JPH09208292A - Far infrared rays radiator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a far IR radiator capable of radiating more far IR under no heating. SOLUTION: A mixture contg. powder of a far IR radiating ceramics material and powder of a radiation source material made of a radioactive mineral contg. at least one of thorium and uranium as a natural radioactive element is made composite by firing to obtain the objective far IR radiator. Since the energy of radiation emitted by the radioactive decay of the radioactive element is absorbed in the ceramic material, converted into energy exciting the material and radiated as far IR, the radiator can radiate more far IR even at ordinary temp. under no heating. When the far IR radiator is formed as a molded body, a pottery material may be added.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a far infrared radiator that emits far infrared rays, and more particularly to a far infrared radiator used at room temperature.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The development and progress of technology relating to the use of far infrared rays has been remarkable in recent years, and its application fields include tea, roasting and aging, including industrial heating or drying devices for paints and plastics and various heating devices. And food processing, household cookers such as ovens, and medical / health equipment such as thermotherapy. Also,
At the same time, far-infrared radiators that emit far-infrared rays are also far-infrared radiation made of various ceramics such as those based on cordierite (cordierite) from the viewpoint of improving radiation characteristics or radiation efficiency. The body is being developed.

Far infrared rays have received such a great deal of attention and have been applied in a wide range of fields, in particular, because they have specific absorption characteristics for organic substances including water and the human body. Is. That is, most water and organic substances generally
It has an absorption spectrum peak in the far infrared band with a wavelength of μm or more. For example, water is 3 μm, 6 μm, and 1
Wavelength of 0 μm or more, and human body (skin) is 3 μm, 6
There are absorption peaks at wavelengths of 10 μm and 12 μm or more, respectively. This is because the frequency peculiar to vibrational motions such as stretching and bending motions between the atoms that compose those molecules matches the frequency (1 / wavelength) of far-infrared light, which This is because it is absorbed in resonance with the vibration of the molecule. Then, the far infrared rays are effectively absorbed by water or an organic substance by this resonance absorption, amplify the vibration motion, and heat it.

There is no clear definition of "far-infrared radiation", and the wavelength range thereof varies depending on the field handling it, but here, as is general in this field, it is about 3 μm or more. Infrared rays having a wavelength are called “far infrared rays”.

By the way, most of the use of such far infrared rays is related to the use as a heat source. Specifically, the far-infrared radiator is heated by electric means or the like, or is placed under heating, and far-infrared rays emitted from the thermally excited far-infrared radiator are used. However, the use of far infrared rays is not limited to that. In particular, recently, the use of far infrared rays emitted from ceramics far infrared rays at room temperature, that is, the non-heating use of far infrared rays radiators has attracted great interest. Has been. That is, the far-infrared radiator theoretically radiates far-infrared rays with the total amount of energy (Stefan-Boltzmann's law) proportional to the fourth power of the absolute temperature even without heating. It uses far infrared rays that are emitted even though they are weak. And
Its specific applications are purification or activation of drinking water, purification of bath water (24 hour bath), preservation of cut flowers, germination of plants,
Promotion of growth, promotion of decomposition of organic fertilizer, smokeless diesel fuel, etc., some of which have already been put to practical use.

[0006] For example, a far-infrared radiator obtained by firing a ceramic far-infrared radiation material such as cordierite called "ceramic balls" into a small spherical shape is one example. It is known that delicious water is produced as it is removed. In addition, by putting it in a vase, it is possible to prevent the water from becoming dirty and turbid, and to make the fresh flowers last longer. That is, it has an effect of decomposing organic substances and an antibacterial effect as well as an effect of activating water. Furthermore, by putting it in diesel fuel,
There is also an effect that the amount of smoke generated during combustion can be reduced.

With respect to the effect of using the far-infrared radiator under such non-heating, various effects such as a blood circulation promoting effect and a deodorizing effect when applied to clothes are confirmed. ing. And, such an effect is called "non-thermal effect" or "normal temperature effect" of far-infrared rays because at least there is no apparent movement of heat. However, although its mechanism is considered to be related to the above-mentioned resonance absorption of far infrared rays, it has not been clarified yet. However, from the analysis by NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy), the “non-thermal effect” (“room temperature effect”) caused the clusters of water molecules to become finer, and was changed to physiologically active water. It has been confirmed that the radicals are generated by the analysis by ESR (electron spin resonance spectroscopy).

References: "All about Far Infrared Radiating Ceramics" (Yukiaki Haga et al. Optronics), "Easy Far Infrared Engineering" (Takashima Hiroo Industrial Research Institute), "Far Infrared and NMR Method" (Kazuhiro Matsushita) Human and history company),
other.

[0009]

As described above, the far-infrared radiator made of ceramics such as cordierite is not only used under heating but also in various specific applications such as water purification or activation. It is also used without heating, that is, at room temperature. And thereby, the "non-thermal effect" or "normal temperature effect" of far infrared rays (more precisely, of far infrared radiator) can be obtained.

However, in order to obtain such an effect practically sufficiently, a relatively long time is required because the far infrared energy emitted from the far infrared radiator is small. That is, according to Stefan-Boltzmann's law regarding the energy radiated from a substance, the total energy Eb (W / cm ² ) radiated by an ideal object “black body” that completely absorbs all incident light is As shown.

Eb = σT ⁴ (σ is Boltzmann's constant, T is absolute temperature) Note that this is for a black body, and in the case of an actual far-infrared radiator, this Eb is multiplied by its total emissivity. It will be what you did. For example, the total emissivity of cordierite is about 0.95 at room temperature.

That is, the total energy emitted from the far infrared radiator is proportional to the fourth power of its absolute temperature T (K). Therefore, its total energy increases cumulatively as its temperature rises, and conversely decreases sharply as its temperature falls. For example, when the far-infrared radiator is heated and used, the temperature is generally about 400 ° C.
If the total radiant energy at (673K) is "1",
It is about "0.1" at 100 ° C (373K).
In the case of non-heated use at a temperature of 10 ° C. (283 K), for example, in a refrigerator, it is only “0.03”. However,
Since the central wavelength of the electromagnetic wave emitted from the far-infrared radiator shifts to the long wavelength side as the temperature becomes lower, the total energy of the far-infrared ray in the room temperature region increases to some extent. However, such an increase is very small.

Therefore, when the far-infrared radiator is used without heating (at room temperature), the far-infrared energy radiated by the far-infrared radiator is small, so it takes time to obtain a sufficiently effective "non-thermal effect"("normal temperature effect"). There was a problem that it took.
However, it is possible to increase the amount of far-infrared energy emitted by increasing the amount of far-infrared radiator used. However, it goes without saying that there is a limit to the usage amount of the far-infrared radiator, and it is desirable to obtain a high effect with a usage amount as small as possible.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a far-infrared radiator capable of emitting far infrared rays even at room temperature, that is, under non-heating.

[0015]

This problem is basically the use of radioactive minerals containing thorium or uranium, which is a naturally radioactive element that undergoes radioactive decay, as a radiation source material, and its powder as a main material. This is solved by mixing the powder of the ceramic far-infrared radiation material with the powder and firing the mixture to form a composite.

That is, the far-infrared radiator according to claim 1 is a radiation source material comprising a powder of a ceramic far-infrared radiation material and a radioactive mineral containing a compound of at least one natural radioactive element of thorium and uranium. It is obtained by firing a mixture containing the powder of 1.

Further, the far-infrared radiator can be specifically formed as a powder usable as a filler or the like, or a molded body having various desired shapes including a coating form.

That is, the far-infrared radiator according to claim 2 is a powder of a ceramic far-infrared radiation material and a radiation source material powder made of a radioactive mineral containing at least one natural radioactive element of thorium and uranium. A mixture containing and is fired to form a composite, and then pulverized into a powder form.

Further, the far-infrared radiator according to claim 3 is a powder of a ceramic far-infrared radiation material and a radiation source material powder made of a radioactive mineral containing at least one natural radioactive element of thorium and uranium. And a ceramic material powder are formed into a desired shape and fired to form a composite.

As described above, the far-infrared radiator made of ceramics is compounded with a radioactive mineral containing a naturally radioactive element, thorium or uranium, as a radiation source material. Therefore, the radiation emitted by the radioactive decay of thorium or uranium (alpha rays,
The energy of β rays and γ rays, especially the large energy of α rays of about 5 MeV is absorbed by the ceramic far-infrared radiation material, becomes excitation energy thereof, and is emitted as far-infrared rays. Thus, according to this far-infrared radiator, more far-infrared rays can be emitted regardless of the temperature, that is, even at room temperature. In this case, since the radioactive mineral as the radiation source material is compounded by mixing it with the powder of the ceramic far-infrared radiation material as a powder and firing it, it is uniformly dispersed and distributed in the far-infrared radiation body. At the same time, the space between the particles of the ceramic far-infrared material is densified. Therefore, the radiation emitted by thorium or uranium can be effectively absorbed by the ceramic far infrared material, and can be effectively converted into far infrared radiation energy.

The far infrared radiator can be embodied as follows.

That is, the far-infrared radiator according to claim 4 is the far-infrared radiator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ceramic far-infrared material is a white ceramic far-infrared material.

A far infrared radiator according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the far infrared radiator according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the ceramic far infrared material is a colored ceramic far infrared material.

Further, in the far-infrared radiator according to claim 6, in any one of claims 1 to 5, the radiation source material made of the radioactive mineral is made of monazite.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The far-infrared radiator will be described in detail below.

As described above, this far-infrared radiator uses a ceramic far-infrared radiation material and a radiation source material composed of a radioactive mineral as main raw materials, and these are mixed as powders and fired to form a composite. Formed. These ceramics far-infrared radiation materials, radiation source materials, and other raw materials, and their manufacture will be described in order.

<Ceramics Far-Infrared Radiating Material> As far-infrared emitting materials that emit far-infrared rays, which are the main material of far-infrared radiators, metal materials and the like are known, but chemically stable ceramic materials are also used. used. Of these, those having a high emissivity for far infrared rays can be preferably used.

As for such ceramic far-infrared radiation materials, various materials are already known together with their emissivity and radiation characteristics. For example, alumina (Al
₂ O ₃ ), zirconia (ZrO ₂ ), titania (TiO ₂ )
₂ ), silica (SiO ₂ ), zircon (ZrSi
O ₄ ), magnesia (MgO), yttria (Y
₂ O ₃ ), cordierite (2MgO ・ 2Al ₂ O ₃・ 5)
SiO ₂ ), β-spodumene (Li ₂ O ・ Al ₂ O ₃
・ 4SiO ₂ ), mullite (Al ₂ O ₃ .3Si)
O ₂ ), aluminum titanate (Al ₂ O ₃ · Ti
O ₂ ) etc. These are generally white (absorbs ultraviolet light but does not absorb visible light) and has a low emissivity in the near infrared region, but has a characteristic that the emissivity increases from near the wavelength of 3 μm to the far infrared region. There is. These white ceramic far-infrared radiation materials can be used alone or in appropriate combination of two or more kinds.

In addition to such a white-based material, a ceramic far-infrared radiation material that is colored (absorbs visible light) and has a high emissivity in the entire infrared region should be used as the ceramic far-infrared radiation material. You can Examples of such colored ceramic materials include copper oxide (Cu).
₂ O, CuO), cobalt oxide (CoO, Co
₃ O ₄ ), nickel oxide (NiO), manganese oxide (M
nO ₂ ), iron oxide (Fe ₂ O ₃ ), chromium oxide (Cr ₂
O ₃ ), oxides of transition metals such as tin oxide (SnO ₂ ), silicon carbide (SiC), zirconium carbide (Zr
C), carbides such as tantalum carbide (TaC), and the like, and many of these are commonly used as pigments for ceramics. Further, these can be used alone, but preferably two or more kinds can be used in combination. For example, MnO ₂ —Fe ₂
O ₃ -CuO-CoO, or CoO-Fe ₂ O ₃ -C
The integrated burned material such as r ₂ O ₃ —MnO ₂ is called a high-efficiency infrared radiator, and exhibits a black color, and infrared radiation characteristics close to “black body” are obtained.

Which of these white and colored ceramic far-infrared radiation materials is used can be determined mainly depending on the object receiving far-infrared rays. That is, a colored system, especially a high-efficiency infrared radiator has a high emissivity in all infrared regions, but at room temperature, the emissivity (divergence) in the far infrared region of 6 to 10 μm tends to be smaller than that of a white system. is there. Therefore, in the case of targeting water or one containing a large amount of water, or an organic compound in water, a white ceramic far-infrared radiation material is generally preferable.
When an olefinic hydrocarbon containing an aromatic compound, that is, diesel fuel is used, a colored ceramic far-infrared radiation material is preferable. However, what is ideal as a ceramic far-infrared radiation material to be used is that its far-infrared radiation characteristics match the absorption characteristics of the object. In this sense, the white and colored ceramic far-infrared radiation materials can also be used by appropriately combining them with each other.

<Radiation source material> As the radiation source material,
Especially in terms of safety in handling, since it is a natural radioactive element (nuclide) with a long half-life and is contained in a stable form in minerals, thorium ( ²³² Th half-life: 1.4
× 10 ¹⁰ years and / or uranium (mainly ²³⁸ U half-life:
4.5 × 10 ⁹ years) containing radioactive minerals is used.

Examples of such radioactive minerals include various kinds of thorium minerals and uranium minerals, and especially minerals containing a large amount of uranium are reserved for nuclear fuel. Therefore, monazite [(Ce, La, Th) PO ₄ , ThO ₂ industrially used as a rare earth element raw material is used as a radioactive mineral from the viewpoint of easy availability.
6%, U ₃ O ₈ 0.3%], Pyrocroix [(Na, C
a) (Nb, Ta, Ti) ₂ O ₆ (O, OH, F), T
hO ₂ 0.5%, U ₃ O ₈ 1%], xenotime [YPO ₄ etc, ThO ₂ 1%, U ₃ O ₈ 1%] and the like are preferable. Among these, monazite is particularly preferable because it is widely produced worldwide and contains a relatively large amount of thorium. Further, as the radioactive mineral, an intermediate mineral containing thorium or uranium obtained in the smelting process of these minerals can also be advantageously used.

The radiation source material made of this radioactive mineral can be used in any proportion as a raw material for the far infrared radiator. However, according to the purpose of use, the mixing ratio is generally thorium oxide (ThO ₂ )
In terms of content, it is preferably at least 0.3% by weight or more, and more preferably 0.5% by weight or more. In this conversion, uranium oxide (U ₃ O ₈ ) whose half-life is about 1/3 of that is 3
Calculated by multiplying. In other words, {thorium oxide content% +3
X Uranium oxide content%} is the converted value. Further, as the blending ratio of these radionuclides is increased, the radiation amount (radiation degree) of far infrared rays can be increased. But,
Regarding those containing these radioactive nuclides, which are nuclear source materials, there are regulations on their use, and these concentrations are 370 becquerel / g (current rule is thorium content%
+3 x uranium content% 1.8%) or more, notification is required. Therefore, from the viewpoint that the far-infrared radiator can be used without such notification, the mixing ratio of the radiation source material is preferably less than 2.0% by weight in terms of the content of thorium oxide. It is preferably 1.8% by weight or less. That is, although not limited, the blending ratio is preferably 0.3 to 2.0% by weight in terms of the content of thorium oxide, and
0.3 to 1.8 wt% is more preferable.

<Others> Further, when the far-infrared radiator is formed as a tangible molded product, a ceramic material can be blended as a solidifying agent in order to ensure moldability or shape retention. . Specifically, it is feldspar, kaolin, kibushi clay, gairome clay, porcelain stone, wax stone, or glaze base. Such a ceramic material generally has a low emissivity, but in some cases, it also has a characteristic of supplementing the radiation characteristic of the far-infrared radiation material. Therefore, this ceramic material can be used in relatively large amounts of one or more of them, for example:
The far-infrared radiator can be compounded in a proportion of up to about 60% by weight.

Further, other ceramic materials can be blended, if necessary, for increasing the amount of the far-infrared radiation body as a molded body or for decoration. Also,
Depending on the application of the far-infrared radiator, for example, when it is applied to a bath for 24 hours, a mineral or the like may be appropriately mixed.

<Production of Far Infrared Radiator> In the far infrared radiator, basically, these raw materials are mixed as a powder,
Then, it is manufactured by sintering by firing and compounding. As a result, the radiation source material is uniformly dispersed and distributed, and the far-infrared radiation material and particles are densified. Therefore, it is particularly preferable that the far-infrared emitting material and the radiation source material be fine powder of fine particles, and it is generally preferable that the average particle diameter is 10 μm or less. More preferably, 0.5-1 μ
The average particle size is about m. The finer the particle size of the particles, the more efficiently the far-infrared emitting material can absorb the energy rays due to the radioactive decay of the natural radioactive element.

The raw materials can be finely pulverized and mixed by wet mixing and pulverization, preferably using a ball mill or the like. In this case, the wet mixture of the obtained raw material powders is dried and then fired. Further, the firing of the mixture of the raw material powders is carried out at a temperature at which the particles are sintered or solidified with each other, generally 700 to 1500 ° C., depending on the kind of the raw materials.
It can be performed by heating to the temperature. This firing can be performed in a normal oxidizing atmosphere, but depending on the type of raw material, for example, copper oxide (Cu
_When a colored far-infrared emitting material such as ₂ O) is used, it is necessary to carry out in a weak reducing atmosphere in which oxygen is blocked or in a nitrogen gas atmosphere.

The far-infrared radiator is, specifically,
In the form of powder used as a filler or additive,
Alternatively, it can be formed in the form of various molded bodies including a coating.

The far-infrared radiator made of a powder can be obtained by firing a mixture of raw material powders containing a far-infrared emitting material and a radiation source material to form a composite, and then pulverizing the powder again. it can. The particle size is preferably sufficiently small for general versatility, and is generally preferably about 5 to 100 μm in average particle size. Also,
When used as a filler for kneading fibers, it needs to have a larger diameter than that of the raw material powder, but a smaller particle diameter of about 1 to 2 μm is preferable. In the case of the powdery far-infrared radiator, strength or the like is not required, so that only white or colored far-infrared radiation material and radiation source material can be used as raw materials. The radiation source material composed of radioactive minerals is generally 5 to 60% by weight, preferably 5 to 60% by weight, based on the whole.
It can be blended in a proportion of 30% by weight.

Further, the far-infrared radiation body as a tangible molded body is obtained by forming a mixture of raw material powders containing a far-infrared radiation material and a radiation source material into a desired shape by a wet method or a dry method and firing the mixture. It can be obtained by compounding. The shape thereof may be various shapes such as a small spherical shape, a rod shape, a plate shape, or a hollow body, a container shape, etc. according to a specific application, and the shape may be formed on the substrate by a method such as thermal spraying or enamel drawing. It can also be in the form of a coating formed on. In this case, it is preferable to mix a porcelain material such as porcelain clay with the raw material in order to improve the moldability and to enhance the strength and the like of the obtained molded body to secure its shape retention. The ratio of the raw materials to each other in this case generally depends on the specific application and the like, but is generally 20 to 70% by weight, preferably 30 to 50% by weight, and the radiation source material 5 to 50% by weight. 6
The proportion is 0% by weight, preferably 10 to 30% by weight, and 10 to 60% by weight, preferably 20 to 50% by weight.

From the viewpoints of versatility and handleability, the most typical far-infrared radiator at room temperature is 5 to 1
It is a small ball (ball) with a diameter of about 0 mm. Such a small spherical far-infrared radiator can be molded by a dry method in which a mixture of raw material powders is pressure-molded, but can be easily molded by a wet method and can be manufactured in a large amount. That is, water is added to a mixture of a ceramic far-infrared radiation material, a radiation source material made of radioactive minerals, and a ceramic material and wet-mixed and pulverized to sufficiently finely pulverize the raw materials, mix them, and remove tap water. A clay having an appropriate consistency is formed by removing it. Then, the clay is formed into a small spherical shape by a granulator or the like, which is then dried and then fired. Thereafter, if necessary, surface finishing is further performed by barrel polishing or the like, and thus a far infrared radiator made of a small spherical ceramic molded body can be obtained.

<Use of Far-Infrared Radiator> Such a far-infrared radiator can be used under heating, but can be particularly preferably used without heating, that is, at room temperature. And, according to this far-infrared radiator including the radiation source material, it is possible to obtain a higher "non-thermal effect (normal temperature effect)" than in the case of a normal far-infrared radiator.

Specifically, the far-infrared radiator made of powder, for example, is used as a filler for plastics, and various sheets having "non-heat effect" such as keeping freshness, antibacterial and deodorizing, A seal, wrap, or container can be formed. In addition, by kneading directly into the fiber material or converting it into a paint using an appropriate synthetic resin binder, and coating it on the fiber product, it can be used for heat retention, blood flow / metabolic stimulation, hair root stimulation, athlete's foot treatment, etc. It is possible to obtain various clothing articles having a "heat effect" and bedding articles such as sheets. In particular, due to the effects of promoting blood circulation and decomposing odorous components of biological secretions, it can be suitably applied as underwear for the elderly, bedding, and the like.

Further, as is well known, far infrared radiators made of compacts such as small spheres purify water, activate water, promote plant growth, antibacterial, deodorize, promote decomposition of organic fertilizers, Alternatively, it can be used in various applications such as activation of hydrocarbon fuel (smoke-free diesel fuel). More specifically, for example, application of a far-infrared radiator formed into a small spherical shape to a 24-hour bath can be mentioned. In this case, the small spherical far-infrared radiator can be stored in an appropriate holder and used together with a biofilter, a filter material, etc.
The hot water can be activated and the scale can be decomposed and promoted to keep the bath water clean. In addition, here, among the radiators of natural radioactive elements included in the far infrared radiator,
The part that was not absorbed by the far-infrared radiation material ionizes or radicalizes water or organic substances dissolved in water,
It has the effect of further enhancing the "non-thermal effect".

[0045]

EXAMPLES The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples.

[Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3] FIG. 1 shows the composition of the far-infrared radiators of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 of the present invention, and their composition. It is a table figure which shows the result of the alga generation test by heat utilization. Further, FIG. 2 is a characteristic diagram showing the far-infrared emissivity of the far-infrared radiators of Examples and Comparative Examples.

<Preparation of Far-Infrared Radiator> The far-infrared radiators of Examples 1 to 3 of the present invention were prepared according to the formulation (% by weight) shown in FIG. In addition, for comparison, non-fired far-infrared radiators of Comparative Examples 1 to 3 were also manufactured.

As shown in FIG. 1, each of the far-infrared radiators of these examples is composed of a ceramic far-infrared emitting material and a radiation source material. The ceramic far-infrared radiation material is zircon 60% by weight as the main material.
And alumina, cordierite, or silica 15
It consists of a mixture with weight%. Further, in each embodiment, the type of another ceramic far-infrared radiation material used in combination with zircon is changed. That is, in Example 1, zircon and alumina were mixed and used as the ceramic far infrared radiation material, in Example 2, zircon and cordierite were used, and in Example 3, zircon and silica were blended. Zircon (ZrSiO ₄ ) was used as the main material because it has a relatively high emissivity in the far infrared region of 10 μm or less.

As the radiation source material, 25% by weight of monazite was blended in each example. Specifically, this monazite (refined product), which is a radioactive mineral, is produced in Australia. In addition to rare earth oxide 61.33%, phosphorus pentoxide 26.28%, etc., natural radioactive element thorium oxide is used. 6.55% and uranium oxide 0.34%.

The far infrared radiators of these examples were specifically manufactured as follows. That is, using a porcelain pot as a ball mill, approximately the same amount of water was added to the raw materials of the above-mentioned composition containing monazite, and wet mixing and pulverization were performed for 24 hours. Then take it out, drain the water, and 400 ℃
After drying at a temperature of, the mixture was passed through a 200-mesh screen.
Then, the mixture of the raw material powders is heated in an electric furnace at 1200
After being kept at a temperature of 2 ° C. for 2 hours for firing and forming a composite, this was pulverized again by a test mill to obtain powdery far-infrared radiators of Examples 1 to 3.

Separately from this, a mixture of the above raw material powders was press molded into a diameter of 50 mm and a thickness of 2 mm, and
Sintering was performed at a temperature of 00 ° C. to prepare a piece of material for measuring far-infrared emissivity.

For comparison with these examples,
Non-fired mixtures of the raw material powders of the respective examples were similarly prepared as far-infrared radiators of Comparative Examples 1 to 3, respectively.

<Evaluation Test> Next, far-infrared emissivity of each of the far-infrared radiators of Examples and Comparative Examples thus produced was measured in order to evaluate the far-infrared radiation characteristics. In addition, in order to evaluate the "non-thermal effect (room temperature effect)" of these far-infrared radiators, an algae generation test was performed as a simple test.

(1) Measurement of Far-Infrared Emissivity For each far-infrared radiator of Examples and Comparative Examples, an FT-IR (JIR5300, manufactured by JEOL Ltd.) equipped with two unit furnaces was used at 140 ° C. The far infrared emissivity was measured at the surface temperature.

The measurement result of the far infrared ray emissivity is shown in FIG. In addition, in FIG. 2, Example 1 and Comparative Example 1,
Example 2 and Comparative Example 2, and Example 3 and Comparative Example 3 are shown in comparison with each other.

(2) Algae development test In a 230-ml polyethylene container, 200 ml of clean water in which a goldfish was bred for one month was placed, and 15 g of each far-infrared radiator of each of Examples and Comparative Examples was separately added thereto. . Then, this was placed in a room away from direct sunlight, the algae generation situation was observed, and the start date of the generation was recorded (April).

The result of this test, that is, the period between the generation of algae is shown together with FIG.

<Test Results> As shown in FIG. 2, the far-infrared radiators of Examples 1 to 3 all exhibit a high far-infrared emissivity, and the same radiation is obtained in the far-infrared band of 4 to 20 μm. It has a rate curve. However, in detail, there is a slight difference in their far infrared emissivity curves. In terms of only high emissivity, Example 1 in which alumina was compounded in addition to zircon as the far infrared ray raw material for ceramics was the highest, Example 2 in which cordierite was compounded next, and Example in which silica was compounded. The emissivity tends to be higher in the order of 3.

However, when comparing the example in which the raw material powder is fired with the non-fired comparative example, the difference is clear. That is, irrespective of the composition of the far-infrared emitting material, the far-infrared radiators of Examples 1 to 3 in which the raw material powder is fired have an emissivity higher than that of the comparative example made of a non-fired mere mixture. 5-10 over the entire far infrared band
%high. Although this result seems to be related to the difference in surface roughness, in any case, from the test results on this emissivity characteristic, it is better to radiate far infrared rays when the mixture of raw materials is fired than when it is not fired. It can be seen that the characteristics can be obtained.

The emissivity characteristics shown in FIG. 2 are obtained when the surface temperature of the far infrared radiator is 140 ° C. and the room temperature (20 ° C.).
The emissivity characteristic is obtained by shifting the characteristic curve of FIG. 2 to the long wavelength side by about 2.5 μm (Vienne's displacement law regarding radiation intensity).

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, according to the results of the algae generation test, in the case of the far-infrared radiators of Examples 1 to 3, the generation of algae was observed in two weeks. As opposed to
In the case of Comparative Example 2, the generation of algae was observed after 3 weeks, which was later than these, and in the cases of Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 3, further after 4 weeks, the generation of algae was observed. In this test, Example 1
No substantial difference was observed between Example 3 and Example 3.

From these test results, the ceramic far-infrared radiation material and the radiation source material are higher than those obtained by simply mixing and using these powders and firing them. It can be seen that infrared emissivity characteristics can be obtained, and a higher "non-thermal effect (room temperature effect)" can be obtained when the far infrared radiator is used at room temperature.

[Examples 4 to 6 and Comparative Examples 4 to 7] FIG. 3 shows Examples 4 to 6 and Comparative Examples 4 to 7 of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a table showing the compounding composition (% by weight) of the far-infrared radiator consisting of the small spherical molded article of No. 1 and the results of the plant growth promotion test by non-heat utilization thereof.

<Fabrication of Far Infrared Radiator (Spherical)> FIG. 3
Far-infrared radiators made of the small spherical molded bodies of Examples 4 to 6 of the present invention were prepared with the composition (% by weight) shown in. Further, for comparison with these, the same far-infrared radiators of Comparative Examples 4 to 7 were also produced.

As shown in FIG. 3, the far-infrared radiators of these examples are all white ceramics far-infrared raw material, radiation source material made of monazite, and ceramic material (cement stone as a binder). ) And a mixture of
In each embodiment, the type of ceramic far-infrared radiation material is variously changed. That is, Example 4 comprises 40% by weight of zirconia, 20% by weight of monazite, and 40% by weight of porcelain stone. Also, instead of the zirconia,
Zircon is used in Example 5 and alumina is used in Example 6.

The far-infrared radiators of these examples were manufactured specifically as follows. That is, various ceramics far-infrared radiation materials, monazite, and further porcelain stones are placed in a porcelain pot with the above-mentioned composition, and approximately the same amount of water is added thereto and wet-mixed and pulverized. Were pulverized and mixed until the average particle size became about 1 μm. Then, the kneaded material obtained by filtering this was formed into a rod shape and cut into about 10 mm, and the cut mass was granulated into small spheres by a rotary granulator. Next, this granulated product was dried in the sun and then heated to about 1200 ° C. and fired to form a composite. After that, barrel polishing is appropriately applied to obtain a diameter of about 8
A far-infrared radiator made of a small spherical molded body having a size of mm was obtained.

Further, in contrast to these examples, the blending of monazite as a radiation source material was omitted, and the blending amount of porcelain stone was increased by that amount, and the far infrared radiation of Comparative Examples 4 to 6 was similarly obtained. The body was made. That is, Comparative Examples 4 to 6
Is composed of 40% by weight of far-infrared radiation material, zirconia, zircon, or alumina, and 60% by weight of porcelain stone. Further, as a comparative example 7, a similar molded body composed of 20% by weight of monazite and 80% by weight of porcelain stone was prepared by omitting the compounding of the far infrared ray emitting material.

<Plant Growth Promotion Test> Then, in order to evaluate the “non-thermal effect (room temperature effect)” of each far-infrared radiator of these Examples and Comparative Examples, a plant growth promotion test, specifically For this, a growth promotion test for Salvia seedlings and a germination / growth promotion test for Japanese radish were performed.

(1) Salvia Seedling Growth Test A large number of flower pots (diameter 15 cm) filled with 330 g of soil were prepared, and a commercial salvia seedling grown to a height of about 10 cm was planted in each of the plant pots. At the same time, 50 g of the far-infrared radiators of Examples and Comparative Examples were embedded at a position of 1 to 2 cm around the seedling. Then, these were cultivated outdoors in a sunny place for 4 months (May-September), and their growth conditions were observed and compared.

The results of this observation are also shown in FIG. In addition,
Regarding the evaluation of this growth condition, the following comparative evaluation was carried out based on those grown without using a far infrared radiator. ◯: Very good growth. □: Growing well. B: Normal growth state.

(2) Radish germination / growth test A large number of 230 ml polyethylene containers were prepared, and 15 g of each far-infrared radiator of each of the examples and comparative examples and 100 ml of tap water were added to the container, and absorbent cotton was coiled. It was dipped so that its side surface was at the same level as the water surface. Then, 10 seeds of Japanese radish (first generation mating) were spread on the absorbent cotton, placed in a room out of direct sunlight, and evaporating water was added every day, and the germination and growth conditions were observed for one month. (September to October). In addition,
On the outside of the growing container, another polyethylene container having a black tape wound on the outside was placed so as to prevent light from entering from the side and bottom.

The results of the germination / growth test of this Japanese radish are also shown in FIG. Regarding the evaluation of growth condition, germination and germination with water without using a far infrared radiator
Based on the grown ones, the following comparative evaluations were carried out. ◯: Very good growth. B: Normal growth state.

<Test Results> Growth of salvia shown in FIG.
In the case of the far-infrared radiators of Examples 4 to 6 containing both the ceramic far-infrared radiation material and monazite which is a radiation source material like the results of germination and growth of Japanese radish, a comparative example in which one of these is not included A higher growth state was generally observed as compared with 4 to Comparative Example 7. However, it is difficult to unify the conditions in this type of test, and therefore the results are likely to vary. However, the tendency that the “non-thermal effect (normal temperature effect)” is further enhanced by the combination of the radiation source materials is clearly shown in the test results.

Regarding the action of promoting the growth of plants by using the far-infrared radiator at room temperature, the weak far-infrared rays emitted from the far-infrared radiator act on water to promote its ionization and cluster division, and It is considered that this is because water active for growth is generated. Further, it is considered that the far infrared rays enhance the molecular movement of the organic components forming the living body by contacting with the root hair of the plant and enhance the biological reaction.

Incidentally, Examples 4 to 6 and Comparative Example 4
The far-infrared radiator having the composition of Comparative Example 7 was separately measured for its far-infrared emissivity in the same manner as in the above-mentioned Examples (140 ° C.). According to this, in Example 4 in which zirconia was used as the far-infrared emitting material, a nearly ideal emissivity characteristic, that is, a characteristic that the emissivity was sufficiently high and particularly flat in the wavelength region of 10 μm or more, was obtained. On the other hand, in Example 5 using zircon, a slight drop in emissivity was observed in the wavelength range of 10 to 14 μm (however, 14
(It rises when μm or more), and Example 6 using alumina.
Then, the emissivity showed a downward curve at 14 μm or more. Thus, these emissivity characteristics were three-fold, although the third component, porcelain stone, was also associated with it. Further, Comparative Examples 4 to 6 in which the mixing of monazite was omitted
Had the same waveform emissivity characteristics as those of Examples 4 to 6, respectively, but the emissivity decreased particularly in the wavelength range of 6 μm or less. Furthermore, in Comparative Example 7 in which the far-infrared emitting material was omitted, the emissivity was low as a whole, and the drop in the wavelength range of 10 to 13 μm was large.

[Embodiment 7] The far-infrared radiator is also used for purification of water and the like. Then, the far-infrared radiator of Example 7 consisting of a small spherical molded body was prepared and used for tap water and bath water of a 24-hour bath, and the water quality change at that time was tested and measured.

FIG. 4 is a table showing changes in water quality when the far infrared radiator of Example 7 of the present invention is used for tap water.
Also, FIG. 5 is a table showing water quality changes when the far-infrared radiator of Example 7 of the present invention is used in a bath for 24 hours.

<Preparation of Far Infrared Radiator (Small Spherical Molded Body)> A far infrared radiator composed of a small spherical compact having a diameter of 8 mm was manufactured as Example 7 in the same manner as in Examples 4 to 6 described above. . However, its composition is composed of 35% by weight of zircon as a far infrared ray emitting material, 15% by weight of monazite as a radiation source material, and 50% by weight of porcelain stone which is a ceramic material as a solidifying agent.

<Tap water test> This far infrared radiator was immersed in tap water, and the change in water quality after 4 hours and 24 hours was tested. The test items are pH, chlorine ion Cl ⁻ concentration (mg / l), calcium ion Ca ²⁺ concentration (mg / l), CO
D (mg / l) and electric conductivity. In addition, the test uses a far-infrared radiator (far-red body) for 500 ml of tap water.
When 50g is added, 500 for 500ml of tap water
It was performed with and without addition of g.

The test results are shown in FIG. Regarding the electric conductivity, the measured temperature at that time is shown in the lower part.

<Results of Tap Water Test> As shown in FIG. 4, when tap water alone is used, other changes over time are slight except for pH, whereas in tap water containing a far-infrared radiator,
There is a trend toward a higher rise in CO 2, an increase in chloride ion Cl ^−, a decrease in calcium ion Ca ²⁺ , and an increase in COD. That is, although a large amount of far-infrared radiator was used in this test, "non-thermal effect (room temperature effect)" due to its use at normal temperature
Can be confirmed.

Here, the increase in pH is caused by the promotion of ionization of water, such as H ₃ O ⁺ , e _aq ⁻ (hydrated ion), and O.
It is considered to be due to mutual reaction of H ⁻ or radicals such as · OH and · H with time. Also,
It is considered that the increase in chlorine ions is due to the fact that chlorine, which is ejected due to the increase in vibrational motion of water molecules and the division of clusters, reacts with .OH or the like. Furthermore, calcium ion Ca
It is considered that the decrease of ²⁺ is due to the formation of a salt with the organic compound activated by the division of the cluster, and the increase of COD is the organic compound that was resistant to potassium permanganate. Is considered to be the result of being activated by absorbing far infrared rays and easily reacting with potassium permanganate. The electric conductivity is difficult to evaluate because the measurement temperature is not constant, but the fact that the electric conductivity does not change indicates that there is no increase or decrease of ions from the outside.

<24-hour bath test> The 24-hour bath has recently begun to spread to general households. The water in the bath is circulated by a pump, a filter is installed at the water intake port, and a bath is provided on the way. Depending on the biofilter and model, an ultraviolet germicidal lamp is installed to purify and sterilize the bath water, and some of it may be taken out and replenished, but it may take 1 week to 1 week.
It keeps warm without changing the hot spring and allows you to take a bath at any time. For this 24-hour bath, the far-infrared radiator of Example 7 was used as a filter aid, and a bath water purification test was conducted using the same.

Specifically, about 1 kg of the far-infrared radiator (small spherical molded body) of Example 7 was placed in the hot water passage of the bath system for 24 hours.
It was packed and used for a maximum of 3 weeks under the condition that it was always in contact with hot water.
Then, after a predetermined date, a part of the bath water was sampled and the water quality was examined. The inspection items are pH, COD (mg /
l), turbidity, calcium ion concentration (mg / l), magnesium ion concentration (mg / l), chloride ion concentration (mg / l), iron ion concentration (mg / l), number of coliforms, electrical conductivity, And the total nitrogen content (mg / l).

This test was carried out at two locations where the tap water sources were different and the 24-hour bath equipment models were also different from each other. On the other hand, model A of the 24-hour bath device is equipped with an ultraviolet germicidal lamp, and model B is used many biofilters instead of lacking it.

The test results are shown in FIG.

<Results of 24-hour bath test> In this 24-hour bath test, since the target test cannot be performed, the "non-thermal effect (room temperature effect)" of the far infrared radiator used is not clear.
However, as shown in the test results of FIG. 5, the water quality is kept sufficiently clean even after continuous use of bath water for two weeks or more. For example, according to the quality standard of tap water, COD is 1
The bath water is below 0 mg / l, the turbidity is below 2.0 degrees, and the tap water is below the standard of this tap water. This indicates that the far-infrared radiator can be suitably used for purifying bath water in a 24-hour bath. Since the far-infrared radiator contains monazite, which is a natural radioactive mineral, a hot spring effect such as a radium hot spring can be expected to some extent. However, it has not yet been confirmed at this point.

[Embodiment 8] FIG. 6 is a characteristic diagram showing a far-infrared emissivity of a far-infrared radiator according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

It is known that diesel fuel (light oil) is smokeless as a specific use of the far infrared radiator at room temperature. Therefore, a far-infrared radiator suitable for such an application was manufactured as Example 8, and the combustion test was also conducted in an actual vehicle.

<Production of Far Infrared Radiator (Black Small Spherical Molding)> Diesel fuel used in diesel vehicles, that is,
In addition to aliphatic hydrocarbons and olefinic hydrocarbons, light oil contains about 20% or more of aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene which causes black smoke because it has a high ignition point and is difficult to completely burn. . And, the peak of the absorption spectrum of this aromatic hydrocarbon is concentrated in the band of 12 to 15 μm.

Therefore, as the ceramic far-infrared radiation material, a colored far-infrared radiation material having particularly excellent emissivity characteristics in the wavelength region of 10 μm or more is used, and by combining them, a black far-infrared radiation material is manufactured. . That is, iron oxide (Fe ₂ O ₃ ) 20%, chromium oxide (Cr ₂ O ₃ ) 32
%, Manganese oxide (MnO ₂ ) 6%, cobalt oxide (C
A mixed powder of 42% oO) was fired at 1200 ° C. to form a black body, which was wet pulverized to produce a black pigment-like ceramic far-infrared radiation material.

Then, the far-infrared radiator of this example was manufactured in the same manner as in Examples 4 to 7 as follows. That is, the above black pigment 4 as a far-infrared radiation material
0 parts by weight, 20 parts by weight of monazite as a radiation source material, and 40 parts by weight of porcelain stones as a ceramic material as a solidifying agent (total 100 parts by weight) were put in a porcelain pot, and approximately the same amount of water was added to the pot. Was added and pulverized by wet mixing for 24 hours. Then, the kneaded material obtained by filtering this was formed into a small spherical shape, dried, and then fired at 1200 ° C. to form a composite, thereby producing a small spherical formed body having a diameter of 10 mm.

<Far Infrared Radiation Properties> The emissivity of the far infrared radiator having the above composition (surface temperature of 140
C) is shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the above-mentioned black pigment itself, which is a far-infrared radiation material, has an emissivity characteristic close to that of a “black body”. However, due to the combination of monazite and porcelain, The emissivity of the radiator is lower than that. However, its emissivity is 12-14 μm
Shows the maximum value in the wavelength region of, and the waveform at room temperature shifts to the long wavelength side by about 2 μm,
Its radiative properties are favorable to the absorption properties of aromatic hydrocarbons.

<Combustion test of diesel fuel and its result>
Then, a combustion test of diesel fuel using the far-infrared radiator of this example was conducted as an actual vehicle test. Specifically, using a 4t truck which is a diesel vehicle, 900g of the far infrared radiator is housed in an appropriate net in the center of its fuel tank (300l) filled with light oil,
It was hung on the back side of the lid and put in. Then, after leaving it as it is for 24 hours, the engine was started, and the black smoke concentration of the exhaust gas was measured by a method according to the black smoke pollution degree inspection at the time of diesel vehicle inspection.

As a result, the black smoke concentration, which was about 31% before the use of this far infrared radiator, decreased to about 15% after the use (reduction rate 52%). Therefore, it was confirmed that this far-infrared radiator is also very effective for smoke-free diesel fuel. And this black smoke prevention effect is
It is considered that the fuel consumption will be further improved by devising the contact area with the fuel, etc., but this will directly improve the fuel efficiency. For comparison with the far-infrared radiator of this example, the blending of monazite was omitted, and a similar far-infrared radiator composed of 50% by weight of a black pigment and 50% by weight of porcelain, and a black pigment. By omitting the compounding, the similar small spherical molded bodies composed of 20% by weight of monazite and 80% by weight of porcelain stone were prepared, and a combustion test of diesel fuel was conducted under the same conditions as above. As a result, the reduction rates of the black smoke concentration were 34% and 44%, respectively, showing a significant difference from the far-infrared radiator of this example.

With respect to the smoke-eliminating action of this diesel fuel, far infrared rays emitted from the far infrared ray radiator are absorbed by hydrocarbons, particularly aromatic hydrocarbons, and vibrational motion between atoms of the molecule is selectively increased. It is considered that this is because the combustion reactivity of the alloy is increased. Further, in this case, it is conceivable that a highly reactive hydrocarbon or hydrogen radical is generated by the ionization action of far infrared rays or radiation from the radiation source material. However, in reality, it is considered that the increase of these vibrational movements and radicalization act synergistically, thereby enhancing the reactivity of aromatic hydrocarbons in particular.

[0098]

As described above, the far-infrared radiator according to claim 1 is a powder of ceramic far-infrared radiation material,
A mixture containing a powder of a radiation source material made of a radioactive mineral containing at least one natural radioactive element of thorium and uranium, is fired and compounded.

Therefore, since the far-infrared radiator contains the radiation source material made of radioactive minerals, the energy of the radiation emitted from the radioactive decay of the natural radioactive element is absorbed by the ceramic far-infrared radiation material. It is converted into its excitation energy and emitted as far infrared rays. Further, since the far-infrared radiation material and the radiation source material are pulverized and mixed, and then compounded by firing, the particles are uniformly dispersed in each other and the particles are densified. The radiation energy is effectively converted into far infrared radiation energy.
Therefore, the ceramic far-infrared radiation material can radiate more far-infrared rays even at room temperature (under no heat). That is, according to this far-infrared radiator, far-infrared rays with a larger amount of energy can be diffused even at the time of use at room temperature, and as a result, higher "non-heat" such as water purification or activation can be obtained. There is an effect that "effect (normal temperature effect)" can be obtained.

The far-infrared radiator according to claim 2 is a powder of a ceramic far-infrared radiation material and a radiation source material made of a radioactive mineral containing at least one natural radioactive element of thorium and uranium. A mixture containing and is fired to form a composite, and then pulverized into a powder form.

Therefore, according to this far-infrared radiator, the effect of claim 1 is obtained and, particularly, since it is formed as a powder, a filler for a plastic material, an additive for kneading a fiber material, etc. Can be used as
It is also possible to add an appropriate organic binder and use it as a coating agent for clothing or the like.

Further, the far-infrared radiator according to claim 3 is a powder of a ceramic far-infrared radiation material and a radiation source material powder made of a radioactive mineral containing at least one natural radioactive element of thorium and uranium. And a ceramic material powder are formed into a desired shape and fired to form a composite.

Therefore, according to this far-infrared radiator, since the ceramic material is added, in addition to the effect of claim 1, it is possible to obtain a far-infrared radiator made of a molded body having high strength and the like. There is. The far-infrared radiator can be formed into an appropriate shape such as a small sphere, and can be used in various specific applications such as water purification or activation.

In addition, the far-infrared radiator according to claim 4 is the far-infrared radiator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ceramic far-infrared material is a white ceramic far-infrared material.

Therefore, according to this far-infrared radiator, since the ceramic far-infrared material is made of the white ceramic far-infrared material having a relatively high emissivity in the wavelength range of 10 μm or less, it contains water or a large amount of water. Alternatively, it can be particularly preferably used for a specific application for an organic compound in water.

A far infrared radiator according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the far infrared radiator according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the ceramic far infrared material is a colored ceramic far infrared material.

Therefore, according to this far-infrared radiator, since the ceramic far-infrared material is the colored ceramic far-infrared material having a relatively high emissivity in the wavelength range of 10 μm or more, organic compounds such as hydrocarbon fuels are used. It can be used particularly preferably in a specific application intended for.

A far infrared radiator according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the far infrared radiator according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the radiation source material made of the radioactive mineral is monazite.

Therefore, according to this far-infrared radiator, since the radiation source material made of radioactive mineral is monazite containing a relatively large amount of thorium oxide, a far-infrared radiator having a large amount of far-infrared radiation energy can be easily manufactured. There is an effect that can be.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows the composition of the far-infrared radiators of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 of the present invention, and the results of the algae generation test by non-heat utilization. FIG.

FIG. 2 is a characteristic diagram showing far-infrared emissivity of far-infrared radiators of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a blending composition (% by weight) of far-infrared radiators of Examples 4 to 6 and Comparative Examples 4 to 7 of the present invention, and a plant growth promotion test by non-heat utilization thereof. It is a table showing the result of.

FIG. 4 is a table showing changes in water quality when the far-infrared radiator of Example 7 of the present invention is used for tap water.

FIG. 5 is a table showing changes in water quality when the far infrared radiator of Example 7 of the present invention is used in a bath for 24 hours.

FIG. 6 is a characteristic diagram showing a far infrared emissivity of a far infrared radiator of Example 8 of the present invention.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A mixture containing a powder of a ceramic far-infrared radiation material and a powder of a radiation source material made of a radioactive mineral containing at least one natural radioactive element of thorium and uranium is fired to form a composite. Far-infrared radiator characterized by the following. 2. A mixture containing a powder of a ceramic far-infrared radiation material and a powder of a radiation source material made of a radioactive mineral containing at least one natural radioactive element of thorium and uranium is fired to form a composite. After that, a far infrared radiator characterized by being pulverized into a powder form. 3. A mixture containing a powder of a ceramic far-infrared radiation material, a powder of a radiation source material made of a radioactive mineral containing at least one natural radioactive element of thorium and uranium, and a powder of a ceramic material. A far-infrared radiator characterized by being formed into a desired shape, baked, and compounded. 4. The ceramic far-infrared radiation material,
The far-infrared radiator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is made of a white ceramic far-infrared radiation material. 5. The far-infrared radiation material for ceramics comprises:
The far-infrared radiator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the far-infrared radiator comprises a colored ceramic far-infrared radiation material. 6. The far infrared radiator according to claim 1, wherein the radiation source material made of the radioactive mineral is made of monazite.