EP3752472A1

EP3752472A1 - Composition for a sports surface, in particular for an equestrian sport, and method for producing such a composition

Info

Publication number: EP3752472A1
Application number: EP19711644.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Patrick Belliard
Original assignee: Coformex
Current assignee: Coformex
Priority date: 2018-02-14
Filing date: 2019-02-12
Publication date: 2020-12-23
Also published as: US20210047565A1; WO2019158851A1; FR3077828B1; KR20200120914A; CN111770906A; RU2020129928A; FR3077828A1; AU2019221124A1; ZA202004880B

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition for producing a sports surface, in particular for an equestrian sport, advantageously comprising at least 50% by weight of sand, optionally at least one filler, and at most 10% by weight of an organic coating comprising at least one flexible polymer A having a tensile modulus of less than or equal to 1 MPa at ambient temperature, and also to a method for producing such a composition.

Description

COMPOSITION FOR SPORTS SURFACE, IN PARTICULAR EQUESTRIAN SPORTS, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SUCH COMPOSITION

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to the technical field of sports surfaces, in particular for the running of animals, in particular for the practice of equestrian sport, as well as the method of manufacture and / or renovation of such surfaces.

Equestrian sport is a widespread activity worldwide, and requires surfaces that meet increasing performance requirements, adapting to different equine disciplines (eg dressage, show jumping, all-around competition). riding, driving, endurance, aerobatics, para-equestrian training, galloping races, trotting races, ...).

Numerous studies have been carried out using animal-based sensors to study the impact of the nature of surfaces on the horses' bodies (in particular the constraints encountered during training and competitions) and on the behavior of animals. resulting horses. These studies have shown that the nature and condition of these surfaces have an impact on the comfort, and therefore performance and health (risk of injury) of horses.

There is therefore a need for surfaces to optimize sports performance and improve the comfort of animals, especially horses, while limiting the risk of injury.

There is also a demand for a surface having damping and rebounding properties, not generating too much dust and which is not too abrasive for hooves. The surface must also maintain its properties over a wide range of temperatures, in order to withstand winter and summer temperatures, in temperate and non-temperate countries.

WO 2009/055623 A1 thus relates to an equestrian surface prepared by mixing a sand, previously dried and heated to a temperature between 120 ° C and 160 ° C, with a polymer and optionally an oil to provide the mobility necessary for mixing to avoid blocking horses' hooves during impacts, then fillers, such as chopped fibers, are then mixed with sand and oil. The mixture is then cooled while being kept in motion in order to maintain its overall consistency granular. In this process, the polymer is mixed in the solid state with the sand, and melts by contact with the heated sand.

WO 2015/077376 A1 describes the manufacture of an equestrian surface consisting of heating the sand to a temperature above the softening temperature of the organic coating to be applied, then to applying this coating which melts by contact with the hot sand grains . The organic coating comprises a polyalphaolefin polymer (APAO), which is always in a mixture with a wax or an oil, and a coupling agent comprising a silane to improve the adhesion of the coating to the sand grains and thus the resistance abrasion of it. The mass proportion of oil or wax is equal to or substantially greater than that in APAO. In Example 1, the APAO represents less than 50% by weight of the organic coating, the remainder being formed of a mineral oil and silane.

These methods require application of the hot coating, with polymers in the molten state; as well as the need to further mix the surface during its cooling to avoid the formation of amalgamated sandy blocks difficult to destroy. This process is difficult to implement and can not be performed otherwise than directly on site.

In addition, this process is complex to implement, the reproducibility of the quality of the surfaces is subject to the hazards of the sites.

FR 2,707,298 A1 relates to an equestrian surface comprising sand and for coating: a synthetic resin combined with an oil. The synthetic resin is selected so as to respect a determined contact angle so that the surface has a good draining behavior, and avoid the accumulation of rainwater. The mass proportion of oil is significantly higher than that of the synthetic resin.

In addition, the wax or oil has a bad behavior when the surface is subjected to important temperature variations (surface too sticky or too hard), and tends to migrate outside the coating and stagnate on the bottom of the track . The coating then loses its initial properties.

FR 2,470,782 A1 relates to a composition for a hard floor as resistant to compression and cracking comprising sand and an organic coating whose mass proportion is very important. This surface is not suitable for equestrian sport because the grains of sand are not mobile. WO 99/19567 relates to an equestrian sport surface prepared in advance by projecting a wax in the molten state (about 120 ° C) on the particulate material to be coated in motion.

However, waxes have the disadvantage that they harden at low temperatures from 10-15 ° C and soften at 30 ° C to liquefy at temperatures of the order of 70-80 ° C thus generating hard or sticky surfaces, losing their cohesion and resulting in higher projections and more numerous during galloping horses. In addition, the partial melting of these oils and waxes generate risks of exudation of products that are harmful to the environment.

US 9.012.557 B1 relates to an equestrian sports surface obtained by mixing sand and fillers with a liquid crosslinkable silicone resin. The silicone polymer formed being crosslinked has the advantage of being less sensitive to temperature variations. However, the preparation of the surface remains complex because it is appropriate for the operator to perfectly control the quantities of PDMS, crosslinking agent and catalyst, which can be tricky when renovating a surface when the application is performed on site. In addition, silicone polymers are expensive. Finally, for new surfaces based on this process, it is still necessary to add oils or waxes to give the surface the mobility, flexibility required and allow the incorporation of reagents to form the silicone polymer on dry ingredients.

The subject of the present invention is thus a composition for the preparation of a sports surface, in particular for animals, in particular for horses, improved in terms of mobility, flexibility, reduction of dust generated, resistant to temperature variations , not generating, or at least limiting the use of products harmful to the environment.

The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a composition, easy to implement and easily reproducible, requiring limited equipment for factory production perfectly mastered.

Object and summary of the invention

In the present text, the term "sports surface" includes any surface that allows the practice of a sport, in particular adapted for animals, in particular for the practice of an equestrian sport. The subject of the present invention is, according to a first aspect, a composition for the manufacture of a sports surface, in particular equestrian sports, advantageously comprising:

at. at least 50% by mass of sand;

b. possibly at least one load;

c. at most 10% by weight, in particular at most 5% by weight, possibly at most 3% by weight, of an organic coating comprising at least one flexible polymer A having a tensile modulus less than or equal to 1 MPa at room temperature, preferably less than or equal to 0.70 MPa, more preferably less than or equal to 0.50 MPa, in particular less than or equal to 0.40 MPa, said composition not comprising waxes and oils.

Advantageously, the implementation of a flexible polymer A coating at least partially the grains of sand, and optionally the other solid compound (s) present in the composition, such that the or the load (s), makes it possible to confer on the surface comprising said composition the cushioning, rebound and comfort properties for the hooves of horses. The grains of sand have a good cohesion between them thus limiting the generation of dust.

Advantageously, the composition comprises an organic coating, and in a quantity that allows it to maintain mobility between the grains of sand.

In the present text, the dYoung modulus, that is to say the constant connecting the tensile stress (MPa) and the beginning of the deformation (%) of the polymer A, in particular a isotropic elastic material.

The tensile modulus (E) corresponds to the slope of the curve representing the stress (in ordinate) with respect to the deformation (in abscissa) at the beginning of the elongation.

The modulus in tension can be measured using the standard NF ISO 527 parts 1 and 3, dating from 1995, titled "Determination of tensile properties - Test conditions for films and sheets". Preferably, the measurements are made in a room having a temperature of the order of 23 ° C. and a relative humidity of 50%, more preferably the pulling speed is 500 mm / minute. The tensile modulus is a significant parameter of polymer A with respect to flexibility combined with its impact resistance behavior in comparison with the consideration of its elongation at break only (%)

Indeed, for a displacement of the sports surface according to a given energy, if the traction module is too high, the shoe does not move enough which may create a greater impact for the horse. If the traction module is weak, the displacement of the surface is greater, which induces a less important shock, less traumatic, at the moment of the impact.

Preferably, the mass proportion in said polymer A in the organic coating is greater than or equal to 50%, more preferably greater than or equal to 75%, preferably greater than or equal to 90%.

Preferably, the mass proportion of water in the composition and / or in the organic coating is less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%, preferably less than 3% (for example, ISO 3251: 2008).

The mass proportions in the composition are defined in terms of the dry mass of a given compound relative to the total dry mass of said composition (once the water has evaporated).

Preferably, the weight average molecular weight Mw of polymer A is greater than or equal to 10,000 g / mol, more preferably greater than or equal to 100,000 g / mol, in particular less than or equal to 800,000 g / mol, more particularly lower than or equal to 500 000 g / mol, especially less than or equal to 300 000 g / mol.

The average molecular weight Mw can be measured using standard NF T51-505 dated May 2011 entitled "Plastics - thermosetting resins - Analysis by size exclusion chromatography (G.P.C)", in particular in polystyrene equivalent.

Preferably, the sand is siliceous sand.

Preferably, the mass average particle size distribution D50 is less than or equal to 800 μm, more preferably less than or equal to 500 μm, preferably less than or equal to 400 μm, in particular less than or equal to 300 μm, more particularly less than or equal to at 250 pm.

Preferably, the mass average particle size distribution D 50 is greater than or equal to 50 μm, more preferably greater than or equal to The mean particle size distribution by mass can be measured with the standard NF 11 507 dating from December 1970 or with the standard NF ISO 2591-1 dating from September 1989 and entitled "Sieving control- Operating methods using control sieves". metal fabrics and calibrated perforated metal sheets ".

Preferably, the sand comprises a mass proportion of fines, that is to say particles whose size is less than 63 μm, less than or equal to 5%, more preferably less than or equal to 1%. This arrangement eliminates the generation of dust since the smallest particles and therefore the most volatile are removed.

Preferably, the mass proportion of sand in the composition is greater than or equal to 60%, more preferably greater than or equal to 65%.

In one embodiment, the mass proportion of sand in the composition is less than or equal to 90%, possibly less than or equal to 80% or 70%.

In another embodiment, the mass proportion of sand in the composition is greater than or equal to 80%, in particular greater than or equal to 90%, more particularly greater than or equal to 95%.

The sand according to the invention can be washed or not or be a mixture of washed sand and unwashed sand, in particular according to their origins. The washed sand reduces the amount of polymeric binder A.

The composition may comprise one or more different fillers.

The charge or fillers are chosen from fibers and / or granules in one or more natural and / or synthetic material (s), and preferably recycled. The material or materials (x) is / are chosen from the list consisting of: polypropylene, polyethylene, a chlorinated polymer (for example polyvinyl chloride or butylene), polyurethane, polyamides (PA 6-6 or PA6) for example), polyesters (eg PET (polyethylene terephthalate)), rubber, or a mixture thereof.

Preferably, the proportion by weight of filler (s) in the composition is greater than or equal to 5%, possibly greater than or equal to 10% or 20% or even 25%.

Preferably, the mass proportion in filler (s) in the composition is less than or equal to 40%, more preferably less than or equal to 35%, preferably less than or equal to 30%, optionally less than or equal to 15%. The granule or granules preferably have a size greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 5 mm, and preferably greater than or equal to 3 mm.

The fibers preferably have a size greater than or equal to 10 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to 20 mm, preferably less than or equal to 80 mm, in particular less than or equal to 60 mm, more particularly less than or equal to 50 mm.

The fibers contribute to improving the cohesion of the composition, i.e between the grains of sand, and the reduction of projections during impacts on the sports surface.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises fillers chosen from fibers, and is free of granules, in particular in at least one hydrophobic polymeric material, such as a chlorinated polymer, for example PVC.

This type of composition is sought in particular for sports surfaces indoors.

In another embodiment, the composition comprises fillers chosen from fibers and granules, in particular granules in at least one hydrophobic polymeric material, in particular a chlorinated polymer, for example PVC.

This type of composition is sought in particular for outdoor sports surfaces, for which the hydrophobicity of the granules improves the draining capacity of the composition.

In the present text, the temperature of the conditions of use of the composition according to the invention, in particular greater than or equal to -5 ° C. and less than or equal to 40 ° C., more particularly greater than or equal to 10 ° C and less than or equal to 30 ° C. This ambient temperature is different from the ambient measurement temperature for the evaluation of the mechanical properties (tensile modulus, elongation at break, etc.) of between 20 ° C and 25 ° C.

One of the advantages of the present invention is that the composition retains its mobility without blocking the hooves of horses during impacts despite the absence of waxes or oils. Indeed, the polymer A provides sufficient flexibility and impact resistance thus avoiding the addition of waxes and / or oils. Waxes and oils, in particular mineral, have the disadvantage that they harden at temperatures of less than or equal to 10 ° C and liquefy or melt at temperatures of 40 ° C or higher, thus generating mixtures which harden or otherwise stick the hoofs of horses no longer ensuring in both cases cushioning, rebound and mobility sought. In addition, waxes and oils migrate and settle on the bottom of the track. They do not remain in the coating arranged on the grains of sand, which no longer fully ensures its initial properties.

By oil and / or wax is understood any oil and / or wax of animal and / or vegetable and / or mineral and / or synthetic origin or a mixture of these, preferably mineral (s).

Preferably, the composition does not comprise mineral waxes and / or mineral oils.

By oil is meant any saturated or unsaturated fatty acid, or an oil, or any compound obtained by the use of at least 85%, in particular at least 90%, more particularly at least 95% , by weight unsaturated or saturated fatty acid (s) or oil (s).

A wax is understood to mean any ester of long chain (in particular at least 16 carbon) and also long chain (in particular 16 or more) carbons, optionally mixed with paraffin.

In a variant, the polymer A has a glass transition temperature of less than or equal to 10 ° C, preferably less than or equal to 0 ° C, more preferably less than or equal to -5 ° C, preferentially less than or equal to -8 ° C C.

Preferably, the polymer A has a glass transition temperature Tg greater than or equal to -60 ° C., more preferably greater than or equal to -40 ° C.

The polymer A thus advantageously has great flexibility at ambient temperature and therefore under the conditions of use of the composition, thus imparting cushioning and rebound and improving the comfort of the animals.

Even when the ambient temperature is negative or lower than 10 ° C, the polymer A retains its flexibility and does not stiffen

It has indeed been observed following composition tests with a binding polymer A having a Tg of the order of 20 ° C, that the composition obtained is too rigid. The glass transition temperature is preferably measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DSC- according to the ISO 11357-2 standard dating from 2013 with a temperature ramp of 10 ° C / min).

In a variant, the polymer A has an elongation at break greater than or equal to 300%, preferably greater than or equal to 500%, more preferably greater than or equal to 700%, preferably greater than or equal to 1000%.

The elongation at break (%) can be determined using the aforementioned standard NF ISO 527-1 and 3 of 1995.

This arrangement contributes to the flexibility of the polymer A.

In a variant, the polymer A, and optionally the organic coating, has a degradation temperature greater than or equal to 180 ° C.

Advantageously, the polymer A does not melt, and does not liquefy, at temperatures greater than or equal to 40 ° C so that the composition does not stick to the hooves of horses for example, and does not generate possibly harmful products by exudation .

Advantageously, the polymer A has an amorphous structure so that it does not have a melting or softening temperature but a decomposition or degradation temperature, that is to say a temperature from which its mechanical properties are irreversibly degraded.

The particles of the composition retain their cohesion thus avoiding the generation of dust and projections in height during galloping horses.

Preferably, the polymer A and / or the organic coating has no melting temperature but only a decomposition temperature.

In a variant, the polymer A comprises repeating units resulting from the polymerization of at least one monomer comprising (meth) acrylate and / or (meth) acrylic functional groups.

In a variant, the polymer A is chosen from the list consisting of: a (meth) acrylic acid (co) polymer, a (meth) acrylic acid (co) polymer and a repeating unit comprising one or more several aromatic ring (s), including styrene; an (meth) acrylate (co) polymer; such as butyl (meth) acrylate polymer or 2-ethylhexyl (meth) acrylate polymer; a copolymer of alkyl (meth) acrylate and (meth) acrylic acid; a styrene-alkyl (meth) acrylic-meth (meth) acrylate copolymer, a copolymer of acrylic acid and styrene, a (co) polymer of (meth) acrylate and fatty alcohol, a (co) polymer of (meth) acrylate and polyterpene derivatives, or a mixture thereof.

In the present text, "alkyl" means any alkyl chain, linear and / or branched, unsaturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, comprising from one to fifteen carbon atoms, preferably from one to ten carbon atoms, more preferably from one to six carbon atoms, for example a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an iso-butyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tertiary group, butyl, a 2-ethylhexyl group, or a mixture of these.It is understood in the present text, by fatty alcohol, any carbon chain (preferably the number of carbon is even) supporting at least one alcohol function, which may include a number of carbon atoms up to 30 atoms, preferably it is the primary alcohols, for example lauryl, stearyl. Preferably, the number of carbon atoms is between 4 and 26, more preferably between 10 and 26.

Said alkyl chain has the function of providing flexibility to the polymer A.

In a variant, the composition comprises at least one polymer B chosen from the list consisting of: polyisoprene, polyurethane, polysiloxane, polyacrylics, epoxyacrylates, poly-epoxies, polyesters, fluorinated polyacrylates, or a mixture of these latter.

In one embodiment, the mass fraction of polymer B in said organic coating is less than or equal to 25%, preferably greater than or equal to 5%, more preferably greater than or equal to 10%.

In a variant, the mean particle size distribution in mass

D50 of the sand is greater than or equal to 63 μm.

In a variant, said at least one filler is chosen from the list consisting of: synthetic fibers, plastic granules or rubber.

In one embodiment, the composition, in particular said at least one filler, does not comprise elastic fibers, for example elastane fibers.

The elastic fibers have by definition an elongation greater than 100% rupture, especially greater than 300%.

The subject of the present invention is, according to a second aspect, a method of manufacturing a composition for the manufacture of a sports surface, in particular according to any one of the variant embodiments defined according to a first aspect of the invention, advantageously comprising:

at. mixing an aqueous emulsion of at least one polymer A with sand, said polymer A having a tensile modulus of less than or equal to 1 MPa at room temperature, and possibly at least one filler, so as to form a composition comprising at least 50% mass of sand, and in particular at most 10% by weight of said aqueous emulsion; b. evaporating the water of said composition;

c. obtaining a composition for the manufacture of a sports surface, comprising at most 10% by weight of an organic coating comprising at least said polymer A, and not comprising waxes and oils.

Advantageously, it is not necessary to heat the sand so that the latter melts the organic mixture with which it comes into contact.

Similarly, it is not necessary to melt the organic mixture before applying it to the sand.

The aqueous emulsion is preferably applied at room temperature to the mixture of step a), in particular not previously heated, in order to coat the sand particles, and possibly the fillers. This arrangement facilitates the application of the polymer A whether for the preparation of the composition at a place of manufacture distinct from the place of the sports surface, or for the preparation of the composition at the place of the sports surface (in renovation or renovation). total replacement).

The water present in the emulsion also promotes the coating of the particles of the mixture and therefore the deposition of an organic coating.

The mixing can be done by projecting, for example by spraying, the aqueous emulsion on the sand, then mixing the assembly with the aid of a suitable tool, for example a ribbon mixer at the factory or for example a Galopp Master classically used for the maintenance of tracks in case of renovation of old surfaces.

Preferably, the aqueous emulsion has a pH greater than or equal to 6, more preferably greater than or equal to 7 (in particular measured using the ISO 976 standard from March 2014 "Rubber and plastics - Polymer dispersions and rubber latex - Determination of pH "). Preferably, the aqueous emulsion has a viscosity greater than or equal to 100 mPa.s, more preferably greater than or equal to 400 mPa.s, in particular less than or equal to 5000 mPa.s, more particularly less than or equal to 3000 mPa.s. The viscosity is preferably measured at 23 ° C., using a Brookfiled RVT viscometer, 20 revolutions / min according to the NF EN ISO 2555 standard dating from September 1999. "Plastics - Resins in the liquid state or in emulsions or dispersions - Determination apparent viscosity according to the Brookfield method).

Preferably, the dry mass fraction of the aqueous emulsion according to the invention is greater than or equal to 20%, more preferably greater than or equal to 40%, in particular greater than or equal to 50%.

Preferably, the dry mass fraction of the aqueous emulsion according to the invention is less than or equal to 80%, preferably less than or equal to 70%.

The dry mass fraction of the aqueous emulsion comprising at least polymer A is preferably determined at 105 ° C. and according to the ISO 3251 standard of 2008 "Paints, varnishes and plastics - Determination of dry matter".

Preferably, the average particle size of the polymer A is greater than or equal to 100 nm, more preferably greater than or equal to 200 nm, in particular less than or equal to 800 nm, more particularly less than or equal to 500 nm. The average particle size can be measured using the ISO 13321 standard from 1996 "Particle size analysis - photon correlation spectroscopy".

Following the application of the aqueous emulsion, and the evaporation of water, an organic polymer-based coating is formed on all or part of the surface of the sand grains, and optionally fillers.

The evaporation of the water can be obtained by any technique known to those skilled in the art, and in particular by heating said composition, for example, at a temperature greater than or equal to 80 ° C., in particular less than or equal to 200 ° C., during at least 5 minutes or allowing the water to evaporate at room temperature for several hours.

In a variant, the water evaporation step b) comprises the passage of the mixture of step a) on a fluidized bed drying device.

The mixture is thus subjected to a flow of air and is heated at the same time. The heating temperature is preferably greater than or equal to 70 ° C and less than or equal to 120 ° C, in particular 100 ° C. This drying technique advantageously makes it possible to form a coating coating at least partially each grain of sand, without binding the compact block assembly. Indeed, without this drying technique, a compact block is formed, more or less flexible, subsequently requiring to be decompressed to obtain the final composition which must have good mobility of sand grains between them, while having some cohesion.

In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous emulsion is mixed directly with the sand premixed with the fillers.

In another embodiment, the aqueous emulsion is mixed with sand and fillers present on the track to be renovated.

The aqueous emulsion may comprise one or more wetting agent (s) (for example block copolymers with polar group (s)) and / or one or more UV stabilizers (especially from the family). benzotriazoles or other stabilizers conventionally used for coatings) in order to improve aging resistance and / or one or more biocidal additive (s) to reduce the development of microorganisms and / or additive (s) (s) to adjust the hydrophobicity of the organic coating and / or dye (s).

In a variant, the mixture of the aqueous emulsion of at least one polymer A with sand, and optionally at least one filler, is carried out at room temperature.

The subject of the present invention is, according to a third aspect, a method of renovating a sports surface, in particular equestrian sports, comprising a composition to be renovated, said method advantageously comprising the provision of a composition according to any one of embodiments defined with reference to the first aspect of the invention, or obtained according to any of the alternative embodiments defined with reference to the second aspect of the invention, as the main composition, and then the mixture of said composition to renovate with said main composition.

Preferably, the main composition represents at least 30% by weight of the total mass of the composition to be renovated, more preferably at least 50% by weight, especially at least 70% by weight.

The subject of the present invention is, according to a fourth aspect, a method of renovating a sports surface, in particular equestrian sports, comprising a composition to be renovated comprising at least 50% by weight of sand, and possibly at least one load. , said method comprising: providing an aqueous emulsion of at least one polymer A having a tensile modulus of less than or equal to 1 MPa at room temperature;

mixing said composition to be reformed with said aqueous emulsion, in particular so as to form a composition comprising at most 10% by weight of said aqueous emulsion; evaporating the water of said composition;

obtaining a composition for the manufacture of a sports surface, comprising at most 10% by weight of an organic coating comprising at least said polymer A, and not comprising waxes and oils.

Preferably, the mixture of the aqueous emulsion of at least one polymer A with sand, and optionally at least one charge is carried out at room temperature.

The subject of the present invention is, according to a fifth aspect, a sports surface, in particular an equestrian sport surface, advantageously comprising a composition according to any one of the variant embodiments defined with reference to a first aspect of the invention, or obtained according to any of the alternative embodiments defined with reference to a second and / or third and / or fourth aspect (s) of the invention.

The subject of the present invention is, according to a sixth aspect, the use of an aqueous emulsion comprising at least one polymer A having a tensile modulus of less than or equal to 1 MPa at room temperature, in order to prepare a composition for the manufacture of a sports surface, especially equestrian sports, comprising at least 50% by weight of sand; possibly at least one load; at most 10% by weight of an organic coating comprising at least said polymer A, and not comprising waxes and oils.

Said composition advantageously incorporating any of the embodiments defined with reference to the first aspect of the invention.

The variants and definitions with reference to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects can be combined independently of one another. Detailed description of the invention

The present invention will be better understood on reading the exemplary embodiments described below, cited by way of non-limiting example.

Example 1

The composition comprises 67.45% by weight of siliceous sand whose sand grain size is between 63 μm and 500 μm. The sand does not comprise fines (size less than 63 μm) and has a mean particle size distribution in mass D 50 of the order of 198 μm. The composition further comprises about 1.75% of a mixture of PP and PE fibers having lengths of between 20 mm and 40 mm, as well as about 27.90% by weight of PVC granules of the order from 3 mm to 5 mm. Finally, the composition comprises 2.90% by weight of an aqueous emulsion whose fraction of the dry mass is of the order of 60%. Polymer A is a copolymer of styrene, acrylic acid and butyl acrylate, whose Tg is of the order of -28 ° C and the tensile modulus or dYoung E is of the order of 0.2 MPa. The aqueous emulsion comprises 10% by weight (based on the total weight of the aqueous emulsion) of a wetting agent (for example Disperbyk P190). The elongation at break of the polymer A is of the order of 1100%. The sand, at ambient temperature (of the order of 20-25 ° C.) is first mixed with the PVC fibers and granules, then the aqueous emulsion, also at room temperature (of the order of 20 ° C.). -25 ° C), is mixed with sand and pre-mixed feeds. The mixture is dried so as to evaporate the water or leave room temperature until the water evaporates. The mixture obtained is then spun again to destructure agglomerates that may form at room temperature (of the order of 20-25 ° C) so as to form the final composition.

Example 2

The composition comprises 68.31% by weight of siliceous sand whose size of sand grains is between 63 μm and 400 μm. The sand does not comprise fines (size less than 63 μm) and has a mean distribution in number D50 of the order of 210 μm. The composition further comprises about 1.82% of a mixture of PP and PE fibers having lengths of between 20 mm and 40 mm, as well as about 27.32% by weight of PVC granules of the order from 3 mm to 5 mm. Finally, the composition comprises 2.55% by weight of an aqueous emulsion whose fraction of the dry mass is of the order of 60%. Polymer A is a copolymer of styrene, acrylic acid and butyl acrylate, whose Tg is of the order of -28 ° C. and the tensile modulus or dyoung E is of the order of 0.2 MPa. The aqueous emulsion comprises 10% by weight (based on the total weight of the aqueous emulsion) of a wetting agent (for example Disperbyk P190). The elongation at break of the polymer A is of the order of 1100%. The sand, at ambient temperature (of the order of 20-25 ° C.) is first mixed with the PVC fibers and granules, then the aqueous emulsion, also at room temperature (of the order of 20 ° C.). -25 ° C), is mixed with sand and pre-mixed feeds. The mixture is dried so as to evaporate the water or leave room temperature until the water evaporates. The mixture obtained is then re-shredded to destructurize the agglomerates that may form at room temperature (on the order of 20-25 ° C.) so as to form the final composition with the desired granular appearance.

Example 3

The composition comprises 87.49% by weight of siliceous sand whose sand grain size is between 63 μm and 400 μm. The sand does not comprise fines (size less than 63 μm) and has a mean distribution in number D50 of the order of 210 μm. The composition further comprises about 2.19% of a mixture of PP and PE fibers having lengths of between 20 mm and 40 mm, and about 7.87% by weight of recycled and milled rubber granules. the order of 3 mm to 5 mm. Finally, the composition comprises 2.45% by weight of an aqueous emulsion whose fraction of the dry mass is of the order of 60%. Polymer A is a copolymer of styrene, acrylic acid and butyl acrylate, whose Tg is of the order of -28 ° C and the tensile modulus or dYoung E is of the order of 0.2 MPa. The aqueous emulsion comprises 10% by weight (based on the total weight of the aqueous emulsion) of a wetting agent (for example Disperbyk P190). The elongation at break of the polymer A is of the order of 1100%. The sand, at ambient temperature (of the order of 20-25 ° C.), is first mixed with the fibers and the granules, then the aqueous emulsion, also at room temperature (of the order of 20-25 ° C), is mixed with the sand and pre-mixed charges. The mixture is dried so as to evaporate the water or leave room temperature until the water evaporates. The mixture obtained is then re-shredded to destructurize the agglomerates that may form at room temperature (on the order of 20-25 ° C.) so as to form the final composition with the desired granular appearance. Example 4

The composition comprises 96.44% by weight of siliceous sand whose sand grain size is between 63 μm and 400 μm. The sand does not comprise fines (size less than 63 μm) and has a mean distribution in number D50 of the order of 210 μm. The composition further comprises about 1.92% of a mixture of PP and PE fibers having lengths between 20 mm and 40 mm (without PVC granules). Finally, the composition comprises 1.64% by weight of an aqueous emulsion whose fraction of the dry mass is of the order of 60%. Polymer A is a copolymer of styrene and acrylic acid, whose Tg is of the order of -8 ° C and the tensile modulus or dYoung E is of the order of 0.4 MPa. The aqueous emulsion comprises 10% by weight (based on the total weight of the aqueous emulsion) of a wetting agent (for example Disperbyk P190). The elongation at break of the polymer A is of the order of 1100%. The sand, at ambient temperature (of the order of 20-25 ° C.) is first mixed with the fibers and then the aqueous emulsion, also at room temperature (of the order of 20-25 ° C.), is mixed with the sand and the premixed fibers. The mixture is dried so as to evaporate the water or leave room temperature until the water evaporates. The mixture obtained is then re-shredded to destructurize the agglomerates that may form at ambient temperature (of the order of 20-25 ° C.) so as to form the final composition with the desired granular appearance.

The composition of Example 4 is intended for sports surfaces requiring less deformability.

The energy return (rebound), soil depressing (cohesion) and cushioning properties of the final composition according to Example 1 were evaluated in comparison with a control composition 1 comprising sand (approximately 85%). in mass of the total mass of the final composition), a wax with 20% mineral oil (about 5% by weight of the total mass of the final composition), fibers of lengths between 20 and 40 mm, and PVC granules (about 10% by weight of the total mass of the final composition).

Instrumented shock tests, with an energy of 117 joules (to measure the deceleration on the ground of a mass in free fall, by accelerometric sensors, to determine the speed and the movement of the mass, before and after impact, successive integrations of the deceleration), performed under conditions simulating the impact of the horses were performed on a sports surface comprising the various compositions according to the invention and a control composition, the latter having a thickness of 13 cm, and comprising a first layer of thickness of 4 cm strongly compacted with a lady of 1500 g and a second layer thickness of 6 cm compacted less strongly than the first layer and a third top coat of about 3 cm slightly scratched to obtain the swelling surface.

Return of energy transmitted during the hoof impact in%

Table 1

Depressing the ground during impact of the shoe in mm

Table 2 Damping: Maximum Strength felt by the horse Newtons-)

Table 3 Impact tests performed with a Cleaa Hammer device

Values of 60-70 Gm

Table 4

Control composition 2 comprises sand (about 67.51% by weight of the total mass of the final composition), a wax with 20% mineral oil (about 3.69% by weight of the total mass of the final composition ), fibers of lengths between 20 and 40 mm (1.80% by weight of the total mass of the final composition), and PVC granules (about 27% by weight of the total mass of the final composition).

The "Clegg Hammer Test" is a device comprising a mass of

2500g conventionally used to evaluate sports surfaces for animals. This device includes an accelerometer for recording the deceleration suffered at the moment of impact. This deceleration is expressed in value Gm, which increases with the hardness of the material.

The composition according to Example 1 provides a better energy return than the control composition. In addition, the composition according to Example 1 is less sensitive to variations in temperature for the driving of the soil than the control composition, the amplitude of deformation between 9 ° C and 40 ° C is also lower (less than 10 mm variation for the composition according to Example 1 against almost 20 mm for the control composition). Finally, the composition according to Example 1 provides a cushion of the same order as that offered by the control composition and this homogeneously from 9 ° C to 40 ° C.

The composition according to Example 1 offers a better elasticity. The sports surface comprising such a composition finds its place more easily after impact impact. The energy return is greater than the values obtained for the control composition. The set of properties reflects a lower sensitivity of the composition of Example 1 to temperature with a lower deformation bringing a contact for the horse less stressful and more constant.

Finally, the permeability to water measured over a height of 10 cm of composition of Example 1 after compacting with a load of 1.5 MPa is 0.17 mm / sec or 612 mm of water per hour (value measured by monitoring the time required for the migration, within a graduated cylinder, of a water depth of 30 mm). This permeability value allows the composition of Example 1 to avoid surface water retention thus ensuring a good draining effect.

Comparative Example 5

A composition comprising 100 parts of siliceous sand whose sand grain size is between 63 μm and 400 μm. The sand does not comprise fines (size less than 63 μm) and has a mean distribution in number D50 of the order of 210 μm. The composition further comprises about 1.8 parts of a mixture of PP and PE fibers having lengths between 20 mm and 40 mm (without PVC granules). Finally, the composition comprises 2.5 parts of an aqueous emulsion whose fraction of the dry mass is of the order of 50%. The polymer is a copolymer of styrene and acrylic acid, whose Tg is of the order of 4 ° C and the tensile modulus or dYoung E is of the order of 3.2 MPa (at 23 ° C). The aqueous emulsion comprises 10% by weight (by mass total of the aqueous emulsion) of a wetting agent (eg Disperbyk P190).

Examples 6 and 7

The compositions are identical to the composition of Comparative Example 5 except that for Example 6, polymer A is that of Example 1, and for Example 7, polymer A is that of Example 4. In the internal cohesion test consisting of observing the state of the composition following a fall of a height of 40 cm from a compacted ball in said composition, it is observed that the loops are intact, without loss of cohesion between the sand and loads.

The compositions of Examples 6 and 7 give elastic surfaces with good mobility, with a bond between the sand and the satisfactory fibers allowing the soil not to leak under the impact of the hooves. In comparison, the composition of Comparative Example 5 shows a strong separation between the sand and the fillers, making the surface unsuitable for its use because it is much more elusive under the impact of the hooves. The cohesion between the sand, and the loads is too weak. In the internal cohesion test, it is observed that the compacted ball is broken apart without cohesion between the sand and the charges.

Instrumented impact tests were performed for equestrian surfaces comprising the compositions of Examples 6 and 7. These tests involve the fall of a mass of 33 kg and developing an energy of 272 kJ at an angle of 12 ° to vertically to the surface tested. These tests simulate the impact of horse hooves on the surface. The results are reported in Table 5, and are in line with the recommendations of the sports federations.

Table 5

Claims

1. Composition for the manufacture of a sports surface, especially equestrian sports, characterized in that it comprises:

at. at least 50% by mass of sand;

b. possibly at least one load;

c. at most 10% by weight of an organic coating comprising at least one flexible polymer A having a tensile modulus less than or equal to 1 MPa at room temperature, and in that said composition does not comprise waxes and oils.

2. Composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the polymer A has a glass transition temperature of less than or equal to 10 ° C, preferably less than or equal to -5 ° C.

3. Composition according to either of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the polymer A has an elongation at break greater than or equal to 300%, preferably greater than or equal to 500%.

4. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the polymer A, and optionally the organic coating, has a degradation temperature greater than or equal to 180 ° C.

5. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the polymer A comprises repeating units resulting from the polymerization of at least one monomer comprising (meth) acrylate and / or (meth) acrylic functions. .

6. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the polymer A is chosen from the list consisting of: a (meth) acrylic acid (co) polymer, an acid (co) polymer (meth) acrylic and a repeating unit comprising one or more aromatic ring (s), an (meth) acrylate (co) polymer; a styrene-alkyl (meth) acrylic acid (meth) acrylate copolymer, a copolymer of (meth) acrylic acid and styrene, a (meth) acrylate and fatty alcohol (co) polymer, a (co) ) polymer of (meth) acrylate and polyterpene derivatives, or a mixture thereof.

7. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises at least one polymer B selected from the list consisting of: polyisoprene, polyurethane, polysiloxane, polyacrylics, epoxyacrylates, poly-epoxies, polyesters; fluorinated polyacrylates; or a mixture of these.

8. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the average number distribution D50 of the sand is greater than or equal to 63 pm.

9. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said at least one filler is selected from the list consisting of: synthetic fibers, plastic granules or rubber.

10. A method of manufacturing a composition for the manufacture of a sports surface, in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises:

at. mixing an aqueous emulsion of at least one polymer A with sand, said polymer A having a tensile modulus of less than or equal to 1 MPa at room temperature, and possibly at least one filler, so as to form a composition comprising at least 50% in bulk of sand, and not including waxes and oils;

b. evaporating the water of said composition;

c. obtaining a composition for the manufacture of a sports surface, comprising at most 10% by weight of an organic coating comprising at least said polymer A.

11. The manufacturing method according to claim 10, characterized in that the mixture of the aqueous emulsion of at least one polymer A with sand, and optionally at least one charge is carried out at room temperature.

12. The manufacturing method according to either of claims 10 and 11, the step b) of evaporation of water comprises the passage of the mixture of step a) on a fluidized bed drying device .

13. A method of renovating a sports surface, in particular equestrian sports, comprising a composition to be renovated, characterized in that said method comprises the provision of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or obtained according to one or the other of claims 10 to 12, as the main composition, and then the mixture of said composition to be renovated with said main composition.

14. A method of renovating a sports surface, in particular equestrian sports, comprising a composition to be renovated comprising at least 50% by weight of sand, and possibly at least one load, said method comprising:

supplying an aqueous emulsion of at least one polymer

A having a tensile modulus of less than or equal to 1 MPa at room temperature;

mixing said composition to be refurbished with said aqueous emulsion;

evaporating the water of said composition;

- Obtaining a composition for the manufacture of a sports surface, comprising at most 10% by weight of an organic coating comprising at least said polymer A, and not comprising waxes and oils.

15.Surface sport, especially equestrian sports, characterized in that it comprises a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or obtained according to any one of claims 10 to 14.

16. Use of an aqueous emulsion comprising at least one polymer A having a modulus of traction less than or equal to 1 MPa at room temperature to prepare a composition for the manufacture of a sports surface, especially equestrian, comprising at least 50% mass of sand; possibly at least one load; at most 10% by weight of an organic coating comprising at least said polymer A, and not comprising waxes and oils.