Binder composition and method for treating particulate material

A method according to any one of the preceding claims which includes the further step of adding a binding promoter for enhancing the binding between the binder composition and the particulate material, prior to the step of setting.

A method according to any one of the preceding claims which includes the further step of adding any one or more agents selected from the group consisting of silicones, silanes, silanoles, oils, anti-corrosion agents, ultra violet light blocking agents, biocides, pH buffers, cement, ammonia, ammonium salts, plasticisers, ligna sulphinates and oxides thereof, phenols and mixtures thereof, prior to setting.

A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the particulate material is selected from the group consisting of sand, soil, gravel, natural or synthetic fibres including glass-, steel-, carbon- and polymeric fibres, clay, silicas, particulate ore, rubber, stones, pebbles, partly bound cementitious masses, grass, slag, waste dump material, coal particles, ash, and mixtures thereof.

A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the formaldehyde:urea ratio in the binder composition is between 1.5 and 2.5:1.

A method according to any one of the preceding claims which includes the further step of compacting the aggregate matrix after the step of mixing and prior to the step of setting into a solid.

A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the acid is a weak organic acid.

A method according to claim 39 wherein the weak organic acid is selected from the group consisting of citric acid and acetic acid and mixtures thereof.

A settable binder composition for mixing with a particulate material and setting to form a solid aggregate matrix, the binder composition comprising a mixture of a urea formaldehyde precondensate;

• a polar solvent;
• additional urea;
• and an acid or salt thereof selected such as to render the pH of the binder composition to a value from 2.0 to 5.3 so that the binder composition sets into a solid over a period of time longer than 30 minutes from being mixed with the particulate material.

A method of treating particulate material to form a solid aggregate matrix substantially as herein described and exemplified.

A method of preparing a binder composition for treating particulate material to form a solid aggregate matrix substantially as herein described and exemplified.

A settable binder composition for mixing with a particulate material and setting to form a solid aggregate matrix substantially as herein described and exemplified.