SE1230103A1 - Aqueous composition and method of fire control - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present invention discloses a composition and the use of the same in firecontrol applications. The composition comprises a compound of Formula I or anynegatively charged deprotonated form thereof, a compound of Formula lla or Ilb or anypositively charged or tautomeric form thereof, a hydrophobic component and anamphiphilic component, Wherein Rl is OH or Cl-6 alkyl; R2 is H or C(=X)NH2; X isindependently selected from O and N; R3 is independently selected from NH2 and OH. Methods for production are also disclosed. H3° H N H NÅWR1íP:OH 2 www ÄN/ |-| X H3(Ha) (Hb) F13 eO-=

Description

AQUEOUS COMPOSITION FOR GENERAL FIRE CONTROL TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to an aqueous composition for use in fire control applications, for fire extinguishing and as flame retardant.

BACKGROUND Two general principles for the repression of the harm and seriousness ofburning combustible materials include: (i) the lowering of the materials tendency tokindle by treatment with a suitable composition, e. g. impregnation with a flameretardant, and (ii) extinguishing of the fire with a suitable liquid, solid or gaseouscomposition. Examples of the composition according to (i) include compositionscontaining e. g. organic phosphorous containing compounds, and according to (ii), e. g.bicarbonate, halogenated hydrocarbon and carbon dioXide containing compositions.

For a generally applicable fire-eXtinguishing composition, it is desirable thatthe composition has additional fire retarding properties in accordance with the first (i)general principle above. The reason for this is to be found in the mechanisms by whicha fire spreads and re-ignites. A fire spreads by ignition of the material adjacent to theburning material, either by direct contact with the flames or indirectly by the heatradiation. Re-ignition is often caused, as in the case of e. g. re-ignition of e.g. a liquidpetroleum fuel or oil, by local heating above the flash point caused by heat radiation ordirect contact with a hot object or material. Hence, if the materials tendency to kindle islowered by the fire-eXtinguishing composition, the spreading of the fire is inhibited andthe extinguishing of the same facilitated. Furthermore, when the flames have been putout, the chances of subsequent re-ignition are diminished in comparison to the case ofemployment of fire-eXtinguishing means which are lacking additional fire retardingproperties.

Additional desirable properties of a generally applicable fire-eXtinguishingcomposition, beside its effectiveness as flame retardant and fire eXtinguisher, includelow toXicity, low environmental impact, low cost of composing constituents, easypreparation and handling, e.g. by firefighters, high stability enabling long term storagewithout decomposition and/or physical changes, e. g. precipitation, of the composition,suitable physicocherr1ical properties, e.g. viscosity, density, tiXotropy and lipophilicity, to allow facile and controlled application by e. g. the spraying through nozzles and/or pumping through fire-hoses, suitable physicochen1ical properties to allow effective fire-eXtinguishing of burning liquid hydrocarbons.

The most well known and used fire-eXtinguishing composition, which fulfillsmany of the above mentioned desired properties, is common water. When used in fire-fighting, water contacts burning objects which results in sufficient cooling such that theburning objects fall below their combustion or ignition temperatures, and new ignitionis precluded. ln addition, when water contacts hot objects, the water vaporizes toproduce steam, which eXpands and eXpels the air necessary for combustion.

However, when a fire is eXtinguished by spraying water on the fire, only a partof the sprayed water is effective because of water loss, such as by run-off orevaporation. In addition, water is not suitable for the fire-fighting of burning liquidhydrocarbons, e.g. gasoline, as the generated steam causes an explosion-like increaseand spread of the flames. ln order to improve the properties of water in flame proofing and fire-fightingapplications, additives such as fire retarding chen1icals, which may retard combustionfor at least brief periods even after the water has evaporated, as well as having a directfire-eXtinguishing effect, are being developed and are presently in use. Additionaladditives include, for example, thickening agents and different foam forming agents.Various forms of organic and inorganic phosphorous containing compounds representcommonly used fire retarding chemicals.

WO2011016773 A1 describes a composition comprising an organicphosphorous containing compound, an oil and a detergent for use in fire controlapplications. The phosphorous containing compound is a compound in whichphosphorous is covalently bonded to nitrogen in the form of an amidoalkylphosphonicacid. Furthermore, in specific embodiments the amidoalkylphosphonic acid is providedas an ammonium chloride complex, which is previously described in EP1065309 A1.Disadvantages of the amidoalkylphosphonic acids essential for the compositiondisclosed in WO2011016773 A1 include a relatively high cost of production incomparison to e.g. the other components of the composition. Furthermore, the presenceof chloride in eXemplified embodiments is undesired in respect of toXicological and environmental factors.

Hence, improved aqueous formulations useful for fire fighting, including fire eXtinguishing and fire proofing, is desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention, to provide a generally applicable fire-eXtinguishing composition With a lower cost of production in comparison to presentcompositions with sirr1ilar applicability.

It is another object of the present invention, to provide a generally applicablefire-eXtinguishing composition with a lower environmental or toXicological negativeimpact in comparison to present compositions with sirr1ilar applicability.

It is another object of the present invention, to provide a generally applicablefire-eXtinguishing composition with a lower environmental or toXicological negativeimpact and a lower cost of production, with a similar or improved efficacy, in comparison to present compositions with sirr1ilar applicability.

These and other objects, which will appear from the following description,have now been achieved by an aqueous composition comprising a compound ofFormula I or any negatively charged deprotonated form thereof, a compound of Formula lla or llb or any positively charged or tautomeric form thereof, RsR H N H NJšNR1:F|>_oH 2 \H/ m2 ÄOH X Rs N/ Rs (|) (Ha) (||b) I a hydrophobic component and an amphiphilic component, wherein R1 is OH or C16alkyl; R2 is H or C(=X)NH2; X is independently selected from O and N; R3 isindependently selected from NH; and OH; and the composition is comprising 1 to 10 %by weight of the sum of the compound of Formula I or negatively charged deprotonatedform thereof, 0.5 to 15 % by weight of the sum of the compound of Formula lla or llbor positively charged or tautomeric form thereof, 0.015 to 1.7 % by weight of thehydrophobic component, and 0.0165 to 2 % by weight of the amphiphilic component.According to another aspect, the composition may further comprise a compound of Formula III, H4 H4 \N/ H4 (lll) wherein R4 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1_6 alkyl and C1_6 I fluoroalkyl. Advantages of the presence of a compound of Formula III include theincreased ability to simultaneously maintain a desirable pH and ratio betweenphosphorous and nitrogen, i.e. a P-N-ratio, in the composition.

According to another aspect, the pH of the composition may be in the rangefrom 6 to 10. Such a pH range may allow a more optimal long term stability of thecomposition and a rninimized negative effect, such as e. g. corrosion, of any container,such as e. g. a metallic container, in which the composition is stored.

According to another aspect, the ratio in the composition between the weight ofthe total phosphorous content and the weight of the total nitrogen content, i.e. the P-N-ratio, may be in the range from 0.1 to 0.6. Such a ratio provides an optimal performance of the composition in fire control applications.

Further features of the invention and its embodiments are set forth in the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Several embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detailbelow with reference to the accompanying formulas in order for those skilled in the artto be able to carry out the invention. The invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as lin1ited to the embodiments set forthherein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thoroughand complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.The embodiments do not lin1it the invention, but the invention is only limited by theappended patent claims. Furthermore, the terminology used in the detailed descriptionof the particular embodiments illustrated in the accompanying formulas is not intended to be limiting of the invention. lt Was surprisingly found that the composition according to the inventionconstitute an excellent general fire fighting composition With fire extinguishing and fireretarding properties.

With “fire-extinguish” or simply “extinguish” With reference to flames or fire,or the like, is to be understood herein a treatment Which puts out the flames of a fire. 77 LL With “flame proofing , fire proofing", “flame retardation", “fire retardation", or thelike, is to be understood herein a treatment Which loWers a materials tendency to kindle,such as, for example, impregnation.

The composition of the invention essentially comprise a compound of FormulaI, a compound of Formula lla or llb, a hydrophobic component and an amphiphilic component, dissolved or dispersed in Water.

RsR F1N H\ N/LšmR1--T--oH 2 \¶/ H2 /fl\OH X Rs N/ Rs /X~f (Ha) (Hb) R1 may be OH or Cm alkyl, such as e. g. methyl.

R2 may be H or C(=X)NH2 , such as e.g. C(=O)NH2 or C(=N)NH2. X ofFormula lla may be O or N. R3 may be NH; or OH in any combination.

The composition may comprise 1 to 10 %, such as 5 to 10 %, by Weight of thecompound of Formula I, 0.5 to 15 %, such as 8 to 15 %, by Weight the compound ofFormula lla or llb, 0.015 to 1.7 %, such as 0.5 to 1.7 %, by Weight of the hydrophobiccomponent, and 0.0165 to 2 %, such as 0.5 to 2 %, by Weight of the amphiphiliccomponent.

Non-limiting examples of compounds of Formula I are depicted in Scheme 1. oQF/oH 0% /QH O\ /OH oQFyoHPoH |\@H \ P, \OH *oHOH Ia CHs Ib |C F] |do oHšpíoH ošP/OH (DW/OH o oH\OH *oH *P1*OH|e 'f |g |h Scheme 1 According to one embodiment, the compound of Formula I is Ia. Advantagesof Ia include a readily availability, low cost and low toxicity.

According to one embodiment, Rl of Formula I is C1_6 alkyl, preferably methyl.5 Non-limiting examples of compounds of Formula IIa are depicted in Scheme 2.H N NHNH o NH o 2 Y 2»L »L »L ,N»LN, NHZN N NH, HZN NH, 2 2 W||aa ||ab Ilac N nadScheme 2Non-limiting examples of compounds of Formula IIb are depicted in Scheme 3.NHZ 3:' OH NH,»W »i l» n»/ |H N N NH / /2 2 Ho N oH HZN N NH, HOÅN/ OHIlba Ilbb Ilbc ||bdScheme 3 Non-limiting examples of the hydrophobic component include paraffinic oils,of e.g. petroleum origin, rr1ixtures of straight and/or branched and/or cyclic alkanes orl0 alcohols, such as e.g. alkanes or alcohols with 8 to 40 carbon atoms, esters betweenglycerin and long chain carboxylic acids with 8 to 30 carbon atoms, which may beliquid at ambient temperature and comprise one or several double bonds, or n1ixtures ofsuch esters, which may be liquid at ambient temperature, including e. g. oils of Vegetableorigin or cooking oils.l5 According to one embodiment, the hydrophobic component may be baby oil,such as the baby oil “mjukt & skönt” from AB Gunry in Kungsbacka, Sweden.According to one embodiment, the hydrophobic component may comprise atleast one, such as all, of the compounds selected from the group consisting ofParaffinium liquidium, cetyl alcohol or any similar long chain alcohol, glycine soya oil20 and olus oil.According to one embodiment of the invention, the hydrophobic component may be massage oil.

According to one embodiment, the hydrophobic component may be an oil ofvegetable origin with relatively low toxicity such as coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil,olive oil, palm oil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil,sunflower oil, amaranth oil, apricot oil, apple seed oil, argan oil, artichoke oil, avocadooil, babassu oil, ben oil, borneo tallow nut oil, yangu oil, cocklebur oil, cohune oil, dikaoil, false flax oil, flax seed oil, grape seed oil, hemp oil, kapok seed oil, marula oil,meadowfoam seed oil, mustard oil, okra seed oil, papaya seed oil, perilla seed oil,poppyseed oil, prune kernel oil, quinoa oil, ramtil oil, rice bran oil and tea seed oil.

According to one embodiment, the hydrophobic component may be an oil ofvegetable origin such as castor oil, coconut oil, cottonseed oil, palm oil, peanut oil,radish oil, rapeseed oil, rice bran oil, safflower oil, salicornia oil, sunflower oil, tung oil,copaiba, honge oil, jatropha oil, jojoba oil and petroleum nut oil.

According to one embodiment, the hydrophobic component may be a cookingoil such as, for example, olive oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, canola oil, soybean oil,peanut oil, sesame oil, corn oil, mustard oil, palm oil, grape seed oil, almond oil, andwalnut oil.

According to one embodiment, the hydrophobic component may be rapeseedoil or sunflower oil. Advantages of such oils include their readily availability, low costand low toxicity.

The amphiphilic component may typically comprise one or several of anionic-,cationic- , zwitterionic- and nonionic amphiphilic surfactants of a type and inproportions well known in the art to yield an efficacious, low-toxic and relativelyenvironmentally benign emulsifier of oil-in-water emulsions, such as in e.g.commercially available dish-washing detergents. The anionic surfactant may be, forexample, a sulphate, e. g. sodium dodecyl- or lauryl sulphate or ammonium laurylsulphate; a sulphonate, e.g. perfluorooctanylsulphonate or various alkyl benzenesulphonates; and a carboxylate, e.g perfluorooctanoate, and various fatty acid salts orsoaps. The cationic surfactant may be, for example, a quarternary ammonium salt suchas an alkyl trimethylammonium salt, e.g. cetyl trimethylammonium bromide, or apyridinium salt, e. g. cetylpyridinium chloride. Zwitterionic surfactants include, forexample, CHAPS, betaine derivatives like cocarr1idopropyl betaine and dodecyl betaine,and cocoyl glycinates. Examples of nonionic amphiphilic surfactants include suitablysubstituted, e. g. alkylated, poly(ethylene oxides), Triton X-100, copolymers of ethyleneoxide and propylene oxide, suitably substituted, e. g. alkylated, glucosides such as octyl glucoside and decyl maltoside, long chain alcohols, e. g. cetyl alcohol and oleyl alcohol, fatty acid amides like cocamide, sorbitol derived compounds like esters of sorbitan andPEG-ylated sorbitan.

According to one embodiment, the amphiphilic component of the compositionmay be a commercially available fabric softener.

According to one embodiment, the amphiphilic component of the compositionmay be a commercially available liquid or dry dishWashing detergent, According to one embodiment, the amphiphilic component of the compositionmay be a commercially available liquid dishWashing detergent, such as YES® orFairy® from Procter & Gamble.

According to one embodiment, the amphiphilic component may comprise atleast one, such as all, of the compounds of Formula IVa, lVb, lVc and lVd, Wherein nlmay be 8 to l4, such as l0, ml may be 2 to 4, such as 2, n2 may be 8 to l4, such as ll,m2 may be 2 to 6, such as 4, n3 may be 8 to l4, such as ll and n4 may be 8 to l4, suchas ll.

(PH oH f HO OH o ' 9 I |(OCH2CHåm1 ((ocH,cH,)m, -ITI=O |\||=o /(CH2)n1 /(CH2)n2 /(CH2)r13 /(CH2)n4 |va |vb |vc Nd Scheme 4 According to one embodiment, the amphiphilic component may comprise amixture of the compounds of Formula IVa, IVb and IVc, or corresponding salts,constituting 50 Wt-% or more of the amphiphilic component, With the relativeproportions by Weight of 3 to 6: 0.2 to l: l to 2, respectively.

According to one embodiment, the amphiphilic component of the compositionmay comprise at least one surfactant and optionally additional ingredients commonlyused in detergents as Well known in the art, e. g. compounds that modify foamingproperties, sultaine surfactant hydrotropes, corrosion inhibitors and preservatives, e. g.N-alkylisothiazolinone and/or chlorinated derivatives thereof.

The composition may comprise a compound of Formula III, H4 H4 \N/ H4 (lll) I wherein R4 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1_6alkyl, such as e.g. methyl and ethyl, and C16 fluoroalkyl, such as e.g. a fluoroalkylgroup comprising 1 to 13 fluoro, such as 3 to 5 fluoro. Advantages of the presence of acompound of Formula III include the increased ability to simultaneously maintain adesirable pH and ratio between phosphorous and nitrogen, i.e. a P-N-ratio, in thecomposition. For example, a compound of Formula I may bias the composition towardsan undesirable low pH, which may not be increased enough towards a desirable rangeby the presence of compounds of Formula IIa or IIb with only weakly basic properties.Partial substitution of the compounds of Formula IIa or IIb with only weakly basicproperties for a compound of Formula III, may thus generate a compound of FormulaIII in a protonated positively charged form by an acid-base reaction while a desirablepH and P-N-ratio is achieved. The exact amount of the partial substitution is dependanton factors such as e. g. the acidity of the compound of Formula I, the alkalinity of thecompounds of Formula IIa and IIb, the desired final pH and P-N-ratio of thecomposition, as readily understood and calculated by the skilled artisan. In addition, thecompound of Formula III may carry additional functional groups or elements, e.g.fluorine of alkylfluoro, which are beneficial for the efficacy or performance of thecomposition.

It is well known to the skilled person that compounds of Formula I, IIa and IIbmay have basic or acidic properties, i.e. that they may exist as salts or undergo acid-basereactions in aqueous solution, whereby they get protonated or deprotonated and maythus exist in a negatively or positively charged form. The artisan is also well aware ofthat some of these compounds may exist in different tautomeric and mesomeric forms.Although the compounds of Formula I, IIa and IIb are drawn herein in a particulartautomeric, mesomeric and neutral form, it is readily understood by the skilled personthat corresponding tautomeric and mesomeric forms exist. It is further readilyunderstood that e.g. a corresponding salt may be used in various cases instead of theneutral form when preparing a composition according to the invention. For example, asalt, such as e. g. an alkali metal salt or an ammonium salt, of a compound of Formula Iaor Ib may be used instead of a compound of Formula Ia or Ib in the form drawn herein, followed by subsequent pH adjustment of the resulting composition by addition of e.g. a strong acid such as e. g. sulphuric acid, to yield a composition according to theinvention. When, in such cases, the corresponding ammonium salt is used as substitute,the skilled artisan will realize that the amount of, in first hand, the compound of formulaIII, and secondly, the compound of Formula IIa or IIb, will have to be reduced in orderto achieve the desired P-N-ratio and pH as described herein.

Table 1 shows suitable combinations of ingredient and corresponding relativeamounts to furnish compositions of the invention, according to embodiments whichcorrespond to the entries therein. The hydrophobic component of these combinationsmay, for example, be the baby oil “mjukt & skönt” from AB Gunry in Kungsbacka,Sweden, or any other suitable hydrophobic component as disclosed herein. Theamphiphilic component of these combinations may, for example, be the liquiddishwashing detergent YES® or Fairy® from Procter & Gamble, or any other suitableamphiphilic component as disclosed herein.

Dependant on the acidic and basic properties of the constituting components ofthe composition, e.g. compounds of Formula I, IIa and IIb, the pH of the compositionmay be relatively low or high. Although the composition may be effective in manyapplications independent of this pH, it is often desirable to adjust the pH thereof to arange from 6 to 10, such as 7 to 9. A composition with such a pH may have a minimalnegative effect, such as corrosion, of the container it is stored in. Furthermore, chemicaldecomposition, such as e. g. hydrolysis of esters or an1ides, of other constituents, such ase. g. the lipophilic component or the amphiphilic component may be minimized, thusleading to improved long term storage ability. The pH of the composition may beincreased to reside within the desirable range by addition of an appropriate chloro andbromo free base such as a compound of Formula III, as described elsewhere herein.Non-limiting examples of other appropriate bases that may be used for this purpose,which will not affect the P-N-ratio, include alkali metal hydroxides or carbonates, e.g.sodium- or potassium hydroxide or carbonate. The pH of the composition may bedecreased to reside within the desirable range by addition of an appropriate chloro andbromo free acid. Non-lin1iting examples of such appropriate acids that may be used forthis purpose, which will not affect the P-N-ratio, include sulphuric acid or organic acidssuch as e. g. forrnic, acetic, lactic or citric acid. The pH of the compositions disclosed ine.g. Table 1, entry 1, 2, 12 and 13, with a relatively high content within the range ofcompounds of Formula IIa, may advantageously be decreased to below 10 or below 9 by addition of an acid. ll Table 'l _ v» ,_,.. v. Q.. . .ha ,, Wi* k? å)Q' *v 'VFQÜWV *Wq V"' 'ejf vf wf_ fr* f: (få ÉN 33. i) El»w *w »w.N .ox fi* vil; å? áš.N _,»__ v'»il CI.- Üüwæ wwwvwvwwww~o~<škfi Emš 3 .E å, å ß fl..,.§=w..._._w wa 5 Mä. .saw wvk “QQ ÉQM Q Q \ w æàt m 12 According to one embodiment, the P-N-ratio, i.e. the ratio between the totalweight of phosphorous and nitrogen in the composition may be 0.1 to 0.6. When thecomposition comprises a compound of Formula lla as the main nitrogen containingcomponent, the P-N-ratio may preferably be 0.1 to 0.3, more preferred 0.1 to 0.2. Whenthe composition comprises a compound of Formula Ilb as the main nitrogen containingcomponent, the P-N-ratio may preferably be 0.3 to 0.6, more preferred 0.5 to 0.6. Thecomposition may be considered to contain a compound of Formula lla or Ilb as themain nitrogen containing component when more than 60 %, such as more than 70, 80 or90 %, of the total weight of nitrogen in the composition is covalently bound in thecompound of Formula lla or Ilb, respectively.

The composition may be produced by adding, in a suitable order, thecompound of Formula I, or any salt thereof such as e. g. the mono- or di-sodium orammonium salt, the compound of Formula lla or Ilb, or any salt thereof such as e. g. acarbonate salt when applicable, the hydrophobic component and the amphiphiliccomponent to water, followed by mixing or stirring to provide a homogenous solutionor dispersion, to provide an intermediate mixture having a first pH. The pH of thisintermediate rnixture, having a first pH, may then be adjusted to a second pH which islower than the first pH by addition of an acid, or to to a second pH which is higher thanthe first pH by addition of a base. Non-lin1iting examples of suitable acids include, forexample, sulphuric acid, boric acid and organic acids such as forn1ic, acetic, lactic andcitric acid. Non-lin1iting examples of suitable bases include, for example, alkali metal,magnesium, aluminum and zinc hydroxides and carbonates. The base may be an arnineof Formula Ill, such as aqueous ammonia. Advantages of aqueous ammonia include areadily availability and low cost. Furthermore, the addition of an an1ine of Formula IIImay simultaneously set the P-N-ratio and the pH of the composition to a more optimal value, as described herein. ln fire fighting applications the composition may, for example, be used for the extinguishing of fires in water imrniscible flammable liquids, e. g. gasoline. In thisapplication, the composition has an advantage that no or less increase of the intensity ofthe fire due to a steam explosion occurs, which is the case with the most common wateror other water based compositions. ln addition, the composition effectively prevents re-ignition of the flammable liquid once the fire has been put out by employment of the SaITIC . 13 Additional burning flammable liquids Which may be extinguished byemployment of the present composition include Water rr1iscible organic liquids likemethanol, ethanol and acetone, and mixtures of these With each other or petroleumproducts like, for example, gasoline.

Without being bound to theory, the inventor believes that the compositionsability to inhibit ignition or re-ignition of a flammable liquid, Which has a temperaturenear its flash point, is due to the dirr1inished tendency of that liquid, in comparison tothe same liquid Which has not been treated With the composition, to en1it flammablegases.

The composition may also be used for the extinguishing of fires in othercombustible materials for Which conventional fire fighting means are presentlyemployed including, for example, Wood (e.g. forest fires), paper, textile and industrialWaste.

One advantage of the composition With regard to fire fighting of burning solidmaterials, for example Wood and tree-based materials, is its excellent flame retardingproperties upon direct administration by e. g. spraying ln one non-limiting fire-fighting application according to one embodiment, thecomposition may be used to pre-treat, by e. g. spraying, materials or objects in order toflame proof these. Such materials and objects include, for example, houses located neara raging fire and trees located near a raging forest-fire. The physicochemical propertiesof composition, Which is making the composition facile to spread in an effective Way, isadvantageous in this application.

Examples of liquids, of Which the flames When burning may be extinguishedWith the composition of the invention, include Water imrr1iscible organic solvents thatare liquids at room temperature, organic solvents that are partly soluble in Water andliquids at room temperature, combustion- and reaction-engine fuels and relatedhydrocarbons like e.g. gasoline and kerosene, Water miscible organic liquids andsolvents like methanol, ethanol and acetone, vegetable oils that are liquids at roomtemperature like cooking oils used for e.g. deep-frying of food.

Examples of semisolids, such as greases, gums or other at room temperatureamorphous materials, of Which the flames When burning may be extinguished With thecomposition of the invention, include fat of animal origin such as bacon-fat, grease ofpetroleum or synthetic origin such as lubricating grease, rubber such as in car tires, and tars such as e.g. Wood-, coal-, shale- and refined tars. 14 Examples of solids, of Which the flames When burning may be extinguishedwith the composition of the invention, include wood, trees, sawdust, paper, textile,house-refuse and industrial waste.

According to one embodiment, the herein above mentioned liquids, semisolidsand solids may be flame proofed by treatment with the composition according to theinvention.

The constituents of the composition according to the invention are eithercommercially available products, available at a low cost, or easily prepared from cheapcommercially available chemicals.

The relative proportions of the constituting ingredients of the compositionaccording to the invention may be varied so that a composition which is optimal for theparticular fire fighting or fire retarding application is obtained, as well known to theskilled person. For example, the physical properties, e.g. the viscosity, may be fine-tuned by varying the relative proportions of the constituting ingredients to generate thedesired drop-size and/or stream-shape as the composition is discharged through aparticular nozzle, or other type of outlet, used in the application of the same.

Furthermore, the selection of the constituting ingredients within the scope ofthe invention may be chosen such that a composition which is optimal for the particularfire fighting or fire retarding application is obtained, as well known to the skilledperson. For example, the combination of a particular hydrophobic component andamphiphilic component may be chosen to optimize the stability of the composition sothat no or minimal precipitation, or any other physical change, occurs upon storage ofthe composition in e. g. reservoirs at sites, like airports or gas stations, where readilyavailable fire fighting capabilities are desired. Another example include the choice of asuitable dyestuff as an additional additive for the fire fighting of e. g. forest fires,whereby treated areas are easily spotted, as known in the art.

According to one embodiment of the invention, additional additives of thecomposition of the present invention comprise, for example, suitable magnesium-,aluminum-, zink-, and calcium salts, known in the art to have a fire retarding effect,including, for example, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, zinchydroxystannate, calcium cyanamide, zinc cyanarnide, boric acid, zinc borate and otherboric acid salts. Such additives may also be used to increase or decrease the final pH ofthe composition when having alkaline or acidic properties, respectively, as well knownto the skilled person. One or several of these additives may further enhance the fire protecting properties of the composition according to the invention.

According to one embodiment of the invention, additional additives of thecomposition of the present invention comprise, for example, heat or light stabilizers,lubricants, film-forn1ing agents, plasticizers, colorants, pigments, dyestuffs,hydrophilizing agents, hydrophobizing agents and thickeners. Such additives mayfurther enhance the stability, the fire fighting capability, the ease of spotting where thecomposition has been applied, and improve the physicocherr1ical properties of thecomposition to be more optimal for the particular application. The selection of aparticular one of these additives for the enhancement or improvement of a givenproperty, is known to the one skilled in the art.

According to one embodiment of the invention, an additional additive of thecomposition of the present invention may be a foam forrr1ing agent, as well known inthe art, which results in the generation of, for example, an aqueous film forrning foam,an alcohol-resistant aqueous film forrning foam, and a film formed from fluoroproteins.

According to one embodiment of the invention, an additional additive of thecomposition of the present invention may be an anti-freeze agent such as ethylene- orpropylene glycol.

According to one embodiment of the invention, an additional additive of thecomposition of the present invention may be a thixotropy enhancing agent as known inthe art, i.e. an additive which will increase the tendency of the composition to a attain a stable gel like form at rest but to become more fluid-like when agitated. Such a property is beneficial in certain applications related to fire extinguishing or flame proofing of e.g. solid materials as it decreases the compositions tendency to run off the same.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the composition of theinvention may be used as the main active fire fighting component in an active fireprotection device. Such an active fire protection device may be a hand held or cart-mounted fire extinguisher used to extinguish or control small fires. A suitablepropellant, for example nitrogen, air, or carbon dioxide, may be used.

According to one embodiment, the composition may be used for fireextinguishing or fire retardation of fires of fire classes A, B and F, according to theEuropean classification system.

According to one embodiment, the composition may be used for fireextinguishing or fire retardation of fires of fire classes A, B and K, according to theAmerican classification system.

According to one embodiment, the composition may be used for fire control of a liquid including, for example, water imrr1iscible organic solvents that are liquids at 16 room temperature, organic solvents that are partly soluble in water and liquids at roomtemperature, combustion- and reaction-engine fuels and related hydrocarbons like e.g.gasoline and kerosene, water n1iscible organic liquids and solvents like methanol,ethanol and acetone, and vegetable oils that are liquids at room temperature like cookingoils used for e.g. deep-frying of food.

According to one embodiment, the composition may be used for fire control ofa solid including, for example, wood, trees, sawdust, paper, teXtile, house-refuse andindustrial waste.

According to one embodiment, the composition may be used for fire control ofa sernisolid including, for example, fat of animal origin such as bacon-fat, grease ofpetroleum or synthetic origin such as lubricating grease, rubber such as in car tires, andtars such as e.g. wood-, coal-, shale- and refined tars.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the composition may comprise0.01 to 3 % by weight of a rheology modifier selected from the group consisting oftixotropy enhancing or pseudoplasticity enhancing polysaccharides known in the art.The rheology modifier may also be any other organic or inorganic compound as knownin the art with a tiXotropy enhancing or pseudoplasticity enhancing effect similar to thetixotropy enhancing or pseudoplasticity enhancing effect of a suitable polysaccharide,such as Xanthan gum. Advantages of compositions comprising such a rheology modifierinclude the higher ability to stick to materials adj acent to buming material withoutrunning off, thus providing a protective effect against ignition of the former.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rheology modifier of thecomposition may be Xanthan gum. Advantages of Xanthan gum include its readilyavailability, low cost and low toXicity.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the composition may compriseat least one preservative with e. g. antibacterial and antifungal effects to increase thelong term storage capabilities of the composition at e. g. 20 to 30 °C to at least e.g. oneyear. Examples of suitable preservatives include N-alkylisothiazolinones such as e. g. 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, chlorinated N-alkylisothiazolinones such as e.g. 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, ethylparaben, benzalkonium chloride, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, or the like. The composition may comprise 0.01 to 0.5 % byweight of such a preservative.

According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided an aqueouscomposition comprising 0.01 to 0.5 %, such as 0.04 to 0.1 %, by weight of a preservative selected from the group consisting of 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, 5- 17 chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, and a miXture of 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one and 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one.

In the claims, the term “comprises/comprising” does not eXclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may be implemented by e. g. a single unit or processor.

Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, thesemay possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion in different claims doesnot imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. Inaddition, singular references do not eXclude a plurality. The terms “a”, “an”, “first”,“second” etc do not preclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are providedmerely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as lirniting the scope of the claims in any Way.

Claims (14)

1. An aqueous composition comprising a compound of Formula I or any negativelycharged deprotonated form thereof, a compound of Formula lla or Ilb or any positively charged or tautomeric form thereof,F13 O H AF11:|F||>_oH H2N\H/N\R2 JL \NOH X Rs N/ Rs /'\~f (Ha) (Hb) a hydrophobic component and an amphiphilic component, Wherein R1 is OH or C1_6 alkyl; R2 is H or C(=X)NH2; X is independently selected from O and N; R3 is independently selected from NH; and OH; and said composition is comprising 1 to 10 % by Weight of the sum of said compound ofFormula I or negatively charged deprotonated form thereof, 0.5 to 15 % by Weight ofthe sum of said compound of Formula lla or llb or positively charged or tautomericform thereof, 0.015 to 1.7 % by Weight of said hydrophobic component, and 0.0165 to 2% by Weight of said amphiphilic component.

2. A composition according to claim 1, Wherein R1 is C1_6 alkyl.

3. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a compound of Formula III in a neutral or protonated positively charged form, F14 F14 \N/ F14(lll) WhereinR4 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, Cm alkyl and C16fluoroalkyl.

4. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein saidhydrophobic component is selected from the group consisting of paraffinic oils, alkanesor alcohols comprising 8 to 40 carbon atoms and esters between glycerin and long chain carboXylic acids comprising 8 to 30 carbon atoms, and any miXture thereof.

5. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein saidamphiphilic component is selected from the group consisting of anionic-, cationic- , zwitterionic- and nonionic amphiphilic surfactants, or any miXture thereof.

6. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising atleast one additive selected from the group consisting of a fire retarding magnesium-,alun1inum-, zink-, or calcium salt, a heat or light stabilizer, a lubricant, a film-formingagent, a foam forrning agent, an anti-freeze agent, a thiXotropy enhancing agent, a plasticizer, a dyestuff, a hydrophilizing agent, a hydrophobizing agent, and a thickener.

7. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein the pH is in the range from 6 to 10.

8. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein the ratiobetween the Weight of the total phosphorous content and the Weight of the total nitrogen content is in the range from 0.1 to 0.6.

9. Use of a composition according to any of the preceding claims for fire control of a solid, sen1i-solid or liquid combustible material.

10. Use of a composition in flame proofing, Wherein said composition is comprising acompound of Formula I or any salt thereof, a compound of Formula lla or Ilb or any salt thereof, Rs (P H N m N/gNR1:F|>_oH 2 \H/ H2 Ä QH X Rs N/ Rs /'\~f (Ha) (Hb) a hydrophobic component and an amphiphilic component, WhereinR1 is OH or C1_6 alkyl; R2 is H or C(=X)NH2; X is independently selected from O and N; and R3 is independently selected from NH; and OH.

11. A fire protection device comprising a container, said container comprising a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8 as active ingredient, for fire control.

12. A method for production of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 2 and4 to 8, comprising the steps of: (i) adding said compound of Formula I, or any salt thereof, said compound of Formulalla or Ilb, or any salt thereof, said hydrophobic component and said amphiphiliccomponent to Water, followed by miXing or stirring to provide a homogenous solutionor dispersion, to provide an intermediate miXture having a first pH; and (ii) adjusting the pH of said intermediate miXture to a second pH Which is lower thansaid first pH by addition of an acid, or adjusting the pH of said intermediate miXture to asecond pH Which is higher than said first pH by addition of a base; Wherein said acid is selected from the group consisting of sulphuric acid, boric acid andorganic acids, and said base is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, magnesium, aluminum and zinc hydroxides and carbonates.

13. A method for production of a composition according to claim 3, comprising thesteps of: (i) adding said compound of Formula I, or any salt thereof, said compound of Formulalla or llb, or any salt thereof, said hydrophobic component and said amphiphiliccomponent, followed by miXing or stirring to provide a homogenous solution ordispersion, to provide an intermediate mixture having a first pH; and (ii) adjusting the pH of said intermediate mixture to a second pH Which is higher than said first pH by addition of said compound of Formula lll.

14. l4. The method according to claim 13, Wherein said compound of Formula III isammonia and said compound of Formula lll is provided as a solution in Water prior to said addition of a compound of Formula III.