United exothermic medium and heating element using it

Abstract

The flexible exothermic medium of this invention is composed of an exothermic agent which generates heat in contact with air, and a water-absorptive polymer and/or a second polymer other than the water absorptive polymer. The mixture thereof is pressed at a pressure of 100-8000 kg/cm 2 with alcohol, a cross-linking agent or a plasticizer. This results in producing flexible united mediums. The flexibility of the exothermic medium is also obtained by irradiating it with light or heating the mixture. The exothermic medium thus prepared is so flexible as to fit any curved part of the body and has excellent exothermic characteristics compared with the prior art. The heating element using these exothermic mediums is fit for various uses such as thermotherapy, body warmers, cosmetics and the like,

1 . A united flexible exothermic medium comprising a mixture of: 
 an exothermic agent which generates heat in contact with air; and    a water-absorptive polymer and/or a second polymer other than the water-absorptive polymer,    wherein said mixture is pressed with alcohol, a cross-linking agent, or a plasticizer under a prescribed pressure to be united.    
     
     
         2 . The united flexible exothermic medium according to  claim 1 , wherein said alcohol is ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, ethylene glycol. propylene glycol, or glycerin.  
     
     
         3 . The united flexible exothermic medium according to  claim 1  or  2 . wherein said cross-linking agent is to promote the cross-linking reaction between said water-absorptive polymers, between said second polymers, or between said water-absorptive polymer and said second polymer.  
     
     
         4 . A united flexible exothermic medium comprising a mixture of: 
 an exothermic agent which generates heat in contact with air; and    a water-absorptive polymer and/or a second polymer other than the water-absorptive polymer;    wherein said mixture is pressed under a prescribed pressure and also irradiated with light or heated to be united.    
     
     
         5 . The united flexible exothermic medium according to  claim 4 , wherein said cross-linking agent is to promote the cross-linking reaction between said water-absorptive polymers, between said second polymers, or between said water-absorptive polymer and said second polymer.  
     
     
         6 . The united flexible exothermic medium according to one of claims  1  through  5 , wherein a filler is added to said mixture.  
     
     
         7 . The united flexible exothermic medium according to one of claims  1  through  6 , wherein said pressure is 100-8000 kg/cm 2 .  
     
     
         8 . A heating element comprising said united flexible exothermic medium described in one of claims  1  through  7 .  
     
     
         9 . A heating element comprising a united flexible exothermic medium, wherein one surface of said exothermic medium is exposed to air and the other surface has an adhesive.