SE536804C2 - Adhesive 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, and a rheology modifier, Wherein Rl isOH or Cl-6 alkyl; R2 is H or C(=X)NH2; X is independently selected from O and N;R3 is independently selected from NH2 and OH. Methods for production are also disclosed. RsO H H2N\n/N\R2 fšNOH X RS N/(|) (Ha) (llb) F13

Description

STICKING AQUEOUS COMPOSITION FOR GENERAL FIRE CONTROL TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to a sticking 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 compositions 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,and suitable physicochemical properties, e. g. viscosity, density and lipophilicity, to allow facile and controlled application by e. g. the spraying through nozzles and/or pumping through fire-hoses. An additional desirable property of a generally applicablefire-eXtinguishing composition is a suitable pseudoplasticity or thiXotropy to maximizethe adhesion of the composition to the material adjacent to the burning material.

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 buming objects which results in sufficient cooling such that thebuming 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 cherr1icals, 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.

WO20l2l05903 Al describes a composition comprising an organicphosphorous containing compound and a rheology modifier. The phosphorouscontaining compound is a compound in which phosphorous is covalently bonded tonitrogen in the form of an amidoalkylphosphonic acid. Furthermore, in specificembodiments the amidoalkylphosphonic acid is provided as an ammonium chloridecomplex, which is previously described in EPl065309 Al. Disadvantages of theamidoalkylphosphonic acids essential for the composition disclosed in WO20l2l05903Al include a relatively high cost of production in comparison to e. g. the othercomponents of the composition. Furthermore, the presence of 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 lt is an object of the present invention, to provide a generally applicable fire-eXtinguishing composition for solid materials. lt is another object of the present invention, to provide a composition which iseffective both as flame retardant and fire eXtinguisher. lt is another object of the present invention, to provide a composition whicheffectively prevents ignition of solid material adjacent to burning material. lt is another object of the present invention, to provide a composition which iseffective as fire eXtinguisher and/or flame retardant and which simultaneously has amaximized adhesion to a surface onto which it has been applied.

It is another object of the present invention, to provide a generally applicablefire-eXtinguishing composition with a lower cost of production in comparison to presentcompositions with similar applicability. lt 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 similar applicability. lt 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 similar 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, F13 O H AF11:|F||>_oH Hflm/Nfizz JL \NOH X Rs N/ Rs (|) (Ha) (||b) and a rheology modifier, wherein Rl is OH or C1_6 alkyl; R2 is H or C(=X)NH2; X isindependently selected from O and N; R3 is independently selected from NH; and OH;and the composition is comprising l to l0 % by weight of the sum of the compound of Formula I or negatively charged deprotonated form thereof, 0.5 to l5 % by weight of the sum of the compound of Formula IIa or IIb or positively charged or tautomeric formthereof, and 0.01 to 3% by weight of said rheology modifier.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 C16 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 l0. 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.l 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 thorough and 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.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 and a rheology modifier, dissolved or dispersed in Water.

Rs (P H N m NJšNR1:F|>_oH 2 \n/ H2 Ä 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 and 0.01 to 3 %, such as 0.01 to 1 %, by Weight of the rheology modifier.

Non-limiting examples of compounds of Formula I are depicted in Scheme l. oQF/oH QQP/OH O\ /OH ošF/OH|\oH * \P\ \oHOH I OH I oH|a CHS |b |C 'do oHèpíoH oQF/oH o\\P,oH O OHI äe 'f |g |hScheme1 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 Cm alkyl, preferably 5 methyl.Non-limiting examples of compounds of Formula IIa are depicted in Scheme 2.H N NHNH o NH o 2 T 2»L »L »L MIN, NHZN N NH, HZN NH, 2 2 m||aa ||ab Ilac N nadScheme 2 Non-limiting examples of compounds of Formula IIb are depicted in Scheme 3.

I NH2 OH O |\||-| J'|\\N NÅN N \N Nå;HN N/ NH Ho |Nå\oH HNÄN/ NH Ä/ 2 2 2 2 Ho N oHIlba Ilbb Ilbc ||bd Scheme 3The rheology modifier of the composition turns its viscosity to be dependent onl0 shear rate and/or shear rate history. The non-Newtonian, e.g. tixotropic or pseudoplastic,properties of the composition, in combination with the compounds of Formula I, and IIaor IIb, are highly beneficial in fire-control applications. For example, when the disclosed composition is pumped through e. g. a nozzle towards a burning material, it attains a fluid like form and is easily and Well spread. When it has reached the burningmaterial, or objects adjacent to the burning material, it attains a stable gel like form andthe tendency of the composition to run off the same or to be blown away by the wind isrninimized. Hence, a highly effective flame retardation of the adjacent objects isachieved, whereby the fire is effectively hindered from spreading while it issimultaneously being eXtinguished.

Without being bound to any theory, the inventor believes that the relatively lowviscosity of the composition at the time it is pumped through e.g. a nozzle or the like, iscausing the formation of small drops which are well spread towards the bumingmaterial and/or adj acent material which is not yet buming but face a risk of beingignited. When these drops adhere to the buming material or the adj acent material, theyform a film with a relatively high viscosity. Due to the relatively high viscosity, the filmis well adhered to the material without running off and thereby effective as a flameretardant for material adj acent to burning material. The combination of the disclosedcompositions fire eXtinguishing properties and the above described function as aneffective flame retardant is advantageous in comparison to Newtonian fire eXtinguishingcompositions of the prior art.

The composition may comprise a compound of Formula III, FMXN/FM 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 l 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 lla or Ilb with only weakly basic properties.Partial substitution of the compounds of Formula lla or Ilb 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 desirable pH and P-N-ratio is achieved. The exact amount of the partial substitution is dependant on factors such as e. g. the acidity of the compound of Formula I, the alkalinity of thecompounds of Formula lla and Ilb, the desired final pH and P-N-ratio of thecomposition, as readily understood and calculated by the skilled artisan. ln 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. lt is well known to the skilled person that compounds of Formula I, lla and Ilbmay 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, lla and Ilb 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. astrong 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 formulalll, and secondly, the compound of Formula lla or Ilb, 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 composition according to all entries of Table 1may comprise 0.01 to 3 %, such as 0.1 to 1 % or preferably 0.5 to 1%, by weight of the composition, of xantan gum as rheology modifier. s. w. ww ww 2 w w w. .äww .www wwwww www www s w w ww w w wwwww s ww w wwww www w w www w wwwwww wwwwww www a w w .wwa 3 www. ä. 3 www w wwwww a www w mw a w w .wwwww. H .w w www2. B w. w.. www w w. .www www w w w w w wwwww w w w ww. s w.. w 2 m w S. w ww www S. w w..w a. .www w .ww 2 .www w wwåww wsww w a w. w w u.. 1...

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Dependant on the acidic and basic properties of the constituting components ofthe composition, e.g. compounds of Formula I, lla and llb, 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 arr1ides, of other constituents, such ase.g. the rheology modifier may be minirnized, thus leading to improved long termstorage ability. The pH of the composition may be increased to reside within thedesirable range by addition of an appropriate chloro and bromo free base such as acompound of Formula III, as described elsewhere herein. Non-limiting examples ofother 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 potassiumhydroxide or carbonate. The pH of the composition may be decreased to reside withinthe desirable range by addition of an appropriate chloro and bromo free acid. Non-limiting examples of such appropriate acids that may be used for this purpose, whichwill not affect the P-N-ratio, include sulphuric acid or organic acids such as e. g. forrnic,acetic, lactic or citric acid. The pH of the compositions disclosed in e. g. Table 1, entry1, 2, 12 and 13, with a relatively high content within the range of compounds ofFormula lla, may advantageously be decreased to below 10 or below 9 by addition of anacid.

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 Hb 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 Hb, 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 Hb, or any salt thereof such as e. g. a carbonate salt when applicable, and the rheology modifier to water, followed by miXing ll or stirring to provide a homogenous solution or dispersion, to provide an interrnediaten1ixture having a first pH. The pH of this intermediate mixture, having a first pH, maythen be adjusted to a second pH which is lower than the first pH by addition of an acid,or to to a second pH which is higher than the first pH by addition of a base. Non-limiting examples of suitable acids include, for example, sulphuric acid, boric acid andorganic acids such as forn1ic, acetic, lactic and citric acid. Non-lirr1iting examples ofsuitable bases include, for example, alkali metal, magnesium, alurninum and zinchydroxides and carbonates. The base may be an an1ine of Formula III, such as aqueousammonia. Advantages of aqueous ammonia include a readily availability and low cost.Furthermore, the addition of an arnine of Formula III may simultaneously set the P-N-ratio and the pH of the composition to a more optimal value, as described herein.

The composition may be used for the extinguishing of fires in combustiblesolid materials for which conventional fire fighting means are presently employedincluding, for example, wood (e.g. forest fires), paper, textile, plastic materials, rubber,such as in car tires, and industrial waste. The composition may also be used for flameproofing of such combustible solid materials or other objects. For example, thecomposition may be sprayed towards objects, e. g. trees, houses, ships, airplanes or thelike, which are adj acent to or near a fire to prevent the fire from spreading to theseobjects.

One advantage of the composition in comparison to other flame retardingagents of the prior art with regard to fire fighting of burning solid materials, for examplewood and tree-based materials, is its excellent flame retarding properties upon directadministration by e. g. spraying. The suitable physicocherr1ical properties of thecomposition, for example its relatively low viscosity when sprayed but relatively highviscosity when adhered, enables an even spread of the composition on the surface of thesolid material without running of the same. The close and long contact with the solidmaterial then enables the phosphorous containing compound of the disclosedcomposition to effectively penetrate and flame proof the material.

Examples of solid materials, of which the flames when burning may beextinguished with the composition of the invention, include wood, trees, sawdust, paper,textile, house-refuse and industrial waste.

According to one embodiment, the herein mentioned solid materials may be flame proofed by treatment with the composition according to the invention. 12 The constituents of the composition according to the invention may be eithercommercially available products, available at a low cost, or easily prepared from cheapcommercially available chemicals.

The relative proportions of the constituting ingredients, e. g the compounds ofFormula I and Formula lla or Ilb and the rheology modifier, of the disclosedcomposition, may be varied so that a composition which is optimal for the particular firefighting or fire retarding application is obtained, as well known to the skilled person.For example, the physical properties, e. g. the viscosity, may be fine-tuned by varyingthe relative proportions of the constituting ingredients to generate the desired drop-sizeand/or stream-shape as the composition is discharged through a particular nozzle, orother 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 compound of Formula I and Ila orIlb, rheology modifier and e. g. preservative may be chosen to optimize the stability ofthe composition so that no or minimal precipitation, or any other physical change,occurs upon storage of the composition in e. g. reservoirs at sites where readily availablefire fighting capabilities are desired.

Another example, according to one embodiment, include the addition of asuitable dyestuff to the composition for the fire-fighting of e. g. forest fires, wherebytreated areas are easily spotted, as known in the art.

In 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 the composition, which is making the composition facile to spread in an effectiveway, is advantageous in this application.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rheology modifier of thecomposition may be selected from the group consisting of tixotropy enhancing orpseudoplasticity enhancing polysaccharides known in the art. The rheology modifiermay also be any other organic or inorganic compound as known in the art with atixotropy enhancing or pseudoplasticity enhancing effect similar to the tixotropyenhancing or pseudoplasticity enhancing effect of a suitable polysaccharide, such as xanthan gum. 13 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, the composition may comprise2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one or 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one aspreservative.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the composition may comprisea mixture of 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one and 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one,such as in commercially available Kathon CG® or as a mixture in the range from 1:99to 99:1 by weight, respectively, as 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 apreservative selected from the group consisting of 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, and a mixture of 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-oneand 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one.

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 cyanan1ide, 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 fireprotecting 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, 14 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, 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 class A, according to the European orAmerican classification system.

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 of the invention, the composition may comprise1 to 10 % by Weight of a compound of Formula I Wherein R1 is OH or Me, 0.5 to 15 %by Weight of the sum of a compound of Formula lla or llb, such as urea or guanidine,0.01 to 1 % by Weight of commercially available xanthan gum, and 0.04 to 0.1 %, byWeight of a commercially available mixture of 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one and 5- chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-onem, such as an 1:3 mixture.

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, these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion in different claims doesnot imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. lnaddition, 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 limiting the scope of the claims in any Way.

Claims (14)

1. l. An aqueous composition comprising a compound of Formula I or any negativelycharged deprotonated form thereof, a compound of Formula Ha or IIb or any positively 5 charged or tautomeric form thereof, R3O H /kll H N N N \NR1iPÉOH 2 \R2 I (|)H ä? R3/K\NÄR3(I) (Ha) (nu) | and a rheology modifier being a polysaccliaride, wherein Rl is OH or C14 alkyl;10 R2 is H or C(=X)NH2; X is independently selected from O and N; R3 is independently selected from NH; and OH; the pH of said composition is in the range from 6 to 10; and said composition is comprising l to 10 % by weight of the sum of said compound of15 Formula I or negatively charged deprotonated form thereof, 0.5 to 15 % by weight ofthe sum of said compound of Formula IIa or IIb or positively charged or tautomericform thereofi and 0.01 to 3% by weight of said rheology modifier.

2. A comnosition accordinfl to claim l, wherein said conipound of Formula l is selected 20 from Ia and lb O\\ /OHi \oH *OH èHoHla 3 lb _and_ saidany* negativelycliarged deprotonated form is an allgali rncral salter ammonium salt. R gå. A composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Rl is C14 alkyl. I 5

3. A composition according to any one of the preceding claírns, further comprising a compound of Formula III in a neutral or protonated positively charged form, R4\N/R4 l R4(m) whereinR4 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, CH, alkyl and CMfluoroalkyl. 5. A composition according to anv one of the nreccdinfl claimselaim4, wherein said polysaccharide is xanthan gum. 6. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, fiirther comprising atleast one additive selected from the group consisting of a preservative selected from thegroup consisting of an N-alkylisothiazolinone, a chlorinated N-alkylisothiazolinone ,ethylparaben, benzalkonium chloride and Z-bromo-Z-nitropropane-l,3-diol, or anymixture thereof, a fire retarding magnesium-, aluminum-, zink-, or calcium salt, a heator light stabílizer, a lubricant, a film-forming agent, a foam forming agent, an anti-freeze agent, a thixotropy enhancing agent, a plasticizer, a dyestuff, a hydrophilizingagent, a hydrophobizing agent, and a thickener. 7. A composition according to claim 6, wherein said additive is a preservative selectedfrom the group consisting of 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one or S-chloro-Z-metliyl-ZH- isothiazol-få-one, or mixtures thereof. 5 §9. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio between the weight of the total phosphorous content and the weight of the total nitrogen content is in the range fifom 0.1 to 0.6. 9. A composition according to clainr8, wherein the ratiolzetyyeeirtlieylxnjeight oftheywtortal phosphorous content and the weight of the to_t_al_rfloügenyyc_ontent_ isflinytheyyrange, front _O,ly tooüaârandattleast 60 t% otfltlieototal»ßiglrt”ofnitrogenrin said comptositígnits covalentloy' bound in a compound of Formula Ha, 10. Use of a composition according to any of the preceding claims for fire control of a solid or semi-solid combustible material. l l. Use of a composition in flame proofing, wherein said composition is comprisilig a compound of Formula I or any salt thereof, a compound of Formula Ila or IIb or any salt thereof,R3R1-P-oH \n/ \R2 I(lm X Ra/kuákraa(I) (Ha) (nu) and a rheology modifierheingflaárgoylyjsacchargíe, whereinRl is OH or C14 alkyl; R2 is H or C(=X)NH2; X is independently selected fi°om O and Nhmel R3 is independently selected fiom NH; and OH-Lang the pH of said composition is in the range from 6 to lO. 12. A fire protection device comprising a container, said container comprising a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 as active ingredient, for fire control. 13. A method for production of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to j;and §4 to 9, comprising the steps of: (i) adding said compound of Formula I, or any salt thereof, said compound of FormulaIla or Hb, or any salt thereof, and said rheology modifier to water, followed by mixingor stirring to provide a homogenous solution or dispersion, to provide an intermedíatemixture having a frst pH; and (ii) adjustíng the pH of said intennediate mixture to a second pH which is lower thansaid first pH by addition of an acid, or adjustíng 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 alkalí metal, magnesium, aluminum and zinc hydroxides and carbonates. 1

4. A method for production of a composition according to claim 515, comprising thesteps of: (i) adding said compound of Formula l, or any salt thereof, said compound of FormulaIla or Ilb, or any salt thereof, and said rheology modifier, followed by mixing or stiiringto provide a homogenous solution or dispersion, to provide an intermediate mixturehaving a first pH; and (ii) adjustíng the pH of said intermediate mixture to a second pH which is higher thansaid first pH by addition of said compound of Formula lll. 1

5. The method according to claim 14, wherein said compound of Formula Ill isammonia and said compound of Formula III is provided as a solution in water prior to said addition of a compound of Formula III.