EP0493505A4

EP0493505A4 - Flowable, pressure-compensating material and process for producing same

Info

Publication number: EP0493505A4
Application number: EP19900914868
Authority: EP
Inventors: Terrence M. Drew; Chris A. Hanson; Alden B. Hanson
Original assignee: Alden Laboratories Inc
Current assignee: Alden Laboratories Inc
Priority date: 1989-09-21
Filing date: 1990-09-21
Publication date: 1993-01-13
Also published as: WO1991004290A1; AU6513690A; EP0493505A1; CA2066685A1

Abstract

A flowable, pressure-compensating composition is provided comprising a liquid, a material for increasing the viscosity of the liquid and, preferably, spherical particles. A method for making such composition is also provided. The composition is especially suitable for use in padding devices.

Description

FLOWABLE, PRESSURE-COMPENSATING MATERIAL AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING SAME

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of padding materials, and in particular, to flowable, pressure-compensating materials and methods for producing such materials.

Background of the Invention

Various padding devices have been employed in the past. Examples include liquid- or gas-filled bladders, e.g. water-filled cushions and pneumatic pads; and gases or liquids dispersed in a solid material, e.g. foams and gels. Generally, such padding devices operate on the principle of conformation to the shape of an object when placed under pressure. When a force, such as a person's mass, is placed on such a padding device, the device deforms so as to conform to the shape of the pressure applying object in order to distribute the force over as large an area as possible. These devices perform adequately when the object being padded has a relatively large, uniformly shaped surface area. However, when the object being padded includes a relatively small area of concentrated force, such as that caused by a protuberance, the majority of known padding devices do not perform to adequately reduce the discomfort of users in many applications. This is because such padding devices exert greater responsive pressure on the area of concentrated force.

The reason for the greater pressure is that materials employed in prior art padding devices typically have a high degree of "memory." As used herein, the term "memory" will refer to that characteristic of a material in which the material returns to its original shape as a result of internal restoring forces when an external force is removed. Such materials deform to the shape of an object which applies an external force by compressing. However, due to the internal restoring forces, a pressure which is proportional to the degree of compression is exerted against the object which applies the external force. A sharp protuberance compresses the padding device more than the surrounding areas and, as a result, the padding device presses back with greater pressure in these areas of high compression. Such areas of high pressure are especially undesirable when the protuberance is a bone, such as an ankle or ischial tuberosity. The high pressure can lead to discomfort and, after periods of extended use, to actual damage to the tissue overlying the protruding bone.

The problem can be described with reference to a padding device comprising a gas dispersed in a solid material, e.g. foam. Tiny gas bubbles in foam act like millions of coil "springs." When required to conform to an irregular shape, such as a human body, the "springs" are compressed to varying degrees, each pushing back on the body with a force proportional to the amount of compression. Intimate conformity is best obtained with a relatively soft foam, which can be compared to weak "springs." The pressure on protuberances, where the "springs" are greatly compressed, will be relatively high, possibly causing pain and reduced circulation. The problem is even more pronounced if a stiffer foam is employed, because the "springs" are stronger.

Deformable silicone gel padding devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,449,844 by Spence, issued June 17, 1969; U.S. Patent No. 4,380,569 by Shaw, issued April 19, 1983; U.S. Patent No. 3,663,973 by Spence, issued May 23, 1972; U.S. Patent No. 3,548,420 by Spence, issued December 22, 1970; U.S. Patent No. 3,308,491 by Spence, issued March 14, 1967; U.S. Patent No. 4,019,209 by Spence issued April 26, 1977; and U.S. Patent No. 4,668,564 by Orchard, issued May 26, 1987. In U.S. Patent No. 4,380,569, a silicone gel containing glass microbeads is disclosed. The silicone gel disclosed in these patents is described as having near total memory. In other words, it returns to its original shape when an external force is removed. The internal restoring forces necessary to provide such memory are undesirable in some applications. In use, differential pressures will result depending upon the degree of deformation of the silicone gel material, with higher deformation resulting in localized areas of high pressure being exerted on the external pressure applying object.

In order to alleviate the problem of differential pressure inherent with many prior art materials, flowable, pressure-compensating materials were developed. Such materials and applications thereof are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,402,411 by Alden Hanson, issued September 24, 1968; U.S. Patent No. 3,635,849 by Alden Hanson, issued January 18, 1972; U.S. Patent No. 4,038,762 by Swan, Jr., issued August 2, 1977; U.S. Patent No. 4,083,127 by Chris Hanson, issued April 11, 1978; U.S. Patent No. 4,108,928 by Swan, Jr., issued August 22, 1978; U.S. Patent No. 4,144,658 by Swan, Jr., issued March 20, 1979; U.S. Patent No. 4,229,546 by Swan, Jr., issued October 21, 1980; and U.S. Patent No. 4,243,754 by Swan, Jr., issued January 6, 1981. These patents will collectively be referred to as the "flowable, pressure-compensating material patents."

The preferred materials disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,402,411 comprise from 20 to 25 weight percent polyisobutylene, from 25 to 37.5 weight percent of an inert oil, e.g. mineral oil or a saturated ester oil or a mixture thereof and from 42.5 to 50 weight percent inorganic filler. U.S. Patent No. 3,635,849 discloses a composition consisting essentially of from about 5 to about 45 weight percent of a polyolefin, particularly polyisobutylene, from about 15 to about 70 weight percent of a paraffin and from about 5 to about 80 weight percent oil. Lightweight aggregate materials, for example, polystyrene beads or a heavy aggregate such as Fe₃θ₄ can also be added.

The flowable, pressure-compensating materials disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,038,762, 4,108,928 and 4,243,754 include from 21.39 to 77.96 weight percent oil, 21.04 to 69.62 weight percent wax and 1 to 9 weight percent microbeads. These patents teach away from the use of water in the finished product stating that "Since water generally increases the specific gravity of the finished fitting material, and does not serve any functional or necessary purpose, as such, in the finished fitting material, it is very desirable that if it is present in the finished fitting material, that it not be present in amounts or levels that exceed tolerable, minimal or residual levels (e.g. up to or not exceeding about 8% by weight, preferably up to not exceeding about 3% or about 5% by weight)."

U.S. Patent Nos. 4,144,658 and 4,229,546 disclose flowable, pressure-compensating materials comprising 10 to 60 weight percent hollow, glass microbeads, 8.5 to 34 weight percent wax and 26.5 to 81 weight percent oil. U.S. Patent No. 4,083,127 discloses a flowable, pressure-compensating fitting material consisting essentially of discrete, lightweight, sturdy microbeads distributed throughout a continuous phase of wax and oil.

In use, the flowable, pressure-compensating materials disclosed in the above-mentioned patents are typically placed in a pliable package, such as between two leak-proof resinous sheets which are sealed at the edges. The flowable materials act hydraulically. An applied force causes flowable material to migrate from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure until pressure throughout the package is uniform. Once conformity has been achieved, force is distributed substantially equally over the entire surface of the package thus alleviating the differential pressure problems associated with prior devices. The viscosity of the flowable materials can be varied. Higher viscosity does not decrease the ability of the flowable materials to conform to the shape of the pressure applying object, only the rate at which they will migrate to conform. Flowable materials are presently marketed under the trademark FLOLITE™ by Alden Laboratories, Inc. of Boulder, Colorado U.S.A.

FLOLITE™ brand materials have performed exceptionally well in a number of applications, and have gained wide commercial acceptance in the marketplace. In spite of this commercial success, it would be advantageous to provide novel compositions which are useful as flowable, pressure-compensating materials. For example, it would be advantageous to provide a composition which exhibits a higher degree of flame retardancy than present flowable, pressure-compensating materials. It would be advantageous if the number of components required to provide a flowable, pressure- compensating composition were reduced to a minimum. In this way, it would be possible to simplify manufacturing. It would be advantageous if the materials used in a composition were relatively inexpensive in order to reduce raw material costs. It would be advantageous if the composition were to be less prone to separation than currently-employed materials. It would be advantageous if spherical particles included in a flowable, pressure-compensating composition would not "float out" of the composition. It would be advantageous if the viscosity of the composition was relatively stable over broad temperature ranges. It would be advantageous if the viscosity of the material could be controlled in such a way so as to ease manufacture of devices containing the composition.

Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, a novel flowable, pressure-compensating composition is provided. The composition comprises a liquid and a material for increasing the viscosity of the liquid. The composition may also include substantially spherical particles dispersed throughout the composition. The liquid may include water, glycerin, or mixtures thereof. As used herein, the term "glycerin" refers to the trihydric alcohol having the chemical formula (CH₂OH) CHOH, which is also commonly referred to as glycerol. Although glycerin is the preferred liquid for use in connection with the present invention, alternative liquids such as other glycerols (i.e., other trihydric alcohols) and glycols (i.e., dihydric alcohols) can also be employed. For the sake of simplicity, the following description of the invention will refer to glycerin as the preferred liquid, however, it is to be expressly understood that the other liquids can be used, even though glycerin is preferred. Glycerin has a hygroscopic nature and may comprise a small amount of water, e.g. about 4 percent.

When the liquid comprises water, the material for increasing the viscosity of the liquid is preferably selected from the group consisting of guar, agar, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, and polyethyleneoxide. When glycerin is included in the liquid, fumed silica, attapulgite clays and mixtures thereof may also be utilized as a viscosity-increasing material. When the liquid is primarily glycerin, the viscosity-increasing material is most preferably an attapulgite clay.

Preferably, substantially spherical particles are also employed in the compositions of the present invention. Preferably, the substantially spherical particles have diameter of less than about 300 micrometers.

A process for producing the flowable, pressure- compensating compositions is also provided. The process includes the steps of preparing a slurry comprising a viscosity-increasing material, a liquid and substantially spherical particles, and mixing the components together until the viscosity-increasing agent and the particles are distributed substantially evenly throughout the liquid.

Preferably, the flowable, pressure-compensating composition of the present invention is placed within an enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the composition is placed between two resinous sheets, which are subsequently heat sealed together. In one embodiment of the invention, the composition is treated to kill microorganisms and prevent their growth. The composition may also include an additive, preferably boric oxide, to increase the flame retardance of the composition.

The present compositions provide a number of advantages. When water is used as the primary liquid component, the flame retardancy is greatly increased. When a flame retardant such as boric oxide (B₂0₃) is used in the glycerin-containing compositions, they typically have a higher degree of flame retardancy than prior art materials which are oil and/or wax based. Glycerin has the advantage of not only lowering the freezing point of the composition, but it also provides a "viscosity bonus effect", which is described in more detail hereinbelow, when used with certain viscosity- increasing materials. Further, the spherical particles dispersed throughout the composition are not prone to float to the top of the composition (a condition termed "float out") , in spite of being less dense than the remainder of the composition. Also, the viscosities of the present compositions are stable over broad temperature ranges. Furthermore, some of the present compositions can have initially low viscosities for limited periods of time to ease workability. This is advantageous when manufacturing padding devices because it allows the compositions to be poured into an enclosure which is then sealed. Subsequently, the viscosity of the composition increases to the desired level. Detailed Description of the Invention

In accordance with the present invention, a flowable, pressure-compensating composition and process for making the same is provided. The composition includes a liquid. The liquid may include water, a dihydric alcohol, a trihydric alcohol, or mixtures thereof. The composition further includes a viscosity-increasing material. Spherical particles may also be dispersed throughout the composition. Additionally, flame retardants can be added and/or preservatives can be included to prevent microbiological attack and chemical degradation.

The process for producing the present composition generally involves mixing the liquid, the viscosity- increasing material and, optionally, the spherical particles until a homogenous mixture is achieved. The specific process for producing compositions in accordance with the present invention will vary slightly depending upon the liquid and viscosity-increasing material employed. For example, one process is preferably employed when guar, agar, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose and/or polyethyleneoxide (hereinafter collectively referred to as "organic viscosity-increasing materials") are employed. A slightly different process is employed when fumed silica and/or attapulgite clays (hereinafter collectively referred to as "mineral viscosity-increasing materials") are employed. When the organic viscosity-increasing materials are employed, the pH of the composition can be adjusted in order to control the rate in which the viscosity of the fluid increases, i.e. the "viscosity buildup" rate. Generally, if the pH is lowered, the viscosity buildup will proceed at a slower rate. A low pH is also advantageous when using certain preservatives in the composition. The viscosity-increasing material is a material which, when mixed with the liquid, increases the viscosity of the liquid. Preferred organic viscosity- increasing materials for use with the present composition include gums, cellulose-based materials, soluble oxide polymers and other polymers. Preferred viscosity-increasing materials of this type include guar , agar , hydroxyethylcel lulose , carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose and polyethyleneoxide. Preferably, the organic viscosity- increasing material is present in an amount from about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, and more preferably from about 1 weight percent to about 6 weight percent, and most preferably from about 1.2 weight percent to about 4 weight percent. As used herein, all weight percents are based on the total composition weight, unless otherwise indicated.

Hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxypropylcellulose, as well as other cellulose-based materials, are available from Aqualon Company of Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.A. Carboxymethylcellulose is described in a report entitled "Aqualon (TM) Cellulose Gum, Sodium Carboxylmethylcellulose, Physical and Chemical Properties" copyright 1988, available from Aqualon Company. Hydroxyethylcellulose is described in a report entitled "Natrosol (TM) , Hydroxyethylcellulose, A Non-Ionic Water-Soluble Polymer, Physical and Chemical Properties," revised July 1987, available from Aqualon Company. When using organic viscosity-increasing materials such as hydroxyethylcellulose with glycerin, it is preferable that the organic material does not include a hydrolyzing retardant layer on its surface, as many commercially available brands do. A hydrolyzing retardant layer slows down the viscosity-increasing process. When glycerin is utilized in the composition, the process can become too slow to be practical. The preferred liquids for use together with organic viscosity-increasing materials in the present composition include water or a mixture of water and glycerin. An important advantage gained from the use of water is that it increases the flame retardancy of the composition. An important advantage gained from the use of glycerin is that it lowers the freezing point of the liquid. Additionally, another and important advantage gained from the use of glycerin is that it is much easier to contain within a resinous package, because glycerin is not likely to evaporate through the resinous material. An additional advantage gained from the use of glycerin with an organic viscosity-increasing agent is that it provides a "viscosity bonus effect", described below.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the total liquid content of the composition is between about 20 weight percent and about 75 weight percent, more preferably between about 50 weight percent and about 60 weight percent. According to this embodiment, the liquid may consist essentially of water or a mixture of water and glycerin. When the liquid is a mixture of water and glycerin, the glycerin is preferably present in an amount up to about 30 weight percent, and more preferably between about 15 weight percent and about 30 weight percent.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the total liquid content of the composition is between about 50 weight percent and about 76 weight percent, more preferably between about 60 weight percent and about 70 weight percent. In this embodiment, the composition preferably comprises a higher amount of glycerin. Thus, the glycerin is preferably present in an amount between about 42 weight percent and about 74 weight percent, more preferably between about 57 weight percent and about 69 weight percent. Accordingly, the water is preferably present in an amount between about 1 weight percent and about 8 weight percent, more preferably between about 2 weight percent and about 6 weight percent.

While the foregoing discussion constitutes a description of particular preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is to be expressly understood that the present invention includes the use of water and glycerin in any ratio, and that the ratio and total liquid content can be altered to fit the desired purpose. The behavior of some viscosity-increasing materials, such as highly substituted carboxymethylcellulose, in mixed-solvent systems, such as glycerin-water, is similar to its behavior in water alone. However, in mixed systems, the viscosity of the solvent affects the viscosity of the solution. For example, if a 60:40 mixture of glycerin and water (which is 10 times as viscous as water alone) is used as the solvent, the resulting solution of well-dispersed carboxymethylcellulose will be ten times as viscous as the comparable solution in water alone. This behavior is commonly referred to as the "viscosity bonus effect."

The organic viscosity-increasing material containing composition is preferably produced by initially mixing the organic viscosity-increasing material and a portion of the glycerin, when glycerin is utilized. This slurry can then be mixed with a second slurry of water and/or glycerin and any remaining ingredients. When water alone is employed as the liquid, a portion of the water and the viscosity- increasing material can be mixed to form a first slurry, a second slurry including water and the remainder of the ingredients is prepared, and the two slurries are mixed together. Preferably the mixing is accomplished in a blender using an e ulsifier or homogenization head. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other mixing techniques can be employed.

In addition to organic viscosity-increasing materials, it is possible to use mineral viscosity- increasing materials. Preferred mineral viscosity- increasing materials include fumed silica, such as Cab- O-Sil M5™, available from the Cabot Corporation of Tuscola, Illinois, U.S.A., and attapulgite clays, such as Attagell 40™ or Attagell 50™, both available from the Englehard Corporation of Attapulgus, Georgia, U.S.A. Advantages of using mineral viscosity-increasing materials include: the materials can be used with glycerin alone, without any need to employ water; the composition can be sealed within a resinous package using heat-sealing techniques which provide good clean seals; and the materials, particularly attapulgite clays, are relatively inexpensive. The advantage of using glycerin with no added water, is that a composition is obtained having a very low freezing point and in addition, it is much easier to contain glycerin within a resinous package. Additionally, it has been found that mineral viscosity-increasing materials, particularly attapulgite clay, have relatively stable viscosity characteristics over a wide range of temperatures and are not prone to separating during use.

The mineral viscosity-increasing materials are preferably present in an amount from about 2 weight percent to about 30 weight percent, more preferably from about 3 weight percent to about 20 weight percent, and most preferably from about 4 weight percent to about 15 weight percent.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid consists essentially of glycerin. The glycerin is preferably present in an amount from about 25 weight percent to about 75 weight percent, and more preferably in an amount from about 50 weight percent to about 74 weight percent. Mineral viscosity-increasing materials are preferably utilized in this embodiment and when fumed silica is employed, it is preferable to also employ a surfactant, e.g. Trithon X 100™.

When mixing the mineral viscosity-increasing materials with the glycerin, it is preferable to mix a portion of the glycerin with the mineral viscosity- increasing agents to form an initial slurry and then add the rest of the materials. The mixing can be accomplished using a blender with an emulsifier or a homogenization head. Alternatively, all of the materials may be mixed together at once.

All of the viscosity-increasing materials of the present invention have the important characteristic of increasing the viscosity of a fluid, while still permitting the fluid to flow. The typical composition of the present invention is flowable and does not have total memory. In other words, once deformed, it will not always return to its original shape. However, some compositions in accordance with the present invention can exhibit a small degree of gel strength. But the gel structure can be broken merely by applying sufficient force.

The compositions of the present invention are non- Newtonian, because their viscosities change when the shear rate changes. In other words, the ratio of shear rate (flow) to shear stress (force) is not constant. The compositions are typically either pseudoplastic or thixotropic. A pseudoplastic composition is one which appears to have a yield stress beyond which flow commences and increases sharply with increase in stress. In practice, the compositions exhibit flow at all shear stresses, although the ratio of flow to force increases negligibly until the force exceeds the apparent yield stress. The flow rate of a thixotropic substance increases with increasing duration of agitation as well as with increased shear stress. In other words, the flow rate is time dependent. When agitation is stopped, internal shear stress can exhibit hysteresis. Upon re- agitation, generally less force is required to create a given flow than is required for the first agitation. The fact that the present materials flow more readily when higher shear stress is applied is advantageous in a number of applications. According to the present invention, spherical particles can preferably be added to enhance the properties of the composition. However, the use of spherical particles is optional. For example, one embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid consisting essentially of glycerin and a mineral viscosity-increasing material. In this case, it is not necessary to add spherical particles to the composition. When employed in the present invention, the particles are preferably spherical and hollow to lessen their density and lighten the overall weight of the flowable, pressure-compensating composition, or, if desired, can be solid or cellular. Expandable microbeads, as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,243,754, 4,108,928, and 4,038,762 can also be employed.

The spherical particles may be made from a number of suitable materials including for example silica glass, saran polymer, phenolic resin and carbon. Detailed descriptions of suitable spherical particles can be found in the flowable, pressure-compensating material patents, described hereinabove. Glass beads are preferred in certain applications because of their relatively low cost. When higher bead strength is desired, phenolic resin or carbon beads are preferred. When used in compositions where a low total weight is desired, the spherical particles are preferably within the size range of from about 10 micrometers to about 300 micrometers in diameter. The density of spherical particles can be, for example, about 0.05 to about 0.70 grams per cubic centimeter. More particularly, glass spherical particles preferably have a density of from about 0.23 grams per cubic centimeter to about 0.37 grams per cubic centimeter and phenolic resin spherical particles preferably have a density of about 0.15 grams per cubic centimeter.

Specific examples of suitable spherical particles include "3M Glass Bubbles" available from 3M, St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A., and -"Microballoons" available from Union Carbide Specialty Chemicals Division, Danbury, Connecticut, U.S.A.

The spherical particles are preferably present in an amount from about 0.1 to about 32 weight percent based on the total composition weight, and more preferably in an amount from about 15 to about 31 weight percent and still more preferably in amount from about 25 weight percent to about 30 weight percent. T e spherical particles of the present composition perform at least two important functions. First, the size, shape and quantity of the spherical particles influence the flow characteristics of the composition. Therefore, a composition can be tailored to have the desired flow characteristics by selecting the appropriate size, shape and amount of particles. Second, because of particle- to-particle contact, the spherical particles can enhance the distribution of loads placed on flexible packages containing the present composition.

Another advantage of the spherical particles employed in the present invention is that they permit a degree of weight control. For example, in most applications, the composition should weigh as little as possible. In such instances, lightweight hollow particles are preferred, in order to lower the overall density of the composition. However, in some applications a heavier composition is desired. Examples of such applications would include weight belts to be strapped around parts of a person's body (e.g., wrist and ankle weights) and padding devices where it is desired that the device's own weight hold it firmly in place. When heavy compositions are desired, solid particles comprising dense materials are preferred. In such applications, particles greater than 300 micrometers in diameter can be used effectively. When employed in padding devices, the flowable, pressure-compensating composition is generally enclosed within a flexible, protective enclosure with a pre¬ determined volume of the composition retained therein. Preferably, the enclosure is formed of suitable flexible material and desirably is a pliable, thermoplastic, resinous film that can be heat-sealed after the composition is inserted therewithin. Because of their relatively low cost and desirable strength and flexibility characteristics, polyurethane and polyvinylchloride materials are preferred for use as the enclosure film.

The composition is initially distributed substantially uniformly throughout the confines of the enclosure, which is provided by sealing (e.g., heat sealing) the film along the marginal edges. If desired, one can choose to heat seal the protective enclosure for the composition, but leave a small vent opening and a small filling port, so that a predetermined volume of the flowable composition may be injected into the enclosure through the filling port, followed by heat sealing both the vent opening and the filling port. Alternatively, the composition may be placed on one sheet, a second sheet may be placed over the composition, and the outer edges sealed. As can be appreciated, internal sealing lines can also be formed to compartmentalize the composition within the enclosure. One of the advantages of using mineral viscosity- increasing materials such as fumed silica or attapulgite clays as the viscosity-increasing material, is that the sealability of the film package is improved. When using cellulose based materials as the viscosity-increasing material, such as hydroxyethylcellulose, the composition may "plate-out" and contaminate the seal.

The desired final viscosity of the composition can be selected to suit a wide variety of applications. Some applications require high viscosity compositions and others require compositions of much lower viscosity. For use in padding devices, viscosities in the range of from about 30,000 centipoise to about 1,000,000 centipoise are preferred. When the viscosity exceeds 1,000,000 centipoise, the composition is often so viscous that separation and non-homogeneity result.

The viscosity of the present compositions is generally provided by hydrogen bonding. This hydrogen bonding is sufficient to keep the spherical particles dispersed throughout the composition. In prior art materials, such as a silicone gel disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,380,569, cross-linking reactions were believed necessary to prevent the microbeads from floating out.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, steps are taken in order to prevent microbiological attack and chemical degradation of the present compositions. For example, radiation sterilization can be performed. Preferably, the composition is subjected to radiation such as x-ray radiation or gamma radiation in order to destroy microorganisms present in the composition. An advantage of radiation treatment is that it can be performed after the composition has been placed in a package, such as between pliable sheets of resinous material.

An alternative method useful in preventing microbiological attack is the use of a heat sterilization step. For example, a padding device comprising the present composition placed in a polyvinylchloride package can be heated to about 180°F for more than about 30 minutes, preferably between about 30 and about 45 minutes. Preferably, this method is employed in an autoclave having a nitrogen atmosphere. Alternatively, preservatives can be added to the composition in order to prevent microbiological attack and chemical degradation. Examples of suitable preservatives include formaldehyde, methyl- and propylparabens, phenol, phenylmercuric salts, sodium benzoate, sodium propionate, sorbic acid and sorbates (sodium and potassium salts) . Additionally, proprietary preservatives such as Busan 11ml, 85 available from Buckman Laboratory, Dowicide A and Dowicil 75, 200 available from Dow Chemical Company, Proxel GXL and CRL available from ICI Americas Inc. , Merbac 35 and Tektamer 38 available from Merk/Calgon Corporation, Thimerosal available from Eli Lilly and Company and Vancide TH available from R.T. Vanderbilt Co., Inc. can be used.

In order to function properly, certain preservatives (e.g. benzoates and sorbates) require a low pH, i.e., acidic, environment. This can be achieved by adding an acid, e.g. citric acid to the composition. Citric and/or other desirable acid is added in an amount sufficient to lower the pH to a range of about pH 4 to about pH 6 and preferably about pH 4.5 to about pH 5.5. In certain instances, such as when silica glass particles are employed, the silica will raise the pH of the system. Therefore, more acid is generally necessary to achieve the desired pH range than for a composition not having silica particles. Preferably from about 0.1 weight percent to about 0.5 weight percent benzoate or sorbate is included in the present compositions. Additionally, flame retardants such as boric oxide (B₂0₃) , boric acid (B(OH)₃), borax (Na₂B₄0₇ ^• 10H₂O) or mixtures thereof can be added to the composition, particularly when high levels of glycerin are used. This is particularly advantageous since the use of glycerin tends to decrease the flame retardancy of the composition. Preferably, flame retardant is added in an amount from about 5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent, more preferably from about 7 weight percent to about 8 weight percent. In accordance with the present invention, a process for producing the present composition is provided. A preferred embodiment of the process includes an initial step of producing two slurries. For example, a first slurry of a mineral viscosity-increasing material and glycerin or a first slurry of organic viscosity- increasing material and glycerin can be provided. A second slurry, comprising more liquid, e.g. glycerin and/or water, and, optionally, the spherical particles, is then provided. Additives such as acid, preservatives and flame retardants can also be mixed with this second slurry. At the appropriate time, the two slurries are mixed together. Alternatively, all the components may be mixed together at one time. Mixing can take place in mechanical mixers such as blenders available from Lightnin and Waring. Alternatively, static mixers such as those available from Chemix and from Lightnin can be used. As explained hereinbefore, it can be advantageous to lower the pH of the compositions to a range of about pH 4 to about pH 6. One reason for this is that the rate of viscosity buildup is slower at lower pH's for organic viscosity-increasing materials and water. This provides a greater amount of time for working with the composition before it fully sets up. For example, when the composition is placed in an enclosure, it is advantageous if the composition maintains a low viscosity for a period of time to allow its insertion into the enclosure. The viscosity buildup rate can also be slowed by using a low temperature liquid and/or by the use of chemical retarders. Alternatively, excess water can initially be employed to lower the viscosity. After the composition is placed in the enclosure, the excess water can be allowed to evaporate until the desired viscosity is attained.

Examples Five compositions were prepared containing the following materials:

Composition No . 1

Weight Percent Material 54. 1 Water 0.9 Citric Acid 0.3 S o rb a t e ( S o r b s t a t e™ available from Pfizer

Chemicals) 0.3 Sodium Benzoate

27.6 Spherical Particles (B-37 designation for Glass Bubbles available from 3M) 14.8 Glycerin

2.0 Hydroxyethylcellulose

(Natrasol™ available from Aqualon)

Composition No. 2 Weight Percent Material

2.9 Water

0.1 Bactericide (Vancide TH™ available from Vanderbilt Co.) 23.7 Spherical particles (B-37 designation for Glass Bubbles available from 3M)

65.5 Glycerin

0.5 Hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrasol™ available from

Aqualon)

4.9 Borax

2.4 Boric Acid

Composition No. 3 Weight Percent Material

7.8 Attapulgite Clay (Attagel

50™ available from Englehard Corporation) 64.9 Glycerin 19.5 Spherical particles (B-37 designation for Glass Bubbles available from 3M) 7.8 Boric Oxide (B 0₃)

Composition No. 4 Weight Percent Material

74.7 Glycerin 4.5 Fumed Silica (Cab-O-Sil

M5™ available from Cabot Corporation) 1.5 Surfactant (Trithon X100™) 19.4 Spherical particles (B-37 designation for Glass Bubbles available from 3M) Composition No. 5 Actual Weight (Pounds) Material 0.5 Glycerin

0.2 Fumed Silica (Cab-O-Sil

M5™ available from Cabot Corporation) 0.03 Surfactant (Trithon X100™)

0.04 Borax

0.02 Boric Acid

0.15 Spherical particles (B-37 for Glass Bubbles from 3M) (Alternatively, 0.06 pounds Boric Oxide could be substituted for the Borax and Boric Acid) .

All five compositions were individually placed within a polyurethane package. The materials prepared according to the above formulations exhibited good uniformity, low separation of materials after a length of time, and low freezing points. Additionally, compositions 3, 4 and 5 exhibited more uniform viscosity over a period of time due to the fact that the glycerin was effectively maintained within a resinous package.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is:

1. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising: a) a liquid selected from the group consisting of water, dihydric alcohol, trihydric alcohol, and mixtures thereof; b) a material for increasing the viscosity of the liquid; and c) substantially spherical particles.

2. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 1, wherein said material is a mineral viscosity-increasing material.

3. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 2, wherein said material is present in an amount from about 2 weight percent to about 30 weight percent.

4. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 2, wherein said mineral viscosity- increasing material is selected from the group consisting of fumed silica, attapulgite clays and mixtures thereof.

5. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 1, comprising: a) between about 25 weight percent and about 75 weight percent glycerin; b) between about 2 weight percent and about 30 weight percent of a mineral viscosity-increasing material; and c) between about 0.1 weight percent and about 32 weight percent substantially spherical particles.

6. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 1, wherein said material is an organic viscosity-increasing material.

7. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 6, wherein said organic viscosity- increasing material is selected from the group consisting of gums, cellulose-based materials, soluble oxide polymers and mixtures thereof.

8. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 6, wherein said organic viscosity- increasing material is selected from the group consisting of guar, agar, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, polyethyleneoxide, and mixtures thereof.

9. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 1, comprising: a) between about 42 weight percent and about 74 weight percent glycerin; b) between about 1 weight percent and about 8 weight percent water; c) between about 0.5 weight percent and about 10 weight percent of an organic viscosity-increasing material; and d) between about 0.1 weight percent and about 32 weight percent substantially spherical particles.

10. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 1, comprising: a) between about 20 weight percent and about 75 weight percent water; b) up to about 30 weight percent glycerin; c) between about 0.5 weight percent and about 10 weight percent of an organic viscosity-increasing agent; and d) between about 0.1 weight percent and about 32 weight percent substantially spherical particles; wherein the total liquid content comprises between about 20 weight percent and about 75 weight percent of the total composition.

11. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 1, wherein said liquid consists essentially of between about 20 weight percent and about 75 weight percent water.

12. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 1, further comprising a flame retardant.

13. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 12, wherein said flame retardant is selected from the group consisting of boric oxide, boric acid, borax and mixtures thereof.

14. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 1, further comprising an outer enclosure for containing said composition.

15. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 1 further comprising a preservative.

16. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 1, wherein said composition has been treated to kill microorganisms contained therein.

17. A padding device comprising a flexible enclosure and a flowable, pressure-compensating composition substantially filling said enclosure, said flowable, pressure-compensating composition comprising: a) a liquid selected from the group consisting of water, dihydric alcohol, trihydric alcohol, and mixtures thereof; and b) a material for increasing the viscosity of the liquid.

18. A padding device as recited in Claim 17, wherein said flowable, pressure-compensating composition further comprises substantially spherical particles in an amount from about 0.1 weight percent to about 32 weight percent.

19. A padding device as recited in Claim 17, wherein said flowable, pressure-compensating composition comprises: a) between about 20 weight percent and about 75 weight percent water; and b) between about 0.5 weight percent and about 10 weight percent of an organic viscosity-increasing material.

20. A padding device as recited in Claim 19, wherein said composition further comprises between about 15 weight percent and about 30 weight percent glycerin.

21. A padding device as recited in Claim 17, wherein said flowable, pressure-compensating composition comprises: a) between about 25 weight percent and about 75 weight percent glycerin; and b) between about 2 weight percent and about 30 weight percent of a mineral viscosity-increasing material.

22. A padding device as recited in Claim 21, wherein said flowable, pressure-compensating composition further comprises between about 15 weight percent and about 31 weight percent of substantially spherical particles having a diameter less than about 300 micrometers.

23. A padding device as recited in Claim 21, wherein said flowable, pressure-compensating composition further comprises between about 5 weight percent and about 15 weight percent of a flame retardant.

24. A padding device as recited in Claim 17, wherein said flowable, pressure-compensating composition comprises: a) between about 42 weight percent and about 74 weight percent glycerin; b) between about 1 weight percent and about 8 weight percent water; c) between about 0.5 weight percent and about 10 percent of an organic viscosity-increasing material; and d) between about 5 weight percent and about 15 weight percent of a flame retardant.

25. A process for producing a flowable, pressure- compensating composition, comprising the steps of: a) preparing a first slurry comprising a liquid and a viscosity-increasing material; b) preparing a second slurry comprising substantially spherical particles; and c) mixing said first slurry and said second slurry until said material and said spherical particles are distributed throughout said liquid.

26. A process as recited in Claim 25, wherein said first slurry comprises glycerin and a mineral viscosity- increasing material.

27. A process as recited in Claim 26, wherein said mineral viscosity-increasing material is selected from the group consisting of fumed silica and attapulgite clays.

28. A process as recited in Claim 25, wherein said first slurry comprises glycerin and an organic viscosity-increasing material.

29. A process as recited in Claim 25, wherein said second slurry comprises water and said viscosity- increasing material is selected from the group consisting of gums, cellulose-based materials, soluble oxide polymers, and mixtures thereof.

30. A process as recited in Claim 28, wherein said organic viscosity-increasing material is selected from the group consisting of guar, agar, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, polyethyleneoxide, and mixtures thereof.

31. A process as recited in Claim 25, further comprising the step of adding a preservative.

32. A process as recited in Claim 25, further comprising the step of sealing said pressure- compensating composition within an enclosure.

33. A process as recited in Claim 25, further comprising a step of treating said composition to kill microorganisms contained within said composition. 34. A process as recited in Claim 25, wherein said second slurry further comprises a flame retardant.

35. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising: a) between about 50 weight percent and about 60 weight percent water; b) between about 1 weight percent and about 6 weight percent of an organic viscosity-increasing material; and c) between about 15 weight percent and about 31 weight percent substantially spherical particles.

36. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 35, further comprising an outer enclosure for containing said composition.

37. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising: a) between about 20 weight percent and about 60 weight percent water; b) up to about 30 weight percent glycerin; c) between about 1 weight percent and about 6 weight percent of an organic viscosity-increasing material; and d) between about 15 weight percent and about 31 weight percent substantially spherical particles.

38. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 37, further comprising an outer enclosure for containing said composition.

39. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising: a) between about 2 weight percent and about 6 weight percent water; b) between about 57 weight percent and about 69 weight percent glycerin; c) between about 1 weight percent and about 6 weight percent of a viscosity-increasing material; and d) between about 15 weight percent and about 31 weight percent substantially spherical particles.

40. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 39, further comprising an outer enclosure for containing said composition.

41. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 39, further comprising between about 5 weight percent and about 15 weight percent of a flame retardant.

42. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising: a) between about 42 weight percent and about 74 weight percent glycerin; b) between about 3 weight percent and about 20 weight percent of a viscosity-increasing material; and c) a flame retardant.

43. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition, as recited in Claim 42, further comprising between about 15 weight percent and about 31 weight percent substantially spherical particles.

44. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition, as recited in Claim 42, comprising between about 5 weight percent and about 15 weight percent of said flame retardant.

45. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition, as recited in Claim 42, further comprising between about 1 weight percent and about 8 weight percent water.

46. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 42, wherein said viscosity- increasing material is an organic viscosity-increasing material.

47. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 42, wherein said viscosity increasing material is a mineral viscosity-increasing material.

48. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 42 further comprising an outer enclosure for containing said composition.

49. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising: a) between about 50 weight percent and about 74 weight percent glycerin; b) between about 4 weight percent and about 15 weight percent of a mineral viscosity increasing agent; and c) between about 5 weight percent and about 15 weight percent of a flame retardant.

50. A flowable, pressure-compensating composition as recited in Claim 49, further comprising between about 15 weight percent and about 31 weight percent substantially spherical particles.