Metal containing formulations

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 12017923
  • Patent Number
    12,017,923
  • Date Filed
    Monday, July 23, 2018
    6 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, June 25, 2024
    6 months ago
Abstract
An aqueous silicate solution containing ions of metal having an atomic number selected from atomic numbers 21-31, 39-50, 57-82, and 89-93 and a process for preparing the solution. The solution is useful e.g. for forming metal containing coatings.
Description

This application is a national phase of International Application No. PCT/EP2018/069941 filed Jul. 23, 2018 and published in the English language, which claims priority to European Application No. 17209885.7 filed Dec. 21, 2017, and European Application No. 17182745.4 filed Jul. 24, 2017, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.


FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to metal containing formulations. More particularly, the invention relates to metal containing silicate solutions. It also relates to methods for preparing such formulations and the use of such formulations in different applications where biocidal, catalytic or other advantageous effects are desired.


BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

Nanotechnologies are the science and business of manipulating matter at the atomic scale. Materials produced with the aid of various kinds of nanotechnologies are used in many areas of everyday life, such as cosmetics, clothing fabrics, sports equipment, paints, packaging, food, etc. and have been used for some time as, for instance, catalysts in many important industrial processes. In the future we will no doubt see many more application of nanomaterials in general and of nanomaterials involving metals in particular.


It is well known that many transition metals, for instance iron, cobolt, nickel, molybdenum, gadolinium, copper, silver, chromium and zinc, have catalytic, magnetic and biocidal properties, but there is need for new forms of these metals that combine high catalytic, magnetic, and biocidal activity with both excellent non-leachability and perfect dispersion of ions.


However, there still is a need for forms (or formulations) of metal ions, e.g. multivalent metal ion, of various advantageous properties.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect is an aqueous silicate solution containing ions of a metal having an atomic number selected from atomic numbers 21-31, 39-50, 57-82, and 89-93.


A further aspect is a process for preparing an aqueous silicate solution containing ions of a metal having an atomic number selected from atomic numbers 21-31, 39-50, 57-82, and 89-93, by admixing a aqueous solution of the silicate and an aqueous solution of a water soluble salt of said metal.


The solutions of the invention may be used for the formulations of metal containing products, for instance paints and sealants, as well as coating compositions and coatings obtained by such compositions.







DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Any ppm or percent value given herein to express the amount or concentration of a substance in a mixture (e.g. a solution) is calculated as a ratio of the mass of the substance in the mixture to the total mass of the mixture, unless otherwise indicated or apparent from the context. Thus, for example, in 1 g of a solution containing 1000 ppm (parts per million) Ag+, the amount of Ag+ is 10−3 g.


It is well known that if pH of a metal salt solution, such as transition metal salt solution, is raised to above 8 or 9 the corresponding hydroxide will generally precipitate. It is therefore surprising that metals, such as transition metals, can exist in relatively high concentrations, for instance 1000 to 2000 ppm in the materials of the present invention, many of which have pH higher than 9 or even higher than 10, without precipitating. The silicate solutions used according to the present invention, on the other hand, are generally highly alkaline, e.g. the pH of commercial alkali silicate solutions ranges from about 10 to 13, and at lower pH, the silicate will polymerize and form a gel. Since e.g. alkali silicate solutions are stable only at alkaline pH it is preferable to prepare the formulations of this invention in the region of pH>10.


It has now surprisingly been found that destabilization in the form of flocculation or gelling of aqueous solutions of metals, such as transition metals, at a pH normally leading to flocculation of the metal, can be prevented by admixing silicate solutions with the metal solutions. Thus, a stable metal containing silicate solution is obtainable according to the present invention. The term stable used in the present invention means that the formulation should be stable toward gelling and that there is no substantial precipitation of solid content, mainly metal species, characterised by that no more than 50%, preferably no more than 20%, and more preferably no more than 10% by weight of the solid material has precipitated and settled as a sludge at the bottom, for a time of at least 1 hour, e.g. at least 2 hours, at least 6 hours, at least 12 hours, preferably for a time of at least 24 hours, after the preparation of the formulation. The formulation should be stored properly, e.g. protected from light and under otherwise correct storage conditions.


Surprisingly, stability as defined herein is achieved without the need for addition of a chelate complexing agent (or chelating agent, or complexing agent), such as EDTA or DETA and/or without the need for reacting the metal with any such agent before admixing with the silicate solution. Thus the solution provided herein does not require the presence of any chelate complexing agent. In a preferred embodiment, therefore, the solution is free from chelate complexing agent, i.e. it contains no compound capable of binding any of the metal ions in a chelate complex, or contains only trace amounts of such compounds. If, however, a chelating or complexing agent is present, the molar amount of any such agent is substantially lower than the molar amount of the ions of metal present in the solution. For example, if the formulation of the invention contains a chelating or complexing agent, such agent is present in a molar ratio to the metal ions of less than 1:100, or less than 1:50, or less than 1:20, or less than 1:10, or less than 1:5. Preferably, however, the solution contains no chelating or complexing agent. Further, if the solution contains more than one chelate complex forming agent, the total amount thereof is such that the molar ratio of said agents to the total amount of metal ions present in solution preferably is less than 1:100, or less than 1:50, or less than 1:20, or less than 1:10, or less than 1:5.


The Silicates


The silicate solutions used according to the present invention are “non-true solutions” or “colloidal solutions”. Depending on e.g. the silicate concentration, at least a portion of the silicate is not dissolved on a molecular level but may form oligomers of different size.


The silicate used according to the invention may be e.g. an alkali silicate or a quaternary ammonium silicate. In some embodiments, the silicate of the invention is an alkali silicate. In some other embodiments, the silicate is a quaternary ammonium silicate.


In some embodiments, the silicate is a quaternary ammonium silicate containing ammonium ions of the type R4N+ wherein each R is independently selected aliphatic or aromatic groups, e.g. C1-C6 alkyl groups or phenyl, optionally carrying other functional groups, such as hydroxyl functions. For example, in some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium silicate is a tetraalkyl ammonium silicate, wherein the alkyl groups e.g. may contain from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, e.g. the alkyl groups may be methyl groups. A quaternary ammonium silicate useful according to the invention may be prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,695,111, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.


Commercial solutions of silicates also are a convenient source of the soluble silicates of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, the silicate solution a commercially available alkali silicate solution, such as sold by e.g. PQ Corporation (www.pqcorp.com).


In alkali silicate solutions, the key variables are the alkali metal, generally lithium (Li), sodium (Na) or potassium (K); the ratio of SiO2 to alkali metal oxide in the silicate, and the concentration of the silicate in the solution.


The ratio of SiO2 to alkali metal oxide (SiO2/M2O) may be expressed as a weight ratio or molar ratio. In the case of sodium silicate the two ratios are nearly the same. Thus a weight ratio of a sodium silicate is transformed to the mole ratio by the multiplication factor 1.03; for potassium silicate the weight ratio is multiplied by the factor 1.57 to give the mole ratio. For lithium silicate the factor is 0.50.


For sodium silicates, the SiO2/Na2O weight ratio ranges from about 1.6 to about 4.


The SiO2/K2O ratio of potassium silicates varies from about 1.5 to about 2.5 on a weight basis, which corresponds to a ratio of from 2.3 to 3.8 on a molar basis.


The SiO2/Li2O ratio of lithium silicates varies from about 6.0 to about 20.0 on a weight basis, which corresponds to a ratio of from about 3.0 to about 10.0 on a molar basis.


Table 1 shows the properties of some typical commercial alkali silicate solutions









TABLE 1







Typical commercial alkali silicate solutions and their properties
















Weight
Molar
M2O
SiO2

Specific





ratio
ratio
% by
% by
Baumé
gravity
Viscosity



Silicates
SiO2/M2O
SiO2/M2O
weight
weight
20° C.
d2020
20° C., P
pH


















Sodium
1.60
1.65
19.7
31.5
58.5
1.68
70
12.8


silicates
2.00
2.06
18.0
36.0
59.3
1.69
700
12.2



2.50
2.58
10.6
26.5
42.0
1.41
0.6
11.7



2.88
2.97
11.0
31.7
47.0
1.49
9.6
11.5



3.22
3.32
8.9
28.7
41.0
1.39
1.8
11.3



3.75
3.86
6.8
25.3
35.0
1.32
2.2
10.8


Potassium
1.80
2.83
16.4
29.5
47.7
1.49
13.0
12.1


silicates
2.10
3.30
12.5
26.3
40.0
1.31
10.5
11.7



2.20
3.45
9.05
19.9
30.0
1.26
0.07
11.5



2.50
3.93
8.3
20.8
29.8
1.26
0.4
11.3


Lithium
9.4
4.7
2.2
20.7

1.17

10.7


silicates
9.6
4.8
2.2
20.7


4
11.0



11.8
5.9
1.6
18.8

1.18





17.6
8.5
1.2
20.0


2.5
11.0









In Table 1, the density of the silicate solution is indicated in degrees Baumé (Be) and as the specific gravity d2020. The approximate relationship between the two values is given by the equation: d2020=145/(145-Be).


During the development of concentrated silica sols stabilized with NaOH it was realized that in the SiO2/Na2O ratio range of about 4:1 to 25:1 the concentrated compositions were generally unstable, and eventually gelled. When a 3.25 ratio sodium silicate solution was added to a concentrated silica sol to reduce the SiO2/Na2O ratio from 100:1 to 5:1, for example, a gel immediately formed. However, it was discovered that by aging or warming the gel, a stable solution was again formed. Thus silicate solutions having SiO2/Na2O weight ratios of from 4.2:1 to 6:1 containing 10-30% SiO2 could be prepared from silica sols originally containing 5-25 nm particles.


If instead a 3.25 (SiO2/K2O) molar ratio potassium silicate is added to an alkali-stabilized, concentrated silica sol, gelling does not occur. Thus, stable mixtures of colloidal silica and potassium silicate can be prepared with a silica concentration of 15-30 wt. % and SiO2/K2O molar ratios of 11:1 to 24:1.


Similarly, stable mixtures of colloidal silica and lithium silicate can be prepared with a silica concentration of 15-30 wt. % and SiO2/Li2O molar ratios of 4:1 to 25:1.


Alkali silicate solutions generally contain both silicate ions and colloidal polymeric (including oligomeric) silicate species, formed by polymerization of the monomeric SO44− unit to form siloxane (Si—O—Si) bonds. The polymeric species, which may be linear or cyclic, are not of uniform size. The degree of polymerization generally increases with increasing SiO2/Me2O ratio and with increasing concentration of the silicate.


Generally, the term “silicate solution” as used herein refers to a liquid phase containing polymeric (including oligomeric) silicate species, although it should be realized that some of the silicate may also be present as dissolved non-polymeric species.


In some embodiments, therefore, the formulation according to the invention contains sodium silicate having a SiO2/Na2O molar ratio of about 6:1 to about 2:1, at a SiO2 concentration of about 2% by weight to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation.


In some embodiments, the formulation according to the invention contains potassium silicate having a SiO2/K2O molar ratio of about 2:1 to about 25:1 at a SiO2 concentration of about 2 by weight to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation.


In some embodiments, the formulation according to the invention contains lithium silicate in a SiO2/Li2O molar ratio of about 2:1 to about 25:1 at a SiO2 concentration of about 2% by weight to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation.


In some further embodiments, the formulation according to the invention contains a more than one type of silicate, e.g. more than one type of quaternary ammonium silicate, or more than one type of alkali silicate, or a mixture thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the formulation contains lithium silicate and at least one other type of silicate, selected from sodium silicate and potassium silicate. In some embodiments, the formulation contains sodium silicate and at least one other type of silicate, selected from lithium silicate and potassium silicate. In some embodiments, the formulation contains potassium silicate and at least one other type of silicate, selected from lithium silicate and sodium silicate.


In some embodiments, the formulation contains lithium silicate and sodium silicate. In some other embodiments, the formulation contains lithium silicate and potassium silicate. In some other embodiments, the formulation contains sodium silicate and potassium silicate.


The Metal


The metal used according to the present invention essentially is a metal capable of forming multivalent cations, although also monovalent metal cations are contemplated as useful according to the invention. In some embodiments, the metal is one which may exist in more than one oxidation state, e.g. Cu or Fe. In some embodiments, the metal is one capable of forming multivalent metal ions only, e.g. divalent or trivalent metal ions only. In some embodiments, the metal is one capable of forming divalent metal ions only. In some embodiments, the metal is one capable of forming trivalent metal ions only. In some embodiments, the metal is capable of forming monovalent metal ions. In some embodiments, the metal is capable of forming tetravalent metal ions.


Generally, with reference to the Periodic table of elements, the metal used according to the present invention is found in any one of the periods 4, 5 and 6 and groups IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, VIIIB, IB, IIB or IIIA (i.e. atomic numbers 21-31, 39-49 and 57-81); or in any of the periods 5 and 6 and group IVA (i.e. atomic numbers 50 and 82), or in period 7 and group IIIB (i.e. atomic numbers 89-103).


The elements with atomic numbers 21-31 are (by atomic number-atomic symbol-atomic name): 21-Sc-Scandium; 22-Ti-Titanium; 23-V-Vanadium; 24-Cr-Chromium; 25-Mn-Manganese; 26-Fe-Iron; 27-Co-Cobalt; 28-Ni-Nickel; 29-Cu-Copper; 30-Zn-Zinc; and 31-Ga-Gallium.


The elements with atomic numbers 39-50 are (by atomic number-atomic symbol-atomic name): 39-Y-Yttrium; 40-Zr-Zirconium; 41-Nb-Niobium; 42-Mo-Molybdenum; 43-Tc-Technetium; 44-Ru-Ruthenium; 45-Rh-Rhodium; 46-Pd-Palladium; 47-Ag-Silver; 48-Cd-Cadmium; 49-In-Indium; and 50-Sn-Tin.


The elements with atomic numbers 57-82 are (by atomic number-atomic symbol-atomic name): 57-La-Lanthanum; 58-Ce-Cerium; 59-Pr-Praseodymium; 60-Nd-Neodymium; 61-Pm-Promethium; 62-Sm-Samarium; 63-Eu-Europium; 64-Gd-Gadolinium; 65-Tb-Terbium; 66-Dy-Dysprosium; 67-Ho-Holmium; 68-Er-Erbium; 69-Tm-Thulium; 70-Yb-Ytterbium; 71-Lu-Lutetium; 72-Hf-Hafnium; 73-Ta-Tantalum; 74-W-Tungsten; 75-Re-Rhenium; 76-Os-Osmium; 77-Ir-Iridium; 78-Pt-Platinum; 79-Au-Gold; 80-Hg-Mercury; 81-TI-Thallium; and 82-Pb-Lead.


The elements with atomic numbers 89-103 are (by atomic number-atomic symbol-atomic name): 89-Ac-Actinium; 90-Th-Thorium; 91-Pa-Protactinium; 92-U-Uranium; 93-Np-Neptunium; 94-Pu-Plutonium; 95-Am-Americium; 96-Cm-Curium; 97-Bk-Berkelium; 98-Cf-Californium; 99-Es-Einsteinium; 100-Fm-Fermium; 101-Md-Mendelevium; 102-No-Nobelium; and 103-Lr-Lawrencium.


In some embodiments, the metal used according to the present invention is found in any one of the periods 4, 5 and 6 and groups IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, VIIIB, IB, IIB or IIIA (i.e. atomic numbers 21-31, 39-49 and 57-81); or in any of the periods 5 and 6 and group IVA (i.e. atomic numbers 50 and 82).


In some embodiments, the metal used according to the present invention is found in any one of the periods 4, 5 and 6 and groups IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, VIIIB, IB, IIB, or IIIA (i.e. atomic numbers 21-31, 39-49 and 57-81).


In some embodiments, the metal used according to the present invention is found in any one of the periods 4 and 5 and groups IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, VIIIB, IB, IIB or IIIA (i.e. atomic numbers 21-31 and 39-49, or in period 5 and group IVA (i.e. atomic number 50).


In some embodiments, the metal used according to the present invention is found in any one of the periods 5 and 6 and groups IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, VIIIB, IB, IIB, IIIA or IVA (i.e. atomic numbers 39-50 and 57-80). In some of these embodiments, the metal used according to the invention is one that has an atomic number of from 39 to 48 or from 57 to 80.


In some embodiments, the metal used according to the present invention is selected from period 4 and groups IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, VIIIB, IB, IIB or IIIA (i.e. atomic numbers 21-31).


In some embodiments, the metal used according to the present invention is selected from period 5 and groups IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, VIIIB, IB, IIB, IIIA or IVA (i.e. atomic numbers 39-50).


In some embodiments, the metal used according to the present invention is selected from period 6 and groups IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, VIIIB, IB, IIB, IIIA or IVA (i.e. atomic numbers 57-82).


When the metal used according to the present invention is one found in period 4, said metal is selected from Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Ga. In some embodiments, a metal selected from period 4 more particularly is selected from Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn; more particularly from Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn. In some embodiments, a metal selected from period 4 more particularly is selected from Cr, Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn. In some embodiments, a metal selected from period 4 more particularly is selected from Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn. In some embodiments, a metal selected from period 4 more particularly is selected from Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn. In some embodiments, a metal selected from period 4 more particularly is selected from Fe, Co, and Cu. In some embodiments, a metal selected from period 4 more particularly is selected from Co, Cu and Zn. In some embodiments, a metal selected from period 4 more particularly is selected from Cu and Zn. In some embodiments, a metal selected from period 4 more particularly is Cu. In some embodiments, a metal selected from period 4 more particularly is Zn. In some embodiments, a metal selected from period 4 more particularly is Fe. In some embodiments, a metal selected from period 4 more particularly is Cr. In some embodiments, a metal selected from period 4 more particularly is Mn.


When the metal used according to the present invention is one of period 5, said metal is selected from Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, In and Sn. In some embodiments, a metal selected from period 5 more particularly is selected from Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, In and Sn. In some embodiments, a metal selected from period 5 more particularly is selected from Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, In and Sn; or from Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, In and Sn, e.g. Ag, In and Sn, or Ag and Sn. In some embodiments, a metal selected from period 5 more particularly is Sn. In some other embodiments, a metal selected from period 5 more particularly is Ag. In some other embodiments, a metal selected from period 5 is not Ag. In some further embodiments, a metal selected from period 5 more particularly is In.


When the metal used according to the present invention is one of period 6, said metal is selected from the lanthanide series (metals of atomic number 57-71) as well as from metals of atomic number 72-82. In some embodiments, a metal from period 6, more particularly is a metal from the lanthanides series. In some embodiments, when the metal is selected from the lanthanide series, it more particularly is Gd.


In some embodiments, a metal selected from period 6 is one of atomic number 72-82. In some embodiments, when the metal is one of atomic number 72-82, it more particularly is one of atomic number 72-80, e.g. or one of atomic number 72-79. In some embodiments, when the meal is of atomic number 72-82, it more particularly is Pb.


In some embodiments, the metal used according to the present invention is selected from periods 4, 5 and 6 and groups VIB, VIIB, VIIIB, IB, IIB, and IIIA and from periods 5 and 6 and group IVA.


In some embodiments, the metal used according to the present invention is selected from periods 4, 5 and 6 and groups VIB, VIIB, VIIIB, IB, IIB, and IIIA.


In some embodiments, the metal used according to the present invention is selected from periods 4, 5 and 6 and groups VIB, VIIB, VIIIB, IB, and IIB.


In some embodiments, the metal used according to the present invention is selected from periods 4, 5 and 6 and group VIB, e.g. from periods 4 and 5 and group VIB.


In some embodiments, the metal used according to the present invention is selected from periods 4, 5 and 6 and group VIIB, e.g. from periods 4 and 5 and group VIIB.


In some embodiments, the metal used according to the present invention is selected from periods 4, 5 and 6 and group VIIIB, e.g. from periods 4 and 5 and group VIIIB.


In some embodiments, the metal used according to the present invention is selected from periods 4, 5 and 6 and group IB. In some embodiments, when the metal is selected from group IB, it is Ag.


In some embodiments, the metal used according to the present invention is selected from periods 4, 5 and 6 and group IIB.


In some embodiments, the metal used according to the present invention is selected from periods 5 and 6 and group IVA.


In some embodiments, the metal used according to the present invention is selected from Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Ag, Sn, Gd and Pb.


A multivalent cation according to the present invention is one having a charge z which is higher than 1. Examples of multivalent cations according to the present invention are Cr3+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ag+, Sn2+, Pb2+, and Gd3+.


Finally, in some embodiments, the metal used according to the present invention is selected from period 7 and group IIIB, i.e. it belongs to the actinide series (atomic number 89-103, e.g. Ac, Th, Pa and U).


For the purpose of the present invention, any metal (cation), e.g. a monovalent or multivalent (e.g. divalent or trivalent) metal (cation), or transition metal (cation) referred to herein shall be understood as included in scope of the invention, unless otherwise specified or apparent from the context.


According to the IUPAC definition, followed herein, a transition metal is an element whose atom has a partially filled d sub-shell, or which can give rise to cations with an incomplete d sub-shell. The present invention also includes the actininides and the lanthanides as well as heavy metals (e.g. lead, Pb) within its scope, as well as some semi-metals, such as arsenic (As).


In some embodiments, the metal used herein is a transition metal. In some embodiment, the metal used herein is a transition metal capable of forming divalent or trivalent cations. In some embodiments, the metal used herein is a lanthanide metal. In some embodiments, the metal used herein is a lanthanide metal capable of forming divalent or trivalent cations.


The liquid vehicle or carrier of the formulation generally is water or an aqueous solution optionally containing one or more further solvents and one or further solutes, e.g. one or more further components selected from surfactants, thickeners, etc.


The Formulation of the Invention


The formulation of the invention is an aqueous solution containing monovalent or multivalent cations of one or more metals and one or more types of silicate as described herein.


In some embodiments, the formulation contains more than one of the metals as defined herein above, e.g. two or more different metals, e.g. 2 or more different transition metals.


Generally, the metal is present in the formulation in an amount of from 1 to 5000 ppm (all ppm values are by weight) of the formulation, e.g. from 10 to 5000 ppm. In some embodiments, the metal is present in an amount of from 10 to 4000 ppm, e.g. from 10 to 3500 ppm, from 10 to 3000 ppm, from 10 to 2500 ppm, from 10 to 2000 ppm, from 10 to 1500 ppm, from 10 to 1000 ppm, from 10 to 800 ppm, or from 10 to 700 ppm, or from 10 to 500 ppm.


In some other embodiments, the metal is present in the formulation in an amount of from 100 to 5000 ppm, from 100 to 4000 ppm, e.g. from 100 to 3500 ppm, from 100 to 3000 ppm, from 100 to 2500 ppm, from 100 to 2000 ppm, from 100 to 1500 ppm, from 100 to 1000 ppm, from 100 to 800 ppm, or from 100 to 500 ppm.


In some other embodiments, the metal is present in the formulation in an amount of from 200 to 5000 ppm, from 200 to 4000 ppm, e.g. from 200 to 3500 ppm, from 200 to 3000 ppm, from 200 to 2500 ppm, from 200 to 2000 ppm, from 200 to 1500 ppm, from 200 to 1000 ppm, from 200 to 800 ppm.


In some other embodiments, the metal is present in the formulation in an amount of from 300 to 5000 ppm, from 300 to 4000 ppm, e.g. from 300 to 3500 ppm, from 300 to 3000 ppm, from 300 to 2500 ppm, from 300 to 2000 ppm, from 300 to 1500 ppm, from 300 to 1000 ppm, from 300 to 800 ppm.


In some other embodiments, the metal is present in the formulation in an amount of from 400 to 5000 ppm, from 400 to 4000 ppm, e.g. from 400 to 3500 ppm, from 400 to 3000 ppm, from 400 to 2500 ppm, from 400 to 2000 ppm, from 400 to 1500 ppm, from 400 to 1000 ppm, from 400 to 800 ppm.


In some other embodiments, the metal is present in the formulation in an amount of from 500 to 5000 ppm, from 500 to 4000 ppm, e.g. from 500 to 3500 ppm, from 500 to 3000 ppm, from 500 to 2500 ppm, from 500 to 2000 ppm, from 500 to 1500 ppm, from 500 to 1000 ppm, or from 500 to 800 ppm.


In some of these embodiments, the formulation according to the invention contains sodium silicate having a SiO2/Na2O molar ratio of about 6:1 to about 2:1, e.g. of about 5:1 to about 2:1, such as about 4.5:1 to about 2.5:1, in an amount corresponding to a SiO2 concentration of about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight, or about 2% by weight to about 25% by weight, or about 3% to about 20% by weight, or about 4% to about 15%, based on the total weight of the formulation.


In some embodiments, the formulation according to the invention contains potassium silicate having a SiO2/K2O molar ratio of about 25:1 to about 2:1, e.g. about 10:1 to about 2:1, or about 5:1 to about 2:1, in an amount corresponding to a SiO2 concentration of about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight, or about 2% by weight to about 25% by weight, or about 3% to about 20% by weight, or about 4% to about 15%, based on the total weight of the formulation.


In some embodiments, the formulation according to the invention contains lithium silicate in a SiO2/Li2O molar ratio of about 25:1 to about 2:1, e.g. about 10:1 to about 2:1, or about 5:1 to about 2:1, in an amount corresponding to a SiO2 concentration of about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight, or about 2% by weight to about 25% by weight, or about 3% to about 20% by weight, or about 4% to about 15%, based on the total weight of the formulation.


For example, in some embodiments, the formulation is a solution containing ions of one or more metals, as defined herein above, and one or more alkali silicates, each alkali silicate having a molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali oxide (SiO2:Me2O) of from 25:1 to 2:1, e.g. from 6:1 to 2:1, e.g. from 5:1 to 2:1, or from 4.5:1 to 2:1, e.g. from 4.5:1 to 2.5:1, or from 4.5:1 to 3:1, or from 4:1 to 3:1, wherein the metal(s) is/are present at a concentration of from 10 to 5000 ppm, e.g. from 100 to 5000 ppm, from 200 to 4000 ppm, or from 200 to 3500 ppm, e.g. from 200 to 3000 ppm, or from 200 to 2500 ppm, or from 200 to 2000 ppm, e.g. from 200 to 1500 ppm, by weight of the formulation, and the one or more alkali silicates are present in a total amount corresponding to a concentration of SiO2 of about 1 to about 30%, e.g. about 2 to about 25%, or about 3 to about 20%, or about 4 to about 15%, by weight of the formulation.


In some embodiments, the formulation is a solution containing ions of a metal, as defined herein above, e.g. of a transition metal, and an alkali silicate, selected from lithium silicate, sodium silicate and potassium silicate, having a molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali oxide (SiO2:Me2O) of from 25:1 to 2:1, e.g. from 6:1 to 2:1, e.g. from 5:1 to 2:1, or from 4.5:1 to 2:1, e.g. from 4.5:1 to 2.5:1, or from 4.5:1 to 3:1, or from 4:1 to 3:1, wherein the metal is present at a concentration of from 10 to 5000 ppm, e.g. from 100 to 5000 ppm, from 200 to 4000 ppm, or from 200 to 3500 ppm, e.g. from 200 to 3000 ppm, or from 200 to 2500 ppm, or from 200 to 2000 ppm, e.g. from 200 to 1500 ppm, by weight of the formulation, and the alkali silicate is present in a total amount corresponding to a concentration of SiO2 of about 1 to about 30%, e.g. about 2 to about 25%, or about 3 to about 20%, or about 4 to about 15%, by weight of the formulation.


In some embodiments, the formulation is a solution containing from 20 to 5000 ppm, e.g. from 50 to 5000 ppm, from 100 to 4000 ppm, or from 200 to 3500 ppm, e.g. from 300 to 3000 ppm, or from 400 to 2500 ppm, or from 500 to 2000 ppm, e.g. from 600 to 1500 ppm, by weight of the formulation, of metal ion, and an alkali silicate having a molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali oxide (SiO2:Me2O) of from 15:1 to 2:1, e.g. from 6:1 to 2:1, e.g. from 5:1 to 2:1, or from 4.5:1 to 2:1, e.g. from 4.5:1 to 2.5:1, or from 4.5:1 to 3:1, or from 4:1 to 3:1, at a concentration corresponding to a concentration of SiO2 of about 1 to about 30%, e.g. about 2 to about 25%, or about 3 to about 20%, or about 4 to about 15%, by weight of the formulation.


In some embodiments, the formulation is a solution containing from 100 to 5000 ppm, or from 200 to 3500 ppm, e.g. from 200 to 3000 ppm, or from 200 to 2500 ppm, or from 200 to 2000 ppm, e.g. from 200 to 1500 ppm by weight of the formulation of metal ion, and an alkali silicate having a molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali oxide (SiO2:Me2O) of from 5:1 to 2:1, at a concentration corresponding to a concentration of SiO2 of about 1 to about 30%, by weight of the formulation.


In some embodiments, the formulation is a solution containing from 100 to 5000 ppm, by weight of the formulation of metal ion, and an alkali silicate having a molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali oxide (SiO2:Me2O) of from 5:1 to 2:1, at a concentration corresponding to a concentration of SiO2 of about 1 to about 30%, by weight of the formulation.


In some embodiments, the formulation is a solution containing from 100 to 4000 ppm, by weight of the formulation of metal ion, and an alkali silicate having a molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali oxide (SiO2:Me2O) of from 5:1 to 2:1, at a concentration corresponding to a concentration of SiO2 of about 1 to about 30%, by weight of the formulation.


In some embodiments, the formulation is a solution containing from 100 to 3500 ppm, by weight of the formulation of metal ion, and an alkali silicate having a molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali oxide (SiO2:Me2O) of from 5:1 to 2:1, at a concentration corresponding to a concentration of SiO2 of about 2 to about 20%, by weight of the formulation.


In some embodiments, the formulation is a solution containing from 100 from 100 to 3000 ppm, by weight of the formulation of metal ion, and an alkali silicate having a molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali oxide (SiO2:Me2O) of from 5:1 to 2:1, at a concentration corresponding to a concentration of SiO2 of about 1 to about 30%, by weight of the formulation.


In some embodiments, the formulation is a solution containing from 100 to 2500 ppm, by weight of the formulation of metal ion, and an alkali silicate having a molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali oxide (SiO2:Me2O) of from 5:1 to 2:1, at a concentration corresponding to a concentration of SiO2 of about 1 to about 30%, by weight of the formulation.


In some embodiments, the formulation is a solution containing from 100 to 2000 ppm, by weight of the formulation of metal ion, and an alkali silicate having a molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali oxide (SiO2:Me2O) of from 5:1 to 2:1, at a concentration corresponding to a concentration of SiO2 of about 1 to about 30%, by weight of the formulation.


In some embodiments, the formulation is a solution containing from 100 to 1500 ppm, by weight of the formulation of metal ion, and an alkali silicate having a molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali oxide (SiO2:Me2O) of from 5:1 to 2:1, at a concentration corresponding to a concentration of SiO2 of about 1 to about 30%, by weight of the formulation.


In some embodiments, the formulation is a solution containing from 100 to 1000 ppm, by weight of the formulation of metal ion, and an alkali silicate having a molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali oxide (SiO2:Me2O) of from 5:1 to 2:1, at a concentration corresponding to a concentration of SiO2 of about 1 to about 30%, by weight of the formulation.


In some embodiments, the formulation is a solution containing from 300 to 5000 ppm, e.g. from 300 to 4000 ppm, or from 400 to 3000 pmm, or from 500 to 2500 ppm, by weight of the formulation, of metal ion and an alkali silicate having a molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali oxide (SiO2:Me2O) of from 5:1 to 2:1, at a concentration corresponding to a concentration of SiO2 of about 1 to about 30%, by weight of the formulation.


In some of these embodiments, the molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali oxide (SiO2:Me2O) is from 4.5:1 to 2:1.


In some further of these embodiments, the molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali oxide (SiO2:Me2O) is from 5:1 to 2.5:1.


In some further of these embodiments, the molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali oxide (SiO2:Me2O) is from 4.5:1 to 2.5:1.


In some further of these embodiments, the molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali oxide (SiO2:Me2O) is from 5:1 to 3:1.


In some further of these embodiments, the molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali oxide (SiO2:Me2O) is from 4.5:1 to 3:1.


In some embodiments, the formulation is a mixture of from 100 to 5000 ppm by weight of the formulation of metal ion; and an alkali silicate solution having a molar ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali oxide (SiO2:Me2O) of from 5:1 to 2:1, the alkali silicate being present in an amount corresponding to a SiO2 concentration of about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight, or about 2% by weight to about 25% by weight, or about 3% to about 20% by weight, or about 4% to about 15%, or about 5% to about 10%, based on the total weight of the formulation.


The “metal” in the inventive formulation as mentioned herein above is as defined herein, but does not include an alkali metal, e.g. the alkali metal inherently present in the alkali silicate.


In some embodiments, the formulation contains one or more surfactants, selected from non-ionic, amphoteric (or zwitterionic), anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, silicon surfactants, fluorinated surfactants, and polymeric surfactants. In some embodiments, the surfactant is nonionic. For example, in some embodiments, the formulation contains from 0.01 to 5% of a surfactant or mixture of surfactants, e.g. from 0.02 to 2%, or from 0.05 to 1%, e.g. from 0.1% to 0.5%, by weight of the formulation.


The formulations according to the present invention are prepared by a mixing a solution of a silicate with a solution comprising metal ions, e.g. transition metals ions or ions of any of the metals mentioned herein above. Due care has to be taken concerning concentration of reactants and products, e.g. using water of good quality, preferably deionized water, observing proper rate of addition and order of addition of the components, working in conservative but realistic temperature ranges and providing sufficient agitation and stirring.


Concentrations of silica used in the various preparations of the present invention vary from one (1) weight % SiO2 or less to undiluted solutions of commercial alkali silicates that could contain 25 weight % SiO2 or more, e.g. from 5% by weight to 20% by weight.


In some embodiments, the formulation is a lithium silicate solution containing metal ions at a concentration of at least 10 ppm, more preferably at least 100 ppm, or at least 200 ppm, and up to 5000 ppm, e.g. up to 4500 ppm, up to 4000 ppm, up to 3500 ppm, up to 3000 ppm, e.g. up to 2500 ppm, up to 2000 ppm, up to 1800 ppm, up to 1500 ppm, up to 1000 ppm, up to 800 ppm, up to 700 ppm, or up to 500 ppm, by total weight of the solution, and lithium silicate having a SiO2:Li2O molar ratio of from about 6:1 to about 2:1, e.g. from about 5:1 to about 3:1, from about 4:5 to about 3:1, or from about 4:1 to about 3:1, e.g. from about 3.5:1 to about 3:1, at a concentration of at least 2%, or at least 3%, e.g. at least 4%, or at least 5% and at most 25%, or at most 20%, or at most 18%, or at most 16%, or at most 10%, or at most 8%, by total weight of the solution.


In some embodiments, the formulation is a sodium silicate solution containing metal ions at a concentration of at least 10 ppm, more preferably at least 100 ppm, or at least 200 ppm, and up to 5000 ppm, e.g. up to 4500 ppm, up to 4000 ppm, up to 3500 ppm, up to 3000 ppm, e.g. up to 2500 ppm, up to 2000 ppm, up to 1800 ppm, up to 1500 ppm, up to 1000 ppm, up to 800 ppm, up to 700 ppm, or up to 500 ppm, by total weight of the solution, and sodium silicate having a SiO2:Na2O molar ratio of from about 6:1 to about 2:1, e.g. from about 5:1 to about 3:1, from about 4:5 to about 3:1, or from about 4:1 to about 3:1, e.g. from about 3.5:1 to about 3:1, at a concentration of at least 2%, or at least 3%, e.g. at least 4%, or at least 5% and at most 25%, or at most 20%, or at most 18%, or at most 16%, or at most 10%, or at most 8%, by total weight of the solution.


In some embodiments, the formulation is a potassium silicate solution containing metal ions at a concentration of at least 10 ppm, more preferably at least 100 ppm, or at least 200 ppm, and up to 5000 ppm, e.g. up to 4500 ppm, up to 4000 ppm, up to 3500 ppm, up to 3000 ppm, e.g. up to 2500 ppm, up to 2000 ppm, up to 1800 ppm, up to 1500 ppm, up to 1000 ppm, up to 800 ppm, up to 700 ppm, or up to 500 ppm, by total weight of the solution, and potassium silicate having a SiO2:K2O molar ratio of from about 6:1 to about 2:1, e.g. from about 5:1 to about 3:1, from about 4:5 to about 3:1, or from about 4:1 to about 3:1, e.g. from about 3.5:1 to about 3:1, at a concentration of at least 2%, or at least 3%, e.g. at least 4%, or at least 5% and at most 25%, or at most 20%, or at most 18%, or at most 16%, or at most 10%, or at most 8%, by total weight of the solution.


The metal ions are cations of any one or more of the metals mention herein. In some embodiments, the metal ions are cations of any one or more metals selected from Cr, Gd, Zn, Fe, Co, Mn, Pb, Sn, Cu, and Ag; e.g. from Zn, Fe, Sn, Cu, and Ag. In some embodiments, the metal is Cr. In some embodiments, the metal is Gd. In some embodiments, the metal is Zn. In some embodiments, the metal is Fe. In some embodiments, the metal is Co. In some embodiments, the metal is Mn. In some embodiments, the metal is Pb. In some embodiments, the metal is Sn. In some embodiments, the metal is Cu. In some embodiments, the metal is Ag.


The Process for Preparing the Formulation of the Invention


Provided herein is also a process for preparing an aqueous alkali silicate solution containing ions of a metal having an atomic number selected from atomic numbers 21-31, 39-50, 57-82, and 89-93, which comprises admixing a aqueous solution of the silicate and an aqueous solution of a water soluble salt of said metal. A surprising feature of the process described herein resides in the fact that the process does not involve the use of a complexing or chelating agent. Thus, in the process of the present invention, the metal as defined herein above does not need to be reacted with a complexing or chelating agent before admixing with the aqueous solution of the silicate. Therefore, preferably, the formulation is prepared with an aqueous solution of a water soluble salt of said metal that is free from a complexing agent for the metal ion; the method of the invention does not comprise reacting the metal cation with a complexing agent.


Most soluble metal salts can be used to prepare the materials of the present invention. Some stock solutions containing 9000 ppm by weight of some representative metals, used in illustrative examples of compositions of the invention, are shown in Table 2.









TABLE 2







Stock solutions containing 9000 ppm of metal













Molar






mass




Metal
Salt
(g)
 pH 
Appearance/comments





Ag
AgNO3
169.87
6.5
Some haze


Cu
CuCl2•2H2O
170.48
4.1
Clear, blue


Cr
CrCl3•6H2O
266.45
2.6
Clear, dark blue


Fe
FeCl3•6H2O
270.30
1.6
Clear, orange


Co
CoCl2•6H2O
237.93
5.8
Clear, light red


Pb
Pb(C2H3O2)2•3H2O
379.33
6.0
Some sludge. Clear






supernatant


Sn
SnCl2•2H2O
225.65
1.5
Some sludge. Clear






yellow supernatant


Zn
Zn(C2H3O2)2•2H2O
219.51
5.8
Clear


Gd
Gd(NO3)3•6H2O
460.36
3.5
Clear


Mn
C4H6MnO4•4H2O
245.09
6.9
Clear









As mentioned herein above, the stability of solutions of transition metals in water towards gelling and flocculation is quite sensitive to pH. If pH is raised a few units above the natural pH of the solution gelling and/or flocculation will occur. For most solutions of transition metals it requires the addition of a few, 3-5, drops of 1 m NaOH before flocs can be seen in the solutions (the sample size was typically 50 g. A drop from a plastic pipette typically weighed 0.025 g). The exact value of pH at which flocculation occurs depends on the type and concentration of transition metal in the solution; see Tables 3a-i.


In Tables 3a-i, a “critical flocculation pH” was estimated by adding one drop of 1 M NaOH at a time by a plastic pipette to 20 g of transition metal solutions of different concentrations in the range from about 20 ppm to about 600 ppm by weight and noting the pH at which the first indication of flocculation could be seen.









TABLE 3a







Critical pH of CuCl2 solutions of different concentrations















# drops of
pH at




Conc.
Initial
1M NaOH
first



Ex.
ppm
pH
at first floc
floc
Appearance/comments















1
26
5.0
6
11.0
Floc after 15 minutes


2
77
5.6
6
8.8
Floc


3
129
5.9
5
7.0
Hazy. Floc after 2 hours


4
286
6.0
5
5.6
Hazy. Floc after 2 hours
















TABLE 3b







Critical pH of FeCl3 solutions of different concentrations















# drops of
pH at




Conc.
Initial
1M NaOH
first



Ex.
ppm
pH
at first floc
floc
Appearance/comments















1
26
3.7
14
11.9
Faint yellow. Floc after







4 days


2
77
3.4
13
11.6
Faint yellow. Floc after







4 days


3
129
3.2
11
5.9
Yellow-orange. Cloudy.







Floc after 4 days


4
286
2.8
19
5.8
Yellow-orange. Cloudy.







Floc after 4 days
















TABLE 3c







Critical pH of CrCl3 solutions of different concentrations















# drops of
pH at




Conc.
Initial
1M NaOH
first



Ex.
ppm
pH
at first floc
floc
Appearance/comments















1
26
5.7
7
11.5
Clear. Some floc after







11 days


2
77
4.5
6
7.8
Hazy. Floc after 11 days


3
129
4.0
18
11.2
Hazy. Floc after 11 days


4
286
3.6
19
5.6
Hazy. Floc
















TABLE 3d







Critical pH of CoCl2 solutions of different concentrations















# drops of





Conc.
Initial
1M NaOH
pH at
Appearance/


Ex.
ppm
pH
at first floc
first floc
comments















1
26
7.7
7
10.9
Floc


2
77
7.6
3
8.5
Floc


3
129
7.6
4
8.1
Floc


4
286
7.6
2
7.5
Floc
















TABLE 3e







Critical pH of GdNO3 solutions of different concentrations















# drops of





Conc.
Initial
1M NaOH
pH at



Ex.
ppm
pH
at first floc
first floc
Appearance/comments















1
26
7.3
4
10.9
Clear. Some floc after







7 days


2
77
7.0
3
8.8
Floc


3
129
6.8
4
7.9
Floc


4
286
7.0
9
7.2
Floc
















TABLE 3f







Critical pH of Mn(C2H3O2)2 solutions of different concentrations















# drops of





Conc.
Initial
1M NaOH
pH at
Appearance/


Ex.
ppm
pH
at first floc
first floc
comments















1
26
6.8
2
7.2
Floc


2
77
7.5
2
7.7
Floc


3
129
7.7
2
7.8
Floc


4
286
8.0
2
7.9
Floc
















TABLE 3g







Critical pH of Zn(C2H3O2)2 solutions of different concentrations















# drops of





Conc.
Initial
1M NaOH
pH at
Appearance/


Ex.
ppm
pH
at first floc
first floc
comments















1
26
7.0
9
11.2
Floc


2
77
7.2
6
8.1
Floc


3
129
7.1
6
8.8
Floc


4
286
7.0
4
6.9
Floc
















TABLE 3h







Critical pH of Pb(C2H3O2)2 solutions of different concentrations















# drops of





Conc.
Initial
1M NaOH
pH at
Appearance/


Ex.
ppm
pH
at first floc
first floc
comments















1
26
7.2
4
10.5
Floc


2
77
7.3
4
10.5
Floc


3
129
7.0
2
9.3
Floc


4
286
7.0
4
10.5
Floc









Tables 3a to 3h illustrates that the aqueous solubility of many metal hydroxides, e.g. of transition metals, is very low and that the critical pH in most cases rapidly decreases as the concentration of metal ion is increased.


Tables 4a to 4g further illustrate that at a high pH, e.g. pH 10.5, aqueous solutions of transition metals will floc even at quite low metal concentrations.









TABLE 4a







Effect of pH on the stability of aqueous solutions of CuCl2


at different concentrations of Cu2+

















Appearance



Concentration
pH before
# drops of
pH after
after pH


Ex.
ppm
adjustment
1M NaOH
adjustment
adjustment















1
26 (90) 
5.7
5
11.1
Floc


2
77 (270)
5.8
11
11.0
Floc


3
129 (450) 
5.7
17
10.9
Floc


4
286 (1000)
5.5
24
10.8
Floc


5
571 (2000)
4.8
35
10.5
Floc
















TABLE 4b







Effect of pH on the stability of aqueous solutions of FeCl3


at different concentrations of Fe3+

















Appearance



Concentration
pH before
# drops of
pH after
after pH


Ex.
ppm
adjustment
1M NaOH
adjustment
adjustment















1
26 (90) 
2.6
8
10.5
Floc


2
77 (270)
2.4
11
11.0
Floc


3
129 (450) 
2.6
10
10.7
Floc


4
286 (1000)
2.3
33
10.6
Floc


5
571 (2000)
2.7
35
10.5
Floc
















TABLE 4c







Effect of pH on the stability of aqueous solutions of CrCl3


at different concentrations of Cr3+

















Appearance



Concentration
pH before
# drops of
pH after
after pH


Ex.
ppm
adjustment
1M NaOH
adjustment
adjustment















1
26 (90) 
4.3
10
11.2
Floc


2
77 (270)
4.2
11
11.5
Floc


3
129 (450) 
4.1
16
11.0
Floc


4
286 (1000)
3.0
70
11.5
Floc


5
571 (2000)
3.2
66
10.5
Floc
















TABLE 4d







Effect of pH on the stability of aqueous solutions of CoCl2


at different concentrations of Co2+

















Appearance



Concentration
pH before
# drops of
pH after
after pH


Ex.
ppm
adjustment
1M NaOH
adjustment
adjustment















1
26 (90) 
6.5
5
11.0
Floc


2
77 (270)
8.3
10
11.0
Floc


3
129 (450) 
8.4
17
10.7
Floc


4
286 (1000)
7.3
34
10.8
Floc


5
571 (2000)
7.7
40
10.7
Floc
















TABLE 4e







Effect of pH on the stability of aqueous solutions of GdNO3


at different concentrations of Gd3+

















Appearance



Concentration
pH before
# drops of
pH after
after pH


Ex.
ppm
adjustment
1M NaOH
adjustment
adjustment















1
26 (90) 
6.2
5
11.5
Floc


2
77 (270)
6.7
5
11.0
Floc


3
129 (450) 
6.9
6
10.9
Floc


4
286 (1000)
6.6
22
11.3
Floc


5
571 (2000)
6.9
25
11.5
Floc
















TABLE 4f







Effect of pH on the stability of aqueous solutions of Zn(C2H3O2)2


at different concentrations of Zn2+

















Appearance



Conc.
pH before
# drops of
pH after
after pH


Ex.
ppm
adjustment
1M NaOH
adjustment
adjustment















1
26 (90) 
8.0
5
11.1
Floc


2
77 (270)
7.2
11
11.0
Floc


3
129 (450) 
6.8
17
10.9
Floc


4
286 (1000)
6.8
24
10.8
Floc


5
571 (2000)
6.9
35
10.5
Floc
















TABLE 4g







Effect of pH on the stability of aqueous solutions of Pb(C2H3O2)2


at different concentrations of Pb2+

















Appearance



Conc.
pH before
# drops of
pH after
after pH


Ex.
ppm
adjustment
1M NaOH
adjustment
adjustment















1
26 (90) 
7.5
8
11.0
Floc


2
77 (270)
7.3
11
11.0
Floc


3
129 (450) 
7.1
17
10.9
Floc


4
286 (1000)
6.7
23
10.8
Floc


5
571 (2000)
7.1
29
10.7
Floc









The solutions of the invention may be used as coatings on substrates, for treatments of continuous or discontinuous surfaces. Therefore, in some aspects, coatings prepared by applying a composition according to the present invention are provided. Coatings according to the invention may have many different functions, in particular depending on the metal that is present therein. For example, if the metal is a transition metal, a coating may be provided having one or more of the advantageous features provided by the transition metal, e.g. magnetic properties. The coating may be applied to any solid material, e.g. plastic, resin, metal, wood, concrete, glass, brick, stone, asphalt, textile etc.


In some embodiments, a coating composition is provided comprising a solution as described herein and at least one further ingredient, such as a binder, a thickener, a plasticizer, a pigment, an adhesion promoter, a solvent, etc.


For example, in some embodiments, the coating composition e.g. a paint, a lacquer etc, comprises from 0.1% to 99.9% of the solution of the invention, e.g. from 1% to 99%, from 5% to 95%, from 10% to 90%, from 15% to 85%, from 20% to 80%, from 25% to 75%, by weight of the composition, and one or more further ingredients as mentioned herein above.


The invention will be better understood by reference to the following non-limiting examples.


EXAMPLES

In the Examples, use was made of either commercially available alkali silicate solutions, e.g. alkali silicate solutions having a SiO2:Me2O molar ratio of 3.3, or of alkali silicate solutions prepared as follows:


4.3 Ratio, 15% by Weight SiO2, Na Silicate Solution.


1 part of a 7 nm silica sol, Bindzil®30/360, diluted to 9.6 weight % SiO2, was mixed with 2 parts of 3.3 molar ratio sodium silicate diluted to 17.6 weight % SiO2, under magnetic stirring. The milky white dispersion of silica gel was heated to 96° C. under magnetic stirring over a period of 60 minutes. At about 85° C. the dispersion started to become clear. At 96° C., after 60 minutes, the dispersion was water clear and the heater was turned off. The pH was 11.6 at 20° C.


4.3 Ratio, 15% by Weight SiO2, K Silicate Solution.


1 part of 7 nm silica sol, Bindzil® 30/360, diluted to 10.7 weight % SiO2, was mixed with 2.31 parts of 3.3 molar ratio potassium silicate diluted to 16.8 weight % SiO2 under magnetic stirring. The dispersion was heated to 96° C. under magnetic stirring over a period of 60 minutes when the heater was turned off. The pH was 11.6 at 20° C.


4.3 Ratio, 15% by Weight SiO2, Li Silicate Solution.


220 g Bindzil® 30/360 decationized with a strong cation exchange resin in the hydrogen form, pH 2.0, were mixed with 204 g 2 M LiOH (pH 13.1) under stirring by a magnet bar at 20° C. The stirring was continued and after 12 hours the opaque watery gel had cleared and thinned to a water clear solution of pH 11.2.


2.5 Ratio 24.1% SiO2 Na Silicate Solution


A solution of 2.5 SiO2:Na2O molar ratio sodium silicate was prepared by adding 7.23 g NaOH dissolved in 15 g deionized water (8.14 M NaOH) to 180 g of 3.3 SiO2:Na2O molar ratio, 27.0% SiO2, sodium silicate solution under stirring by a magnet bar. The mixture was heated to 96° C. over a period of 4 hours, and was kept at 96° C. for 30 minutes. The heater was turned off and the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature under moderate agitation over night. The solution contained 24.1% SiO2, and had a pH of 12.3.


Alkali silicate solutions: 3.3 molar ratio Na silicate (“Na 3.3”), 10% SiO2, 2.5 molar ratio Na silicate (“Na 2.5”), 10% SiO2, 3.3 molar ratio K silicate (“K 3.3”), 10% SiO2 and 3.3 molar ratio Li silicate (“Li 3.3”), 10% SiO2.


Example 1

An aqueous solution containing 1000 ppm by weight of Cr3+ was prepared by dissolving 0.512 g CrCl3 in sufficient deionized water to obtain 100 g of Cr3+ solution. Under vigorous stirring using a bar magnet, 5 g of the Cr3+ solution was added to 5 g of a solution of 3.3 SiO2:Li2O molar ratio lithium silicate containing 10% SiO2, to obtain Example 1.1. The appearance of the formulation was observed at the end of the admixing.


Examples 1.2 to 1.5 were prepared following the same general procedure as used to prepare Example 1.1, but varying the concentration of either one or both of the solutions and/or the relative amounts of the solutions admixed. For each formulation the appearance was noted after admixing. Details of the formulations and the results are shown in Table 5.









TABLE 5







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio Li silicate (“Li 3.3”)


solutions with CrCl3 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















1.1
Li 3.3 10% +
5
500
1:1
Clear/green



Cr 1000 ppm






1.2
Li 3.3 10% +
6.7
333
2:1
Clear/green



Cr 1000 ppm






1.3
Li 3.3 10% +
3.3
667
1:2
Somewhat hazy



Cr 1000 ppm






1.4
Li 3.3 10% +
5
1500
1:1
Somewhat hazy



Cr 3000 ppm






1.5
Li 3.3 20% +
10
1500
1:1
Somewhat hazy



Cr 3000 ppm






1pH of a 3000 ppm CrCl3 solution is 3.2







Examples 2 to 11

Examples 2 to 11 (Ex. 2.1 through 11.4) were prepared following the same general procedure as in Example 1, using different metal salts and the 3.3 molar ratio lithium silicate, at varying amounts of metal and silicate. For each formulation the appearance was noted after admixing. Details of the formulations and the results are shown in Tables 6 to 15.









TABLE 6







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio Li silicate (“Li 3.3”)


solutions with GdCl3 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















2.1
Li 3.3 10% +
5
500
1:1
Clear/colourless



Gd 1000 ppm1






2.2
Li 3.3 10% +
3.3
667
1:2
Clear/colourless



Gd 1000 ppm






2.3
Li 3.3 10% +
2.5
750
1:3
Clear/colourless



Gd 1000 ppm






2.4
Li 3.3 10% +
6.7
333
2:1
Clear/colourless



Gd 1000 ppm






1pH of a 3000 ppm GdCl3 solution is 7.8














TABLE 7







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio Li silicate (“Li 3.3”)


solutions with ZnCl2 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















3.1
Li 3.3 20% +
10
1500
1:1
Clear/colourless



Zn 3000 ppm1






3.2
Li 3.3 20% +
6.7
2000
1:2
Slight precipitation



Zn 3000 ppm






3.3
Li 3.3 20% +
5
2250
1:3
Precipitation



Zn 3000 ppm






3.4
Li 3.3 20% +
13.3
1000
2:1
Clear/colourless



Zn 3000 ppm






3.5
Li 3.3 10% +
5
1500
1:1
Slight haze



Zn 3000 ppm






3.6
Li 3.3 10% +
3.3
2000
1:2
Slight precipitation



Zn 3000 ppm






1pH of a 3000 ppm ZnCl2 solution is 6.3














TABLE 8







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio Li silicate (“Li 3.3”)


solutions with FeCl3 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
Ppm
soln.
Appearance















4.1
Li 3.3 20% +
13.3
1000
2:1
Gel/sludge



Fe 3000 ppm1






4.2
Li 3.3 20% +
10
1500
1:1
Gel/sludge



Fe 3000 ppm1






4.3
Li 3.3 10% +
5
1500
1:1
Gel/sludge



Fe 3000 ppm






4.4
Li 3.3 10% +
7.5
750
3:1
Gel/sludge



Fe 3000 ppm






4.5
Li 3.3 10% +
5
500
1:1
Clear/yellow



Fe 1000 ppm






4.6
Li 3.3 10% +
2.5
750
1:3
Slight haze



Fe 1000 ppm






1pH of a 3000 ppm FeCl3 solution is 2.














TABLE 9







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio Li silicate (“Li 3.3”)


solutions with CoCl2 solutions
















Ratio of





SiO2
Metal
silicate to



Ex.
Formulation
%
Ppm
metal solution
Appearance















5.1
Li 3.3 20% +
10
1500
1:1
Clear/violet



Co 3000 ppm1






5.2
Li 3.3 20% +
6.7
2000
1:2
Slight haze



Co 3000 ppm






5.3
Li 3.3 20% +
13
1000
2:1
Clear/violet



Co 3000 ppm






5.4
Li 3.3 10% +
5
1500
1:1
Clear/violet



Co 3000 ppm






5.5
Li 3.3 10% +
3.3
2000
1:2
Clear/violet



Co 3000 ppm






5.6
Li 3.3 20% +
10
1500
1:1
Clear/violet



Co 3000 ppm






1pH of a 3000 ppm CoCl2 solution is 5.1.














TABLE 10







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio Li silicate (“Li 3.3”)


solutions with MnCl2 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
Ppm
soln.
Appearance















6.1
Li 3.3 10% +
5
1500
1:1
Clear/light brown



Mn 3000 ppm1






6.2
Li 3.3 10% +
3.3
2000
1:2
Clear/light brown



Mn 3000 ppm






6.3
Li 3.3 10% +
6.7
1000
2:1
Clear/light brown



Mn 3000 ppm






6.4
Li 3.3 20% +
10
1500
1:1
Clear/light brown



Mn 3000 ppm






6.5
Li 3.3 20% +
6.7
2000
1:2
Clear/light brown



Mn 3000 ppm






6.6
Li 3.3 10% +
5
1500
1:1
Clear/light brown



Mn 3000 ppm






1pH of a 3000 ppm MnCl2 solution is 6.9














TABLE 11







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio Li silicate (“Li 3.3”)


solutions with Pb(C2H3O2)2 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
Ppm
soln.
Appearance















7.1
Li 3.3 20% +
10
1500
1:1
Clear/colourless



Pb 3000 ppm1






7.2
Li 3.3 20% +
13
1000
2:1
Clear/colourless



Pb 3000 ppm






7.3
Li 3.3 20% +
8
1800
2:3
Clear/colourless



Pb 3000 ppm






7.4
Li 3.3 10% +
5
1500
1:1
Clear/colourless



Pb 3000 ppm






7.5
Li 3.3 10% +
3.3
2000
1:2
Clear/colourless



Pb 3000 ppm






1pH of a 3000 ppm Pb(C2H3O2)2 solution is 5.6














TABLE 12







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio Li silicate (“Li 3.3”)


solutions with SnCl2 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















8.1
Li 3.3 10% +
5
266
1:1
Gel and haze



Sn 532 ppm






8.2
Li 3.3 10% +
8
106
4:1
Clear, colorless



Sn 532 ppm






8.3
Li 3.3 10% +
2
426
1:4
Clear, colorless



Sn 532 ppm






1pH of a 532 ppm SnCl2 solution is 0.73














TABLE 13







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio Li silicate (“Li 3.3”)


solutions with CuSO4 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















9.1
Li 3.3 10% +
5
1500
1:1
Turbid, precipitation



Cu 3000 ppm






9.2
Li 3.3 10% +
8
600
4:1
Slight haze, blue



Cu 3000 ppm






9.3
Li 3.3 10% +
5
500
1:1
Clear, blue



Cu 1000 ppm






1pH of 3000 ppm CuSO4 solution is 4.6














TABLE 14







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio Li silicate


solutions with AgNO3 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















10.1
Li 3.3 20% +
10
1500
1:1
Clear, colorless



Ag 3000 ppm






10.2
Li 3.3 20% +
13
1000
2:1
Clear, colorless



Ag 3000 ppm






10.3
Li 3.3 20% +
15
750
3:1
Clear, colorless



Ag 3000 ppm






10.4
Li 3.3 20% +
16
600
4:1
Clear, colorless



Ag 3000 ppm






10.5
Li 3.3 10% +
5
500
1:1
Clear, colorless



Ag 1000 ppm






1pH of 3000 ppm AgNO3 solution is 7.7














TABLE 15







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio Li silicate


solutions with FeCl3 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















11.1
Li 3.3 10% +
8
1029
4:1
Clear/light gray



Fe 5143 ppm






11.2
Li 3.3 10% +
5
1500
1:1
Clear/light gray



Fe 3000 ppm






11.3
Li 3.3 10% +
2
2400
1:4
Clear/colourless



Fe 3000 ppm






11.4
L 3.3 10% +
8
600
4:1
Clear/light gray



Fe 3000 ppm









Example 12

An aqueous solution containing 3000 ppm by weight of Ag+ was prepared by dissolving 0.472 g AgNO3 in sufficient deionized water to obtain 100 g of Ag+ solution. Under vigorous stirring using a bar magnet, 5 g of the Ag+ solution was added to 5 g of a solution of 3.3 SiO2:Na2O molar ratio sodium silicate containing 10% SiO2, to obtain Example 12.1. The appearance of the formulation was observed at the end of the admixing.


Examples 12.2 to 12.7 were prepared following the same general procedure as used to prepare Example 12.1, but varying the concentration of either one or both of the solutions and/or the relative amounts of the solutions admixed. For each formulation the appearance was noted after admixing. Details of the formulations and the results are shown in Table 16.









TABLE 16







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio Na silicate (“Na 3.3”)


solutions with AgNO3 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















12.1
Na 3.3 10% +
5
1500
1:1
Clear/yellow



Ag 3000 ppm






12.2
Na 3.3 10% +
3.3
2000
1:2
Clear/yellow



Ag 3000 ppm






12.3
Na 3.3 15% +
7.5
2520
1:1
Clear/yellow



Ag 5040 ppm






12.4
Na 3.3 15% +
5
3360
1:2
Clear/yellow



Ag 5040 ppm






12.5
Na 3.3 27% +
13.5
2520
1:1
Clear/colourless



Ag 5040 ppm






12.6
Na 3.3 27% +
5.4
4032
1:4
Clear/yellow



Ag 5040 ppm






12.7
Na 3.3 27% +
10.8
3024
2:3
Clear/yellow



Ag 5040 ppm









Examples 13 to 16

Examples 13 to 16 (Ex. 13.1 through 16.3) were prepared following the same general procedure as in Example 12, using different metal salts and the 3.3 molar ratio sodium silicate, at varying amounts of metal and silicate. For each formulation the appearance was noted after admixing. Details of the formulations and the results are shown in Tables 17 to 20.









TABLE 17







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio Na silicate (“Na 3.3”)


solutions with CuSO4 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















13.1
Na 3.3 10% +
5
1500
1:1
precipitation



Cu 3000 ppm






13.2
Na 3.3 10% +
6.7
1000
2:1
Clear/blue



Cu 3000 ppm






13.3
Na 3.3 10% +
8
600
4:1
Clear/blue



Cu 3000 ppm






13.4
Na 3.3 10% +
5
500
1:1
Clear/blue



Cu 1000 ppm






13.5
Na 3.3 10% +
3.3
667
1:2
Clear/blue



Cu 1000 ppm






13.6
Na 3.3 10% +
2
800
1:4
Slight haze



Cu 3000 ppm
















TABLE 18







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio Na silicate (“Na 3.3”)


solutions with FeCl3 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















14.1
Na 3.3 10% +
6.7
1000
2:1
sludge



Fe 3000 ppm






14.2
Na 3.3 10% +
8
600
4:1
sludge



Fe 3000 ppm






14.3
Na 3.3 10% +
5
500
1:1
Clear/light yellow



Fe 1000 ppm






14.4
Na 3.3 10% +
3.3
667
1:2
Clear/light yellow



Fe 1000 ppm






14.5
Na 3.3 10% +
6.7
1000
2:1
sludge



Fe 3000 ppm






14.6
Na 3.3 10% +
8
600
4:1
sludge



Fe 3000 ppm
















TABLE 19







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio Na silicate (“Na 3.3”)


solutions with SnCl2 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















15.1
Na 3.3 10% +
5
266
1:1
Gel and haze



Sn 532 ppm






15.2
Na 3.3 10% +
8
106
4:1
Clear, colorless



Sn 532 ppm






15.3
Na 3.3 10% +
2
426
1:4
Clear, colorless



Sn 532 ppm
















TABLE 20







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio Na silicate (“Na 3.3”)


solutions with FeCl3 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















16.1
Na 3.3 10% +
5
1500
4:1
Clear/dark gray



Fe 3000 ppm



blue


16.2
Na 3.3 10% +
2
2400
1:4
Clear/colorless



Fe 3000 ppm






16.3
Na 3.3 10% +
8
600
4:1
Clear/light gray



Fe 3000 ppm









Example 17

An aqueous solution containing 3000 ppm by weight of Ag+ was prepared by dissolving 0.472 g AgNO3 in sufficient deionized water to obtain 100 g of Ag+ solution. Under vigorous stirring using a bar magnet, 2.5 g of the Ag+ solution was added to 10 g of a solution of 3.3 SiO2:K2O molar ratio potassium silicate containing 10% SiO2, to obtain Example 17.1. The appearance of the formulation was observed at the end of the admixing.


Examples 17.2 to 17.6 were prepared following the same general procedure as used to prepare Example 17.1, but varying the concentration of either one or both of the solutions and/or the relative amounts of the solutions admixed. For each formulation the appearance was noted after admixing. Details of the formulations and the results are shown in Table 21.









TABLE 21







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio K silicate (“K 3.3”) solutions


with AgNO3 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















17.1
K 3.3 20% +
16
600
4:1
Clear/colourless



Ag 3000 ppm






17.2
K 3.3 20% +
15
750
3:1
Clear/colourless



Ag 3000 ppm






17.3
K 3.3 20% +
13
1000
2:1
Clear/colourless



Ag 3000 ppm






17.4
K 3.3 20% +
10
1500
1:1
Clear/colourless



Ag 3000 ppm






17.5
K 3.3 10% +
5
1500
1:1
Clear/yellow



Ag 3000 ppm






17.6
K 3.3 20% +
16
600
4:1
Clear/colourless



Ag 3000 ppm









Examples 18 to 21

Examples 18 and 19 (Ex. 18.1 through 19.6) were prepared following the same general procedure as in Example 17, using different metal salts and the 3.3 molar ratio potassium silicate, at varying amounts of metal and silicate. For each formulation the appearance was noted after admixing. Details of the formulations and the results are shown in Tables 22 and 23.









TABLE 22







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio K silicate (“K 3.3”) solutions


with CuSO4 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















18.1
K 3.3 20% +
16
600
4:1
Clear/blue



Cu 3000 ppm






18.2
K 3.3 20% +
15
750
3:1
Clear/blue*



Cu 3000 ppm






18.3
K 3.3 20% +
13
1000
2:1
Clear/blue*



Cu 3000 ppm






18.4
K 3.3 20% +
10
1500
1:1
Clear/blue*



Cu 3000 ppm






18.5
K 3.3 10% +
8
600
4:1
Clear/blue*



Cu 3000 ppm






18.6
K 3.3 10% +
5
500
1:1
Clear/blue*



Cu 1000 ppm






18.7
K 3.3 10% +
3.3
667
1:2
Slight haze



Cu 1000 ppm






18.8
K 3.3 10% +
2
800
1:4
Slight haze*



Cu 1000 ppm





*Appearance of formulation after one week













TABLE 23







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio K silicate (“K 3.3”) solutions


with FeCl3 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















19.1
K 3.3 10% +
6.7
1000
2:1
sludge



Fe 3000 ppm






19.2
K 3.3 10% +
5
500
1:1
Slight haze



Fe 1000 ppm






19.3
K 3.3 10% +
3.3
667
1:2
Slight haze



Fe 1000 ppm






19.4
K 3.3 10% +
6.7
1000
2:1
sludge



Fe 3000 ppm






19.5
K 3.3 10% +
5
500
1:1
Slight haze



Fe 1000 ppm






19.6
K 3.3 10% +
3.3
667
1:2
Slight haze



Fe 1000 ppm









Example 20

To 10 g of an aqueous solution of SnCl2 containing 1000 ppm Sn2+, 8.8 g of 1M HCl (aq) were added, causing the pH in the solution to drop from 2.5 to 0.73.


Under vigorous stirring using a bar magnet, 5 g of the Sn2+ solution was added to 5 g of a solution of 3.3 SiO2:K2O molar ratio potassium silicate containing 10% SiO2, to obtain Example 20.1. The appearance of the formulation was observed at the end of the admixing.


Examples 20.2 and 20.3 were prepared following the same general procedure as used to prepare Example 20.1, but varying the relative amounts of the solutions admixed. For each formulation the appearance was noted after admixing. Details of the formulations and the results are shown in Table 24.









TABLE 24







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio K silicate (“K 3.3”) solutions


with SnCl2 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















20.1
K 3.3 10% +
5
266
1:1
Gel and haze



Sn 532 ppm






20.2
K 3.3 10% +
8
106
4:1
Clear, colorless



Sn 532 ppm






20.3
K 3.3 10% +
2
426
1:4
Clear, colorless



Sn 532 ppm









Example 21

To 62.5 g of an aqueous solution of FeSO4 containing 9000 ppm Fe2+, 46.9 g of 1M HCl (aq) and 78.1 g of de-ionized water were added, causing the pH in the solution to drop from 3.77 to 0.79.


Under vigorous stirring using a bar magnet, 2 g of the Fe2+ solution was added to 8 g of a solution of 3.3 SiO2:K2O molar ratio potassium silicate containing 10% SiO2, to obtain Example 21. The appearance of the formulation was observed at the end of the admixing. Details of the formulation and the results are shown in Table 25.









TABLE 25







Mixtures of 3.3 molar ratio K silicate (“K 3.3”) solutions


with FeSO4 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















21
K 3.3 10% +
8
600
4:1
Clear/blue gray



Fe 3000 ppm









Example 22

An aqueous solution containing 3000 ppm by weight of Ag+ was prepared by dissolving 0.472 g AgNO3 in sufficient deionized water to obtain 100 g of Ag+ solution. Under vigorous stirring using a bar magnet, 5 g of the Ag+ solution was added to 5 g of a solution of 4.3 SiO2:Na2O molar ratio potassium silicate containing 15% SiO2, to obtain Example 22.1. The appearance of the formulation was observed at the end of the admixing.


Examples 22.2 to 22.4 were prepared following the same general procedure as used to prepare Example 22.1, but varying the concentration of either one or both of the solutions and/or the relative amounts of the solutions admixed. For each formulation the appearance was noted after admixing. Details of the formulations and the results are shown in Table 26.









TABLE 26







Mixtures of 4.3 ratio Na silicate (“Na 4.3”)


solutions with AgNO3 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















22.1
Na 4.3 15% +
7.5
1500
1:1
Slight haze



Ag 3000 ppm






22.2
Na 4.3 10% +
5
500
1:1
Slight haze



Ag 1000 ppm






22.3
Na 4.3 10% +
8
200
4:1
haze



Ag 1000 ppm






22.4
Na 4.3 10% +
2
800
1:4
Clear/light yellow



Ag 1000 ppm









Examples 23 and 24

Examples 23 and 24 (Ex. 23.1 through 24.9) were prepared following the same general procedure as in Example 22, using different metal salts and the 4.3 molar ratio sodium silicate, at varying amounts of metal and silicate. For each formulation the appearance was noted after admixing. Details of the formulations and the results are shown in Tables 27 and 28.









TABLE 27







Mixtures of 4.3 ratio Na silicate (“Na 4.3”)


solutions with CuSO4 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















23.1
Na 4.3 15% +
7.5
500
1:1
Clear/blue



Cu 1000 ppm






23.2
Na 4.3 15% +
3
800
1:4
Slight haze



Cu 1000 ppm






23.3
Na 4.3 10% +
5
500
1:1
Slight haze



Cu 1000 ppm






23.4
Na 4.3 10% +
5
1500
1:1
Gel/sludge



Cu 3000 ppm






23.5
Na 4.3 10% +
6.6
333
2:1
Gel/sludge



Cu 1000 ppm
















TABLE 28







Mixtures of 4.3 ratio Na silicate (“Na 4.3”) solutions with ZnCl2 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















24.1
Na 4.3 15% +
7.5
1500
1:1
Slight haze



Zn 3000 ppm






24.2
Na 4.3 15% +
10
1000
2:1
Slight haze



Zn 3000 ppm






24.3
Na 4.3 15% +
3
2400
1:4
Clear/Colourless



Zn 3000 ppm






24.4
Na 4.3 10% +
5
1500
1:1
Clear/Colourless



Zn 3000 ppm






24.5
Na 4.3 10% +
5
1500
1:1
Clear/Colourless



Zn 3000 ppm






24.6
Na 4.3 10% +
5
500
1:1
Slight haze



Zn 1000 ppm






24.7
Na 4.3 10% +
5
500
1:1
Clear/Colourless



Zn 1000 ppm






24.8
Na 4.3 15% +
7.5
500
1:1
Clear/Colourless



Zn 1000 ppm






24.9
Na 4.3 15% +
3
800
1:4
Clear/Colourless



Zn 1000 ppm









Example 25

An aqueous solution containing 5040 ppm by weight of Ag+ was prepared by dissolving 0.794 g AgNO3 in sufficient deionized water to obtain 100 g of Ag+ solution. Under vigorous stirring using a bar magnet, 5 g of the Ag+ solution was added to 5 g of a solution of 4.3 SiO2:K2O molar ratio potassium silicate containing 10% SiO2, to obtain Example 25.1. The appearance of the formulation was observed at the end of the admixing.


Examples 25.2 to 25.5 were prepared following the same general procedure as used to prepare Example 20.1, but varying the concentration of either one or both of the solutions and/or the relative amounts of the solutions admixed. For each formulation the appearance was noted after admixing. Details of the formulations and the results are shown in Table 29.









TABLE 29







Mixtures of 4.3 ratio K silicate (“K 4.3”) with AgNO3 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















25.1
K 4.3 10% +
5
2520
1:1
Clear/yellow



Ag 5040 ppm






25.2
K 4.3 10% +
3.3
2000
1:2
Clear/yellow



Ag 3000 ppm






25.3
K 4.3 10% +
6.7
1000
2:1
Clear/light yellow



Ag 3000 ppm






25.4
K 4.3 15% +
7.5
500
1:1
Slight haze



Ag 1000 ppm






25.5
K 4.3 10% +
5
500
1:1
Clear/yellow



Ag 1000 ppm









Examples 26 and 27

Examples 26 and 27 (Ex. 26.1 through 27.3) were prepared following the same general procedure as in Example 25, using different metal salts and the 4.3 molar ratio potassium silicate, at varying amounts of metal and silicate. For each formulation the appearance was noted after admixing. Details of the formulations and the results are shown in Tables 30 and 31.









TABLE 30







Mixtures of 4.3 ratio K silicate (“K 4.3”) solutions


with CuSO4 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















26.1
K 4.3 15% +
7.5
1500
1:1
Hazy/gel



Cu 3000 ppm






26.2
K 4.3 15% +
7.5
500
1:1
Clear/blue



Cu 1000 ppm






26.3
K 4.3 15% +
3
800
1:4
Slight haze



Cu 1000 ppm
















TABLE 31







Mixtures of 4.3 ratio K silicate (“K 4.3”) solutions


with Zn(C2H3O2)2 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















27.1
K 4.3 15% +
7.5
1500
1:1
Hazy/gel



Zn 3000 ppm






27.2
K 4.3 15% +
7.5
500
1:1
Clear/colourless



Zn 1000 ppm






27.3
K 4.3 15% +
3
800
1:4
Clear/colourless



Zn 1000 ppm









Example 28

An aqueous solution containing 5040 ppm by weight of Ag+ was prepared by dissolving 0.794 g AgNO3 in sufficient deionized water to obtain 100 g of Ag+ solution. Under vigorous stirring using a bar magnet, 5 g of the Ag+ solution was added to 5 g of a solution of 4.3 SiO2:Li2O molar ratio lithium silicate containing 15% SiO2, to obtain Example 28.1. The appearance of the formulation was observed at the end of the admixing.


Examples 28.2 to 28.6 were prepared following the same general procedure as used to prepare Example 28.1, but varying the concentration of either one or both of the solutions and/or the relative amounts of the solutions admixed. For each formulation the appearance was noted after admixing. Details of the formulations and the results are shown in Table 32.









TABLE 32







Mixtures of 4.3 ratio Li silicate solutions with AgNO3 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















28.1
Li 4.3 15% +
7.5
2520
1:1
Haze/dark



Ag 5040 ppm






28.2
Li 4.3 15% +
7.5
1500
1:1
Haze/dark



Ag 3000 ppm






28.3
Li 4.3 15% +
7.5
500
1:1
Haze/precipitate



Ag 1000 ppm






28.4
Li 4.3 10% +
5
500
1:1
Haze/precipitate



Ag 1000 ppm






28.5
Li 4.3 10% +
6.7
333
2:1
Haze/precipitate



Ag 1000 ppm






28.6
Li 4.3 10% +
3.3
666
1:2
Clear/yellow



Ag 1000 ppm









Examples 29 and 30

Examples 29 and 30 (Ex. 29.1 through 30.3) were prepared following the same general procedure as in Example 28, using different metal salts and the 4.3 molar ratio lithium silicate, at varying amounts of metal and silicate. For each formulation the appearance was noted after admixing. Details of the formulations and the results are shown in Tables 33 and 34.









TABLE 33







Mixtures of 4.3 ratio Li silicate solutions with CuSO4 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















29.1
Li 4.3 15% +
7.5
1500
1:1
Haze, blue.



Cu 3000 ppm



Almost clear







the day after


29.2
Li 4.3 15% +
7.5
500
1:1
Clear, blue



Cu 1000 ppm






29.3
Li 4.3 15% +
3
800
1:4
Clear, blue



Cu 1000 ppm
















TABLE 34







Mixtures of 4.3 ratio Li silicate solutions with Zn(C2H3O2)2 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















30.1
Li 4.3 15% +
7.5
1500
1:1
Haze, gel



Zn 3000 ppm






30.2
Li 4.3 15% +
7.5
500
1:1
Clear, colorless



Zn 1000 ppm






30.3
Li 4.3 15% +
3
800
1:4
Clear, colorless



Zn 1000 ppm









Example 31

An aqueous solution containing 5040 ppm by weight of Ag+ was prepared by dissolving 0.794 g AgNO3 in sufficient deionized water to obtain 100 g of Ag+ solution. Under vigorous stirring using a bar magnet, 5 g of the Ag+ solution was added to 5 g of a solution of 2.5 SiO2:Na2O molar ratio sodium silicate containing 10% SiO2, to obtain Example 31.1. The appearance of the formulation was observed at the end of the admixing.


Examples 31.2 to 31.5 were prepared following the same general procedure as used to prepare Example 31.1, but varying the concentration of either one or both of the solutions and/or the relative amounts of the solutions admixed. For each formulation the appearance was noted after admixing. Details of the formulations and the results are shown in Table 35.









TABLE 35







Mixtures of 2.5 ratio Na silicate (“Na 2.5”) solutions with AgNO3 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















31.1
Na 2.5 10% +
5
2520
1:1
Sediment/yellow



Ag 5040 ppm






31.2
Na 2.5 10% +
5
1500
1:1
Sediment/yellow



Ag 3000 ppm






31.3
Na 2.5 10% +
6.7
333
2:1
Precipitation/light



Ag 1000 ppm



yellow


31.4
Na 2.5 10% +
3.3
667
1:2
Precipitation/light



Ag 1000 ppm



brown


31.5
Na 2.5 10% +
8
200
4:1
Clear/colourless



Ag 1000 ppm









Examples 32 and 33

Examples 32 and 33 (Ex. 32.1 through 33.4) were prepared following the same general procedure as in Example 31, using different metal salts and the 2.5 molar ratio sodium silicate, at varying amounts of metal and silicate. For each formulation the appearance was noted after admixing. Details of the formulations and the results are shown in Tables 36 and 37.









TABLE 36







Mixtures of 2.5 ratio Na silicate (“Na 2.5”)


solutions with CuSO4 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















32.1
Na 2.5 10% +
5
1500
1:1
Clear/blue



Cu 3000 ppm
















TABLE 37







Mixtures 2.5 ratio Na silicate (“Na 2.5”)


solutions with Zn(C2H3O2)2 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















33.1
Na 2.5 10% +
5
1500
1:1
Slight haze



Zn 3000 ppm






33.2
Na 2.5 10% +
5
500
1:1
Clear/colourless



Zn 1000 ppm






33.3
Na 2.5 5% +
2.5
250
1:1
Clear/colourless



Zn 500 ppm






33.4
Na 2.5 10% +
5
1500
1:1
Slight haze



Zn 3000 ppm









Example 34

An aqueous solution containing 1000 ppm by weight of Ag+ was prepared by dissolving 0.157 g AgNO3 in sufficient deionized water to obtain 100 g of solution.


Separately, 10 g of a solution of 3.3 SiO2:Li2O molar ratio lithium silicate containing 10% SiO2 were mixed with 10 g of a solution of 3.3 SiO2:K2O molar ratio potassium silicate containing 10% SiO2. To 5 g of the obtained mixed alkali silicate solution, 5 g of the silver containing solution were added, dropwise and under stirring, to obtain Example 34.1. After completion of the addition, the appearance of the formulation was noted.


Examples 34.2 and 34.3 were prepared following the same general procedure as used to prepare Example 34.1, but varying the alkali silicate solutions used. For each formulation, the appearance was noted after admixing. Details of the formulations and the results are shown in Table 38.









TABLE 38







Mixtures of blends of alkali silicate solutions with AgNO3 solutions
















Ratio of





SiO2
Metal
silicate to



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
metal solution
Appearance















34.1
K 3.3 + Li 3.3 +
5
500
1:1
Clear/light



Ag 1000 ppm



yellow


34.2
Na 3.3 + Li 3.3 +
5
500
1:1
Clear/light



Ag 1000 ppm



yellow,







slight haze


34.3
Na 2.5 + Li 3.3 +
5
500
1:1
Clear/light



Ag 1000 ppm



yellow,







slight haze









Examples 35 and 36

Examples 35 and 36 (Ex. 35.1 through 36.3) were prepared following the same general procedure as used in Example 34, but using other metal salts and the 2.5. For each formulation, the appearance was noted after admixing. Details of the formulations and the results are shown in Tables 39 and 40.









TABLE 39







Mixtures of blends of alkali silicate solutions with CuSO4 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















35.1
K 3.3 + Li 3.3 +
5
500
1:1
Clear/blue



Cu 1000 ppm






35.2
Na 3.3 + Li 3.3 +
5
500
1:1
Clear/blue



Cu 1000 ppm






35.3
Na 2.5 + Li 3.3 +
5
500
1:1
Clear/blue



Cu 1000 ppm
















TABLE 40







Mixtures of blends of alkali silicate


solutions with Zn(C2H3O2)2 solutions
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance





36.1
K 3.3 + Li 3.3 +
5
500
1:1
Clear, some



Zn 1000 ppm



preciptiation


36.2
Na 3.3 + Li 3.3 +
5
500
1:1
Clear/colourless



Zn 1000 ppm






36.3
Na 2.5 + Li 3.3 +
5
500
1:1
Clear/colourless



Zn 1000 ppm









Example 37

Examples 3.5 and 9.2 were repeated, but to the solutions were also added a small amount of a non-ionic surfactant, viz. Empilan® PF 7179 at an amount of 0.2% by weight of the final solution, to give the solutions of Examples 37.1 and 37.2, respectively. The mixtures were observed directly after admixing. Details of the formulations and the results are shown in Table 41.









TABLE 41







Mixtures containing 0.2% of the non-ionic surfactant


Empilan ® PF 7169
















Ratio silicate





SiO2
Metal
soln. to metal



Ex.
Formulation
%
ppm
soln.
Appearance















37.1
Li 3.3 10% +
8
600
4:1
Clear, blue



Cu 3000 ppm






37.2
Li 3.3 10% +
5
1500
1:1
Clear, colourless



Zn 3000 ppm








Claims
  • 1. An aqueous alkali silicate solution containing ions of one or more metals, wherein said one or more metals are selected from Cr, Gd, Zn, Co, Mn, Pb, Sn, Cu, and Ag, and wherein said ions are present at a total concentration of from 50 ppm to 5000 ppm by weight of the aqueous alkali silicate solution, wherein the aqueous alkali silicate solution contains alkali metal oxide M2O and SiO2 at a SiO2/M2O molar ratio of from 25:1 to 2:1, and wherein the aqueous alkali silicate solution is free from any complexing agent for the ions or contains one or more complexing agents for the ions in a total molar ratio of the one or more complexing agents to the ions of lower than 1:100.
  • 2. The aqueous alkali silicate solution according to claim 1, wherein said ions are present at a total concentration of from 100 ppm to 5000 ppm by weight of the aqueous alkali silicate solution.
  • 3. The aqueous alkali silicate solution according to claim 1, wherein said ions are present at a total concentration of from 50 ppm to 3000 ppm by weight of the aqueous alkali silicate solution.
  • 4. The aqueous alkali silicate solution according to claim 1, wherein said ions are present at a total concentration of from 100 ppm to 2000 ppm by weight of the aqueous alkali silicate solution.
  • 5. The aqueous alkali silicate solution according to claim 1, having a pH of from 8 to 13.
  • 6. The aqueous alkali silicate solution according to claim 1, having a pH of from 10 to 12.
  • 7. The aqueous alkali silicate solution according to claim 1, wherein the SiO2/M2O molar ratio is from 6:1 to 2:1.
  • 8. The aqueous alkali silicate solution according to claim 1, wherein a silicate is present in the aqueous alkali silicate solution in an amount corresponding to a concentration of SiO2 in the aqueous alkali silicate solution of from 1% to 30% by weight of the aqueous alkali silicate solution.
  • 9. The aqueous alkali silicate solution according to claim 8, wherein the amount corresponds to a concentration of SiO2 in the aqueous alkali silicate solution of from 2% to 20% by weight of the aqueous alkali silicate solution.
  • 10. The aqueous alkali silicate solution according to claim 1, wherein the one or more metals are transition metals.
  • 11. The aqueous alkali silicate solution according to claim 1, wherein said one or more metals are selected from Cr, Gd, Zn, Co, Mn, Sn, Cu, and Ag.
  • 12. The aqueous alkali silicate solution according to claim 1, comprising one or more surfactants.
  • 13. The aqueous alkali silicate solution of claim 1, wherein the ions of the one or more metals are ions of one or more metals selected from Cr, Gd, Zn, Co, Mn, Sn, Cu, and Ag, and wherein the ions of the one or more metals are present at a total concentration of from 50 ppm to 3000 ppm by weight of the aqueous alkali silicate solution.
  • 14. The aqueous alkali silicate solution of claim 13, having a pH of from 8 to 13.
  • 15. The aqueous alkali silicate solution of claim 13, wherein said solution is free from any complexing agent for said ions.
  • 16. The aqueous alkali silicate solution of claim 1, wherein said one or more metals are selected from Cr, Gd, Co, Mn, Sn, Cu, and Ag.
Priority Claims (2)
Number Date Country Kind
17182745 Jul 2017 EP regional
17209885 Dec 2017 EP regional
PCT Information
Filing Document Filing Date Country Kind
PCT/EP2018/069941 7/23/2018 WO
Publishing Document Publishing Date Country Kind
WO2019/020576 1/31/2019 WO A
US Referenced Citations (4)
Number Name Date Kind
1836093 Taylor Dec 1931 A
3715224 Campbell Feb 1973 A
7662354 Oki Feb 2010 B2
20120301553 Otterstedt Nov 2012 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (2)
Number Date Country
2010273698 Dec 2010 JP
2005014059 Feb 2005 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (6)
Entry
PQ, PQ Sodium Silicates, 2004, https://www.pqcorp.com/docs/default-source/recommended-literature/pq/sodium-silicate-solids/sodiumsilicates.pdf?sfvrsn=394ebc05_3 (Year: 2004).
Suba, Iron minerals removal from different quartz sands, Procedia Earth and Planetary Science, 2015, 849-854 (Year: 2015).
Tjandra et al., Interaction between silicates and ionic surfactants in dilute solution, Langmuir, 2006, 22, 1493-1499 (Year: 2006).
Chen et al., Effect of sodium silicate on the solubility of zinc oxide of the Na2O—ZnO—H2O equilibrium system, Hydrometallurgy, 136, 46-50, 2013 (Year: 2013).
International Search Report for corresponding International Application No. PCT/EP2018/069941 dated Dec. 9, 2018.
Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority for corresponding International Application No. PCT/EP2018/069941 dated Dec. 9, 2018.
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20200231454 A1 Jul 2020 US