Ultra-Low Petroleum Plastics

Abstract

Plastic-like compositions having ultra-low contents of petroleum derived materials are provided. The materials comprise up to about 80% by weight of an inorganic salt having an average particle size between about 0.001 and about 300 gm and a plastic binder. The compositions have a low propensity to ignite or smoke in the presence of heat or flame.

1 - 69 . (canceled) 
     
     
         70 . A method of passing a flame test, the method comprising:
 providing a non-intumescent composition comprising:
 (a) about 40 to about 60% by weight of an epoxy resin; 
 (b) about 35 to about 75% by weight of ammonium sulfate, the ammonium sulfate having an average particle size from about 20 to about 70 um; and 
 (c) one or more additives selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, stabilizers, fillers, blending resins, pigments, and impact modifiers; 
   subjecting the composition to the flame test; and   passing the flame test,   wherein the test is one or more of (i) ASTM E-84 test; (ii) UL-94 test; and (iii) U.S. Government standard for flammability resistance FAR 25.853.   
     
     
         71 . The method according to  claim 70 , wherein the composition passes the ASTM E-84 with a Class A rating. 
     
     
         72 . The method according to  claim 70 , wherein:
 (I) subjecting the composition to the ASTM E-84 test comprises subjecting the composition to ASTM E-84 flame spread and smoke evolution testing; and   (II) the composition passes the ASTM E-84 test by providing no evidence of progressive combustion after 30 minutes under the conditions of (I).   
     
     
         73 . The method according to  claim 71 , wherein:
 (I) subjecting the composition to the ASTM E-84 test comprises subjecting the composition to ASTM E-84 flame spread and smoke evolution testing; and   (II) the composition passes the ASTM E-84 test by providing no evidence of progressive combustion after 30 minutes under the conditions of (I).   
     
     
         74 . The method according to  claim 70 , wherein:
 (I) subjecting the composition to the U.S. Government standard for flammability resistance FAR 25.853 test comprises subjecting the composition to edge burning by a flame maintained at 1550 ° F. for a period of 60 seconds; and   (II) the composition passes the U.S. Government standard for flammability resistance FAR 25.853 test by being self-extinguishing before 15 seconds and non-dripping under the conditions set forth in (I).   
     
     
         75 . The method according to  claim 70 , wherein:
 (I) subjecting the composition to the U.S. Government standard for flammability resistance FAR 25.853 test comprises subjecting the composition to edge burning by a flame maintained at 1550° F. for a period of 60 seconds; and   (II) the composition passes the U.S. Government standard for flammability resistance FAR 25.853 test by undergoing no flaming or dripping under the conditions set forth in (I).   
     
     
         76 . The method according to  claim 70 , wherein:
 (I) subjecting the composition to the U.S. Government standard for flammability resistance FAR 25.853 test comprises subjecting the composition to edge burning by a flame maintained at 1550° F. for a period of 12 seconds; and   (II) the composition passes the U.S. Government standard for flammability resistance FAR 25.853 test by being self-extinguishing before 15 seconds and non-dripping under the conditions set forth in (I).   
     
     
         77 . The method according to  claim 70 , wherein:
 (I) subjecting the composition to the U.S. Government standard for flammability resistance FAR 25.853 test comprises subjecting the composition to edge burning by a flame maintained at 1550° F. for a period of 12 seconds; and   (II) the composition passes the U.S. Government standard for flammability resistance FAR 25.853 test by undergoes no flaming or dripping under the conditions set forth in (I).