Composition and method for generating a foam barrier and methods of use thereof

An aqueous concentrate which upon dilution forms a foam useful as a barrier comprising:

• about 2% to about 8%, by weight, hydrolyzed keratin protein;
• about 1% to about 7.5%, by weight, hydroxyalkylated starch consisting of at least about 90% amylopectin;
• about 1% to about 4%, by weight, ferrous ion;
• about 1% to about 10%, by weight, of a dispersant;
• a pH modifier, sufficient to adjust the pH to between about 6.5 to about 7;
• an odorant;
• and
• water.

A dry mixture which upon dilution forms a foam useful as a barrier, said composition comprising, on a dry basis:

• about 15% to about 20%, by weight, hydrolyzed keratin protein;
• about 25% to about 50%, by weight, hydroxyalkylated starch consisting of at least about 90% amylopectin;
• about 6% to about 8%, by weight, ferrous ion;
• and
• about 10% to about 15%, by weight, of a dispersant.

A dry mixture which upon dilution forms a foam useful as a barrier, said composition comprising, on a dry basis:

• about 15% to about 20%, by weight, hydrolyzed keratin protein;
• about 25% to about 50%, by weight, hydroxyalkylated starch consisting of at least about 90% amylopectin;
• about 6% to about 8%, by weight, ferrous ion;
• an odorant;
• and
• about 10% to about 15%, by weight, of a dispersant.

A foamable solution comprising water and about 1 to about 5 weight percent solid actives, wherein said actives comprise:

• about 2% to about 8%, by weight, hydrolyzed keratin protein;
• about 1% to about 7.5%, by weight, hydroxyalkylated starch consisting of at least about 99% amylopectin;
• about 1% to about 4%, by weight, ferrous ion;
• about 1% to about 10%, by weight, of a dispersant;
• and
• a pH modifier, sufficient to adjust the pH to between about 6.5 to about 7.

A method of generating a biodegradable foam which comprises the step of:

• (a) diluting an aqueous concentrate at a ratio of between 3 to 10 parts by weight water to 1 part by weight concentrate, said concentrate comprising:
• about 2% to about 8%, by weight, hydrolyzed keratin protein;
• about 1% to about 7.5%, by weight, hydroxyalkylated starch consisting of at least about 90% amylopectin;
• about 1% to about 4%, by weight, ferrous ion;
• about 1% to about 10%, by weight, of a dispersant;
• and
• a pH modifier, sufficient to adjust the pH to between about 6.5 to about 7, and water, thereby obtaining a foamable solution;
• and
• (b) agitating the foamable solution of (a) in the presence of air, thereby generating the foam.

A method of forming a barrier layer between a substrate and the atmosphere which comprises the steps of:

• (a) diluting an aqueous concentrate at a ratio of between 3 to 10 parts by weight water to 1 part by weight concentrate, said concentrate comprising:
• about 2% to about 8%, by weight, hydrolyzed keratin protein;
• about 1% to about 7.5%, by weight, hydroxyalkylated starch consisting of at least about 90% amylopectin;
• about 1% to about 4%, by weight, ferrous ion;
• about 1% to about 10%, by weight, of a dispersant;
• and
• a pH modified, sufficient to adjust the pH to between about 6.5 to about 7, and water, thereby obtaining a foamable solution;
• (b) generating a biodegradable foam from the foamable solution of (a);
• and
• (c) applying the foam to a substrate.

A method of extinguishing a mine fire which comprises the steps of:

• (a) diluting an aqueous concentrate at a ratio of between 3 to 10 parts by weight water to 1 part by weight concentrate, said concentrate comprising:
• about 2% to about 8%, by weight, hydrolyzed keratin protein;
• about 1% to about 7.5%, by weight, hydroxyalkylated starch consisting of at least about 90% amylopectin;
• about 1% to about 4%, by weight, ferrous ion;
• about 1% to about 10%, by weight, of a dispersant;
• a pH adjuster, sufficient to adjust the pH to between about 6.5 to about 7, and water, thereby obtaining a foamable solution;
• (b) generating a biodegradable foam from the foamable solution of (a);
• and
• (c) injecting the foam into a mine at the site of a mine fire, thereby excluding air and extinguishing the fire.