Method and composition to form a flexible crust on a substrate
OwnerGlenn Weagle, Tibor Horvathinventors
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Abstract
The invention relates to a compound of two main components, a polysaccharide and a borate provider, that form a flowable, penetrating liquid when mixed, then cross-link and gel to form a stable, flexible crust when applied to a substrate. The crust stabilizes the substrate and prevents loss of particulate matter, but can be softened or mechanically worked to allow access to the substrate, for example for further processing. Additives may be used to control specific properties of the crust.
Claims26
A method of stabilizing a substrate of aggregate material comprising the steps of:
- providing a first component comprising a polysaccharide;
- providing a second component comprising an aqueous mixture containing a borate provider;
- providing an alkaline agent as an ingredient in said first or said second component;
- delivering said first and second components to a staging area associated with said aggregate material;
- mixing said first and second components into a liquid compound at said staging area;
- applying said liquid compound to the surface of said aggregate material before said compound undergoes a substantial increase in viscosity, whereby to allow said liquid compound to penetrate said substrate prior to said increase in viscosity.
A method of forming a stabilization crust on a substrate comprising the steps of:
- combining a first component with a second aqueous component, said first component comprising a polysaccharide and said second component comprising a borate provider, to form a compound;
- applying said compound to said substrate;
- allowing said compound to penetrate said substrate to a pre-determined depth, thereby forming said stabilization crust;
- wherein said compound further comprises an alkaline component in an amount effective to facilitate release of borate into said compound from said borate provider.
A substrate stabilization compound comprising:
- a first component, comprising a polysaccharide;
- a second aqueous component, comprising a borate provider;
- an alkaline component in either said first component or said second component, in an amount effective to facilitate release of borate from said borate provider;
- wherein mixing said first and second components forms cross-links within said compound at a controlled rate;
- and
- wherein said compound is immediately applicable to a substrate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.