Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1
A POWDERED COMPOSITION, A POURABLE, WATER-CONTAINING, UNCURED
BIODEGRADABLE COMPOSITION, A CURED BIODEGRADABLE ARTICLE,
PREPARATION METHODS, AND USES THEREOF
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a powdered composition, an
uncured and
water containing pourable composition, a cured biodegradable article,
preparation
methods, and uses thereof.
[0002] Also, the present invention provides an improved method and
materials for
forming degradable objects (e.g. funeral urns) for ground burials that degrade
rapidly,
produced through the use non-toxic and stable recycled materials such as
crushed stones
and gypsum, and of starch as a bounding agent.
[0003] Also, the invention also relates to a process for producing an
object (e.g. a
container such as an urn) made of biodegradable material, a shaped body which
is
obtainable by the process of mixing the materials and pouring in a mould of
desired size
and shape.
[0004] More particularly, the present invention relates to:
a powdered composition useful for the preparation of at least one part of a
biodegradable article, such as a biodegradable urn, or an intermediate
uncured and water containing pourable composition useful for the preparation
of at least one part of a cured biodegradable article;
an uncured and water containing pourable composition obtained from the
admixture of the powdered composition with water, and useful for the
preparation of at least one part of a cured biodegradable article;
a method for the preparation of the uncured and water containing pourable
composition;
a method for the preparation of a cured biodegradable article;
a cured, biodegradable article; and/or
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a use of at least one of the powdered composition, at least one pourable,
water-containing, uncured and biodegradable composition and/or cured,
biodegradable article to provide at least one part of a biodegradable object
(e.g. a biodegradable urn).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0005] There is a very strong need for biodegradable objects (e.g.
biodegradable
urns) which are environmentally acceptable. Indeed, it is important to avoid
releasing
contaminants in the soil while said objects decompose in said soil (e.g. under
the effect
of water) in order to prevent contamination of said soil and/or the phreatic
tablecloth.
[0006] Up to now, only few attempts were made to overcome this problem.
As an
example, in recent years, there have been profound changes in funeral
practices in all
industrialized countries. Cremation, which consists of burning bodies and
grinding ashes,
has been particularly widespread and now accounts high percentage of funerary
practices. Cremation is part of a broader reflection on the environmental
impact of
traditional practices. Burial areas are becoming scarce and the underground
degradation
of coffins and bodies is considered potential sources of soil contamination,
including by
formaldehyde, mercury and other non-degradable materials. As a result, a
growing
number of people are opting for burial urn and are increasingly interested in
biodegradable urns, although they still represent a small percentage of the
products
available on the market.
[0007] The biodegradable urns, although environmentally friendly by
nature, still
introduce in the soil materials that can contaminate the soil, such as
synthetic glues and
varnishes that are high pollutants. Also, many of the urns claiming to be
biodegradable
do not entirely or rapidly disintegrate. Material such a wood, natural clays
or thick paper,
may take years to start degrading in the soil, impacting on land
sustainability. Finally, the
industry has not yet explored the possibility of maximizing recycled content
in order to
further reduce environmental impacts.
[0008] As an example of a biodegradable urn, published Japanese patent
application
no. 2003220100 describes a naturally decomposable urn made of (i) gypsum
and/or clay
(e.g. 45wt.% gypsum), (ii) starch (e.g. 40wt.% starch), (iii) optionally one
or more
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biodegradable material (e.g. vegetable fibers) and/or inorganic material (e.g.
crushed
shell, volcanic ash, etc.), and (iv) a sufficient amount of a glue-water. To
obtain the
biodegradable material, the glue water is admixed with ingredients (i) to
(iii), until
obtaining a mix that can be poured in a mould and allowed to dry and cure.
Such an urn
when buried in the soil will decompose within from 7 to 10 years.
[0009] However, this decomposable urn shows the drawback of requiring
large
amounts of starches, the preparation and use of a glue water which may be
damageable
to the environment, and providing urns having a substantially long degradation
time.
[0010] There is a strong need for biodegradable materials which are
environmentally
acceptable, decompose quickly in the soil and prevent releasing contaminants
in the soil
and/or the phreatic tablecloth.
[0011] Also, there is a strong need for a method for preparing
biodegradable
materials which requires a minimum number of steps and/or energy.
[0012] Also, there is a strong need for a method for preparing an uncured
and water
containing biodegradable composition which is ready to be poured and cured
into a
mould.
[0013] Also, there is a strong need for a powdered composition allowing
to prepare
a pourable, water-containing, uncured and biodegradable composition ready to
be
poured into a mould and cured therein to provide a cured biodegradable
article.
[0014] Also, there is a strong need for a use of a powdered composition
allowing to
prepare a cured biodegradable article.
[0015] Also, there is a strong need for a use of a pourable, water-
containing, uncured
and biodegradable composition allowing to prepare a cured biodegradable
article.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] It has been surprisingly discovered that according to the
following
embodiments of the invention, at least some, preferably all, the above-
mentioned
drawbacks are overcome, and/or some, preferably all, the above-mentioned needs
are
fulfill.
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[0017] One embodiment of the invention relates to a sustainable method of
making
a rapidly degradable object (e.g. a memorial object or urn) by mixing non-
toxic recycled
stable materials with a non-toxic bounding agent. The resultant material has
good
strength properties with respect to its use and shows a good degradability in
normal soil.
[0018] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a method of shaping
a
pourable mixture of uncured and water-containing biodegradable composition, by
placing
the same in a mold of desired size and shape and optionally heating said
composition to
cure it and form a desired object (e.g. a memorial object or urn).
[0019] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the obtention of
cured object
in which the aggregates are disperse uniformly, that does not shrink, distort,
or crack.
[0020] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a powdered
composition,
preferably useful for the preparation of a biodegradable material, preferably
a cured
biodegradable material and/or a pourable, water-containing, uncured and
biodegradable
composition, said powdered composition comprising:
40 to 95 wt.% of a gypsum containing material that is environmentally
acceptable;
0 to 60 wt.% of particles of at least one environmentally acceptable filler;
and
3 to 10 wt.% of an environmentally acceptable binding agent.
[0021] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the powdered
composition
defined hereinabove, said powdered composition comprising:
60 wt.% of the gypsum containing material that is environmentally acceptable;
36 wt.% of the particles of the at least one environmentally acceptable
filler; and
4 wt.% of the environmentally acceptable binding agent.
[0022] An embodiment of the invention relates to a powdered composition
useful for
the preparation of a biodegradable material, said composition preferably
consisting of:
40 to 95 wt.% of a gypsum containing material that is environmentally
acceptable;
0 to 60 wt.% of particles of at least one environmentally acceptable filler;
and
3 to 10 wt.% of an environmentally acceptable binding agent.
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[0023] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the powdered
composition
defined hereinabove, said powdered composition preferably consisting of:
60 wt.% of the gypsum containing material that is environmentally acceptable;
36 wt.% of the particles of the at least one environmentally acceptable
filler; and
4 wt.% of the environmentally acceptable binding agent.
[0024] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the powdered
composition
defined hereinabove, wherein the gypsum containing material is a recycled
gypsum.
Preferably, the recycled gypsum is a recycled (dihydrate) gypsum obtained from
the
disposal of drywall waste, generated predominantly from construction and
demolition
sites. More preferably, the gypsum drywall, also referred to as wallboard,
gyproc, or
sheetrock, is a recycled dihydrate gypsum under the form of particles having a
particle
size varying from 20 pm to 0.2 mm. Chemical analysis of said recycled
dihydrate gypsum
are known to be non-toxic and compatible with the environment. Said recycled
dihydrate
gypsum is also known to be useful as an agricultural additive of soil or
compost.
[0025] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the powdered
composition
defined hereinabove, wherein the recycled gypsum comprises 93 wt.% of calcium
sulphate dihydrate (CaSO4.2H20) and 7 wt.% of paper.
[0026] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the powdered
composition
defined hereinabove, wherein the recycled gypsum preferably consists of 93
wt.% of
calcium sulphate dihydrate (CaSO4.2H20) and 7 wt.% of paper.
[0027] Much more preferably, the paper may be separated, and only the
calcium
sulphate is recycled. Calcium sulfate is known to be used as a fertilizer in
agriculture as
it contributes to the activation of bacteria in soil.
[0028] Gypsum is an inorganic substance that is not biodegraded by micro-
organisms (to CO2 and H20). However, it will be slowly solubilized as sulphate
ions
(S042-) and calcium ions (Ca2+). The solubility of gypsum is estimated at
about 2 g/L.
These ions are already present in large quantities in the environment and are
essential
nutrients for plant growth.
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[0029] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the powdered
composition
defined hereinabove, wherein the recycled gypsum is at least partially
dehydrated into a
hemihydrate gypsum and/or a calcined gypsum. Preferably, the hemihydrate
gypsum or
calcined gypsum is obtained after subjecting the dihydrate gypsum to a heat
treatment.
Also, the recycled gypsum may consist of a mix of dihydrate gypsum,
hemihydrate
gypsum or calcined gypsum. More particularly, a mix of recycled hemihydrate
gypsum
and recycled dihydrate gypsum is particularly advantageous to very quickly
decompose
in soil, especially a mix of 75 wt.% of recycled hemihydrate gypsum and 25 wt.
% recycled
dihydrate gypsum.
[0030] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the powdered
composition
defined hereinabove, wherein the particles of the at least one environmentally
acceptable
filler can be made of any stable material, preferably obtained from recycled
materials.
Said at least one environmentally acceptable filler can be selected from the
group
consisting of stone particles, mineral particles, glass particles and ceramic
microspheres
residues, and/or selected from the group consisting of environmentally
acceptable plant
base residues such as coffee grounds. Preferably, the at least one
environmentally
acceptable filler may be selected from the group consisting of stone
particles, glass
particles and ceramic microspheres residues obtained from industrial waste.
Such at
least one environmentally acceptable filler may further help the fragmentation
of the cured
biodegradable material in the soil.
[0031] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the powdered
composition
defined hereinabove, wherein the stone particles are quartz particles.
[0032] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the powdered
composition
defined hereinabove, wherein the particles of the at least one environmentally
acceptable
filler, have a diameter ranging from 0.1 to 10 mm, preferably from 1 to 4 mm.
[0033] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the powdered
composition
defined hereinabove, wherein the environmentally acceptable binding agent is a
starch.
[0034] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the powdered
composition
defined hereinabove, wherein the environmentally acceptable binding agent is
powdered
form, and substantially free of toxic and contaminants. Preferably, said
environmentally
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acceptable binding agent may have a particle size varying from 7 to 17 pm that
will pass
at 99% through a #20 mesh sieve. More preferably the environmentally
acceptable
binding agent is wheat starch or corn starch.
[0035] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the powdered
composition
defined hereinabove, further comprising at least one environmentally
acceptable additive
selected from the group consisting of natural colorants (e.g. colorants from
natural
sources). An example of natural colorant may consist of a powder obtained from
dehydrated flower pistil.
[0036] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the powdered
composition
defined hereinabove, wherein the amount of water to be admixed with said
powdered
composition is such that the resulting mixture has a weight ratio powdered
composition/water varying from 100:40 to 100:100, preferably from 100:50 to
100:90.
[0037] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the powdered
composition
defined hereinabove, wherein the weight ratio powdered composition: water is
about
100:50.
[0038] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a pourable, water-
containing,
uncured and biodegradable composition comprising a mixture of a component A
and a
component B,
wherein the component A comprises:
40 to 95 wt.% of a gypsum containing material that is environmentally
acceptable;
0 to 60 wt.% of particles of at least one environmentally acceptable filler;
and
3 to 10 wt.% of an environmentally acceptable binding agent; and
wherein the component B comprises water; and
wherein the weight ratio of the component A to the component B varies from
100:40 to
100:100, preferably from 100:50 to 100:90.
[0039] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the pourable, water-
containing, uncured and biodegradable composition defined hereinabove, wherein
the
component A comprises:
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60 wt.% of a gypsum containing material that is environmentally acceptable;
36 wt.% of the particles of at least one environmentally acceptable filler;
and
4 wt.% of the environmentally acceptable binding agent.
[0040] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a pourable, water-
containing,
uncured and biodegradable composition comprising a mixture of a component A
and a
component B,
wherein the component A preferably consists of:
40 to 95 wt.% of a gypsum containing material that is environmentally
acceptable;
0 to 60 wt.% of particles of at least one environmentally acceptable filler;
and
3 to 10 wt.% of an environmentally acceptable binding agent; and
wherein the component B preferably consists of water; and
wherein the weight ratio of the component A to the component B varies from
100:40 to
100:100, preferably from 100:50 to 100:90.
[0041] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the pourable, water-
containing, uncured and biodegradable composition defined hereinabove, wherein
the
component A preferably consists of:
60 wt.% of a gypsum containing material that is environmentally acceptable;
36 wt.% of the particles of at least one environmentally acceptable filler;
and
4 wt.% of the environmentally acceptable binding agent.
[0042] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the pourable, water-
containing, uncured and biodegradable composition defined hereinabove, wherein
the
gypsum containing material is a recycled gypsum. Preferably, the recycled
gypsum is a
recycled (dihydrate) gypsum from the disposal of drywall waste, generated
predominantly
from construction and demolition sites. More preferably, the gypsum drywall,
also referred
to as wallboard, gyproc, or sheetrock, is a recycled dihydrate gypsum under
the form of
particles having a particle size varying from 20 pm to 0.2mm. Chemical
analysis of said
recycled dihydrate gypsum are known to be non-toxic and compatible with the
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environment. Indeed, said recycled dihydrate gypsum is known to be useful as
an
agricultural additive of soil or compost.
[0043] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the pourable, water-
containing, uncured and biodegradable composition defined hereinabove, wherein
the
recycled gypsum comprises 93 wt.% of calcium sulphate dihydrate (CaS0.4.2H20)
and 7
wt.% of paper.
[0044] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the pourable, water-
containing, uncured and biodegradable composition defined hereinabove, wherein
the
recycled gypsum preferably consists of 93 wt.% of calcium sulphate dihydrate
(CaSO4.2H20) and 7 wt.% of paper.
[0045] Much more preferably, the paper may be separated, and only the
calcium
sulphate is recycled, predominantly to be used as a fertilizer in agriculture
as it contributes
to the activation of bacteria in soil.
[0046] Gypsum is an inorganic substance that is not biodegraded by micro-
organisms (to CO2 and H20). However, it will be slowly solubilized as sulphate
ions
(S042-) and calcium ions (Ca2+). The solubility of gypsum is estimated at
about 2 g/L.
These ions are already present in large quantities in the environment and are
essential
nutrients for plant growth.
[0047] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the pourable, water-
containing
and uncured and biodegradable composition defined hereinabove, wherein the
recycled
gypsum is at least partially dehydrated into a hemihydrate gypsum and/or a
calcined
gypsum. Preferably, the hemihydrate gypsum or calcined gypsum is obtained
after
subjecting the dihydrate gypsum to a heat treatment. Also, the recycled gypsum
may
consist of a mix of dihydrate gypsum, hemihydrate gypsum or calcined gypsum.
More
particularly, a mix of recycled hemihydrate gypsum and recycled dihydrate
gypsum is
particularly advantageous to very quickly decompose in soil, especially a mix
of 75 wt.%
of recycled hemihydrate gypsum and 25 wt. % recycled dihydrate gypsum.
[0048] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the pourable, water-
containing, uncured and biodegradable composition defined hereinabove, wherein
the
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particles of the at least one environmentally acceptable filler can be made of
any stable
material, preferably obtained from recycled material. Said at least one
environmentally
acceptable filler can be selected from the group consisting of stone
particles, mineral
particles, glass particles and ceramic microspheres residues, and/or selected
from the
group consisting of environmentally acceptable plant base residues, such as
coffee
grounds. Preferably, the at least one environmentally acceptable filler may be
selected
from the group consisting of stone particles, glass particles and ceramic
microspheres
residues obtained from industrial waste. Such at least one environmentally
acceptable
filler may further help the fragmentation of the cured biodegradable material
in the soil.
[0049] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the pourable, water-
containing, uncured and biodegradable composition defined hereinabove, wherein
the
stone particles are quartz particles.
[0050] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the pourable, water-
containing, uncured and biodegradable composition defined hereinabove, wherein
the
particles of the at least one environmentally acceptable filler, have a
particle diameter
ranging from 0.1 to 10 mm, preferably from 1 to 4 mm.
[0051] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the pourable, water-
containing, uncured and biodegradable composition defined hereinabove, wherein
the
environmentally acceptable binding agent is a starch.
[0052] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the pourable, water-
containing, uncured and biodegradable composition defined hereinabove, wherein
the
environmentally acceptable binding agent is substantially free of toxic and
contaminants.
Preferably, said environmentally acceptable binding agent may have a particle
size
varying from 7 to 17 pm that it will pass at 99% through a #20 mesh sieve.
More
preferably, the environmentally acceptable binding agent is wheat starch or
corn starch,
more preferably food grade wheat starch or corn starch.
[0053] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the pourable, water-
containing, uncured and biodegradable composition defined hereinabove, further
comprising environmentally at least one environmentally acceptable additive
selected
from the group consisting of natural colorants (e.g. colorants from natural
sources). An
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example of natural colorant may consist of a powder obtained from dehydrated
flower
pistil
[0054] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the pourable, water-
containing, uncured and biodegradable composition defined hereinabove, wherein
the
weight ratio powdered composition: water is about 100:50.
[0055] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a method for the
preparation
of a pourable, water-containing, uncured and biodegradable composition, said
method
comprising the step of mixing the powdered composition defined hereinabove and
water,
wherein the weight ratio powdered composition: water varies from 100:40 to
100:100,
preferably from 100:50 to 100:90.
[0056] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the method defined
hereinabove for the preparation of a pourable, water-containing, uncured and
biodegradable composition, wherein the weight ratio powdered composition:
water is
about 100:50.
[0057] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the method defined
hereinabove for the preparation of a pourable, water-containing, uncured and
biodegradable composition, wherein the step of mixing is carried out with any
appropriate
mixing means.
[0058] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a method for the
preparation
of a cured and biodegradable article, said method comprising the step of:
pouring the pourable, water-containing, uncured and biodegradable
composition defined hereinabove, into a mould;
curing the pourable mixture contained in the mould;
recovering from the mould, the cured and moulded biodegradable article.
[0059] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the method defined
hereinabove for the preparation of the cured and biodegradable article,
wherein pourable,
water-containing, uncured and biodegradable composition is obtained according
to the
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method defined hereinabove for the preparation of the pourable, water-
containing,
uncured and biodegradable composition.
[0060] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the method defined
hereinabove for the preparation of a cured and biodegradable article, wherein
the curing
is carried out by subjecting the pourable, water-containing, uncured and
biodegradable
composition contained into the mould, to a heat treatment in order to cure the
same and
provide the cured and biodegradable article.
[0061] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the method defined
hereinabove for the preparation of a cured and biodegradable article, wherein
the heat
treatment is carried out at a temperature varying from 80 C to 140 C,
preferably from
90 C to 135 C.
[0062] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the method defined
hereinabove for the preparation of a cured and biodegradable article, wherein
the heat
treatment is carried out at a temperature of about 93 C.
[0063] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the method defined
hereinabove for the preparation of a cured and biodegradable article, wherein
the heat
treatment is carried out in an oven for a period varying from 1 to 6 hours,
preferably from
3 to 6 hours.
[0064] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the method defined
hereinabove for the preparation of a cured and biodegradable article, wherein
when the
recycled gypsum is at least partially dehydrated into a hemihydrate gypsum
and/or a
calcined gypsum, the heat required to obtain the cured, biodegradable article
results, at
least in part, preferably in totality, from the reaction of water with the at
least partially
dehydrated into a hemihydrate gypsum or a calcined gypsum. Also, the recycled
gypsum
may consist of a mix of dihydrate gypsum, hemihydrate gypsum or calcined
gypsum.
More particularly, a mix of recycled hemihydrate gypsum and recycled dihydrate
gypsum
is particularly advantageous to quickly decompose in soil, especially a mix of
75 wt.% of
recycled hemihydrate gypsum and 25 wt. % recycled dihydrate gypsum.
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[0065] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the method defined
hereinabove for the preparation of the cured and biodegradable article,
wherein the mould
is such that it will allow to provide a one-piece biodegradable article (e.g.
a one-piece
biodegradable funeral urn).
[0066] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the method defined
hereinabove for the preparation of the cured and biodegradable article,
wherein the mould
is such that it will allow to provide a cured biodegradable article
representing a part of a
cured biodegradable object. Several cured biodegradable articles may be
assembled
together to form a biodegradable object (e.g. a biodegradable funeral urn).
[0067] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a cured
biodegradable article
that may represent any possible kind of containers or articles having any
possible shapes
and volumes. Preferably, said cured biodegradable article is a biodegradable
funeral urn.
[0068] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a cured
biodegradable article
obtained from the method defined hereinabove for the preparation of the cured
and
biodegradable article.
[0069] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a cured
biodegradable article
comprising at least two distinct parts, at least one of said at least two
distinct parts
comprising a moulded biodegradable article obtained from the method defined
hereinabove for the preparation of a cured and biodegradable article, and the
at least two
distinct parts being joined together by an environmentally acceptable
adhesive.
[0070] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the cured
biodegradable
article defined hereinabove, wherein said article shows a resistance to impact
which is
comparable to the one of floor tiles.
[0071] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the cured
biodegradable
article defined hereinabove, wherein the environmentally acceptable adhesive
is a non-
toxic organic glue.
[0072] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the cured,
biodegradable
article defined hereinabove, wherein the non-toxic organic glue is from
vegetal or animal
origin, preferably a fish glue.
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[0073] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the cured
biodegradable
article defined hereinabove, which disaggregates in the soil within one week
to three
months.
[0074] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the cured
biodegradable
article (e.g. a cured biodegradable urn or any other articles) as defined
above, wherein
after having been buried in the soil:
if the component A comprises dihydrate gypsum, completely disintegrated
after three months,
if the component A comprises a hemihydrate gypsum, is almost completely
disintegrated after three months (i.e. the biodegradable article is friable
under a small
pressure of a finger);
if the component A comprises a gypsum which is a mix of 75% hemihydrate
gypsum and 25% dihydrate gypsum, is almost completely disintegrated after one
month
(i.e. the biodegradable article is friable under a small pressure of a
finger).
[0075] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the biodegradable
article
defined hereinabove, wherein said biodegradable article is a funeral urn or a
part thereof.
[0076] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a use of the
powdered
composition defined hereinabove, for the preparation of a funeral urn or a
part of a funeral
urn.
[0077] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the use of the
powdered
composition defined hereinabove, wherein the funeral urn or the part of the
funeral urn
disaggregates in the soil between one week to three months.
[0078] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a use of the
pourable,
uncured, water-containing and biodegradable composition defined hereinabove,
for the
preparation of a funeral urn or a part of a funeral urn.
[0079] Another embodiment of the invention relates to the use of the
pourable,
uncured, water-containing and biodegradable composition defined hereinabove,
wherein
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the funeral urn or the part of the funeral urn disaggregates in the soil
between one week
to three months.
[0080] The present invention will be better understood with reference to
the following
drawings:
[0081] Figure 1 represents a side elevational view of a biodegradable
funeral urn
made of a cured, biodegradable material according to the invention.
[0082] Figure 2 represents a top plan view of the biodegradable funeral
urn of Figure
1.
[0083] Figure 3 represents a cross-sectional view according to line Ill ¨
Ill of the
biodegradable funeral urn of Figure 2.
EXAMPLES
[0084] The present invention will be better understood with reference to
the following
example:
Example 1 Preparation of a powdered composition
[0085] Dry ingredients were mixed together. More particularly, 60 grams
of cooked
gypsum, 36 grams of quartz and 4 grams of wheat starch were mixed together to
form a
powdered composition (component A).
[0086] The cooked gypsum was obtained by subjecting powdered recycled
gypsum
to a heat treatment of 150 C for 2 hours and then cooling at 60 C. The gypsum
so
obtained is a hemihydrated gypsum.
[0087] The quartz particles were obtained by passing them through a sieve
and
recovering quartz particles having a particle size of 1 ¨ 4 mm.
[0088] The wheat starch was obtained by passing it through a sieve to
obtain a
particle size varying from 7 ¨ 17 pm.
Example 2 Preparation of a pourable, water-containing, uncured and
biodegradable composition
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[0089] 50 grams of water (component B) were mixed with the powdered
composition
obtained from example 1 (i.e. component A), to form a pourable, water-
containing,
uncured and biodegradable composition. The components A and B were mixed
together
until obtaining a pourable paste (defining the pourable, water-containing,
uncured and
biodegradable composition).
Example 3 Filing of a mould with the pourable, water-containing, uncured and
biodegradable composition
[0090] The pourable, water-containing, uncured and biodegradable
composition
obtained from example 2, was poured into a mould. The mold was a single part
mould
allowing to provide a one-piece article.
[0091] Thereafter, the mould, was placed in an oven. The temperature of
said oven
was fixed to 93 C, to cure the pourable, water-containing, uncured and
biodegradable
composition and provide a cured biodegradable article after a period of time
of 4 hours.
[0092] After, the curing, the cured, biodegradable article was removed
from the
mould. The cured, biodegradable article was a one-piece funeral urn. The
resulting cured,
biodegradable urn after having buried in the soil showed a complete
degradation after 1
month.
Example 4 Preparation of various parts of a funeral urn
[0093] Various parts of a biodegradable funeral urn U were prepared
using the
pourable, water-containing, uncured and biodegradable composition of example
2,
according to the process of example 3. More particularly, the biodegradable
funeral urn
U comprises a base part 1, a body part 2 and a cover part 3, as illustrated
in Figures 1
to 3. Parts 1, 2 and 3 are assembled together to form the biodegradable
funeral urn U .
Of course, alternatively, the biodegradable funeral urn may have a complex
shape
involving the presence of several parts of biodegradable articles assembled
together.
[0094] For each part 1, 2 and 3, the pourable, water-containing, uncured
and
biodegradable composition was poured into a corresponding mould,
[0095] Then, parts 1, 2 and 3 were removed from their corresponding
moulds, placed
on a grid for complete drying, eventually cleaned with a knife, and then
manually
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assembled together using small amount of fish glue to fasten them together.
The fish glue
is applied by any appropriate applicator (spatula, brush, etc.).
[0096] The
resulting cured, biodegradable urn U after having buried in the soil
showed a complete degradation after 1 month.
[0097] The present invention has been described with respect to its preferred
embodiments. The description and the drawings are only intended to aid to the
understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit its scope. It
will be clear to
those skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications can be
made to the
implementation of the invention without being outside the scope of the
invention. Such
variations and modifications are covered by the present invention. The
invention will be
now described in the following claims:
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