Polymer immobilization matrix for containment of hazardous materials and methods of using the same

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a unique, two-part, water-soluble polymer matrix material and a method of application that immobilizes a wide variety of loose powder or crystalline hazardous materials and renders them “safe” or at least “safer” for handling and transport. The polymer matrix material is a two-part polymer material comprising a liquid cross-linking polymer and a cross-linking agent, initiator, or biocide contained in a solution. The cross-linking agent functions to cross-link the polymer and cause it to harden in place.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A polymer matrix material for immobilizing hazardous materials comprising a combination of:
 a first formulation of a crosslinking polymer in a concentration as low as 1% and a concentration as much as a fully saturated solution in water and/or an organic solvent; and   a second formulation of a crosslinking agent.   
     
     
         2 . The polymer matrix material of  claim 1 , wherein the crosslinking polymer is selected from the group consisting of: Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), Starch, Cellulose, Protein and Gelatin, Agarose and chitosan, Chitosan, Guar Gum, Gellan gum, Glycol Chitosan, Hydroxamated alginates, Seleroglucan Poly (acrylic-co-vinylsulfonic) acid, Polyacrylamide and polyacrylamide/guar gum graft copolymer. 
     
     
         3 . The polymer matrix material of  claim 1  wherein the cross-linking agent is a multivalent metal ion salt or an organic material. 
     
     
         4 . The polymer matrix material of  claim 3 ,
 wherein said cross-linking agent is said multivalent metal ion salt, and   wherein said multivalent metal ion salt includes one of AlCl 3 , CuCl 2 , CaCl 2 , FeCl 3 , and Zn(C 2 H 3 O 2 ).   
     
     
         5 . The polymer matrix material of  claim 3 ,
 wherein said cross-linking agent is said organic material, and   wherein said organic material includes one of glyoxal, glutaraldehyde, and epichlorohydrin.   
     
     
         6 . The polymer matrix material of  claim 1 , wherein the organic solvent includes one of methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol in a concentration of 1% to 50%. 
     
     
         7 . The polymer matrix material of  claim 1  wherein the second formulation includes a biocide in a hypochlorite solution. 
     
     
         8 . A method of immobilizing a hazardous material comprising the steps of:
 providing a polymer matrix material for immobilizing hazardous materials comprising a combination of:
 a first formulation of a crosslinking polymer, in concentrations less than 1% and as much as a fully saturated solution in solvent; and 
 a second formulation of a cross-linking agent; 
   applying the first formulation to the hazardous material to substantially cover the hazardous material; and   applying the second formulation to the first formulation to cross-link and harden the hazardous material into an immobilized hazardous material.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising the step of,
 placing the immobilized hazardous material into a container for removal.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the crosslinking polymer is selected from the group consisting of: Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), Starch, Cellulose, Protein and Gelatin, Agarose and chitosan, Chitosan, Guar Gum, Gellan gum, Glycol Chitosan, Hydroxamated alginates, Seleroglucan Poly (acrylic-co-vinylsulfonic) acid, Polyacrylamide, and polyacrylamide/guar gum graft copolymer. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the cross-linking agent is a multivalent metal ion salt or an organic material. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 ,
 wherein said cross-linking agent is said multivalent metal ion salt, and   wherein said multivalent metal ion salt includes one of AlCl 3 , CuCl 2 , CaCl 2 , FeCl 3 , and Zn(C 2 H 3 O 2 ).   
     
     
         13 . The polymer matrix material of  claim 11 ,
 wherein said cross-linking agent is said organic material, and   wherein said organic material includes one of glyoxal, glutaraldehyde, and epichlorohydrin.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the solvent is selected from the group of consisting of: methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol in a concentration of 1% to 50%. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the second formulation includes a biocide.