BAMBOO MATCH

Description

[0001] The invention relates to matches which essentially consist of a support material, especially a splint, and an ignitable part, especially a matchhead.

[0002] Matches and similar articles are used to ignite and transfer flames. A typical match consists of an ignitable part and a burnable support material and the ignition is initiated by frictional heat. It is made a distinction between the so-called strike-anywhere match and the safety match. For the use of a safety match a special friction composition on a friction surface, preferably deposited on the side of a matchbox, is necessary.

[0003] Usually, a (safety) match consists of a splint that is tipped with a head composition. Such splints are packed into a box, which is commonly partly coated with a specific material as friction composition comprising red phosphorus that constitutes a chemically active part of the total system.

[0004] The ignition of a match is a complex physical and chemical phenomenon. It begins with a solid-state chemical reaction, initiated by frictional heat generated during the striking process and propagated as a series of exothermic chemical reactions. The heat of the reaction depends mainly on the head composition and on the way the formulation is prepared.

[0005] The principle components of a modern matchhead include potassium chlorate, manganese dioxide, potassium dichromate and sulphur. The actual ignition of a safety match is believed to involve two steps. In the first step red phosphorus on the friction surface and potassium chlorate of the matchhead react to produce heat. In the second step, this heat causes potassium chlorate and sulphur to ignite.

[0006] Matches have to permit a safe, easy, fast and convenient handling. They must not be explosive and have to develop a constant and sufficiently large, hot flame. The ignition part and the support material must have enough stability to resist the conditions of the friction process. After burning the head should not fall off and after usage the matches immediately have to he extinguished. Glowing has to be prevented by suitable impregnation. Splints are usually impregnated with a low-melting paraffin wax to assist flame propagation, and also with a fire-proofing mixture, usually a solution of ammonium salts, preferably monoammonium phosphate. The object of the latter treatment is to reduce the "afterglow" when the match has been quenched.

[0007] Splints as support material may be produced from wood or paper, but wood is the most commonly used material. The preferred timber for wooden splints is aspen or poplar. To a less extent pine, willow or lime is used. Other timbers are sometimes used in tropical countries.

[0008] The use of wood for the production of matches weakens the wooden resources of the world. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a raw material different from wood for the manufacturing of matches. Such a raw material should be a fast growing plant, which is available and accessible in countries where the main producers of matches are situated, i.e. especially tropical or subtropical countries.

[0009] Thus, the main object of the invention is to provide a method for manufacturing of matches comprising a support material different from wood. This object is achieved by a method set forth in claim 1 which provides bamboo as support material for matches. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims 2 to 23 and claim 24. Matches manufactured by the inventive method and matches from bamboo are claimed in claims 25 to 28. The wording of all claims is hereby made to the content of the description by reference.

[0010] Bamboo is an extremly fast-growing plant. Bamboo comprises the genus Bambusa and other genera and is the common name of many giant perennial grasses. These plants are widely distributed, chiefly in tropical and subtropical parts of Asia, Africa and North America, from sea level to about 4500 m. From the jointed rootstocks rise numerous, usually erect, straight stems which, when they have attained full height, send out dense masses of horizontal branches. The jointed stems are hollow and light and, due to a siliceous external covering, very hard. Bamboos are of great importance economically, particularly in the East Indies and Asia. The species most generally used is B. vulgaris, widely cultivated but probably native to India.

[0011] Because of the rapid growth of bamboo this plant is an ecologically beneficial raw material. Therefore, it would be sensible to use bamboo for the manufacturing of matches in order to spare the wooden resources of the world. But due to the structure of bamboo it was not thought of using bamboo for the production of matches. The main reason is that impregnation of bamboo support material up to now was not possible and therefore flame propagation and "afterglow" would not be acceptable.

[0012] The natural structure of bamboo seems to be the critical point when using this plant material for the manufacturing of matches. Therefore, the invention provides a method to alter the properties of bamboo, especially the structure of bamboo, in order to provide an impregnatable structure of the support material, i.e. to make the material permeable and/or porous. Without this treatment impregnation solutions can not enter the material. After the inventive treatment with suitable agents it is possible to achieve a proper impregnation. Said treatment is the important step in providing permeability (microporosity) of the support material (splint) to allow paraffin absorption for smooth flame transfer from the support material (splint) to the ignitable part (matchhead) and to allow anchorage of the latter to the support material (splint). Preferably, said inventive treatment is performed after conversion of the bamboo poles into splints or slivers. But it is also possible to subject the whole bamboo poles to said treatment. After impregnation the ignitable part is made, preferably by dipping the splints or slivers into an appropriate head mixture, thereby adhering the ignitable part to the support material.

[0013] For the treatment of bamboo in order to alter the structure of the material (step a)) there are two possibilities, in principle. According to the first possibility the material is treated with solutions of strong inorganic bases like sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. According to the second possibility the material is treated with weak basic solutions, preferably detergent solutions. Normally, detergent solutions are weak basic. In addition both possibilities can be combined. In principle, this treatment of bamboo is a leaching process wherein compounds of the bamboo are made soluble and are washed out in order to provide an impregnatable structure of the material.

[0014] In an especially preferred embodiment of the invention washing agents like commercially available detergent formulations are used to prepare a detergent solution in an appropriate solvent, especially in water. In general, all common detergent preparations are suited, e.g. powders or fluids. Such preparations usually comprise surfactants, builders, bleaching agents and auxiliary agents like enzymes and fragrances. One example of a suited household detergent comprises the following ingredients:

Non-ionic and anionic surface active substances (sodium tripolyphosphate)	10 +/- 1% (w/v)
Zeolith (builder)	20.5 +/- 2.1% (w/v)
Sodium carbonates (alkali)	8 +/- 1% (w/v)
Sodium perborate (bleaching agent)	14 +/- 3% (w/v)
Enzymes	0.14 +/- 0.03% (w/v)
pH   approx.	10.5

[0015] Obviously, it is possible to prepare an appropriate solution from the different components without using a commercially available formulation. Generally, the exact formulation is not critical and it is not necessary that the formulation comprises all the above-mentioned ingredients. The pH value seems not to be very important in altering the structure of bamboo. In general, a pH value of about 9 to about 12, especially 10 to 11, is suitable. In the above example sodium carbonate and sodium perborate should be the main effective ingredients to achieve the inventive effect of altering the structure of bamboo. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the use of enzymes is preferred, because enzymes are helpful in breaking down the cellulosic composition of the bamboo.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the support material is floated in the detergent solution, which contains e.g. the detergent powder in usual "household" concentrations and which has preferably a temperature of 30°C to 100°C, especially 50°C to 90°C. The elevated temperature increases the solubility of the detergents in the solvent, especially in water, and also increases the inventive effect. Preferably the treatment is performed for at least 5 minutes, especially at least 15 minutes. Preferably the solution is agitated during treatment.

[0017] Nevertheless, the same effect of altering the structure of bamboo is obtained by using solutions of strong bases, for example a solution of 10 to 30% (w/v) inorganic base, preferably sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide in water, especially 20% (w/v). Temperatures of those solutions are preferably 30°C to 60°C, especially 30°C to 40°C.

[0018] In general, when using weak basic solutions higher temperatures are preferred. When using stronger basic solutions lower temperatures of 30°C to 40°C, for example, are sufficient to achieve the desired effect. Normally a treatment for 15 min. is enough to achieve the desired effect. Nevertheless, it could be preferred to treat the material for several hours in said solutions, e.g. to achieve additionally a bleaching effect. Generally, that treatment takes not more than 5 hours.

[0019] Advantageously sodium hydroxide or another alkaline substance like potassium hydroxide is combined with a detergent formulation and/or enzymes to obtain a solution especially useful in the inventive manner.

[0020] Besides the effect of altering the structure of bamboo a bleaching of the material is obtained or obtainable at the same time dependent from the ingredients chosen to prepare the solution. Nevertheless, it is possible to use a separate solution for the bleaching, if desired, as described below.

[0021] Generally, the concentration of the washing agent, especially the detergent formulation, is not critical, as long as the inventive effect is achieved. This effect is achieved by common concentrations of commercially available detergents, e.g. 10 to 90 grams per litre of water, preferably 30 to 70 grams per litre, especially 45 to 55 grams per litre.

[0022] Preferably the bamboo material is dried following the step of altering the structure of bamboo.

[0023] The step of altering the structure of bamboo makes the bamboo permeable and/or porous so it can be impregnated with e.g. phosphoric acid or monoammonium phosphate for anti-glow properties and thereafter with e.g. paraffin which allows the flame transfer from the ignitable matchhead to bamboo and the match-stick burns smoothly until the end.

[0024] An important step when manufacturing matches is a treatment/impregnation of the support material that prevents the matchhead from falling off after burning (treatment to reduce afterglow). This so-called anti-glow property is a main safety element of the match. Therefore, according to the invention, this anti-glow treatment is performed by acidic or alkaline solutions, or solutions of salts. The use of solutions of inorganic or organic acids is preferred. The solvent can be any suitable solvent or mixtures of solvents, e.g. alcohols, however, water as a solvent is preferred. The impregnation of bamboo with said solutions is preferably performed by dipping, showering or spraying. Dipping is the preferred method, because this is the most easy and cheapest procedure. Furthermore, it is sufficient to dip only half or three-quarters of the splints. Obviously, it is possible to dip or immerse the complete material into the solution.

[0025] In preferred embodiments of the inventive method the solution for this impregnation of bamboo comprises phosphoric acid, diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, sodium chloride or potassium chloride. In a particular preferred embodiment the solution comprises 0.5 to 2 % (w/v), especially 1 % (w/v), of the acid, especially phosphoric acid, in water. Normally the desired anti-glow property of the material is obtained very fast. Dipping times of 5 to 15 seconds can be sufficient. In a preferred embodiment the bamboo, especially the splint, is dipped for 10 seconds in the solution.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment the solution for this impregnation of bamboo comprises 5 to 30 % (w/v), especially 20 % (w/v), of the salt, especially monoammonium phosphate, in water. This solution is less aggressive then the former solution, therefore a dipping time of 10 to 20 minutes is appropriate, wherein a dipping time of 15 minutes is preferred. The advantage of monoammonium phosphate is that it is commonly available and very easy to use.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment the bamboo, especially the splints or slivers, are washed after the impregnation as described above. Washing is preferably performed in water, e.g. by placing the bamboo material in a drum or container containing water. This washing step usually takes one half to several hours. One hour is normally sufficient.

[0028] If the compounds of the solution for impregnation are water soluble, the washing step could be shorter or could be omitted.

[0029] Advantageously the bamboo is dried after the washing step. Drying could be performed by air-drying, forced drying or vacuum drying for example. In a preferred embodiment drying is performed in a dryer with 60° C or above for several hours, preferably 2 to 3 hours, or sun-dried (e.g. in a tropical country) at 30° C or above for several days.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention a second impregnation, which allows the flame transfer, is performed by paraffin. An especially preferred paraffin is paraffin wax of match/candle grade, other paraffins are also usable, especially of low-melting grade. During impregnation the paraffin has preferably a temperature of 100°C to 140° C. In an especially preferred embodiment the temperature of the paraffin is 120° C. These temperatures usually are necessary to allow penetration and proper impregnation of the bamboo material.

[0031] Furthermore, in this context it is preferred to pre-heat the bamboo material before dipping into the impregnation solution. Advantageously the material is pre-heated onto similar temperatures as the impregnation solution, e.g. 120° C, wherein pre-heating preferably takes place before loading the bamboo material, especially the splints, into the impregnation container, e.g. the dipping tray.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the bamboo material, especially the splint or sliver, is dipped into the impregnation solution, especially into the paraffin. Proper impregnation is achieved by dipping several seconds, especially by dipping for 3 to 5 seconds. Preferably the material is dipped 10 mm deep in the liquid paraffin.

[0033] Besides the dipping technique there are several other possible methods for impregnation, e.g. floating, spraying, showering or pressure impregnation.

[0034] The final main step of the inventive manufacturing of matches is adhering the ignitable part. This means adhering an ignitable compound to at least one part of the bamboo material. In a preferred embodiment a bamboo splint or sliver is used and the ignitable compound is adhered to one end of the splint or sliver as a matchhead. This is preferably achieved by dipping the splint or sliver into a suitable ignitable head mixture known to experts in the art.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the inventive method the bamboo material is warmed during the dipping process for adhering the ignitable part. Advantageously this is achieved by making the ignitable part immediately after the impregnation step, which is performed at temperatures of 120° C as outlined above.

[0036] Besides the described steps of the inventive method the invention includes the harvesting, especially felling, and pre-treatment of the bamboo poles. Bamboo could be used in the green status or as dried poles. Bamboo means any material from plants of the genus bamboo or other genera of the family of grasses. Harvesting includes cutting, lopping and/or thinning of bamboo from any source by manual, semi-automated or automated process using any form of tool to extract bamboo from its natural or existing habitat.

[0037] In one preferred embodiment of the inventive method the bamboo poles are harvested and converted into splints or slivers before performing the steps of treatment, impregnation and making the ignitable part.

[0038] Conversion of bamboo poles into splints or slivers means manufacturing or making rods, sticks or splints of any shape or size by means of any manual, mechanical, semi-automated or automated process using tools, implements or devices with or without use of manual, mechanical and/or electrical power.

[0039] In a particularly preferred embodiment the bamboo material is subjected to an anti-fungal treatment preferably before performing the further inventive steps, e.g. as a first step in the overall procedure. The anti-fungal treatment is preferably performed by dipping the bamboo poles or the bamboo splints or slivers in a solution of unslaked lime at room temperature, for example. This solution comprises preferably calcium oxide and sodium borate in water. Usual concentrations of these compounds are mentioned in claim 18 and the example. Nevertheless all anti-fungal treatment procedures known in the art are possible.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment the anti-fungal treatment is performed with the bamboo poles and convertion into splints or slivers is done after that anti-fungal treatment. It is also possible to convert the bamboo poles after felling and subject the splints or slivers to the anti-fungal treatment.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the inventive method the bamboo material is washed and dried after the anti-fungal treatment. Washing and drying can be performed as mentioned above. Normally washing will be more extensive as mentioned in the example.

[0042] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the bamboo material is bleached. By bleaching a uniform colour of the resulting matches is achieved. Thus, the visual appeal is amended. In addition, the bleaching is useful in removing oils or oily substances from the support material for reducing smoke and soot during burning of the match. Nevertheless, it could be preferred to manufacture non-bleached matches or matches only slightly bleached in order to save chemicals and take care of the environment. Furthermore, the more natural appearance of non-bleached matches could be preferred by the customers.

[0043] The bleaching treatment is preferably performed by sodium hydroxide or hydrogen peroxide. In a preferred embodiment 10 to 30 % (w/v) sodium hydroxide in water (caustic soda) is used. Another possibility is to use 10 to 25 % solution of hydrogen peroxide in water. In each case 5 to 12 vol. % of ammonia solution can be added to the bleaching solution. The ammonia is added to catalyze the bleaching process.

[0044] The bleaching is preferably performed by dipping. It can take several hours to obtain satisfying results, normally 2 hours are sufficient. Besides dipping, showering or spraying of appropriate bleaching solutions is also comprised by the invention.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the bleaching of the bamboo is performed simultaneously with the step of treatment, which provides the impregnatable structure of the support material (step a)). As outlined above step a) can be performed by treatment with alkaline and/or detergent solutions. These solutions will or can comprise ingredients which lead to the bleaching of bamboo, especially sodium hydroxide or sodium perborate. Depending from the desired bleaching effect ingredients and duration of incubation is chosen.

[0046] Advantageously the splints are dried before the bleaching procedure. Therefore bleaching can be performed after the drying step following the anti-fungal treatment, preferably in the step a) as mentioned above. In a preferred embodiment the splints contain less than 12 %, especially less than 8 to 10 % moisture when subjected to said procedure.

[0047] The embodiments of the invention as described above make the bamboo support material (splint) and the match manufactured capable of smooth flame transfer from the ignitable part (matchhead) without negatively affecting the anchoring of the ignitable part (matchhead) to the support material (splint). Further, good anti-glow properties are imparted to the support material (splint) after use, i.e. after extinguishing the flame.

[0048] Additionally, the invention comprises matches and similar articles which are manufactured by the inventive method. This includes friction matches like safety matches or strike-anywhere matches of common size and shape as well as matches of any length, width, thickness, shape or form. The inventive matches are manufactured or made using manual or industrial or automated technology according to the inventive method. The invention comprises match sticks and any other similar lighting/igniting devices usable for flame transfer. Ignition could be either from friction or from direct lighting of single or multiple bamboo matches. Finally, the invention includes matches which consist of a support material of bamboo and a matchhead as ignitable part of any chemical composition. The support material of these matches is made impregnatable and/or porous in order to permit a proper impregnation of the matches. Preferably, these matches are impregnated to reduce after-glow and/or to permit appropriate flame transfer.

[0049] The features as described and further features of the invention read from the following description of an example in conjunction with the sub-claims, whereby each of the individual features is claimed individually or in combination with each other.

EXAMPLE

[0050] Bamboo poles are harvested from their natural habitate source and immediately after felling the material is subjected to an anti-fungal treatment. For this the bamboo poles are dipped in a solution of unslaked lime: calcium oxide - 20 % (200 grams of unslaked lime mixed in 1 litre of water at natural room temperature) plus sodium borate solution of 5 % (5 grams of sodium borate dissolved in 1 litre of water at natural room temperature). The solution is kept in drums or large vessels and the green bamboo poles are placed vertically in the drum/vessel in which the solution is kept for 3 to 4 days.

[0051] The bamboo poles, after dipping in the unslaked lime and sodium borate solution are converted into slivers or splints using manual, semi-automated or automated techniques and procedures.

[0052] Converted splints or slivers of bamboo are placed in a drum or container containing fresh water and left for 3 to 4 days. Water is changed every day. Alternatively, the bamboo slivers or splints are dipped in boiling water. The water is changed every 15 to 30 minutes until the solution becomes clear.

[0053] The splints or slivers are then sun-dried at 30° C or above for 3 to 4 days. Alternatively, the splints or slivers are force dried using a dryer with 60° C or above for 2 to 3 hours.

[0054] For altering the structure of the material and bleaching in one step the dry splints or slivers with less than 12 % moisture, especially less than 8 to 10 % or even less than 6 %, are then dipped in a solution of caustic soda. Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) solution is made from dissolving 200 grams of sodium hydroxide in 1 litre of water. The dipping time is 2 hours at 30°C to 40°C. Additionally, or as a separate step, hydrogen peroxide could be used for further bleaching. For this a hydrogen peroxide solution is made by adding water to concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution to achieve strength of 15 to 20 % of hydrogen peroxide. 8 to 10 vol. % ammonia solution (NH₃ in water) may be added to catalyze the bleaching process. The dipping time takes about 2 hours.

[0055] The splints or slivers are then sun-dried at 30° C or above for 3 to 4 days. Alternatively the splints or slivers are force dried using a dryer with 60° C or above for 2 to 3 hours.

[0056] For the treatment of the bamboo material in order to reduce after-glow the splints or slivers are dipped in a solution of 1 % (w/v) phosphoric acid in water for 10 seconds. As an alternative a 20 % (w/v) solution of monoammonium phosphate in water is used. In this case dipping time is 15 minutes.

[0057] Following this treatment the splints or slivers of bamboo are placed in a drum or container containing fresh water for 1 hour.

[0058] The splints or slivers are then sun-dried at 30° C or above for 3 to 4 days. Alternatively the splints or slivers are force dried using a dryer with 60° C or above for 2 to 3 hours.

[0059] For impregnation with paraffin the splints or slivers are pre-heated in a dryer at 120° C or above before being loaded in the dipping tray. The loaded splints or slivers are dipped in paraffin wax - preferably match/candle grade. The temperature of liquid paraffin is 120° C to allow penetration and impregnation of bamboo match splints. The dipping is performed for 3 to 5 seconds, whereby the splints are dipped 10 mm deep under the surface of the liquid paraffin.

[0060] For adhering the ignitable part the impregnated splints or slivers are dipped immediately after impregnation in an appropriate head mixture. This procedure is performed as long as the bamboo material is warm to avoid cold paraffining and poor head adhesion.

Claims

1. Method for manufacturing of matches comprising a splint of bamboo as support material and a matchhead as ignitable part, comprising the following steps

a) treatment of the support material with solutions of strong inorganic bases and/or with weak basic solutions, providing an impregnatable structure of the support material,

b) at least one impregnation of the support material and

c) adhering the ignitable part to the support material.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that according to step a) the support material is treated with a solution of sodium hydroxide and/or potassium hydroxide as inorganic bases, and/or with a washing agent as weak basic solution, preferably a solution of a commercially available detergent, wherein preferably the support material is floated, dipped, showered or sprayed with the solution and/or washing agent.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the solution of inorganic bases is 10 to 30% (w/v) inorganic base in water, especially 20% (w/v), wherein preferably the solution has a temperature of 30°C to 60°C, especially 30°C to 40°C.

4. Method according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the solution of a generally available detergent is 10 to 90 grams of the detergent per litre water, especially 30 to 70 grams per litre, wherein preferably the solution has a temperature of 30°C to 100°C, especially of 50°C to 90°C.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that according to step a) the support material is treated for at least 5 minutes, especially at least 15 minutes.

6. Method according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the impregnation according to step b) includes anti-glow treatment in a solution of at least one acid or salt, wherein preferably said solution is applied to the support material by floating, dipping, showering or spraying.

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that said solution comprises at least one of the compounds out of the group comprising phosphoric acid, diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, sodium chloride and potassium chloride.

8. Method according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that said solution contains 0.5 to 2% (w/v), especially 1% (w/v), of the acid, especially phosphoric acid, in water, wherein preferably treatment is performed by dipping the support material for 5 to 15 sec, especially for 10 sec.

9. Method according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that said solution contains 5 to 30% (w/v), especially 20% (w/v), of the salt, especially monoammonium phosphate, in water, wherein preferably treatment is performed by dipping the support material for 10 to 20 min, especially for 15 min.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after steps a) and/or b) the support material is washed, in particular washed with water, preferably for ½ to 2 hours, especially for 1 hour.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after steps a) and/or b) the support material is dried, preferably after washing according to claim 10.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the impregnation according to step b) includes, preferably after the anti-glow treatment according to one of claims 6 to 9, treatment for flame transfer with paraffin, especially paraffin wax of match/candle grade, wherein preferably the paraffin has a temperature of 100°C to 140°C, especially of 120°C.

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for treatment, especially according to claim 12, the support material is pre-heated, preferably pre-heated onto a temperature of 100°C to 140°C, especially onto 120°C.

14. Method according to claim 12 or claim 13, characterized in that the support material is dipped into the paraffin, preferably dipped for 1 to 10 sec, especially for 3 to 5 sec.

15. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that adhering the ignitable part according to step c) is performed by dipping the support material into an ignitable mixture.

16. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for adhering the ignitable part according to step c) the support material is warmed, wherein preferably adhering the ignitable part is performed immediately after impregnation, preferably immediately after the treatment with paraffin.

17. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that before treatment of the support material according to step a) the bamboo, especially the green bamboo, is harvested, preferably converted into splints and dried.

18. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that before treatment of the support material according to step a) at least one anti-fungal treatment of the support material is performed, wherein preferably the treatment is performed in a mixture comprising unslaked lime, especially a mixture of 10 to 30% (w/v) calcium oxide in water plus 1 to 10% (w/v) sodium borate in water.

19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that the anti-fungal treatment is performed for 2 to 5 days, especially for 3 to 4 days.

20. Method according to claim 18 or claim 19, characterized in that the support material is converted into splints after anti-fungal treatment.

21. Method according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that after anti-fungal treatment the support material is washed, in particular washed with water, and dried, wherein preferably washing is performed in water for 2 to 5 days, especially for 3 to 4 days.

22. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition to or preferably simultaneously with the treatment of the support material according to step a) at least one bleaching treatment of the support material is performed, wherein preferably the bleaching treatment is performed by sodium hydroxide or hydrogen peroxide, preferably by 10 to 30% (w/v) sodium hydroxide in water, especially 20% (w/v), or by 10 to 25% solution of hydrogen peroxide in water, especially 15 to 20%, plus favourably 5 to 12 vol.% of ammonia solution.

23. Method according to claim 22, characterized in that said bleaching treatment is performed by floating, dipping, showering or spraying, especially dipping, wherein preferably treatment is performed for 1 to 3 hours, especially 2 hours.

24. Method for manufacturing of matches comprising a splint of bamboo as support material and a matchhead, comprising the following steps

a) harvesting of bamboo poles,

b) anti-fungal treatment of the bamboo poles,

c) conversion of the bamboo poles into splints,

d) washing the splints,

e) drying the splints,

f) treatment of the splints with solutions of strong inorganic bases and/or with weak basic solutions, providing an impregnatable structure of the splints and preferably bleaching of the splints,

g) drying the splints,

h) treatment to reduce afterglow,

i) washing the splints,

j) drying the splints,

k) pre-heating the splints,

l) impregnation of the splints with paraffin and

m) adhering the matchhead by dipping the splints into an ignitable mixture.

25. Match comprising a support material of bamboo and an ignitable part manufactured by a method according to at least one of the claims 1 to 24.

26. Match comprising a support material of bamboo and a matchhead as ignitable part.

27. Match according to claim 26, characterized in that the support material is made impregnatable and/or porous.

28. Match according to claim 26 or claim 27, characterized in that it is impregnated to reduce afterglow and/or to permit flame transfer.

Revendications

1. Procédé pour la fabrication d'allumettes comprenant une tige de bambou en tant que matériau de support et une tête d'allumette en tant que partie inflammable, comprenant les étapes suivantes

a) le traitement du matériau de support avec des solutions de bases fortes inorganiques et/ou des solutions faiblement basiques, fournissant une structure pouvant être imprégnée au matériau de support,

b) au moins une imprégnation du matériau de support et

c) l'adhérence de la partie inflammable sur le matériau de support.

2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que selon l'étape a) le matériau de support est traité avec une solution d'hydroxyde de sodium et/ou d'hydroxyde de potassium en tant que bases inorganiques, et/ou avec un agent de lavage en tant que solution faiblement basique, de préférence une solution d'un détergent disponible dans le commerce, dans lequel le matériau de support de préférence flotte dans ou est trempé dans la solution et/ou le détergent ou celle-ci/celui-ci est versé ou pulvérisé dessus.

3. Procédé selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la solution de bases inorganiques est de 10 à 30 % en poids par volume de base inorganique dans l'eau, plus particulièrement de 20 % en poids par volume, dans lequel la solution a de préférence une température de 30°C à 60°C, plus particulièrement de 30°C à 40°C.

4. Procédé selon la revendication 2 ou la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que la solution d'un détergent généralement disponible est de 10 à 90 grammes de détergent par litre d'eau, plus particulièrement de 30 à 70 grammes par litre, dans lequel la solution a de préférence une température de 30°C à 100°C, plus particulièrement de 50°C à 90°C.

5. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que selon l'étape a) le matériau de support est traité pendant au moins 5 minutes, plus particulièrement pendant au moins 15 minutes.

6. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que l'imprégnation selon l'étape b) comprend un traitement anti-incandescence dans une solution d'au moins un acide ou un sel, dans lequel ladite solution est de préférence appliquée au matériau de support par flottement, trempage, déversement ou pulvérisation.

7. Procédé selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que ladite solution comprend au moins un des composés en dehors du groupe comprenant l'acide phosphorique, le phosphate de diammonium, le phosphate de monoammonium, le chlorure de sodium et le chlorure de potassium.

8. Procédé selon la revendication 6 ou la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que ladite solution contient de 0,5 à 2 % en poids par volume, plus particulièrement 1 % en poids par volume, de l'acide, plus particulièrement d'acide phosphorique, dans l'eau, dans lequel le traitement est de préférence réalisé en trempant le matériau de support pendant une période de 5 à 15 s, plus particulièrement de 10 s.

9. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 6 à 8, caractérisé en ce que ladite solution contient de 5 à 30 % en poids par volume, plus particulièrement 20 % en poids par volume, du sel, plus particulièrement de phosphate de monoammonium, dans l'eau, dans lequel le traitement est de préférence "réalisé en trempant le matériau de support pendant une période de 10 à 20 min, plus particulièrement de 15 min.

10. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'après les étapes a) et/ou b) le matériau de support est lavé, en particulier lavé avec de l'eau, de préférence pendant une période de 1/2 heure à 2 heures, plus particulièrement pendant 1 heure.

11. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'après les étapes a) et/ou b) le matériau de support est séché, de préférence après le lavage selon la revendication 10.

12. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'imprégnation selon l'étape b) comprend, de préférence après le traitement anti-incandescence selon l'une des revendications 6 à 9, le traitement pour le transfert de flamme avec de la paraffine, plus particulièrement avec de la cire de paraffine de la qualité d'allumette/bougie, dans lequel la paraffine a de préférence une température de 100°C à 140°C, plus particulièrement de 120°C.

13. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que pour le traitement, plus particulièrement selon la revendication 12, le matériau de support est préchauffé, de préférence préchauffé à une température de 100°C à 140°C, plus particulièrement à 120°C.

14. Procédé selon la revendication 12 ou la revendication 13, caractérisé en ce que le matériau de support est trempé dans la paraffine, de préférence trempé pendant une période de 1 à 10 s, plus particulièrement pendant une période de 3 à 5 s.

15. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'adhérence de la partie inflammable selon l'étape c) est réalisée en trempant le matériau de support dans un mélange inflammable.

16. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que pour adhérer la partie inflammable selon l'étape c) le matériau de support est chauffé, dans lequel l'adhérence de la pièce inflammable est de préférence réalisée juste après l'imprégnation, de préférence juste après le traitement avec de la paraffine.

17. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'avant le traitement du matériau de support selon l'étape a) le bambou, plus particulièrement le bambou vert, est récolté, de préférence converti en tiges et séché.

18. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'avant le traitement du matériau de support selon l'étape a) au moins un traitement antifongique du matériau de support est réalisé, dans lequel le traitement est de préférence réalisé dans un mélange comprenant de la chaux vive, plus particulièrement un mélange de 10 à 30 % en poids par volume d'oxyde de calcium dans l'eau plus de 1 à 10 % en poids par volume de borate de sodium dans l'eau.

19. Procédé selon la revendication 18, caractérisé en ce que le traitement antifongique est réalisé pendant une période de 2 à 5 jours, plus particulièrement pendant une période de 3 à 4 jours.

20. Procédé selon la revendication 18 ou la revendication 19, caractérisé en ce que le matériau de support est converti en tiges après le traitement antifongique.

21. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 18 à 20, caractérisé en ce qu'après le traitement antifongique, le matériau de support est lavé, en particulier lavé avec de l'eau, et séché, dans lequel le lavage est de préférence effectué dans l'eau pendant une période de 2 à 5 jours, plus particulièrement pendant une période de 3 à 4 jours.

22. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'en plus du ou de préférence en même temps que le traitement du matériau de support selon l'étape a) au moins un traitement de blanchissement du matériau de support est réalisé, dans lequel le traitement de blanchissement est de préférence réalisé avec de l'hydroxyde de sodium ou du peroxyde d'hydrogène, de préférence avec de 10 à 30 % en poids par volume d'hydroxyde de sodium dans l'eau, plus particulièrement avec 20 % en poids par volume, ou avec de 10 à 25 % de solution de peroxyde d'hydrogène dans l'eau, plus particulièrement de 15 à 20 %, de manière plus favorable de 5 à 12 % en volume de solution d'ammoniaque.

23. Procédé selon la revendication 22, caractérisé en ce que le ledit traitement de blanchissement est réalisé par flottement, trempage, déversement ou pulvérisation, plus particulièrement par trempage, dans lequel le traitement est de préférence réalisé pendant une période de 1 à 3 heures, plus particulièrement pendant 2 heures.

24. Procédé pour la fabrication d'allumettes comprenant une tige de bambou en tant que matériau de support et une tête d'allumette, comprenant les étapes suivantes

a) la récolte des pousses de bambou,

b) le traitement antifongique des pousses de bambou,

c) la conversion des pousses de bambou en tiges,

d) le lavage des tiges,

e) le séchage des tiges,

f) le traitement des tiges avec des solutions de bases fortes inorganiques et/ou avec des solutions faiblement basiques, fournissant une structure pouvant être imprégnée aux tiges et de préférence le blanchissement des tiges,

g) le séchage des tiges,

h) le traitement pour réduire l'incandescence résiduelle,

i) le lavage des tiges,

j) le séchage des tiges,

k) le préchauffage des tiges,

1) l'imprégnation des tiges avec de la paraffine et

m) l'adhérence de la tête d'allumette en trempant les tiges dans un mélange inflammable.

25. Allumette comprenant un matériau de support en bambou et une partie inflammable fabriquée à l'aide d'un procédé selon au moins une des revendications 1 à 24.

26. Allumette comprenant un matériau de support en bambou et une tête d'allumette en tant que partie inflammable.

27. Allumette selon la revendication 26, caractérisée en ce que le matériau de support est rendu imprégnable et/ou poreux.

28. Allumette selon la revendication 26 ou la revendication 27, caractérisée en ce qu'elle est imprégnée pour réduire l'incandescence résiduelle et/ou pour permettre le transfert de flamme.

Ansprüche

1. Verfahren zur Herstellung von Streichhölzern, die einen Bambusspan als Trägermaterial und einen Streichholzkopf als entzündbaren Teil umfassen, umfassend die folgenden Schritte

a) Behandlung des Trägermaterials mit Lösungen starker anorganischer Basen und/oder schwachen alkalischen Lösungen, wobei eine durchtränkbare Struktur des Trägermaterials erzielt wird,

b) wenigstens ein Durchtränken des Trägermaterials und

c) Anbringen des entzündbaren Teils an das Trägermaterial.

2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass gemäß Schritt a) das Trägermaterial mit einer Lösung aus Natriumhydroxid und/oder Kaliumhydroxid als anorganische Basen behandelt wird und/oder einem Waschmittel als schwache alkalische Lösung, vorzugsweise eine Lösung aus einem im Handel erhältlichen Detergens, wobei das Trägermaterial vorzugsweise in der Lösung und/oder im Waschmittel schwimmt, darin eingetaucht, damit berieselt oder damit besprüht wird.

3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Lösung der anorganischen Basen 10 bis 30 Gew./Vol.-% anorganische Base in Wasser, insbesondere 20 Gew./Vol.-%, ausmacht, wobei die Lösung vorzugsweise eine Temperatur von 30 °C bis 60 °C, insbesondere 30 °C bis 40 °C, aufweist.

4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2 oder Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Lösung eines allgemein erhältlichen Detergens 10 bis 90 Gramm des Detergens pro Liter Wasser, insbesondere 30 bis 70 Gramm pro Liter, ausmacht, wobei die Lösung vorzugsweise eine Temperatur von 30 °C bis 100 °C, insbesondere 50 °C bis 90 °C, aufweist.

5. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass gemäß Schritt a) das Trägermaterial wenigstens 5 Minuten, insbesondere wenigstens 15 Minuten, lang behandelt wird.

6. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Durchtränken gemäß Schritt b) eine Anti-Glüh-Behandlung in einer Lösung aus wenigstens einer Säure oder einem Salz einschließt, wobei die Lösung vorzugsweise durch Schwimmenlassen, Eintauchen, Berieseln oder Besprühen auf das Trägermaterial aufgetragen wird.

7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Lösung wenigstens eine der Verbindungen ausgewählt aus der Gruppe umfassend Phosphorsäure, Diammoniumphosphat, Monoammoniumphosphat, Natriumchlorid und Kaliumchlorid, umfasst.

8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 6 oder Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Lösung 0,5 bis 2 Gew./Vol.-%, insbesondere 1 Gew./Vol.-%, der Säure, insbesondere Phosphorsäure, in Wasser enthält, wobei die Behandlung vorzugsweise durch Eintauchen des Trägermaterials für eine Dauer von 5 bis 15 s, insbesondere 10 s, durchgeführt wird.

9. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 6 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Lösung 5 bis 30 Gew./Vol.-%, insbesondere 20 Gew./Vol.-%, des Salzes, insbesondere Monoammoniumphosphat, in Wasser enthält, wobei die Behandlung vorzugsweise durch Eintauchen des Trägermaterials für eine Dauer von 10 bis 20 min, insbesondere 15 min, durchgeführt wird.

10. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Trägermaterial nach Schritt a) und/oder b) vorzugsweise ½ bis 2 Stunden, insbesondere 1 Stunde, lang gewaschen wird, besonders mit Wasser gewaschen wird.

11. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Trägermaterial nach Schritt a) und/oder b) getrocknet wird, vorzugsweise nach dem Waschen nach Anspruch 10.

12. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Durchtränken nach Schritt b), vorzugsweise nach der Anti-Glüh-Behandlung nach einem der Ansprüche 6 bis 9, eine Behandlung zur Flammenübertragung mit Paraffin, insbesondere Paraffinwachs von Streichholz-/Kerzenqualität, einschließt, wobei das Paraffin vorzugsweise eine Temperatur von 100 °C bis 140 °C, insbesondere 120 °C, aufweist.

13. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Trägermaterial für eine Behandlung, insbesondere nach Anspruch 12, vorgewärmt wird, vorzugsweise auf eine Temperatur von 100 °C bis 140 °C, insbesondere 120 °C, vorgewärmt wird.

14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12 oder Anspruch 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Trägermaterial in das Paraffin eingetaucht wird, vorzugsweise 1 bis 10 s, insbesondere 3 bis 5 s, eingetaucht wird.

15. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Anbringen des entzündbaren Teils gemäß Schritt c) durch Eintauchen des Trägermaterials in eine entzündbare Mischung durchgeführt wird.

16. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Trägermaterial zum Anbringen des entzündbaren Teils gemäß Schritt c) erwärmt wird, wobei das Anbringen des entzündbaren Teils vorzugsweise sofort nach dem Durchtränken, vorzugsweise sofort nach der Behandlung mit Paraffin, durchgeführt wird.

17. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Bambus, insbesondere grüner Bambus, vor der Behandlung des Trägermaterials gemäß Schritt a) geerntet, vorzugsweise in Späne umgewandelt und getrocknet wird.

18. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass vor der Behandlung des Trägermaterials gemäß Schritt a) wenigstens eine pilzbekämpfende Behandlung des Trägermaterials durchgeführt wird, wobei die Behandlung vorzugsweise in einer Mischung umfassend ungelöschten Kalk, insbesondere in einer Mischung aus 10 bis 30 Gew./Vol.-% Calciumoxid in Wasser und 1 bis 10 Gew./Vol.-% Natriumborat in Wasser, durchgeführt wird.

19. Verfahren nach Anspruch 18, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die pilzbekämpfende Behandlung 2 bis 5 Tage, insbesondere 3 bis 4 Tage, lang durchgeführt wird.

20. Verfahren nach Anspruch 18 oder Anspruch 19, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Trägermaterial nach der pilzbekämpfenden Behandlung in Späne umgewandelt wird.

21. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 18 bis 20, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Trägermaterial nach der pilzbekämpfenden Behandlung gewaschen, insbesondere mit Wasser gewaschen, und getrocknet wird, wobei das Waschen vorzugsweise 2 bis 5 Tage, insbesondere 3 bis 4 Tage, lang in Wasser durchgeführt wird.

22. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zusätzlich zu oder vorzugsweise zeitgleich mit der Behandlung des Trägermaterials gemäß Schritt a) wenigstens eine Bleichbehandlung des Trägermaterials durchgeführt wird, wobei die Bleichbehandlung vorzugsweise mit Natriumhydroxid oder Wasserstoffperoxid, vorzugsweise mit 10 bis 30 Gew./Vol.-% Natriumhydroxid in Wasser, insbesondere 20 Gew./Vol.-%, oder mit einer 10 bis 25%igen Lösung von Wasserstoffperoxid in Wasser, insbesondere 15 bis 20 %, sowie vorzugsweise 5 bis 12 Vol.-% Ammoniaklösung durchgeführt wird.

23. Verfahren nach Anspruch 22, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Bleichbehandlung durch Schwimmenlassen, Eintauchen, Berieseln oder Besprühen, insbesondere Eintauchen, durchgeführt wird, wobei die Behandlung vorzugsweise 1 bis 3 Stunden, insbesondere 2 Stunden, lang durchgeführt wird.

24. Verfahren zur Herstellung von Streichhölzern, die einen Bambusspan als Trägermaterial und einen Streichholzkopf umfassen, umfassend die folgenden Schritte

a) Ernten der Bambusstangen,

b) pilzbekämpfende Behandlung der Bambusstangen,

c) Umwandlung der Bambusstangen in Späne,

d) Waschen der Späne,

e) Trocknen der Späne,

f) Behandlung der Späne mit Lösungen starker anorganischer Basen und/oder schwachen alkalischen Lösungen, wobei eine durchtränkbare Struktur der Späne erzielt wird, und vorzugsweise Bleichen der Späne,

g) Trocknen der Späne,

h) Behandlung zur Minderung des Nachglühens,

i) Waschen der Späne,

j) Trocknen der Späne,

k) Vorwärmen der Späne,

l) Durchtränken der Späne mit Paraffin und

m) Anbringen des Streichholzkopfes durch Eintauchen der Späne in eine entzündbare Mischung.

25. Streichholz umfassend ein Trägermaterial aus Bambus und einen entzündbaren Teil, das nach einem Verfahren nach wenigstens einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 24 hergestellt ist.

26. Streichholz, umfassend ein Trägermaterial aus Bambus und einen Streichholzkopf als entzündbaren Teil.

27. Streichholz nach Anspruch 26, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Trägermaterial durchtränkbar und/oder porös gemacht ist.

28. Streichholz nach Anspruch 26 oder Anspruch 27, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es durchtränkt wird, um das Nachglühen zu mindern und/oder eine Flammenübertragung zu ermöglichen.