DK179226B9

DK179226B9 - Natural composition and method for preventing algal growth on outdoor surfaces

Info

Publication number: DK179226B9
Application number: DKPA201700142A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Binod Singh
Original assignee: Binod Singh
Priority date: 2017-03-01
Filing date: 2017-03-01
Publication date: 2018-04-30
Also published as: DK201700142A1; DK179226B1

Abstract

A natural composition for preventing algal growth on outdoor surfaces including ceramic tiles, concrete, natural stone, brick and pavement is disclosed. The outdoor surfaces are treated with the composition, which comprises optimum ratio of ammonium hydrogen-fluoride, phosphoric acid, sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, ethanol, crushed grapefruit seed extract, anionic surfactant and water. The natural composition establishes a chemical connection with silicates on the outdoor surface to form a solid layer that inhibit photosynthesis process of the algae completely and prevents algal growth.

Description

(19) DANMARK (10)

(12)

PATENTSKRIFT

Om tryk publiceret 2018-04-30

Patent- og

Varemærkestyrelsen (51) lnt.CI.: A 01 N 65/36 (2009.01) C 04 B 41/65 (2006.01) A 01 N 33/12 (2006.01)

C 04 B 41/46 (2006.01) (21) Ansøgningsnummer: PA 2017 00142 (22) Indleveringsdato: 2017-03-01 (24) Løbedag: 2017-03-01 (41) Aim. tilgængelig: 2018-02-19 (45) Patentets meddelelse bkg. den: 2018-02-19 (73) Patenthaver: Binod Singh, 69 A 1A, Cross 11 Main, NRI Layout, IN-560043 Bangalore, Indien (72) Opfinder: Binod Singh, 69 A 1A, Cross 11 Main, NRI Layout, IN-560043 Bangalore, Indien (74) Fuldmægtig: InnovatorLAB v/Marcus Reinholdt Pedersen, Ibstrupvænget 2, 2.th., 2820 Gentofte, Danmark (54) Benævnelse: NATURAL COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING ALGAL GROWTH ON OUTDOOR SURFACES (56) Fremdragne publikationer:

US 2009/0148342 A1 DE 3432581 A1 EP 0857024 B1 US 6090766 A (57) Sammendrag:

Fortsættes ...

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NATURAL COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING

ALGAL GROWTH ON OUTDOOR SURFACES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, outdoor rugged surfaces are exposed to the effects of sunlight and moisture resulting in algal growth. The outdoor surfaces such as ceramic tiles, concrete, brick, natural stone and pavement stone surfaces are frequently colonized with algal growth, tile plague and other unwanted growth such as dirt, moss, green pads and the like. Outdoor rugged surfaces especially under damp or wet conditions are more susceptible to algae and moss or fungal growth. Outdoor floor and tile surfaces often comprises smaller or larger cracks and crevices, where algae or other unwanted moss growth can have access to fertile soil and grow larger. Once the cracks are filled with algal growth, the algal population becomes larger, especially on top of the paving stones.

Conventional methods of controlling algal growth on outdoor rugged surfaces comprise the use of mechanical and chemical methods or a combination of both methods.

Mechanical methods include sand blasting, grinding, steam cleaning, brushing, scouring and use of blowtorches on the surfaces. In most cases, these procedures are cumbersome, labor intensive and rather expensive, and do not always give a desirable outcome.

DE1571593 Al (KOVACHY, J.M.) discloses a composition for cleaning and treating stone surfaces, the composition comprising, e.g. 10-44 wt% ammonium bifluoride and 1020 20 wt% phosphoric acid, up to 6 wt% of a surface-active agent, and 10-30 wt% corns syrup and water. The compositions may comprise commercial thickeners to increase the viscosity of the composition and surfactants. This composition produces a thin film on the surface of the stone, making it dirt- repellent and contaminant-repellent.

Predominantly in every algaecide, dosages of 50 ppm of hydrogen peroxide was used. In horticulture and agricultural areas or surfaces, this dosage was too phytotoxic for nearby useful young plants, although older plants survived in this dose rate. The hydrogen peroxide is a biocide, rather than an algaeeide, there is always a risk of root damage.

Therefore, careful and selective dosage of hydrogen peroxide could be used on older, more resistant plants.

Further, the known and existing composition does not use any naturally available extracts such as grapefruit seeds against algae growth, or disinfection of hard surfaces. Further, the existing composition is unable to inhibit photosynthesis process of a microbe such as algae completely, where these microbes will reproduce and grow again over a period. However, the usage of chemical compositions for cleaning and treating dirt, contaminant, or microbial infected surface are avoided to support the eco-friendly environment.

An existing prior art US20090148342 Al, discloses a hypochlorite technology based compositions and method for treating allergens such as algae containing surfaces. The composition further comprising different types of materials, including grapefruit.

However, the major composition comprising hypochlorite is used for purification and disinfection, whereas the disclosure lacks in extraction process of grapefruit and their properties towards treating the algal surfaces. However, hypochlorite is a dangerous and corrosive substance. While working with sodium hypochlorite, safety measures have to be taken to protect users and the environment

Chemical methods include coating the surface using oxidizing agents, halogens, special chemicals, solvents, detergents, enzymes or other chemical compounds. However, the coating wears away over time and are not completely weather resistant. Hence, there still exists a need for a natural composition such as a grapefruit seed composition, and method for preventing algal growth on outdoor surfaces such as ceramic tiles, stone, brick and concrete surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a natural composition for preventing algal growth on outdoor surfaces such as ceramic tiles, or brick, comprising a natural extract from grapefruit, phosphoric acid, a salt of a C5-C20 linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, ethanol, and water. In one embodiment, the said composition characterized by, ammonium hydrogenfluoride in a concentration range between 2 to 15 volume percent; phosphoric acid in a concentration range between 2 to 15 volume percent; sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate in a concentration range between 0.1 to 1 volume percent; 94 volume percent ethanol in a concentration range between 1 to 5 volume percent; crushed grapefruit seed extract in a concentration range between 2 to 8 volume percent, and anionic surfactant in a concentration range between 1 to 3 volume percent. The grapefruit seed extract has been prepared by the following steps: (a) boiling 250 grams of crushed grapefruit seeds in 5 liters of water for 5 minutes to form a solution; (b) cooling the solution to about 40 degrees Celsius; and (c) filtering the solution to obtain the grapefruit seed extract. In some embodiments, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from a group consisting of linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate and tetra propylene benzene sulfonate, and water in a concentration range between 57-87.9 volume percent.

In another embodiment, the composition is further characterized by ratios of the following compounds: ammonium hydrogen-fluoride in a concentration of about 5 volume percent;

phosphoric acid in a concentration of about 5 volume percent; sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate in a concentration of about 0.5 volume percent; 94 volume percent ethanol in a concentration of about 2.5 volume percent; crushed grapefruit seed extract in a concentration of about 5 volume percent; anionic surfactant in a concentration of about 2 volume percent; and water in a concentration of about 80 volume percent.

The present invention is also relates to a method of preventing algal growth on a substrate such as tiles, ceramic, or brick, using natural composition comprising a natural extract from grapefruit, phosphoric acid, a salt of a C5-C20 linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, ethanol, and water, the method characterized by the steps of, providing the substrate comprising an outer surface for receiving a grapefruit seed based antimicrobial composition. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial composition comprises, ammonium hydrogen-fluoride in a concentration range between 2 to 15 volume percent; phosphoric acid in a concentration range between 2 to 15 volume percent; sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate in a concentration range between 0.1 to 1 volume percent; 94 volume percent ethanol in a concentration range between 1 to 5 volume percent; crushed grapefruit seed extract in a concentration range between 2 to 8 volume percent, anionic surfactant in a concentration range between 1 to 3 volume percent, treating the outer surface of the substrate with the natural antimicrobial composition. The grapefruit seed extract has been prepared by the following steps: (a) boiling 250 grams of crushed grapefruit seeds in 5 liters of water for 5 minutes to form a solution; (b) cooling the solution to about 40 degrees Celsius; and (c) filtering the solution to obtain the grapefruit seed extract. In one embodiment, the anionic surfactant is selected from a group consisting of linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate and tetra propylene benzene sulfonate, and water in a concentration range between 57-87.9 volume percent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DIFFERENT VIEWS OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates algal growth in crevices and cracks in an untreated outdoor surface.

FIG. 2 illustrates a solid layer sealing the crevices and cracks in a treated outdoor surface.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of preventing algal growth on a substrate using natural composition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Algae colonization, green pads and moss growth generally occur on outer surfaces of ceramic tiles, bricks, concrete and paving stones. These rugged outdoor surfaces may comprise numerous cracks and crevices in which the algal growth flourishes which ultimately leads to slippery surface and results in damage to the structures. FIG. 1 illustrates algal growth 104 in crevices and/or cracks 102 in an untreated outdoor surface

110. The composition of the present invention can be used to treat the surfaces in order to prevent algal growth, tile plague and moss growth. The composition forms a chemical connection with the silicates present in the coating of the surfaces 110 resulting in a solid layer 106, which fills the cracks and/or crevices 102 thus preventing algae's access to soil.

The solid layer 106 formed over the surface 110 by treatment with the present composition thus prevents algal growth and colonization. FIG. 2 illustrates a solid layer sealing the crevices and cracks in an outdoor surface treated with the composition for preventing algal growth.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention relates to a method 200 of preventing algal growth on a substrate as illustrated in FIG. 3. In step 201, the method 200 comprises providing the substrate comprising an outer surface for receiving a natural antimicrobial composition. The natural antimicrobial composition comprises ammonium hydrogenfluoride, phosphoric acid, sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, 94 volume percent ethanol, crushed grapefruit seed extract, anionic surfactant and water. In step 202, the method 200 comprises treating the outer surface of the substrate with the said natural antimicrobial composition. In step 203, the natural antimicrobial composition establishes a chemical connection with silicates on the outer surface or coatings on the outer surface to form a solid layer. In step 204, the method 200 comprises sealing the algal growth or preventing the algal formation by the said solid layer incorporated using the natural or grapefruit seed based antimicrobial composition. The natural or grapefruit seed composition for preventing algal growth, which addresses the problem by inhibiting the photosynthesis process in the algae effectively for a longer duration. In an embodiment, the substrate may comprise ceramic tiles, bricks, concrete, natural stones, paving stones and the like.

The existing composition or known prior art for preventing algal growth on the stone surface are unable to inhibit photosynthesis process of the algae completely, wherefore the algae will reproduce and grow again over a period. The present invention discloses a natural or grapefruit seed composition for preventing algal growth, which addresses the problem by inhibiting the photosynthesis process in the algae effectively for a longer duration. Grapefruit seed extract is a superior surface disinfectant that has been proven 10 times more effective at preventing household germ such as algal formation than other known chemical disinfectant. Further, the grapefruit seed extract effectively disinfect against algae in kitchen surface, bathroom surface or even in the car.

The anti-algal effect of the present composition is long lasting and durable. For example, the composition of the present invention blocks the possible growth of algae and other undesirable surface deposits for up to a period of ten years, without any need for retreatment during this period. Furthermore, treatment with the composition of present invention seals the small microscopic pores between the cracks and crevices on the surface of tiles, bricks, concrete or stones. The sealing layer prevents the ingress of water, and also protects the treated surface from frost damage, thereby increasing the lifetime of the paving stones, tiles, concrete and brick surface. The surfaces treated with the composition get self-cleaned and prevent algal growth, green pad and moss growth on the surface.

Claims

Requirements

A natural composition for preventing algae growth on outdoor surfaces, such as ceramic tiles or bricks, containing a natural extract from grapefruit, phosphoric acid, a salt of a C5-C20 linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, ethanol and water.

5 The composition is characterized by

Ammonium hydrogen fluoride at a concentration between 2 and 15% by volume;

phosphoric acid at a concentration between 2 and 15% by volume;

Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate at a concentration between 0.1 and 1% by volume;

10 94% by volume ethanol at a concentration between 1 and 5% by volume;

crushed grapefruit seed extract at a concentration of 2 to 8% by volume, where the grapefruit seed extract has been processed at the following steps:

250 grams of crushed grapefruit seeds boiled in 5 liters of water for 5 minutes to form a mixture;

The mixture is cooled to ca. 40 degrees Celsius; and filtered to obtain grapefruit seed extract.

Anionic surfactant at a concentration of between 1 and 3% by volume, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from a group consisting of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate and tetrapropylbenzenesulfonate and water in

20 a concentration between 57-87.9% by volume.

Composition according to claim 1, characterized by ratio of the following composition:

Ammonium hydrogen fluoride at a concentration of approx. 5% by volume; phosphoric acid at a concentration of approx. 5% by volume;

sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate at a concentration of approx. 0.5% by volume;

94% by volume of ethanol at a concentration of ca. 2.5% by volume; crushed grapefruit seed extract at a concentration of approx. 5% by volume; anionic surfactant at a concentration of approx. 2% by volume; and

5 water at a concentration of approx. 80% by volume.

A process for preventing algae growth on a surface, such as tiles, ceramics or bricks, using a natural composition comprising a natural extract from grapefruit, phosphoric acid, a salt of a C5-C20 linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, ethanol and water, characterized by the following step:

Providing the substrate with an outer surface for receiving grapefruit seed-based antimicrobial composition, the antimicrobial composition comprising,

Ammonium hydrogen fluoride at a concentration between 2 and 15% by volume; phosphoric acid at a concentration between 2 and 15

15% by volume; sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate at a concentration between 0.1 and 1% by volume; 94% by volume ethanol at a concentration between 1 and 5% by volume; crushed grapefruit seed extract at a concentration of 2 to 8% by volume, where the grapefruit seed extract has been prepared by the following steps:

20 boil 250 grams of crushed grapefruit seeds in 5 liters of water for 5 minutes to form a mixture; cool the mixture to approx. 40 degrees Celsius; and filtering the mixture to obtain grapefruit seed extract, anionic surfactant at a concentration between 1 and 3% by volume,

Wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from a group consisting of linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate and sulfonate and water at a concentration between 57-87.9% by volume; and treat the surface of the substrate with the natural antimicrobial agent

1.2