EP0221907A1

EP0221907A1 - Paint composition

Info

Publication number: EP0221907A1
Application number: EP86901311A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Raymond Brooks
Original assignee: TIHANA Pty Ltd
Current assignee: TIHANA Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1985-03-08
Filing date: 1986-02-28
Publication date: 1987-05-20
Also published as: GR860573B; DK535286A; FI864546A0; WO1986005195A1; BR8605817A; KR870700232A; ZA861474B; PT82104B; DK535286D0; MY102434A; IL78120A0; KR910000413B1; JPS62502408A; EP0221907A4; PT82104A; FI864546A; NO864458D0; IN166824B; NO864458L

Abstract

L'invention porte sur des compositions de peinture et de revêtement, surtout celles qui ont des propriétés isolantes, en particulier des propriétés d'isolement thermique. Une base durcissable de silice ou de bagasse, ou d'une combinaison des deux, est ajoutée à la composition. De préférence, la base durcissable forme un revêtement sensiblement épais après séchage ou durcissement. L'invention porte également sur un procédé de production de la composition de revêtement.The invention relates to paint and coating compositions, especially those which have insulating properties, in particular thermal insulation properties. A curable base of silica or bagasse, or a combination of the two, is added to the composition. Preferably, the curable base forms a substantially thick coating after drying or curing. The invention also relates to a method for producing the coating composition.

Description

PAINT COMPOSITION The present inventioα relates to coatings and paints and in particular, insulating coatings and paints which provide heat insulation. - The paint industry has been, for many years trying to develop a thermo-insulating paint which can satisfactorily prevent heat loss or heat gain across painted surfaces.

This is evidenced by West German application 311,7484 which dealt with the addition of sodium bicarbonate and steric acid to paint; Japanese application 4P57102967 by the addition of Potassium titanate fibres and glass frit; Japanese applications 4P58167657 and 4P83164657 by the addition of aluminium flakes, glass wool and polo filler; USSR application

1014812 by the addition of perlite and mineral wool; USSR application No. 286198 by the addition of glass wool and calcium cyanate; and finally USSR 481584 by the addition of perlite and boric acid. Each of these is of somewhat limited value. The major problem which is faced by paint manufacturers and in particular those trying to develop an effective insulating paint, is being able to add sufficient insulating raw materials and at the same time maintain a thin paint film.

This problem causes increased costs due to thickness of film, as well as extra weight being carried by the coated objects. Further difficulties arise in applying the paint to the articles to be coated. DEFINITIONS

Throughout the specification and claims, the term "liquid" will be understood to include amorphous, gelatinous, fluid and pourable substances. Further, throughout the specification, the appearance of an asterisk (*) denotes that the substance mentioned is identified by its Trade Mark or registered Trade Mark.

In the art, the subject of this application, a high build coating is considered to be a coating, which when dried would be of a thickness in the range of 100 microns (approx . ) up to 5 mm (approx ) .

It is an object of the present invention to provide a thermal insulating coating, and a method of producing same. According to another aspect of^* the present invention there is disclosed an- insulating coating composition comprising:

(a) a hardenable liquid base; and

(b) either silica or bagasse According to a further aspect of the present invention there is disclosed an insulating coating comprising:

(a) a hardenable liquid base;

(b) silica; and (c) bagasse.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a method of producing an insulating coating, said method including the steps of: (a) collecting bagasse; (b) grinding and/or particulating said bagasse to an average particle size of 0.01 mm to 5 mm; and

(c) mixing the now particulated bagasse into a paint, coating or like substance.

Bagasse is a natural substance and is the term applied to the final crushed fibre remaining after milling of sugar cane. It consists of fibre (cellulose), water and a small quantity of sugar. It is generally used as or made into fuel, feed, and fibre board. Bagasse is the main source of fuel in the production of steam for mill operation. In some countries, bagasse is a raw material used for the manufacture of paper.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention there is disclosed an insulating paint, said paint comprising a paint base which produces when dried, a membrane of a substantially high build coating; and up to 60% by weight of a combination of silica and bagasse. Preferably the silica liβed is a granular type having a hollow centre, whilst the bagasse is preferably dried then ground up to a consistency wherein the average size of particles is approximately 0.01 mm to 5 mm. Good results have been obtained with a silica known as Q-CEL 450* silica microspheres, which is combined with bagasse into a high build membrane paint.

Q-CEL 450* or Q-CEL 500* are hollow organo silicon modified borosilicate microspheres and as a commercial product are sold as an odorless dry white powder. The microspheres are readily wetted out by organic fluids but resist wetting by water. They typically have a bulk

3 density of 0.105 gm/cm ; a typical effective density/

3 liquid displacement of 0.15 to 0.5 gm/cm with a mean particle size (diameter) of 65 to 70 microns ranging between 10 to 200 microns.

Other forms of silica can be utilised, such as hollow organo silicon modified borosilicate microspheres of different dimensions, solid glass microspheres, which are manufactured from A-glass, which are commercially available in graded sizes from 5 to 5000 microns; ceramic, polymeric and mineral microsperes. Further, combinations of these different "silicas" can be utilised. The natural substance bagasse can be replaced by an artifically manufactured substance whose chemical composition is any one of the following, or a combination of any one of the following:

A) Dry cellulose: approx 40% by weight Pentosan: approx 22% by weight Lignin 19% by weight

Ash: approx 20% by weight

Impurities (incl: water, raw sugar and dirt) approx

17% by weight

B) Holo cellulose: approx 60% by weight; and C) Moisture content: approx 49% Insoluble solids: appr<>x 48.7% Soluble solids: approx 2.3%

Each of A, B and C a the chemical breakdown of bagasse and percentages mentioned can be varied to produce differing properties. In the case of natural bagasse, the chemical breakdown.and properties may alter depending upon methods used to grow the sugar cane and the climate and location where the sugar cane is farmed. The hardenable liquid base can be a paint or paint base such as an acrylic membrane paint, a copolymer resin, an alkyd resin and any other suitable coating, or liquid base, which will harden.

Examples of the present invention will now be described with reference to experimental results and the figures of the drawings in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a test rig;

Fig. 2 is a graphical representation of the results of tests conducted over a 6 hour period on a dried film of a paint to the present invention; and Fig. 3 is a graphical representation of the results of tests conducted over a 48 hour period on the same film of that whose results are shown in Fig. 2. INSULATING PAINT EXAMPLE 1 A sample of insulating paint was produced from a paint base, this paint being of an acrylic membrane type as is commonly known in the industry. To this paint base was added 10% by weight of specially treated bagasse. This special treatment consisted of a ground down or particulate bagasse of approximately 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm. To this was further added 5% by weight of Q-CEL 450* spherical silica.

These were mixed by means of gentle paddle stirring. The paint mixture was then applied by roller to produce: (a) a membrane of dried paint; and

(b) a piece of galvanised sheet metal coated with the paint.

TESTING A heat barrier membrane test was devised to measure the insertion loss of membrane, at average and normal temperature, in conditions simulating actual use on roofs, and situations generally where ambient temperatures exists on reverse surface of membranes and a higher temperature exists on the obverse surface.

TEST APPARATUS - (See Fig. 1) The apparatus consisted of 2 cylindrical chambers 1 and 2 fabricated from galvanised sheet steel of 1 mm thickness. Each chamber 1 and 2 has two concentric cylinders 3 and 4 of height 60 cm. Inner cylinder 3 has a 30 cm diameter and outer cylinder 4 has a 40 cm diameter with space 5 between filled with insulation 6 and end spaces sealed with galvanised sheet. Chambers 1 and 2 have galvanised sheet flanges 7 at each end, being some 60 cm square with 30 cm hole 8 in centre and 3 heat sensitive probes 9 sited 120 apart, round the periphery, spaced 5 cm from one end.

Chambers 1 and 2 are stacked vertically. Lower chamber 2 is heated as required and upper chamber 1 is at ambient temperature of laboratory area, being open at the top.

The design of chambers 1 and 2 and their volume is an optimum compromise between 2 conflicting factors: 1. It should be large enough to permit valid testing (a sample of membrane say 600-1000 square cm, is a reasonable size) and avoid the difficulties inherent in arranging a very small heat supply with adequate control; and 2. It should be small enough not to require excessive heat input, with the control and insulation problems inherent in containing large amounts of heat, and particularly, circulating air currents minimized so that the temperature measured on both membrane (15) surfaces is sensibly the temperature over the total area.

A unit assembly of radiator 10 with infrared lamp

11 and incandescent lamp 12 as the heat source in the bottom of lower chamber 2 and having an electric current supply at 50 hertz, variable^in steps of 1 volt, which is read on a meter connected across the unit input.

Voltage variation is by WF8(G.R.) Variac* rated at 10 amps, with 60 volts connected across its 0-280V winding, so providing an effective 'band-spread' of more than 4 times that of the Variac. scale.

During programming of apparatus, the voltage was calibrated against temperature (after it had stablised) and a scale compiled, so in running the test series, repeat results were reliable and predictable. Tests were repeated 10 times.

The 3 Type G probes sited 120° apart in top end of bottom chamber 2 and bottom end of top chamber, were connected to a zeatron GPE* remote reading electronic thermometer and thus 3 readings were obtained in each chamber 1 and 2.

Probes 9 were 5 cm from flange 7 in each chamber 1 and 2 because:

1. Heat rose in bottom chamber 2 so the temperature was measured 5 cm down from the top was sensibly that over the membrane lower surface 15b, circa 40 cm from heat source, thus simulating commercial and domestic application of membrane 15 in actual use; and 2. Top chamber 1 at ambient temperature has probes 5 cm from membrane upper surface 15a so any heat passing membrane will rise and probes will indicate this.

METHOD In this test rig the lower surface 15b is the obverse surface whilst the upper surface 15a is the reverse surface. To some extent these test condtions were harsher than actual use conditions as the obverse surface is usually upwardly facing and thereby allows for more cooling and transfer of heat by convection.

Sample membrane 15 was clamped between flanged ends 7 of the chambers 1 and 2 and through bolted to prevent air leakage. Heat was supplied to bottom chamber 1 and temperature recorded as the.i^*average between 3 probes, which differed slightly due to unavoidable air current. Chamber 2 therefore proved,* close to ideal. Probes in top chamber 1 showed no variation, as- predicted.

RESULTS ^* The insulating paint of example 1 is a heat barrier, providing almost 99% insertion loss when tested under conditions simulating actual use on roofs and similar use.

No variation of any significance was observed between:

1. Membrane alone; and

2. Membrane on galvanised sheet. The measurements recorded in these tests for membrane 15 alone are graphically represented in Figs. 2 and 3.

In Fig. 2 the lefthand margin represents degrees celcius whilst the the bottom margin represents hours from the start of the test. The upper graph represents the temperature of the membrane whilst the lower graph represents the ambient temperature.

The heat source remained stable at 40°C, one hour after the start of the test run. The 3 probes read to within 1°C of each other.

In Fig. 3 the lefthand margin represents degrees Celcius whilst the bottom margin represents the time of day with ambient temperature being varied according to natural conditions over a 48 hour period. The figures at the bottom margin represent the time on a 24 hour clock. The upper graph represents the temperature of the membrane whilst the lower graph represents ambient temperature.

The tested membrane had one smooth and one rough surface. As the membrane tested was not of continuous cross-section, (in fact varying from approx 0.2 mm to approx 0.6 mm in some places), this exaggerated the reading for the heat gain of the membrane. THERMALLY INSULATING COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE (CONTROL) The tests conducted oir membrane and membrane on galvanised sheet were compared to a "Batt", which is a type of fibreglass insulation used generally by the building industry to insulate roofs and other building elements.

The batt tested was a rated R2.5 (see Standards Association of Australia A.S. 2627 Part 1, 1983). When tested under the same conditions as the membrane and membrane on galvanised sheet, the performance of the batt was not significantly different from that of the membranes.

(CONTROL) NON INSULATING PAINT EXAMPLE The paint base used to manufacture the insulating paint of example 1 was taken separately and a film of same was produced. This film was placed in the test apparatus and the obverse surface was subjected to a temperature of 40 C. The initial temperature measurement on the reverse side was measured at 32.3 C at an ambient temperature of 21.1°C and was measured one hour after the

40°C temperature had stabilised in the heat source chamber.

Subsequent measurements recorded an increase in the reverse side temperatures such that with the effluxion of time, both sides were within 2°C of each other. That is the obverse was 40 C whilst the reverse side was 38°C. SHEET METAL COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE A piece of sheet metal, such as that coated with the insulating paint of example 1, was tested in an uncoated condition.

The galvanised sheet metal was placed in the test apparatus and the obverse side was subjected to a temperature of 40 C. The initial temperature measurement on the reverse side was measured at 30.6°C at an ambient temperature of 21.1°C, and was measured one hour after the 40°C temperature had stabilised in the heat source chamber.

Subsequent measurements recorded an increase in the reverse side temperature, such that with the effluxion of time, both sides were within 2°C of each other. That is the obverse side was 40°C whilst the reverse side was 38° C.

Further test have been conducted in open air conditions at experimental test sites in Australia. ALLUNGA TEST RESULTS

Tests were conducted in far north Queensland,

Australia at Allunga, (Lat°19 15'S Long 146 46'E) where temperatures were measured between 11.45 a.m. and 12.45 p.m. in degrees Celcius, on days of little or no cloud. The galvanised steel sheds (two were constructed) were identical and erected in parallel position approximately 3 metres apart. Temperature probes were fixed in identical positions in each shed at a position 1 cm below the centre, inside, and doors were closed at all times. Results were as follows:

Date Paint Insulated Unprotected Shed

Shed

<>C oc

October

28 39 44 29 37 40 30 38 45 31 36 41

November 8 38 42

11 40 49

13 37 43

15 39 46

18 41 49 25 40 51

28 43 53

December 2 40 48 4 39 45 8 43 42 9 42 50 10 43 50 Date Paint Insulated

Unprotected Shed Shed o_c oc

December - Cont.

12 40 47

14 43 50

On the days of December 8th, 9th, 10th, 12th and 14th, the outside temperatue in the sun was recorded as being

33°, 34°, 35°, 34° and 33° C respectively.

SYDNEY TEST RESULTS

Further tests were run in Sydney, Australia (Lat 33⁽

55' S, Long 151°10'E) over a 3 month period. When building the shed, foundations were laid using ordinary kiln fired building bricks, and a platform laid on said foundations. Both sheds were exposed to the same temperatures in each 24 hour perod. The results were as follows:

Maximum Temperatures

Recorded

Date Weather Paint Insulated Unprotected

Conditions Shed Shed ^OC oc

September

5 Clear, S.W. winds 20 26

7 Clear, W. winds 18 26

9 Cloudy, W. winds 23 29

11 Calm, cloudy 21 27

13 Calm, Cloudy 21 28

15 Calm, sun 22 29

17 Calm, cloudy 21 28

19 Calm, cloudy, rain 20 25

21 Sun, fine, calm 18 25

23 Sun, fine,^* calm 24 29

25 Cloud 26 32

27 S. winds 19 25

29 Calm, cloud 22 29

October

1 Calm, clear, sun 25 32

3 Calm, sun 26 32

5 Wind - change to south 28 35

7 S.S.W. winds, cloud 24 29

9 Calm, cloud, showers 24 30

11 Clear, change to S. winds 27 34 p.m.

13 S. winds, rain 17 17 Maximum Temperatures

Recorded

Date Weather Paint Insulated Unprotected

Conditions Shed Shed oc oc

October - Cont.

15 Light S. winds, cloud. 21 26 clearing

17 Sun, clearing 23 29

19 Rain a.m. , < Ξloud 21 25

21 Clear, sun. calm 22 28

23 Cloud, showers, clearing 26 31

28 Clear, sun 22 27

29 Clear, sun 20 26

31 Clear, sun 23 29

November

1 Clear, sun. N.E. winds 24 30

3 Clear, sun. N.E. winds 27 33

5 Cloud 28 35

7 Cloud, sun. calm, humid 27 34

9 Clear, sun. calm 28 34

11 Cloud, S.E. winds, showers 26 32

13 Cloud, N.W. winds - slight 24 29

15 Cloud, S.W. winds, rain 26 32

17 Cloud, S.E. winds, showers 28 33

19 Clear, calm 21 28

21 Cloud, S.E. winds - fresh 24 28

23 Cloud, S.E. winds, fresh 25 31

25 Cloud, S.E. winds - slight 21 30

27 Cloud, S.E. winds, showers 26 33

29 Cloud, S.E. winds, showers 24 30

December

1 Cloud, S.E. winds, showers 24 31

3 Calm, rain 24 29

5 Calm, light cloud 26 33

FURTHER INSULATING PAINT EXAMPLES Example 2: STYRENE ACRYLIC HARDENABLE BASE. HARDENABLE BASE:

BASF 290D Acrylic* 322 Kgs Dispex N40* 3.4 Kgs

Beveloid 60* 2.3 Kgs

Corflex 880* 4.6 Kgs

Basf S.300 Acrylic* 32.0 Kgs

Titanium Dioxide 60.0 Kgs Calcium Carbonate 100.0 Kgs

Water 52.0 Litres

M.D. 13 (Mercury)* 1.75 Kgs

Corsal EEA* 7.5 Kgs

White Spirits 11.5 Litres Ammonia^* 2.75 Litres

BAGASSE: 90 Kgs.

This amount represents approx 12.5% by weight of-the total composition. SILICA: Hollow organo silicon modified borosilicate microspheres: 30 Kgs. This amount represents approx 4.2% by weight of the total composition

Example 3: ACRYLIC HARDENABLE BASE HARDENABLE BASE:

Ethylene Glycol 7.41 Kgs Water 42.0 Kgs

Natrasol 250 HR* .86 Kgs

Orotan 731 25%* 2.39 Kgs

Triton G.F.10* .20 Kgs

M.D. 13 (Mercury)* .5 Kgs Texanol* 4.4 Kgs

Titanium Dioxide 15.0 Kgs

Calcium Carbonate 40.0 Kgs

Talc 17.0 Kgs

Silica 140 Mesh 17.35 Kgs Primal AC 388* 115.0 Kgs

Silica 140 Mesh 8.67 Kgs

Beveloid 60* .400 Kgs

E.T.P 3.0 Kgs

Water To Viscosity BAGASSE: 42.0 Kgs. This amount represents approx 12.7% by weight of total composition excluding water added for viscosity. SILICA: Hollow organo silicon modified borosilicate: 14.0 Kgs. This amount represents approx 4.2% be weight of total composition excluding water added for viscosity.

Example 4: ALKYD RESIN BASE HARDENABLE BASE:

White Spirits 46 Kgs

Alkyd Resin M17 92 Kgs

Alkyd Resin M57 92 Kgs

Cereclor 48* 1 Kgs

Polybutane 100* 6 Kgs

Titanium Dioxide 40 Kgs

Zinc Oxide 4 Kgs

Mica 25 Kgs

Calcium Carbonate 50 Kgs

M.D. 13 (Mercury)* 0.3 Kgs

Crodaclay* 4 Kgs

D.A.A. 1 Litre

BAGASSE: 36 Kgs. This amount represents approx 8.8% by weight of the total composition.

SILICA: Hollow organo silicon modified borosilicate microspheres: 12 Kgs. This amount represents approx 2.9% by weight of the total composition.

Example 5: COPOLYMER HARDElABLE BASE COMPRISED OF PLIOLITE RESIN

HARDENABLE BASE:

Titanium Dioxide 20.7 Kgs

Calcium Carbonate Course 8.5 Kgs

Course Extender 1 17.1 Kgs

Mica 7.0 Kgs

Diamtomaceous Silica 6.5 Kgs

Wetting Agent 0.115 Kgs

Pliolite AC 80* 6.44 Kgs

Pliolite AC 4* 1.61 Kgs

Chlorinated Paraffin 65 6.67 Kgs

Mineral Spirits 27.6 Kgs

Polar Solvent 3.795 Kgs

BAGASSE: 15 Kgs. This amount represents 11.8% by weight of the total composition.

SILICA: Hollow organo silicon modified borosilicate microspheres: 6 Kgs. This amount represents 4.7% by weight of the total composition.

Example 6: COPOLYMER HARDENABLE BASE HARDENABLE BASE:

Titanium Dioxide 10.0 Kgs

Calcium Carbonate 9.5 Kgs

Course Extender 1 9.5 Kgs

Course Extender 2 21.2 Kgs

Course Extender 3 9.5 Kgs

Course Extender 4 1.4 Kgs

Wetting Agent 0.045 Kgs

Pliotite A.C.4* 7.13 Kgs

Chlorinated Paraffin 50 4.14 Kgs

Baggase 10.0 Kgs

Mineral Spirits 22.77

Polar Solvent 9.54

BAGASSE: 10 Kgs. This amount represents approx 8.4% by weight of the total composition.

SILICA: Hollow organo silicon modified borosilicate microspheres: 5 Kgs. This amount represents approx 4.2% by weight of the total composition, Example 7: COPOLYMER HARDENABLE BASE

HARDENABLE BASE:

Yellow Iron Oxide 2.9 Kgs

Titanium Dioxide 2.9 Kgs

Course Extender 1 63.0 Kgs

Course Extender 2 8.6 Kgs

Wetting Agent 0.6 Kgs

Pliolite A.C.4* 2.76 Kgs

Chlorinated Paraffin 70 0.345 Kgs

Chlorinated Paraffin 50 2.7 Kgs

Mineral Spirits 15.0 Kgs

Polar Solvent 4.3 Kgs

BAGASSE: 15 Kgs. This amount represents approx 12.2% by weight of the total composition.

SILICA: A Hollow organo silicon modified borosilicate microspheres: 5 Kgs. This amount represents approx 4.1% by weight of the total composition.

Example 8: COPOLYMER HARDENABLE BASE HARDENABLE BASE:

Pliolite A.C.4* 17.25 Kgs Non Yellowing 1.75 Kgs

Plasti^'cizer Mineral Spirits 66.3 Kgs Polar Solvent 28.75 Kgs Cleaning Agent 6.46 Kgs Aggregate 1.8-2 mm 150-200 girt Aggregate 3-4mm 150-200 gm

BAGASSE: 15 Kgs. This amount represents 10.7% by weight of the total composition.

SILICA: Hollow organo silican modified borosilicate microspheres: 5 Kgs.

This amount represents 3.5% by weight of the total composition. Example 9: STYRENE ACRYLIC HARDENABLE BASE, HARDENABLE BASE:

BASF 290D Acrylic* 322 Kgs

Dispex N40* 3.4 Kgs

Beveloid 60* 2.3 Kgs

Corflex 880* 4.6 Kgs

Basf S.300 Acrylic* 32.0 Kgs

Titanium Dioxide 20.0 Kgs

Water 52.0 Litres

M.D. 13 (Mercury)* 1.75 Kgs

Corsal EEA* 7.5 Kgs

White Spirits 11.5 Litres

Ammonia 2.75 Litres

BAGASSE: 195 Kgs.

This amount represents approx 27.1% by weight of the total composition.

SILICA: Hollow organo silicon modified borosilicate microspheres: 65 Kgs. This amount represents approx 9.0% by weight of the total composition.

Example 10: ACRYLIC HARDENABLE BASE

HARDENABLE BASE:

Ethylene Glycol 7.41 Kgs

Water 42.0 Kgs

Natrasol 250 HR* .86 Kgs

Orotan 731 25%* 2.39 Kgs

Triton G.F.10* .20 Kgs

M.D. 13 (Mercury)* .5 Kgs

Texanol* 4.4 Kgs

Titanium Dioxide 5.0 Kgs

Primal AC 388* 115.0 Kgs

Beveloid 60* .400 Kgs

E.T.P 3.0 Kgs

Water To Viscosity

BAGASSE: 112 Kgs. This amount represents approx 33.9% by weight of total composition excluding water added for viscosity.

SILICA: Hollow organo silicon modified borosilicate:

37 Kgs. This amount represents approx 11.2% be weight of total composition excluding water added for viscosity. Example 11: ALKYD RESIN BASS'

HARDENABLE BASE:

White Spirits 46 Kgs

Alkyd Resin M17 92 Kgs

Alkyd Resin M57 92. Kgs

Cereclor 48* 1 Kgs

Polybutane 100* 6 Kgs

Zinc Oxide 4 Kgs

M.D. 13 (Mercury)* 0.3 Kgs

Crodaclay* 4 Kgs

D.A.A. 1 Litre

BAGASSE: 153 Kgs. This amount represents approx 34.8% by weight of the total composition.

SILICA: Hollow orgono silican modified borosilicate microspheres: 40 Kgs. This amount represents approx 9.1% by weight of the total composition,

Example 12: GELCOAT BASE

GELATINOUS HARDENABLE BASE

White Spirits 51 Kgs

Alkyd Resin M57 186 Kgs

Polybutane 100 6 Kgs

Zinc Oxide 6 Kgs

M.D. 13 (Mercury)* 0.3 Kgs

Crodaclay 2 Kgs

D.A.A. 1.5 Kgs

White Spirits to viscosity

BAGASSE 190 Kgs. This amount represents approx 39% by weight of the total composition excluding white spirits added to viscosity.

SILICA: Hollow organo silicon modified borosilicate microspheres: 45 Kgs.

This amount represents approx 9.3% by weight of the total composition. Example 13: STYRENE ACRYLIC HARDENABLE BASE. HARDENABLE BASE:

BASF 290D Acrylic* 322 Kgs

Dispex N40* 3.4 Kgs Beveloid 60* 2.3 Kgs

Corflex 880* 4.6 Kgs

Basf S.300 Acrylic* 32.0 Kgs

Titanium Dioxide 60.0 Kgs

Calcium Carbonate 100.0 Kgs Water 52.0 Litres

M.D. 13 (Mercury)* 1.75 Kgs

Corsal EEA* 7.5 Kgs

White Spirits 11.5 Litres

Ammonia 2.75 Litres SILICA: Hollow organo silicon modified borosilicate microspheres: 80 Kgs. This amount represents approx 11.8% by weight of the total composition,

Example 14: ACRYLIC HARDENABLE BASE HARDENABLE BASE: Ethylene Glycol 7.41 Kgs

Water 42.0 Kgs

Natrasol 250 HR* .86 Kgs

Orotan 731 25%* 2.39 Kgs

Triton G.F.10* .20 Kgs M.D. 13 (Mercury)* .5 Kgs

Texanol* 4.4 Kgs

Titanium Dioxide 15.0 Kgs

Talc 17.0 Kgs

Silica 140 Mesh 17.35 Kgs Primal AC 388* 115.0 Kgs

Silica 140 Mesh 8.67 Kgs

Beveloid 60* .400 Kgs

E.T.P 3.0 Kgs

Water To Viscosity BAGASSE: 195 Kgs. This amount represents approx 45.4% by weight of total composition excluding water added for viscosity. All examples of iasulating paints mentioned above (Examples 1 to 14) can be varied and modified to suit particular applications, conditions and purposes. The formulas and compositions may require pigmentation, thereby possibly changing the %-by weight of bagasse and silica.

The particular brand of silica (hollow organo silicon modified borosilicate microspheres) utilised is Q-CEL*. Throughout the specification the appearance of an asterisk (*) denotes that the substance mentioned is identified by its Trade Mark or registered Trade Mark. PRODUCTION OF INSULATING COATING When producing .a paint or coating in accordance with the present invention the hardenable liquid base mixture is manufactured separately. To this mixture particulated bagasse is added, being of an average particle size of 0.01 mm to 5 mm, and most preferably 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm. To produce bagasse of the preferred sizes, the raw material is ground or particulated by any means available.

Once the bagasse and the hardenable liquid base have been suitably mixed, the silica is then added. If the silica utilised is hollow organo silicon modified borosilicate microspheres, then it must be the last component added, as the hollow nature of the spheres is such that the sphere can be broken.

Where an insulation coating is manufactured from a liquid hardenable base and silica alone, then silica can make upto 50% by weight of the total composition.

Where an insulating coating is manufactured from a liquid hardenable base and bagasse alone, then bagasse can make upto 50% by weight of the total composition.

Claims

THE CLAIMS:

1. An insulating coating composition comprising: (a). a hardenable liquid base;- and

(b) either silica or bagasse.

2. An insulating coating composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said composition includes both silica and bagasse.

3. An insulating coating composition as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the liquid base when hardened forms a high build coating membrane.

4. An insulating coating composition as claimed in claims 2 or 3, wherein up to 60% by weight of the coating composition is a combination of silica and bagasse.

5. An insulating coating composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said bagasse comprises up to 50% by weight of the total composition.

6. An insulating coating as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said silica comprises up to 50% by weight of the total composition.

7. An insulating coating as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the average particulate size of said bagasse is in the range of 0.01 to 5 mm.

8. An insulating coating composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the average particulate size of said bagasse is in the range of 0.01 to 0.5 mm.

9. An insulating coating as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said silica is made up any one of the following or a combination of any of the following:

(a) hollow organo silicon modified borosilicate;

(b) solid glass microspheres;

(c) ceramic microspheres;

(d) polymeric microspheres;

(e) mineral microspheres.

10. An insulating coating as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein when said silica contains hollow organo silicon modified borosilicate microspheres, it is the last component added to the composition.

11. An insulating coating_*as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein bagasse (the natural substance) is.replaced by an artificially produced equivalent.

12.. A method of producing an insulating coating, said method including the steps of:

(a) collecting bagasse;

(b) grinding and/or particulatng said bagasse to an average particle size of 0.01 mm to 5 mm; and

(c) mixing the particulated bagasse into a paint, coating composition or like substance.

13. A method of producing an insulating coating as claimed in Claim 12, wherein said bagasse (the natural substance) is replaced by an, artificially produced equivalent.

14. An insulating coating being substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

15. A method of producing an insulating coating, said method being substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.