AU2016200561B2

AU2016200561B2 - Termiticide Composition

Info

Publication number: AU2016200561B2
Application number: AU2016200561A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Tony Di Betta
Original assignee: Scient Pest Management Australia/pacific Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Scientific Pest Management Australia/pacific Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-01-29
Filing date: 2016-01-29
Publication date: 2018-11-08
Anticipated expiration: 2036-01-29
Also published as: AU2016200561A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition comprising an acrylic base, a termiticide, and a termiticide protecting agent. The present invention also relates to a membranous matting (such as a geotextile fabric) coated with the composition; to buildings, building panels or building components including at least one coating of the composition or the membranous matting; to methods of preparing the composition; to methods of preparing the membranous matting; and to methods of protecting a building against termites.

Description

TERMITICIDE COMPOSITION

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to, inter alia, a termiticide composition, to fabrics and buildings including the composition, to methods of preparing the composition and to methods of applying the composition.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

[0003] Australia’s species of subterranean termites are highly destructive and have been reported to cause around $1 billion worth of damage and treatment costs each year. Subterranean termites may eat timber and timber products, plant fibre or any material containing cellulose. This can include structural timbers used in buildings, as well as (for example) items kept inside buildings such as furniture and books. Subterranean termites typically build nests just beneath the soil surface and forage for food for distances which can reach hundreds of metres from their nests.

[0004] To reduce the impact of termites, many different systems may be used. For example, a chemical reticulation system can be used under the slab of a building and around a building perimeter. However, most chemicals used in termite management have a limited life span.

[0005] Physical barrier systems may also be used, and these are typically constructed of a physically hard material to prevent termite entry. However, these systems can crack, rust or corrode over time and in some cases may be moved by other household pests.

[0006] Other termite systems include graded stone barriers, but these must satisfy a large number of criteria to be effective. For example, one product is GRANITGARD® which is made from stone particles which are too large and heavy for termites to carry, too hard for termites to chew or dissolve, and when packed the space between the stone particles are too small for termites to crawl through. Problems with such products include that they cannot effectively be used on sloping ground surfaces, supply in many parts of Australia is difficult, and they are relatively expensive.

[0007] Another system is a stainless steel mesh barrier. These barriers are, however, not without their drawbacks. Apart from their relatively high cost, there are particular problems when it comes to installation at the perimeter of concrete slabs having masonry veneer walls. A commonly used method comprises parging an inner edge of the mesh to the perimeter of the slab and extending the mesh out under a row of bricks which is substantially level with the slab. The parging material is an adhesive, which is required to be termite resistant, form a strong bond between the mesh and the concrete, and be durable over the life expectancy of the building. In practice, however, it is difficult to form a proper seal with the parging material due to the relative movement between the bricks and the concrete slab due to different rates of drying, and expansion and contraction taking place. The integrity of the seal is therefore frequently broken and regions for termite entry may be provided.

[0008] Alternative products embedded with termiticides are also available. Such products may be in the form of a sheet of plastic (with an embedded termiticide), other products may include paint-on termiticide compositions. However, a problem with many such products is that when a mortar, acrylic render or glue is applied to the product, the product delaminates. Consequently, care needs to be taken in selecting building construction methods when using such products.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is directed to, inter alia, a termiticide product which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0010] With the foregoing in view, in a first aspect the present invention provides a composition comprising an acrylic base, a termiticide, and a termiticide protecting agent.

[0010A] In one embodiment of the first aspect, there is provided a paintable or spreadable composition comprising: an acrylic base, a termiticide which is a pyrethroid, and a termiticide protecting agent including at least one of the group consisting of: a layered double hydroxide, a mineral of the smectite group, a mineral that includes a mineral of the smectite group, and a mineral of the kaolin group; wherein the acrylic base is from 40 to 80 % of the composition (by weight).

[0011] Advantageously, a finish may be applied to the surface of the composition. This finish may be a textured or a rendered finish (such as tiles, mortar, render etc.). Furthermore, an adhesive (such as polyurethane glue) may be applied to the surface of the composition to strongly adhere products including the composition to building panels (for example as defined below). This means that when the composition is coated on a membranous matting, and the coated matting is adhered to a building panel on one side and a finish is applied to the other side, the composition is capable of retaining its integrity; the risk of the product delaminating is significantly less than for many other commercially available compositions. Advantageously, the composition of the first aspect is compatible with a significantly wider range of building materials than many commercially available compositions, including with acrylic renders.

[0012] In a further advantage of the composition, the composition may also be water repellent once dry. Consequently, the composition once dry may be repellent to termites, toxic to termites and repellent to water.

[0013] In a variation of the first aspect, the present invention provides a paintable, spreadable or coatable composition comprising an acrylic base, a termiticide, and a termiticide protecting agent.

[0014] As used herein, the term “paintable or spreadable composition” (or coatable composition) means that the composition can effectively coat a surface. Non-paintable compositions include compositions that are too thin to effectively coat a surface, or compositions that are so dry that they crack when set. In one embodiment, the composition has a viscosity of from 130 to 200 cP; especially from 140 to 190 cP; more especially from 150 to 180 cP. The viscosity of the composition may be measured at 25 °C + 1 °C. The viscosity of the composition may be measured using a Brookfield RVT viscometer equipped with a No. 4 spindle at a spindle rotation speed of 20 rpm.

[0015] The termiticide may be any suitable chemical capable of killing termites. In one embodiment, the termiticide is a pyrethrin or a pyrethroid, especially a pyrethroid. Exemplary pyrethroids include bifenthrin, deltamethrin, chlorpyrifos, chlorfos, and permethrin; especially bifenthrin and deltamethrin; more especially bifenthrin. The termiticide may be repellent to termites and toxic to termites.

[0016] The termiticide may be from 1 to 10 % of the composition (by weight); especially from 3 to 9 %, or from 4 to 8 % of the composition; most especially from 5 to 7 % of the composition, or about 6 % of the composition.

[0017] As used herein, the term “about” in the context of the relative proportion of an ingredient in the composition may mean (context permitting) ±5%, ±4%, ±3%, ±2%, ±1%, ±0.5%, ±0.4%, ±0.3%, ±0.2%, ±0.1% or ±0.05%.

[0018] The termiticide protecting agent may be any agent that is capable of protecting the termiticide from the acrylic base so that the efficacy of the termiticide is largely retained. The inventors have found that if a composition is made of a termiticide and an acrylic base (i.e. without a termiticide protecting agent) the termiticide reacts with or is encapsulated by the acrylic base as the acrylic base dries or sets, which renders all or a significant proportion of the termiticide unable to kill or repel termites (i.e. the termiticide effectively becomes part of the acrylic polymer). Advantageously, the inventors have found that use of a termiticide protecting agent in the composition enables the efficacy of the termiticide to be retained.

[0019] The termiticide protecting agent may comprise particulate material. Advantageously, the termiticide is taken up by the termiticide protecting agent in the composition. The termiticide may be adsorbed or intercalated by the termiticide protecting agent.

[0020] The termiticide protecting agent may be a single termiticide protecting agent or a plurality of termiticide protecting agents. Suitable termiticide protecting agents may include clays, adsorbent materials or layered materials. The termiticide protecting agent(s) may be a mineral. The termiticide protecting agent may be selected from at least one of the group consisting of a layered double hydroxide (especially a hydrotalcite), a hydrated magnesium silicate (especially talc), a mineral of the smectite group or a mineral that includes a mineral of the smectite group (such as bentonite (which includes montmorillonite)), and a mineral of the kaolin group (e.g. a mineral with formula Al2Si20s(0H)4) (especially kaolin). The termiticide protecting agent may be a mixture of two or more termiticide protecting agents, such as a mixture of a mineral of the kaolin group (especially kaolin) and a hydrated magnesium silicate (especially talc). The ratio of the mineral of the kaolin group : the hydrated magnesium silicate in the composition (by weight) may be from 3:1 to 4.5:1; especially from 3.3:1 to 4.1:1, or from 3.4:1 to 4:1, or from 3.5:1 to 3.9:1, or from 3.6:1 to 3.8:1; most especially about 3.7:1.

[0021] The termiticide protecting agent may be of any suitable grade. In one embodiment, the termiticide protecting agent may be of a fine grade but this need not be the case. Commercially available materials may be used as the termiticide protecting agent in the grades at which those commercially available materials are sold.

[0022] The termiticide protecting agent may be from 7 to 20 % of the composition (by weight); especially from 9 to 18 % of the composition, or from 11 to 16 % of the composition; most especially from 13 to 15 % of the composition. The termiticide protecting agent may be about 13, 14, 15 or 16 % of the composition (by weight).

[0023] The ratio of termiticide to termiticide protecting agent may vary. On one hand, if there is an excess of termiticide protecting agent relative to termiticide, then any excess termiticide protecting agent is effectively wasted. On the other hand, if there is an excess of termiticide relative to termiticide protecting agent then the efficacy of any excess termiticide may be lost. In one embodiment, the ratio of termiticide protecting agent : termiticide (by weight) is from 1.5:1 to 3.1:1; especially from 1.7:1 to 2.9:1, or from 1.9:1 to 2.7:1, or from 2.1:1 to 2.5:1; most especially about 2.3:1.

[0024] The acrylic base may be any generic base for an acrylic paint. The acrylic base may be an acrylic/acrylate polymer (including copolymers) or an acrylate. The acrylic base may be water-based. Advantageously, a water-based acrylic base is safer, and more environmentally friendly than a solvent-based acrylic base. Exemplary acrylic bases may include a part A and a part B. Exemplary acrylic bases may include one or more of Texicryl (especially Texicryl ET9), Valbond (especially Valbond 8141); and Viscopol (especially Viscopol 43450).

[0025] The acrylic base may be from 40 to 80% of the composition (by weight); especially from 50 to 75 %, or from 55 to 70%, or from 56 to 69%, or from 57 to 68%, or from 58 to 67% or from 59 to 66% of the composition; most especially from 60 to 65% of the composition. The acrylic base (by weight) may be about 60 %, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64% or 65% of the composition.

[0026] Some advantages of using an acrylic base are that acrylic formulations may be more stable than for other paint formulations; in particular the colour of the formulation may be more stable and less likely to fade.

[0027] The ratio of acrylic base to termiticide protecting agent may vary. If there is too much termiticide protecting agent in the composition relative to acrylic base, then the composition may become too dry or granular and become not paintable or spreadable. On the other hand, if there is too little termiticide protecting agent in the composition relative to acrylic base, then the termiticide protecting agent may be unable to protect an effective amount of termiticide. In one embodiment the ratio of acrylic base : termiticide protecting agent (by weight) is from 4:1 to 5:1; especially from 4.2:1 to 4.8:1, or from 4.4:1 to 4.6:1. In another embodiment, the ratio of acrylic base : termiticide protecting agent (by weight) is from 4.4:1 to 4.7:1.

[0028] The composition may have a density of from 1.0 to 1.4 kg/L, especially from 1.1 to 1.3 kg/L most especially about 1.2 kg/L.

[0029] The composition may include other additives. The composition may further include at least one additive selected from the group consisting of: water, a pigment dispersant, a pH adjuster, an antifoam agent, a pigment, a preservative, a coalescent, a viscosity modifier and a thickener.

[0030] Water may be at least 5 % of the composition (by weight); especially at least 6 %, or at least 7 %, or at least 8 % of the composition (by weight). Water may be less than 15 % of the composition (by weight); especially less than 13 %, or less than 12 % or less than 11 %; most especially less than 10 % of the composition (by weight). Water may be from 6 to 12 % of the composition (by weight); especially from 7 to 11 % (by weight); more especially from 8 to 10 % (by weight).

[0031] The composition may include a pigment dispersant. Suitable pigment dispersants may include an anhydride copolymer; especially a maleic anhydride copolymer; more especially a sodium salt of a maleic anhydride copolymer (such as Orotan 731). A further exemplary pigment dispersant may include an amine; especially ammonia, or a primary, secondary or tertiary amine; more especially ammonia.

[0032] The pigment dispersant may be from 0.1 % to 1 % of the composition (by weight); especially from 0.2 % to 0.8 %, or from 0.3 % to 0.7 % of the composition; more especially from 0.4 % to 0.6 % of the composition, or about 0.5 % of the composition.

[0033] The composition may also include a pH adjuster. The pH adjuster may be an acid, or a base. The pH adjuster may be an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal hydroxide; for example, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide; especially sodium hydroxide. The pH of the composition may be basic; especially from 7.5 to 10; more especially from 8.0 to 9.5; or about 8.

[0034] The pH adjuster may be from 0.01 % to 0.5 % of the composition (by weight); especially from 0.01 % to 0.1 %, or from 0.02 % to 0.08 %, or from 0.03 % to 0.07 %, or from 0.04 % to 0.06 % by weight; more especially about 0.05 % of the composition (by weight).

[0035] The composition may also include an antifoam agent. The antifoam agent may include one or more of an alkanol (especially CieOH) and a fatty acid derivative (especially an alkylene-(NH-CO-alkyl)2; especially a Ci-6alkylene-(NH-CO-Ci2-24alkyl)2; more especially Ν,Ν’-ethylenedistearamide). Exemplary antifoam agents include Antimussol SF and Antimussol NS22 (Clariant®).

[0036] The antifoam agent may be from 0.01 % to 1 % of the composition (by weight); especially from 0.01 % to 0.8 %, or from 0.1 % to 0.5 %, or from 0.1 % to 0.4 %, or from 0.2 % to 0.3 % by weight; more especially about 0.25 % of the composition (by weight).

[0037] The composition may also include a pigment. The pigment may be any suitable colour. The pigment may be in the form of a liquid or solid (for example in the form of coloured oxides). The composition may include at least one pigment. The at least one pigment may include titanium dioxide. However, any suitable pigment may be used. The colour of the composition may be, for example, red or green, or any other suitable colour.

[0038] The pigment may be from 0.1 % to 10 % of the composition (by weight); especially from 1 % to 10 %, or from 2 % to 8 %, or from 3 % to 7 %; more especially from 3.5 % to 6.5 % of the composition.

[0039] The composition may also include a preservative. The preservative may kill, or prevent or decrease the growth of one or more of bacteria, yeasts, fungi and moulds. The preservative may be an isothiazolinone. Exemplary isothiazolinones may be found in Mergal K14 and Acticide DB20.

[0040] The preservative may be from 0.01 % to 1 % of the composition (by weight); especially from 0.05 % to 0.8 %, or from 0.08 % to 0.7 % of the composition; more especially from 0.1 % to 0.6 % of the composition, or from 0.1% to 0.5 % of the composition.

[0041] The composition may also include a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier may include a thickener. The thickener may be a resin, especially a melamine resin, more especially an alkylated alkylol melamine resin, most especially a modified methylated methylol melamine resin. An exemplary methylated methylol melamine resin is Ricabond bcm. The thickener may be a catalyst for acrylic resins, such as Ricadon caa.

[0042] The thickener may be less than 5 % of the composition (by weight); especially less than 4 %, less than 3 %, less than 2 % or less than 1 % of the composition. The thickener may be more than 0.4%, more than 0.5 %, more than 0.6 %, or more than 0.7 % of the composition (by weight). The thickener may be from 0.2 % to 2 % of the composition (by weight), or from 0.4 % to 1.2 % of the composition (by weight); or from 0.6 % to 0.9 % of the composition (by weight); or from 0.7 % to 0.8 % of the composition (by weight).

[0043] The composition may also include a coalescent. The coalescent may be an ester; especially a hydroxy-substituted ester; more especially a Ci_6alkyl-CO-0-Ci_i2hydroxyalkyl. An exemplary Ci-6alkyl-CO-0-Ci-i2hydroxyalkyl is Texanol (2,2,4-Trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoi sobutyrate).

[0044] The coalescent may be less than 8 % of the composition (by weight); especially less than 7 %, less than 6 %, less than 5 %, less than 4 % or less than 3 % of the composition. The coalescent may be more than 0.5%, more than 0.7 %, more than 0.9 %, more than 1 % or more than 1.2 % of the composition (by weight). The coalescent may be from 0.5 % to 5 % of the composition (by weight); or from 1 % to 4 %, or from 1.5 % to 3 % of the composition.

[0045] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a membranous matting coated with the composition of the first aspect.

[0046] Any suitable membranous matting may be used in the second aspect. The membranous matting may include a fibreglass matting, a polyester or polyethylene wadding or a fabric, or a combination thereof. An exemplary fabric is a geotextile fabric, especially a polyester geotextile fabric. An exemplary polyester geotextile fabric is a YD-PET 150 gsm (+/-5%) PET white collandered non-woven fabric. The matting may be in the form of a longitudinally extending strip which can be rolled out over a building panel, or a component of a building. The matting may be capable of absorbing or adsorbing the composition of the first aspect.

[0047] The membranous matting may be coated on one or both sides with the composition of the first aspect; especially on both sides. The composition of the first aspect may be infused or embedded in the matting. The composition of the first aspect may be coated onto the matting by use of a spreader blade or a doctor blade. The composition may be coated onto the matting using a brush or a roller, or by painting. The composition may be sprayed onto the matting. The coated matting may have a weight of from 150 to 450 g/m ; especially from 200 to 400 g/m , or from 250 to 350 g/m2; most especially from 300 to 350 g/m2.

[0048] The coated membranous matting may be in the form of a longitudinally extending roll. The matting may be from 8 to 50 cm wide, especially from 10 to 30 cm wide, more especially from 10 to 20 cm wide, most especially about 15 cm wide.

[0049] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a building, building panel or building component including at least one coating of the composition of the first aspect, or the coated membranous matting of the second aspect.

[0050] The building panel may be any suitable panel. The building panel may be a light weight panel or cladding. The building panel may be made from concrete, foam (such as green foam panels), or plastic (such as plastic sidings). The concrete panel may be lightweight concrete or aerated concrete, more especially aerated autoclaved concrete (such as Hebei® panels). The building components may be bricks or structural footings (such as a concrete slab, a stump or a tilt panel).

[0051] The composition of the first aspect may be painted or coated on the building, building panel or building components. Alternatively, the coated membranous matting of the second aspect may be fastened to the building, building panel or building components. Any suitable fastener may be used, such as pins, bolts, screws, rivets and adhesive (such as polyurethane). In an exemplary embodiment, the coated membranous matting may be fastened to a building panel using an adhesive (such as a polyurethane glue). In a further exemplary embodiment, the coated membranous matting may be fastened to a brick wall using pins (in which the coated matting sheets may be overlapped).

[0052] The fastened coated membranous matting (or the composition of the first aspect) may extend upwardly from the base of the building, building panel or building components. The fastened coated membranous matting (or the composition of the first aspect) may extend from the base to less than halfway up (especially less than a quarter up) the building, building panel or building components. The fastened coated membranous matting (or the composition of the first aspect) may extend from underneath a building panel and then up a wall of the building panel (i.e. the matting may be folded over the base of the building panel).

[0053] In a further embodiment of the third aspect, a finish may be applied to the building, building panel or building component. The finish may be applied over the composition of the first aspect or the matting of the second aspect. The finish may be a textured or rendered finish. Exemplary finishes include tiles, mortar or render (including an acrylic render). The finish may include a groove (especially a V-shaped groove) that extends from the surface of the finish to the composition or matting. The groove may be located at about 2/3 the height of the composition or matting on the building, building panel or building component.

[0054] The composition of the first aspect or the coated membranous matting of the second aspect may extend around the perimeter of the building. The composition of the first aspect or the coated membranous matting of the second aspect may be located on at least one building panel mounted at the perimeter of a building. A termiticide sealant may be located between the building panel and a structural footing for the building.

[0055] In a further embodiment of the third aspect, the coated membranous matting of the second aspect may be positioned between the mortar course of a masonry wall and an adjacent concrete slab. For example, one edge of the coated membranous matting may be adhered to the concrete slab. One edge of the coated membranous matting may be positioned within the mortar joint of the masonry wall. The edge of the coated membranous matting may have an associated inspection band welded or adhered along its edge (this may permit the mortar joint to be racked without destroying the edge of the matting).

[0056] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method of preparing the composition of the first aspect, the method including the steps of: (i) Combining the termiticide and the termiticide protecting agent to form a mixture; and (ii) Adding the mixture of step (i) to the acrylic base to thereby prepare the composition.

[0057] In one embodiment, the mixture includes one or more additives (as defined for the first aspect). The one or more additives may include water, a pigment dispersant, a pH adjuster, an antifoam agent and a pigment. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of adding the termiticide to the termiticide protecting agent to form the mixture. The method may include the step of adding the pigment dispersant to the mixture before adding the pigment. The method may include the steps of mixing water and pigment dispersant; then adding a pH adjuster, an antifoam agent, a pigment and a termiticide protecting agent; then adding water and a pigment; then adding the termiticide to thereby form the mixture. In one embodiment, the temperature of the mixture does not exceed 60 °C, and especially does not exceed 50 °C. Advantageously, keeping the temperature of the mixture below 50 °C may minimise moisture loss. The mixture may be a paste.

[0058] In another embodiment, the method includes the step of adding one or more additives to the combined acrylic base and mixture. The one or more additives may be as defined for the first aspect. The one or more additives may especially include water, an antifoam agent, a preservative, a viscosity modifier, a coalescent, and a thickener. In one embodiment, the thickener and optionally water are added last to the combined acrylic base and mixture to thereby form the composition. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of adding the mixture of step (i) to the acrylic base; then adding water; then adding one or more of an antifoam agent, a preservative and a coalescent; then adding a thickener and optionally water to thereby provide the composition.

[0059] The method may include the step of determining the viscosity and/or specific gravity of the composition. The method may include adjusting the viscosity and/or specific gravity of the composition, especially by adding water and/or thickener to the composition.

[0060] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method of preparing the coated membranous matting of the second aspect, the method comprising the step of coating a membranous matting with the composition of the first aspect. Features of the fifth aspect may be as described for the second aspect above.

[0061] In one embodiment, the step of coating the membranous matting with the composition of the first aspect includes at least one step of applying the composition to the membranous matting. The step of applying the membranous matting may include use of a stenter.

[0062] The step of coating the membranous matting with the composition of the first aspect may include at least one step of drying the composition applied to the membranous matting. The drying step may include passing the composition applied to the membranous matting through an oven. The oven may be at a temperature of less than 150 °C; especially less than 140 °C; more especially at or less than 130 °C, at or less than 120 °C, at or less than 110 °C, or at or less than 100 °C. The matting during drying may be at a temperature of less than 130 °C, especially less than 120 °C, more especially less than 110 °C or at or less than 100 °C. The dwell time of the membranous matting in the oven may be less than 180 seconds; especially less than 160 seconds, or less than 140 seconds, or less than 120 seconds, or less than 100 seconds; most especially about 90 seconds.

[0063] The method may include a step of coating a first side of the membranous matting with the composition. The method may also include a step of coating a second (or opposite) side of the membranous matting with the composition. Each coating step may include a step of applying the composition to the membranous matting and/or a step of drying the composition applied to the membranous matting, as outlined above. The composition applied to the second side of the membranous matting may be a thinner layer than the composition applied to the first side of the membranous matting. Any suitable coating technique may be used.

[0064] The membranous matting may be rolled after passing through the oven (once the coating(s) is complete). The rolled membranous matting may be wrapped in plastic.

[0065] The control of temperature throughout the preparation of the composition and the coating of the membranous matting may be advantageous. If the temperature is too low, then the acrylic base will not set. However, if the temperature is too high the efficacy of the termiticide may be affected. The inventor has advantageously found that a matting temperature of at or less than 100 °C allows the acrylic base to set whilst not affecting the termiticide.

[0066] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a method of protecting a building surface against termites, the method comprising the step of applying the composition of the first aspect or the coated membranous matting of the second aspect to the building surface. The step of applying may include painting the composition of the first aspect, or fastening the coated membranous matting of the second aspect to a building surface. The method may include the step of applying a finish to the coated membranous matting fastened to the building surface, or applying a finish to the composition painted on the building surface. The coated membranous matting may be fastened to a single building surface, or the coated membranous matting may be fastened between building surfaces. In one example, the coated membranous matting may be fastened between building surfaces by fastening one edge of the coated membranous matting to a concrete slab, and by positioning an opposite edge of the coated membranous matting in the mortar course of a masonry wall. Context permitting, features of the sixth aspect may be as described above for the first to fifth aspects.

[0067] In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a method of protecting a building against termites, the method comprising the step of applying the composition of the first aspect or the coated membranous matting of the second aspect around the perimeter of the building. The coated membranous matting may be applied to at least one building panel mounted at the perimeter of the building. The method may also include the step of applying a finish to the coated membranous matting. The finish may include a rendered or textured finish.

[0068] In the sixth aspect and the seventh aspect of the invention, the applied composition or the matting may have a lower edge that is located proximate to ground level or below ground level. The applied composition or matting desirably extends above ground level, more desirably from below ground level to above ground level. The applied composition or the matting may have a width (from a lower edge to an upper edge) of from 8 to 50 cm wide, especially from 10 to 30 cm wide, more especially from 10 to 20 cm wide, most especially about 15 cm wide.

[0069] Features of the fourth to seventh aspects of the present invention may be as described for the first to third aspects of the present invention.

[0070] In preferred embodiments, the composition may be applied to a surface or matting so that the composition forms a continuous and coherent coating that does not crack when set. The coating may remain firmly bonded to the underlying surface or matting, or remain firmly bonded to a finish. The coating may be advantageously toxic to termites and repellent to termites.

[0071] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0072] Examples of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: [0073] Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of a coated membranous matting applied to a building panel; [0074] Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of a coated membranous matting fitted between a brick course and a raft slab; [0075] Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of a coated membranous matting fitted between a brick course and an infill slab; and [0076] Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of a coated membranous matting fitted between a brick course and an infill slab.

[0077] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Examples which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The following Examples are not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

EXAMPLES EXAMPLE 1 - Formulations

EXAMPLE 2 - Formulation Preparation Procedure [0078] The Formulations above may be prepared by the following process: 1. Start the mixer and run at 1000 rpm. 2. Load items 1 and 2 (see Example 1) into the grind vessel. 3. Slowly add items 3-7 and continue mixing the product at 1000 rpm for a minimum of 10 minutes. 4. Add items 8 & 9 and continue mixing the product at 1000 rpm for a minimum of 5 minutes. Scrape the sides of the vessel periodically. 5. Add item 10 while the vessel is mixing and continue mixing the product at 1000 rpm for a minimum of 10 minutes. Only one batch of bifenthrin is to be used. 6. Monitor the vessel temperature to ensure that it does not exceed 50 °C (to minimise moisture loss). 7. In a large second vessel load item 11 and mix at 1000 rpm. Slowly add the premix product of items 1-10. Use item 12 (water) to flush out the contents of the pre-mix (grind) vessel. 8. Slowly add items 13-15. 9. Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This should only take several minutes and should not exceed ten minutes. 10. Once the sample is uniformly mixed, slow the stirrer to 600 rpm and take a 300 mL sample to perform a viscosity check (see below). Add an amount of water to bring the viscosity within the range of 2,500 - 3,500 cP (#4/20 rpm/25 °C) with a target value of approximately 3,000 cP. 11. Add items 16 and 17 and continue mixing the mixture at 1000 rpm for a minimum of 5 minutes. 12. Once the final product is smooth and uniform in appearance and the colour is evenly distributed, take a sample. Perform specific gravity and viscosity tests on the sample. Also observe the colour (final appearance) of the product. 13. Stop the mixer and cover the vessel.

Viscosity Test Procedure 1. Place the sample in a water bath at 25 °C + 1 °C with occasional stirring. 2. Once the sample is at a temperature of 25 °C + 1 °C, place the sample in a Brookfield RVT viscometer equipped with a No. 4 Spindle. 3. Ensure that the Spindle is central in the container, then set the spindle at a rotation speed of 20 rpm and allow it to rotate for 1 minute before taking a reading. 4. Calculate the viscosity using the following equation:

Viscosity (cP) = AxB

Where A = Scale reading from viscometer B = 100 (Factor for No.4 Spindle at 20 rpm)

Specific Gravity Test Procedure 1. Place the sample in a water bath at 20 °C ± 0.1 °C with occasional stirring. 2. Place a Sheen 1501/100 Pyknometer on a balance, ensure the balance is tared, then place the Pyknometer in the bath with the sample. 3. Once the sample and the Pyknometer are at a temperature of 20 °C ± 0.1 °C, pour the sample into the Pkynometer until a meniscus is formed at the small weep hole on the lid. 4. Force down the lid to the full extent of its travel. 5. Carefully wipe any residual/overflow material from the Pyknometer using solvent on absorbent paper towel. 6. Take a balance reading and calculate the specific gravity using the following equation:

Specific Gravity @ 20°C = WxC Where W = Weight of contents in grams from balance C = Conversion factor of 0.01 F.XAMP1F. 3 Basecloth Fabric Manufacturing Procedure 1. Start a 4-6 bay stenter with the oven temperature set at 100 °C. 2. Stir the formulation from example 2 with an industrial paint stirrer for 10 minutes at 270 rpm. 3. Connect a polyester geotextile basecloth fabric (YD-PET 150 gsm (+/- 5%) PET white collandered non-woven fabric) to the stenter. 4. Use an extraction tube and an air extraction system so that the pumps draw the stirred formulation up at the minimum pump rate. 5. Once the formulation commences extruding from the pumping heads, the motor is started so that the heads move across the width of the basecloth. 6. The stenter machine is started at 10-12 metres per minute. Oven dwell time at this rate is approximately 90 seconds. 7. The formulation is applied by a blade coating technique to one side of the basecloth. The formulation is metered onto the basecloth by a doctor blade. 8. The coated basecloth exits the oven and continues for a further 6 meters to take off where it automatically gets rolled onto a trolley. The coated basecloth is continually inspected during manufacture to ensure that a relatively uniform coating occurs. At the completion of the first pass, samples are taken at the beginning of each roll to ascertain the initial coated product weight. 9. The coated basecloth is next passed through the stenter to apply the second coat on the opposite side, so that the finished product is a double-sided coated basecloth. Conditions remain the same for the second pass. During the second pass, samples are taken at the beginning of each roll to ascertain the finished product coated weight. 10. Once rolls are completed they are wrapped in plastic film and released for dispatch.

Coated Product Weight Testing Procedure 1. The test samples are cut across the width of the fabric to AS-2001.2.13. 2. Conduct all testing at 25 °C. 3. Starting 150 mm from the edge, to no closer than 150 mm from the opposite edge, five specimens are taken using a circular cutter. This is equivalent to a square sample measuring 100 mm x 100 mm, allowing a result in grams per square meter to be reported. 4. There are two sets of five specimens taken across the width, and about 300mm apart from each other. 5. The results are recorded and averaged. EXAMPLE 4 - Determination of Bifenthrin Content in Test Item [0079] A sample of Formulation A (see Example 1) and of coated basecloth from Example 3 (coated with Formulation A) were tested to determine the bifenthrin content.

[0080] A sample of Formulation A was mixed with a small amount of deionised water. The coated basecloth was milled in a 1095 Knifetec sample mill. The samples were then extracted in organic solvent and processed to ensure disintegration of any solid particles in the formulation. Bifenthrin concentration was determined by means of gas chromatography external standardisation with internal standard correction.

[0081] Bifenthrin concentrations were:

Formulation A: 5.7 g/kg

Basecloth from Example 3 (coated with Formulation A): 5.8 g/kg EXAMPLE 5 - Determination of Total Dislodgeable Termiticide from the Coated Basecloth [0082] This example simulates a scenario where the coated basecloth is subjected to prolonged complete submersion in water due to flooding, and aimed to determine the total dislodgeable residues of bifenthrin that may be lost from the coated basecloth in this scenario.

[0083] A 40 cm x 40 cm sheet of coated basecloth from Example 3 (coated with Formulation A) was placed in 8 L deionised water. The coated basecloth was unrolled to ensure maximum exposure of its surface area to water.

[0084] A small stirring blade was placed into the centre of the glass tank and left stirring at approximately 300 rpm for the 28 day submersion period (at 22 + 2 °C). The stirrer produced constant gentle movement of the water. The top of each tank was covered with Parafilm to inhibit evaporation.

[0085] After 28 days the stirrer was removed and the coated basecloth was withdrawn from the tank and discarded. The water in the tank was mixed well to ensure homogeneity of any dislodged material. An aliquot of 20 mL of water was taken and analysed for residues of bifenthrin. The procedure below was performed in duplicate.

[0086] The water samples were extracted by liquid-liquid partitioning into hexane. Extracts were filtered and cleaned up on a Florisil SPE cartridge, then evaporated to dryness. The residues were reconstituted in acetone. The final extract was analysed by GC/MS on a

Phenomonex ‘Zebron’ ZB-5MS column using a Mass Spectrometer Detector (GC/MS). The quantitative determination was carried out by external standardisation.

[0087] FMC Corporation Method Number P-2550M was used for analysis of the samples, with the following modifications: (i) Section V. A) Extraction: Water was the test matrix rather than corn. (ii) Section V. A) Extraction: For initial extraction of water samples 20 mL of the water specimen was used, and total extraction volume reduced to 40 mL of hexane. Samples were filtered through a Whatman No. 1 filter paper prior to extraction. (iii) Section V. A) Florisil Column Procedure: The Florisil packed column cleanup step was not required. Analysis proceeded straight to the Florisil SPE cartridge clean-up step. (iv) Section V. A) Florisil Prep Sep Cartridge: Extract (4 mL aliquot) was loaded onto a Florisil SPE cartridge (1000 mg/ 6 mL), pre-conditioned with 6 mL acetone followed by 10 mL of hexane. After loading the extract onto the cartridge was washed with 10 mL of hexane. Residues were eluted with 10 mL of 10 % ethyl acetate / hexane. The eluant was then evaporated to dryness on a rotary vacuum evaporator. Evaporated residues were reconstituted into 10 mL of acetone for all samples. (v) Section V. B) Instrumentation: ThermoFinnigan TraceGC gas chromatograph with a PolarisQ ion-trap mass spectrometer replacing HP 5880A gas chromatograph fitted with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD).

[0088] Details of the ThermoFinnigan TraceGC gas chromatograph (with Split/Splitless Injector, AS2000 Autosampler and PolarisQ MS mass-spectrometer) were as follows:

Injector: Splitless with a constant septum purge; 5 mm ID insert; 2.0 pL injection volume; 10.0 pL/second injection rate; 280 °C isothermal injection temperature Carrier gas: ultra high purity helium; splitless 1 minute, then split 10:1; 1.5 mL constant flow (vacuum compensation on); surge pressure 80 kPa for 0.10 mins Capillary column: ZB-5MS liquid phase (30 m length, 0.25 mm internal diameter, 0.25 pm film thickness)

Column temperature program:

Mass Spectrometer Conditions: Electron Ionisation (+EI); MS/MS; 250 mA Filament Current; 260 °C Ionisation temperature; 280 °C Transfer line temperature; 1425 V Electron multiplier voltage; 24999 ps Ionisation time. MS Segment Parameters: Bifenthrin - Parent ion (m/z) 181; Product Quant. Ions (m/z) 165 + 166; Segment time (min) 2.0 min - 3.0 min Retention Time: Bifenthrin - 4.6 mins [0089] Residue Results for Analyses of Bifenthrin Residues

EXAMPLE 6 - Shear Strength Tests [0090] Basecloths coated with Formulation A and Formulation B (see Example 3) were compared against a basecloth using a similar formulation based on a solvents (AD-TR-SOL RED - The White Ant Co.: solvents include: Al-lite, xylol, methyl ethyl ketone and white spirit).

[0091] The basecloths coated with Formulation A, Formulation B, and the solvent formulation were adhered to samples of brick, cement and PVC pipe using Aduleth termiticide (The White Ant Co.; a sealant adhesive including construction grade polyurethane, bifenthrin and toluene diisocyanate). Tests were performed using a shear style test to see the load held by the coated basecloth and adhesive.

[0092] Shear Strength Test results

[0093] A single factor ANOVA was performed on the shear strength of the samples at a 5% significance level. At the 5% significance level a significant difference was found between the shear strengths of the samples adhered to the brick and cement, indicating that the bond in the Formulation A or B coated basecloth was stronger. No significant difference could be determined in the samples adhered to the PVC pipe at the 5% significance level. EXAMPLE 7 - Application of Coated Geotextile Fabric to Building Panel [0094] Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of a portion of a building 100 within which the coated membranous matting 102 is installed. The building includes a standard veneer concrete slab 108 resting on soil 112. In Figure 1, the slab edge has a rebate of 190 mm (height) and 150 mm (width) with a steel trowel finish to the top of the footing. This profile will suit a single brick rebate and a Hebei® (aerated concrete) panel 104. It is intended that the slab edge should be flush or slightly protrude the brick or the Hebei® panel 104 (builders should avoid undercutting the panel 104). The slab (aerated concrete) 108 is positioned so that the base of the footing is about 25 mm below the Finished Ground Level (FGL).

[0095] On top of the slab 108 footing is positioned a Damp Proof Course (DPC) 118 which is 75 to 110 mm wide. Beneath the DPC mortar (such as Hebei® Mortar) may be laid (only where flatness > 3 mm per 600 mm panel width). On top of the DPC a panel 104 is positioned (Hebei® 75 PP XL). These components are positioned so that the distance from the outward edge of the panel 104 to the edge of the slab 108 footing is about 30 mm. The panel 104 is fixed to a timber or steel frame 126 via bracket 120. A termiticide sealant 116 is applied to form a seal between the base of the panel 104 and the slab 108 footing. In Figure 1 the termiticide sealant is Aduleth Termiticide (a sealant including hifenthrin and toluene diisocyanate).

[0096] The coated membranous matting 102 is positioned at the bottom outward edge of the panel 104. The matting 102 may be adhered to the panel 104 using an adhesive, such as a polyurethane glue. A finish 106 is spread over the matting 102, and in Figure 1 the finish 106 is a render (such as a Hebei® render). During the render process, a V-groove 114 is installed in the finish 116, and the V-groove 114 is located 75 mm above the Finished Ground Level and 50 mm below the top of the matting 102. HXAMPLH 8 - Application of Coated Geotextile Fabric between Masonry Wall Mortar Course and Adjacent Concrete Slab [0097] Referring to Figure 2, there is depicted a brick course 10, a concrete raft slab 11, a foundation 12 and a base plate 13 of a building. A thin band 14 of a polyethylene plastics material is fixed with a termite resistant adhesive to the upper outer edge of the brick course 10 so as to be flush with the outer edge thereof. The band extends about two fifths of the way across the brick course and extends lengthwise along the brick course. The adhesive used to fix the band forms a continuous unbroken termite barrier.

[0098] The membranous matting 20 (such as a basecloth coated with Formulation A or Formulation B above) is adhered to the band 14 of plastics material at “X”, and to the outer face of the concrete slab 11 at “Y”. The adhesive is such as to form a continuous seal along the outer face of the slab. An adhesive bead seal 17 is also formed on the outer facing edge of the membranous matting 20. The membranous matting 20 extends the entire length of the brick course 10 and forms a continuous curved portion 15 across the cavity 16.

[0099] The embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 differs from Figure 2 in that there is no cavity and the membranous matting 21 is laid flat across the top of a horizontal portion of a rebate 18 in the concrete slab 11. Adhesive 19 is applied to the horizontal portion of the rebate 18 and a bead of the adhesive is also applied to the upper corner region as illustrated. The rest of the termite barrier is as described above with respect to Figure 2.

[00100] Figure 4 illustrates the same masonry/slab construction as Figure 3, but here the membranous matting 22 is curved upwardly at 24 and adhered at “Z” to the vertical face 23 of the rebate 18. An adhesive bead seal 25 is also formed on the top upper facing edge of the membranous matting 22 to prevent moisture being absorbed into, or termiticide being released from, the edge of the matting 22.

[00101] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00102] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00103] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A paintable or spreadable composition comprising: an acrylic base, a termiticide which is a pyrethroid, and a termiticide protecting agent including at least one of the group consisting of: a layered double hydroxide, a mineral of the smectite group, a mineral that includes a mineral of the smectite group, and a mineral of the kaolin group; wherein the acrylic base is from 40 to 80 % of the composition (by weight).

2. The paintable or spreadable composition of claim 1, wherein the termiticide is bifenthrin or deltamethrin.

3. The paintable or spreadable composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the termiticide is bifenthrin.

4. The paintable or spreadable composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the termiticide protecting agent includes at least one of the group consisting of a hydrotalcite, bentonite and kaolin.

5. The paintable or spreadable composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the termiticide protecting agent is a mixture of a mineral of the kaolin group and a hydrated magnesium silicate.

6. The paintable or spreadable composition of claim 5, wherein the termiticide protecting agent is kaolin and talc.

7. The paintable or spreadable composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the termiticide protecting agent is from 9 to 18 % of the composition by weight.

8. The paintable or spreadable composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the acrylic base is a water-based acrylic base.

9. The paintable or spreadable composition of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the acrylic base is from 50 to 75 % of the composition by weight.

10. The paintable or spreadable composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the ratio by weight of acrylic base : termiticide protecting agent is from 4:1 to 5:1.

11. The paintable or spreadable composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the composition has a density of from 1.0 to 1.4 kg/L.

12. A membranous matting coated with the paintable or spreadable composition of any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The membranous matting of claim 12, wherein the membranous matting is a geotextile fabric.

14. A building, building panel or building component including at least one coating of the paintable or spreadable composition of any one of claims 1 to 11, or the membranous matting of claim 12 or 13.

15. The building, building panel or building component of claim 14, wherein the building, building panel or building component is a building panel, and the building panel is made from aerated concrete.

16. The building, building panel or building component of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein a finish is applied over the at least one coating of the paintable or spreadable composition or over the membranous matting.

17. A method of preparing the composition of any one of claims 1 to 11, the method including the steps of: (i) Combining the termiticide and the termiticide protecting agent to form a mixture; and (ii) Adding the mixture of step (i) to the acrylic base to thereby prepare the composition.

18. A method of preparing the membranous matting of claim 12 or 13, the method comprising the step of coating a membranous matting with the paintable or spreadable composition of any one of claims 1 to 11.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the method includes at least one step of applying the paintable or spreadable composition to the membranous matting and drying the applied composition, wherein the matting during drying is at a temperature of less than 100 °C.

20. A method of protecting a building against termites, the method comprising the step of applying the composition of any one of claims 1 to 11, or the membranous matting of claim 12 or 13 around the perimeter of the building.