of a substance to improve the visual appearance of new stone, concrete, brickwork and roofing tiles.

The formulation is designed to give; 1) A weatherproof coating and colouration to the masonary surface to match the ambient surroundings and the subsequent natural effect to be achieved, and, 2) the promotion of the growth of natural microflora such as algae, fungi, mould and lichen by providing a nutrient containing substrate, and 3) initiation of the growth of such microflora by incorporation of freeze dried spores, seeds and cells of the principal species, to give the desired natural effect.

Natural stone and brickwork are the most sought after materials for landscape constructions such as garden walls, terraces, loggias, etc.

they provide an attractive feature which is significantly enhanced when populated by vegetation and particularly by microflora such as algae, fungi, mould and lichen. However due to the high cost and scarcity of quarried stone, it has largely been replaced by reconstituted stone (stone aggregate and dust bonded with cement) and pigmented concrete.

Equally the traditional moulded bricks of varying texture and colour have been replaced by machine extruded bricks of uniform appearance.

The resultant block or brick walling from such new materials has an unnatural harsh appearance contrasting with the ambient landscape.

The appearance is 'softened' with time by the growth of microflora, a process which can take several years depending upon the climate and the aspect of the structure.

There are many and various paint products available which give a surface finish to concrete and brickwork and are generally of a uniform colour, however the final result is usualy inferior to natural stone, aged brick and even pigmented concrete. Alternatively a natural effect is achieved by treating the new surface with various nutrients intended to promote the growth of native microflora. Typical nutrients are mineral and organic fertilisers and manures, these are generally water soluble and have limited durability and subject to climatic variations.

The invention specified herein, combines the principles of colouration and growth stimulation to provide an immediate effect while providing the foundation for the natural development of colonies of microflora.

The colonisation of wall surfaces by a microflora population is a complex process and follows a particular sequence which may, depending on the relevant microclimate and substrate, be initiated or accelerated by the bacterial degradation of any nutrients present.

The invention comprises a formulation of components in a dry form capable of being dispersed in water to give an emulsion of suitable viscosity for its ready application to the surface to be treated.

Typically, a formulation will comprise of a) Component A - a freeze dried resin binder produced by the polymerisation of monomers such as vinyl acetate, ethylene, propylene, butadiene, styrene, vinyl chloride, methylacrylate, butylacrylate and methyl methacrylate as well as copolymers of these.

b) Component B - a film former and thickening agent such as cellulose ether, animal or fish glues, alginates, albumin or casein.

c) Component C - a colourising pigment (non-biocidal) such as an oxide of iron and/or chromium.

d) Component D - A biological nutrient containing the major, minor and trace agents essential to biological growth. This is a natural product such as dried milk whey, meat or fish meal, pulse or cereal flour, or other proteinaceous substance supplemented, as necessary, with growth promoting agents.

Concentrations of these components can range as follows: Component A 5 - 30% by weight B 5 - 15% " " C 2 - 20% " D balance by weight An optional additions to the above formulation are freeze dried cultures, seeds and spores of such microflora known to give the desired visual effect. Typical species of microflora are: Thallophyta; algae, fungi, moulds, bacteria and lichenes.

Bryophyta; liverworts and mosses.

Pteridophyta; ferns and worts.

In dry powder formulations the components are intimately mixed and package in a hermitically sealed container. In use the powder is dispersed in water to form an emulsion and applied to the surface by conventional means.

Alternatively, liquid formulations can be produced using dried or emulsified components in water, in which case, the microfloral cultures are encapsulated to retard their development. To. protect the formulation from biological activity during storage, a fugitive preservative such as formaldehyde is included.

Claims

What we claim is:

1. A substance for the decorative treatment of fresh masonry surfaces such as concrete, cement rendering, roof tile and brick.

2. A substance according to claim 1 combining the properties of permanently colouring the masonry surface and a substrate for the development of microflora.

3. A substance according to claims 1 and 2 containing nutrient media for the stimulation of microfloral growth.

4. A substance according to claims 1, 2 and 3 containing freeze dried spores, seeds and cells of microflora having the required visual effect and rate growth.

5. A substance according to claims 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the form of a dry powder which on mixing with water forms an emulsion ready for application.

6. A substance according to claims 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the form of a viscous gel which on mixing with water, forms an emulsion ready for application.

7. A substance according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 where the method of application is by brush, pad, roller or spray.

8. A substance according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 coloured YELLOW by the addition of yellow iron oxide (ochre).

9. A substance according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 coloured RED by the addition of red iron oxide (haematite).

10. A substance according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 coloured GREEN by the addition of chromium oxide.

11. A substance according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 coloured BROWN by the addition of brown iron oxide (burnt umber).

12. A substance according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 coloured BLACK by the addition of black iron oxide or carbon black.

13. A substance according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 containing any admixture of the colours claimed in claims 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 to achieve the required tonal effect.

14. A substance according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 coloured by a non biocidal organic pigment have a degree of light fastness and giving the same colour and tonal range as described in claims 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13.

15. A substance according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 being unpigmented but coloured with a fugitive dye.

16. A substance according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 being unpigmented but coloured with a natural colourant such as powdered peat or lignite.