Polymer immobilization matrix for containment of hazardous materials and methods of using the same
AssigneeUniversity of Rhode Island Board of Trustees
InventorsJimmie Oxley, James L. Smith, Robert Ichiyama, Gerald Kagan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present disclosure describes a unique, two-part, water-soluble polymer matrix material and a method of application that immobilizes a wide variety of loose powder or crystalline hazardous materials and renders them “safe” or at least “safer” for handling and transport. The polymer matrix material is a two-part polymer material comprising a liquid cross-linking polymer and a cross-linking agent, initiator, or biocide contained in a solution. The cross-linking agent functions to cross-link the polymer and cause it to harden in place.
Claims22
A method for a law enforcement officer, military, bomb squad, or other first responder to, in situ, immobilize a hazardous material selected from the group consisting of an explosive material or an illegal drug composition, comprising the steps of:
- identifying in a public space, by a law enforcement officer, military, bomb squad, or other first responder the hazardous material for immobilization;
- providing, as a ready to use, two-part, instant polymer matrix encapsulating material for immobilizing, in situ, said hazardous material, said polymer matrix encapsulating material comprising:
- a first formulation of a crosslinking polymer in a viscous liquid or viscous gel form, in concentrations less than 1% and as much as a fully saturated solution in solvent, said first formulation provided in a ready to dispense container;
- and
- a second formulation of a cross-linking agent, in a sprayable form, said second formulation provided in a ready to spray container;
- applying in situ, the first formulation to the hazardous material to substantially cover the hazardous material, said viscous liquid or viscous gel being capable of remaining in a localized area;
- and
- applying, in situ, the second formulation to the first formulation to cross-link and harden the polymer and immobilize the hazardous material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.