GB2597044A

GB2597044A - Plaster composition

Info

Publication number: GB2597044A
Application number: GB2006634.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Barrow Chris; Lenton Helen; Clement Craig
Original assignee: Xcelcis Ltd
Current assignee: Xcelcis Ltd
Priority date: 2020-05-05
Filing date: 2020-05-05
Publication date: 2022-01-19
Also published as: GB202006634D0

Abstract

A plaster comprising hydrated plaster and cremated remains (cremains) having a mean average particle size of less than or equal to 440μm. Methods are given for coating a substrate such as stone, wood or canvas to form a picture, and for moulding an item from this plaster. The plaster may be a clay, gypsum, cement, or lime-based plaster and may comprise a rheology modifier (e.g. a polymer) or a pigment. The ashes may be sieved or filtered before use to determine or separate differing sized grains for use in the mixture e.g. mean average particle sizes of 75-119μm, 120-234μm, and 235-440 μm. Ideally the ash particles have a size greater than 75 microns and make up typically 1.5 to 6.0% (wt-wt) of the mixture.

Description

PLASTER COMPOSITION

FIELD

The present invention relates to a plaster composition and a method of preparing a plaster composition. More specifically, the present invention relates to a plaster composition and method of preparing a plaster composition for memorial products.

BACKGROUND

Cremation is now more common and less expensive than traditional burial methods and is considered more environmentally friendly as it does not require the use of caskets and vaults, and land is not consumed for use as a cemetery.

It is customary for cremation remains or cremains to be provided to the family of the deceased in an urn. Most urns are readily identifiable as an urn and may be associated with death and morbidity. Accordingly, after an initial grieving period, urns tend not to be displayed prominently. In addition, although an urn may have a lid, if the urn is upset the cremation remains may be spilled. As the cremains include many particles and ash, it may not be possible to return all the cremains to the urn once spilled.

It is also common for cremains to be scattered in a location or manner requested by the deceased. Once the remains are scattered in this fashion, the urn is unlikely to be reused and may be stored until discarded.

In recent times there has been a growing trend to incorporate cremains into glass and jewellery. Such techniques are often expensive and involve complex time-consuming methods to make the memorial product. In particular, mourners often prefer to use the cremains as soon as possible to aid in the grieving process.

It has been found that incorporation of cremains into decorative products, such as paints is not feasible as the cremains particulate creates surface lumps and scratches in the applied paint, thereby creating an unsatisfactory aesthetic appearance.

Therefore, there is a growing need for memorial products that incorporate cremains quickly and cheaply whilst remaining attractive and meaningful. It is therefore an object of aspects of the present invention to solve one or more of the above mentioned, or other, problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a plaster composition comprising: hydrated plaster; and cremains having a mean average particle size of 440 pm.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of preparing a plaster composition according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising: providing hydrated plaster; and contacting the hydrated plaster with cremains having an average particle size of 5440 pm.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of making a memorial product, the method comprising: (a) providing a plaster composition prepared according to the second aspect of the invention; (b) applying a coating of the plaster composition to a substrate; and (c) drying the coating.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of making a memorial product, the method comprising: providing a plaster composition prepared according to the second aspect of the invention; arranging the plaster composition in a mold; drying the plaster composition; and removing the mold from the dried plaster composition.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a memorial product prepared by the method of the third aspect of the invention or the fourth aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Advantageously, with the present invention it has been found that incorporating cremains having a mean average particle size of 440 pm into hydrated plaster does not impact on the aesthetic appearance of the final plaster product when dry. In particular, no cracks or distortions are visible initially or as the plaster ages with time.

Accordingly, such plaster products exhibit a long life span comparable to commonly used plaster products. Furthermore, incorporation of the cremains having said mean average particle size does not impact on the workability of the plaster composition.

In contrast, it has been found that incorporating cremains having a mean particle size >440 um into hydrated plaster negatively impacts on the aesthetic appearance of the final plaster product when dry. In particular, cracks are commonly visible and consequently the life span of the plaster product is reduced. This may be attributed to the formation of pores within the plaster upon drying.

The terms cremains and cremated remains are taken to the mean the ashes that remain after a human or animal dead body has been cremated, i.e. burned. The cremains include organic and inorganic matter. Organic matter may for example include bone fragments.

% of the cremains may have a particle size of 5440 pm, by weight of the cremains. 75 % of the cremains may have a particle size of 5440 pm, by weight of the cremains. 85 % of the cremains may have a particle size of s440 pm, by weight of the cremains. L95 % of the cremains may have a particle size of s440 pm, by weight of the cremains.

The cremains may have a particle size of L75 pm. Cremains having a particle size of <75 pm is undesirable as it has been found that the fine particulate can become suspended in air when agitated. Accordingly, incorporation of said fine particulate into the hydrated plaster can be problematic.

L60 °AD of the cremains may have a particle size of L75 pm, by weight of the cremains. L.75 % of the cremains may have a particle size of L75 pm, by weight of the cremains. L85 I% of the cremains may have a particle size of L75 pm, by weight of the cremains. L95 % of the cremains may have a particle size of L75 pm, by weight of the cremains.

The cremains may have a mean average particle size of from 235 pm to 439 pm. L60 % of the cremains may have a particle size of from 235 pm to 439 pm, by weight of the cremains. L75 % of the cremains may have a particle size of from 235 pm to 439 pm, by weight of the cremains. L85 % of the cremains may have a particle size of from 235 pm to 439 pm, by weight of the cremains. L95 % of the cremains may have a particle size of from 235 pm to 439 pm, by weight of the cremains.

The cremains may have a mean average particle size of from 120 pm to 234 pm. L601% of the cremains may have a particle size of from 120 pm to 234 pm, by weight of the cremains. L75 % of the cremains may have a particle size of from 120 pm to 234 pm, by weight of the cremains. 85 % of the cremains may have a particle size of from 120 pm to 234 pm, by weight of the cremains. L95 % of the cremains may have a particle size of from 120 pm to 234 pm, by weight of the cremains.

The cremains may have a mean average particle size of from 75 pm to 119 pm. L60 % of the cremains may have a particle size of from 75 pm to 119 pm, by weight of the cremains. L75 % of the cremains may have a particle size of from 75 pm to 119 pm, by weight of the cremains.

L85 % of the cremains may have a particle size of from 75 pm to 119 pm, by weight of the cremains. 95 % of the cremains may have a particle size of from 75 pm to 119 pm, by weight of the cremains.

The hydrated plaster may be a clay plaster, a gypsum plaster, a lime-based plaster or a cement plaster. Typically, the hydrated plaster is a lime-based plaster. Suitably, the lime-based plaster allows moisture to easily pass through, and is therefore breathable, which can result in a better combination with the cremains. Said plasters, and methods to form said plasters are well known in the relevant field.

Clay plaster comprises a mixture of clay, aggregate and water. For example, the aggregate may be sand. Examples of clays which may be used include ball, atapulgous, bentonitic and Grolleg English china clays.

Gypsum plaster comprises a mixture of gypsum and water.

Lime-based plaster comprises a mixture of lime, aggregate and water. For example, the aggregate may be sand. For example, the lime may be non-hydraulic hydrated lime (also known as slaked lime, high calcium lime or air lime). Typically, lime-based acrylic plasters may be used.

Cement plaster comprises a mixture of plaster, cement and water. For example, the cement may be Portland cement.

It has advantageously been found that plasters comprising larger filler, such as filler particulate, for example marble pieces, facilitate incorporation of cremains having larger particle sizes into the plaster by helping to maintain the structural integrity of the memorial product.

Consequently, if a user wishes to incorporate cremains having a smaller mean average particle size into plaster, a plaster comprising smaller filler may be used. This is advantageous as plaster comprising smaller filler particulate is often less costly than plaster comprising larger filler particulate, especially when the filler particulate is marble pieces.

Cremains having larger mean average particle size, as described above, may be defined as cremains having a mean average particle size of from 235 pm to 439 pm. Cremains having smaller mean average particle size particle size, as described above, may be defined as cremains having a mean average particle size of from 75 pm to 119 pm. Cremains having medium particle size may be defined as cremains having a mean average particle size of from 120 pm to 234 pm.

The hydrated plaster may comprise filler, such as filler particulate, for example marble pieces, having a mean average particle size of >0.01 mm, such as >0.05 mm or >0.1 mm.

The hydrated plaster may comprise filler, such as filler particulate, for example marble pieces, having a mean average particle size of <2mm, such as <1 mm or <0.75 mm.

The hydrated plaster may comprise filler, such as filler particulate, for example marble pieces, having a mean average particle size of from 0.01 mm to 2 mm, such as from 0.05 mm to 1 mm or from 0.1 mm to 0.75 mm.

Filler, such as filler particulate, for example marble pieces, having a mean average particle size of from 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm may be considered as small sized filler as described above. Filler, such as filler particulate, for example marble pieces, having a mean average particle size of from 0.1 mm to 0.35 mm may be considered as medium sized filler. Filler, such as filler particulate, for example marble pieces, having a mean average particle size of from 0.2 mm to 2 mm may be considered as large sized filler as described above.

Cremains having larger mean average particle size, for example having a mean average particle size of from 235 pm to 439 pm may be used with plaster comprising large sized filler, such as filler particulate, for example marble pieces, having a mean average particle size of 10 from 0.2 to 2 mm, such as 0.2 to 1 mm or 0.2 mm to 0.75 mm.

Cremains having medium particle size, for example having a mean average particle size of from 120 pm to 234 pm may be used with plaster comprising medium sized filler, such as filler particulate, for example marble pieces, having a mean average particle size of from 0.1 mm to 0.35 mm.

Cremains having smaller mean average particle size, for example having a mean average particle size of from 75 pm to 119 pm may be used with plaster comprising smaller sized filler, such as filler particulate, for example marble pieces, having a mean average particle size of from 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm.

Cremains having smaller and/or medium mean average particle sizes may be used with plasters comprising larger sized filler as described above. Cremains having a smaller mean average particle sizes may be used with plasters comprising medium sized filler as described above.

The plaster composition may comprise hydrated plaster in an amount of a.90% based on the total weight of the plaster composition, such as 94 wt%, 95 wt% or 96 wt%.

The plaster composition may comprise hydrated plaster in an amount of s99.9% based on the total weight of the plaster composition, such as s99.5 wt%, 99 wt% or s98 wt%.

The plaster composition may comprise hydrated plaster in an amount of from 90 to 99.9% based on the total weight of the plaster composition, such as from 94 to 99 wt%, or from 95 to 98 wt%.

By 'hydrated plaster' herein it is meant the combined weight of the plaster and water that is present in the composition.

The plaster composition may comprise plaster in an amount of 60°/0 based on the total weight of the plaster composition, such as 70 wt% or a.75 wt%.

The plaster composition may comprise plaster in an amount of s90% based on the total weight of the plaster composition, such as s85 wt% or s80 wt%.

The plaster composition may comprise plaster in an amount of from 60 to 90% based on the total weight of the plaster composition, such as from 70 to 85 wt%, or from 75 to 85 wt%.

The plaster composition may comprise water in an amount of 0% based on the total weight of the plaster composition, such as wt%, or a.14 wt%.

The plaster composition may comprise water in an amount of CO% based on the total weight of the plaster composition, such as s25 wt% or s20 wt%.

The plaster composition may comprise water in an amount of from 10 to 30% based on the total weight of the plaster composition, such as from 12 to 25 wt% or from 14 to 20 wt%.

The plaster composition may comprise cremains in an amount of 0.05% based on the total weight of the plaster composition, such as C:).1 wt%, 0.5 wt%, wt% or 1.5 wt%.

The plaster composition may comprise cremains in an amount of s10% based on the total weight of the plaster composition, such as s8 wt% or s6 wt%.

The plaster composition may comprise cremains in an amount of from 0.05 to 10% based on the total weight of the plaster composition, such as from 0.1 to 8%, 0.5 to 8 wt%, from 1 to 8 wt%, from 1.5 to 8 wt% or from 1.5 to 6 wt°/0.

The plaster composition may comprise cremains in an amount of 0.1% based on the dry weight of the composition, such as a.1 wt% or a.1.5 wt%, or a.2 wt%.

The plaster composition may comprise cremains in an amount of s20% based on the dry weight of the composition, such as s15 wt% or s10 wt%.

The plaster composition may comprise cremains in an amount of from 0.1 to 20% based on the dry weight of the composition, such as from 1 to 15%, or 1.5 to 10 wt% or from 2 to 10 wt%.

The plaster composition may comprise cremains and hydrated plaster/plaster in a respective wt% ratio of 1: 10 based on the total weight of the plaster composition or dry weight of the composition, such as 1: orb: The composition may comprise at least one rheology modifier. Suitably a rheology modifier may be used to increase the viscosity of the plaster composition. A rheology modifier may be used to increase the workability and processability of the plaster composition.

The rheology modifier may be a (co)polymer, such as a (co)polymer selected from polyethylene; acrylic (co)polymer; polyolefin, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and decene copolymer; PVP and hexadecene copolymer; PVP and eicosene copolymer; butylated PVP; polyvinylmethyl ether (PVM), maleic anhydride or maleic acid, and decadiene copolymer; vinyl acetate and ethylene copolymers; and/or a cellulose, such as hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

The rheology modifier may comprise an acrylic (co)polymer, for example an aliphatic (alk)acrylate (co)polymer. The rheology modifier may comprise a mixture of acrylic (co)polymers having different chain lengths, such as a mixture of different aliphatic (alk)acrylate (co)polymers.

Typically, the rheology modifier may be an acrylic (co)polymer and/or a water-based vinyl co-polymer.

The plaster composition may comprise a rheology modifier in an amount of a0.01% based on the total weight of the plaster composition, such as a0.1 wt% or a0.2 wt%.

The plaster composition may comprise a rheology modifier in an amount of.S5% based on the total weight of the plaster composition, such as C wt% or wt%.

The plaster composition may comprise a rheology modifier in an amount of from 0.01 to 5% based on the total weight of the plaster composition, such as from 0.1 to 3 wt% or from 0.2 to 1 wt%.

The hydrated plaster may further comprise a pigment. For example, an inorganic and/or organic coloured pigment may be used. Typically, a pigment is are used to provide aesthetic appeal to the memorial product.

The following organic pigments may be used 0.1. Pigment Blue 15, C.I. Pigment Blue 15:1, C.I. Pigment Blue, 15:2, 0.1. Pigment Blue 15:3, 0.1. Pigment Blue 15:4, 0.1. Pigment Blue 15:6, Pigment Blue 16 Cl, C.I. Pigment Green 7, C.I. Pigment Green 36, C.I. Pigment Orange 36, C.I. Pigment Orange 43, C.I. Pigment Red 122, C.I. Pigment Red 168, C.I. Pigment Red 179, 0.1. Pigment Red 254, C.I. Pigment Red 255, C.I. Pigment Red 264, 0.1. Pigment Red 282, C.I. Pigment violet 19, C.I. Pigment violet 23, Pigment Yellow 74, Pigment Yellow 97, C.I. Pigment Yellow 110, 0.1. Pigment Yellow 138, 0.1. Pigment Yellow 139 and/or 0.1. Pigment Yellow 154.

The following inorganic pigments may be used C.I. Pigment blue 28, e.g. 550 and/or Sicopalblau Heucodur IR blue L6210, C.I. Pigment blue 29, e.g. DS54 -ULT RAMARINE blue, C.I. Pigment blue 36, e.g. Heucodur IR blue 5-100, 4G, C.I. Pigment 12 bk., e.g. Yellow 20P296, C.I. Pigment br. 24, e.g. 23-10408 PK, L 1912 Sicotan yellow, C.I. Pigment Br. 25, C.I. Pigment br. 33, e.g. brown 10P857, Shepherd brown 157, 12 Shepherd brown, Dark brown 10363 (Ferro), 0.1 Pigment br. 35, 0.1. Pigment Br. 7, 0.1. Pigment Br. 29, 0.1. Pigment Green 17, e.g. color therm Green GN M, al. Pigment Green 26, e.g. AL-11151, AL-12151, Green 300678, Green 410, 21-4700 PK, Cl. Pigment Green 50, e.g. Heucodur IR Green 5G; AL 11068, C.I. Pigment Orange 82, Orange L2430 e.g. Sicopal, C.I. Pigment Red 101, e.g. bayferrox 130 m, al. Pigment violet 14, violet 92 e.g., al. Pigment violet 15, al. Pigment violet 48, e.g. AL-71036, C.I. Pigment Yellow 119, e.g. AL-41153, C.I. Pigment Yellow 163, e.g. AL-41264, Cl. Pigment Yellow 164, e.g. 26-10550 PK, brown 100873, Cl. Pigment Yellow 184, e.g. DCC Yellow 2 GTA, Cl. Pigment Yellow 216, Orange 100341 e.g., C.I. Pigment Yellow 227, Yellow 100151 e.g., C.I. Pigment Yellow 42, e.g. bayferrox 3920, C.I. Pigment Yellow 53, Yellow 100112 e.g., AL-51001, AL-51114.

Inorganic and organic pigments may be selected from monoazo pigments, in particular C.I.

Pigment brown 25, al. Pigment Orange 5, 13, 38, 64 or 67, 0.1. Pigment red 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 17, 22, 23, 31, 48: 1, 48:2, 48:3, 48: 4, 49, 49: 1, 51:1, 52:1, 52: 2, 53, 53: 1, 53:3, 57:1, 58:2, 58: 4, 63, 112, 146, 148, 170, 175, 184, 185, 187, 191: 1, 208, 210, 245, 247 and/or 251, C.I. Pigment yellow 1, 3, 62, 65, 73, 120, 151, 154, 168, 181, 183 and/or 191 and/or C.I.

Pigment violet 32, diazo pigments, in particular al. Pigment Orange 16, 34, 44 and/or 72 and/or al. Pigment yellow 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 81, 83, 106, 113, 126, 127, 155, 174, 176, 18 and/or 188, disazo condensation pigments, in particular al. Pigment yellow 91, 95 and/or 128 and/or C.I. Pigment red 144, 166, 214, 220, 221, 242 and/or 262 and/or C.I. 41 23 And/or brown Pigment, anthraquinone pigments, in particular C.I. Pigment yellow 147, 177 and/or 199 and/or C.I. Pigment violet 31, anthrapyrimidine pigments, in particular 0.1. Pigment yellow 108, quinacridone pigments, in particular al. Pigment Orange 48 and/or 49 and/or C.I. Pigment red 202, 206 and/or 209 and/or diketopyrrolopyrrole pigments, in particular C.I. Pigment Orange 71, 73 and/or 81 and/or al. Pigment red 270 and/or 272, dioxazine pigments, in particular C.I. Pigment violet 37 and/or C.I. Pigment blue 80, flavanthrone pigments, in particular C.I. Pigment yellow 24, indanthrone pigments, in particular C.I. Pigment blue 60 and/or 64, isoindoline pigments, in particular al. Pigment Orange 61 and/or 69 and/or C.I. Pigment red 260 and/or C.I. Pigment yellow 185, isoindolinone pigments, in particular C.I. Pigment yellow 173 109und/or, isoviolanthrone pigments, in particular C.I. Pigment violet 31, metal complex pigments, in particular al. Pigment red 257 and/or C.I. Pigment yellow 117, 129, 151, 153 and/or 177 and/or al. Pigment green 8, perinone pigments, in particular C.I.

Pigment Orange, and/or C.I. Pigment red 194, perylene pigments, in particular C.I. Pigment red 123, 149, 178, 179, 190 and/or 224 and/or C.I. Pigment violet 29, pyranthrone pigments, in particular C.I. Pigment Orange 51 and/or C.I. Pigment red 216, Pyrazolochinazolonpigmenten, especially C.I. Pigment Orange 67 and/or C.I. Pigment red 251, thioindigo pigments, in particular al. Pigment red 88 and/or 181 and/or C.I. Pigment violet 38, triarylcarbonium pigments, in particular C.I. Pigment blue 1, 61 and/or 62 and/or C.I.

Pigment green 1 and/or C.I. Pigment red 81, 81:1 and/or 169 and/or C.I. Pigment violet 1, 2, 3 and/or 27, and colored pigments, particularly chromium oxide, chromium oxide hydrate green, chromium green (Pigment green 48 for example Cl.), Ultramanengrun, cobalt blue (for example C.I. 72 Pigment), manganese blue, ultramarine violet, cobalt violet, manganese violet, cerium sulfide (for example C.I. Pigment red 265 and/or C.I. Pigment Orange 75), ultramarine red, brown iron oxide (for example C.I. Pigment brown 6 and/or 7), mixed brown, spinel and corundum phases -(for example C.I. Pigment brown 31, 34, 37, 39 and/or 40), chromium titanium yellow (for example C.I. Pigment yellow 162, 163, 164), praseodymium yellow (for example C.I. Pigment yellow 159), vanadium yellow (for example C.I. Pigment yellow 158 and/or 160), nickel fitanate (for example C.I. Pigment yellow 157, 161 and/or 189), spinel phase (for example C.I. Pigment yellow 119).

The plaster composition may comprise a pigment in an amount of al.01°A, based on the total weight of the plaster composition, such as (:).1 wt% or 0.2 wt%.

The plaster composition may comprise a pigment in an amount of5c)o based on the total weight of the plaster composition, such as wt% or wt%.

The plaster composition may comprise a pigment in an amount of from 0.01 to 5% based on the total weight of the plaster composition, such as from 0.1 to 3 wt% or from 0.2 to 1 wt%.

The plaster composition may further comprise a texture agent, such as a fibre or particulate; a stabiliser; a thickener; an emulsifier; a preservative or anti-oxidant; an accelerant; a retarding agent; a chemical that indicates when the plaster composition is sufficiently set (for example by changing colour) and/or an adhesive component.

The cremains of the present invention may be ground cremains The cremains are typically ground using commonly known grinding members.

The cremains may be filtered using a filtering member. The filtering member may be a sieve.

Other filtering members that separate the cremains based on particle size are also envisaged.

The filtering member may comprise pores having a pore size of.440 pm. The filtering member may comprise pores having a pore size of from 75 pm to 440 pm. More particularly, filtering member may comprise pores having a pore size of from 235 pm to 440 pm, from 120 pm to 235 pm or from 75 pm to 120 pm.

Several filtering members may be used so that different particle sizes of cremains may be separated. The separated cremains may then be used in different types of hydrated plaster.

The substrate may be stone, wood or canvas. Although other types of substrates are envisaged.

A primer layer may be applied to the substrate prior to application of the plaster composition. The primer may be a solvent or water-based primer. The primer may be a PVA or acrylic-based composition. The primer layer may be a moisture sealant layer operable to restrict the passage of moisture. As such, the primer may help prevent moisture transfer between the substrate and the plaster composition. The primer may also be used to increase adherence of the plaster composition to the substrate. Cremains may also be added to the primer layer. A primer layer may comprise cremains having a mean average particle size of from 75 pm to 119 pm.

A base layer may be applied to the substrate directly or to the applied primer layer when dry.

The base layer may be a coloured, such as a coloured lime wash, and may comprise cremains. A base layer may comprise cremains having a particle size of from 75 pm to 119 pm. Preferably the base layer does not comprise cremains. A base layer may have a gloss finish. The gloss effect may provide a mirror like appearance.

The product may comprise at least two layers of a plaster composition, suitably as prepared according to the second aspect of the invention, such as by repeating the steps of (b) and (c) of the method of the third aspect of the present invention. A layer may be formed from a plaster composition comprising cremains having a mean average particle size of from 235 pm to 440 pm. A layer may be formed from a plaster composition comprising cremains having a particle size of from 120 pm to 234 pm. A layer may be formed from a plaster composition comprising cremains having a particle size of from 75 pm to 119 pm.

Therefore, the product may comprise layers formed from the same plaster composition or different plaster compositions. All of the layers may comprise cremains with the same mean average particle size. Alternatively, some of the layers may comprise cremains with different mean average particle sizes compared with other layers.

The initial layers proximal to the substrate may have cremains with smaller mean average particle size, as described above. The subsequently applied layers may have cremains with medium or larger mean average particle sizes, as described above.

The mold of the method of the present invention may for example be a metal or plastic mold. The mold may be a stencil mold.

The plaster coating of the memorial product may comprise plaster in an amount of 60"Yo based on the total weight of the coating, such as a.70 wt% or 75 wt%.

The plaster coating or mold of the memorial product may comprise plaster in an amount of.90% based on the total weight of the coating or mold, such as.a5 wt% or 80 wt%.

The plaster coating or mold of the memorial product may comprise plaster in an amount of from 60 to 90% based on the total weight of the coating or mold, such as from 70 to 85 wt%, or from 75 to 80 wt%.

The plaster coating or mold of the memorial product may comprise cremains in an amount of a.0.1 % based on the total weight of the coating or mold, such as al wt% or a1.5 wt%, or 2 wt%.

The plaster coating or mold of the memorial product may comprise cremains in an amount of 20% based on the total weight of the coating or mold, such as.15 wt% or wt%.

The plaster coating or mold of the memorial product may comprise cremains in an amount of from 0.1 to 20% based on the total weight of the coating or mold, such as from 1 to 15 wt% or from 1.5 to 10 wt% or from 2 to 10 wt%.

The plaster coating or mold of the memorial product may comprise cremains and plaster in a respective wt% ratio of 1: a.10 based on the total weight of the coating or mold, such as 1: a.20, or 1: As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers such as those expressing values, ranges, amounts or percentages may be read as if prefaced by the word "about", even if the term does not expressly appear. The term "about" when used herein means +/-10% of the stated value. Also, any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. Singular encompasses plural and vice versa. For example, although reference is made herein to "an" alcohol, "a" compound according to formula (I), "a" rheology modifier, and the like, one or more of each of these and any other components can be used. As used herein, the term "polymer" refers to oligomers and both homopolymers and copolymers, and the prefix "poly" refers to two or more. Including, for example and like terms means including for example but not limited to. Additionally, although the present invention has been described in terms of "comprising", the processes, materials, and coating compositions detailed herein may also be described as "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of'.

Where ranges are provided in relation to a genus, each range may also apply additionally and independently to any one or more of the listed species of that genus. All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the following experimental data.

EXAMPLES

An example of a memorial product, in this case an artwork piece, according to the present invention was prepared according to the following method.

Cremated remains were ground and subsequently filtered through four sieves. The ground cremains were initially filtered through a first sieve comprising pores having a pore size of 440 pm to remove ground cremains having a particle size of >440 pm. The ground cremains having a particle size of >440 pm were then removed, reground and presented back to the sieve. The ground cremains that passed through the first sieve were then filtered through a second sieve comprising pores having a pore size of 235 pm to separate ground cremains having a particle size of >235 pm. The ground cremains that passed through the second sieve were then filtered through a third sieve comprising pores having a pore size of 120 pm to remove ground cremains having a particle size of >120 pm. The ground cremains that passed through the third sieve were then filtered through a fourth sieve comprising pores having a pore size of 75 pm to remove ground cremains having a particle size of >75 pm. The ground cremains having a particle size of <75 pm were then removed.

0.1g of ground cremains collected using the fourth sieve (i.e. ground cremains having a particle size between 75 pm and 119 pm) were then mixed with 10m1 of water. To the cremains/water mixture was then added 50g of a primer product. The mixture was then stirred until the cremains/water mixture was absorbed. The primer mixture was then applied to a canvas board, in this example a 24" x 18" premium canvas deep edge board, and allowed to dry. A coloured lime wash was then applied over the dried primer wash to create a base colour and allowed to dry.

1g of ground cremains collected using the third sieve (i.e. ground cremains having a particle size between 120 pm and 234 pm) was then mixed with 50g of a first Marmorino MKS product (mineral lime-based pigmented plaster comprising hydrated putty and water based vinyl-versatic copolymers) purchased from Novacolor. A further lg of ground cremains collected using the third sieve was then mixed with 50g of a second Marmorino MKS product. A further 1g of ground cremains collected using the third sieve was then mixed with 50g of a third Marmorino MKS product.

The three Marmorino MKS/cremains mixtures were then applied over the base coat on the canvas with a trowel using circular techniques to provide a desired image with an appropriate texture, and subsequently allowed to dry.

lg of ground cremains collected using the second sieve (i.e. ground cremains having a particle size between 235 pm and 439 pm) was then mixed with 50g of a Marmur Medio product (mineral lime-based pigmented plaster comprising hydrated putty and water-based vinyl-versatic copolymers) purchased from Novacolor. The Marmur Medio product is thicker in consistency than the Marmorino MKS products through use of larger marble pieces.

The Marmur Medio/cremains mixture was then applied over the Marmorino MKS/cremain mixture on the canvas with a trowel using circular techniques to provide a desired image with an appropriate texture, and subsequently allowed to dry.

Accordingly, the artwork piece is prepared by building up multiple layers of different plaster products over a primer layer. Use of a primer layer is not essential but is preferred. Mist and top coats may also be applied to the plaster on the finished memorial product. The artwork piece would be typically hung on a wall.

The following table provides the ratio of ground cremains to plaster by weight used in the

above example

Ash particle size Plaster type Ratio of ground cremains to hydrated plaster Between 75 and 119 pm Primer 1:500 Between 75 and 119 pm Mirror (high gloss) 1:25 Between 120 and 234 pm Marmorino KS 1:50 Between 235 and 439 pm Marmur Medio 1:50 The resulting product showed no imperfections in the plaster layers.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A plaster composition comprising: hydrated plaster; and cremains having a mean average particle size of s440 pm.
2. A plaster composition according to claim 1, wherein 60 % of the cremains have a particle size of s440 pm, by weight of the cremains.
3. A plaster composition according to claim 1, wherein 75 % of the cremains have a particle size of s440 pm, by weight of the cremains.
4. A plaster composition according to claim 1, wherein a.85 % of the cremains have a particle size of s440 pm, by weight of the cremains.
5. A plaster composition according to claim 1, wherein a.95 % of the cremains have a particle size of s440 pm, by weight of the cremains.
6. A plaster composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the hydrated plaster is a clay plaster, a gypsum plaster, a lime-based plaster or a cement plaster.
7. A plaster composition according to claim 6, wherein the hydrated plaster is a lime-based plaster.
8. A plaster composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the hydrated plaster comprises at least one rheology modifier.
9. A plaster composition according to claim 8, wherein the rheology modifier is acrylic (co)polymer or a water based vinyl co-polymer.
10. A plaster composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the hydrated plaster further comprises a pigment.
11. A plaster composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the cremains have a particle size of 75 pm.
12. A plaster composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the amount of hydrated plaster is from 90 to 99.9% based on the total weight of the plaster composition, typically from 94 to 99 wt%, or more typically from 95 to 98 wt%.
13. A plaster composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the amount of cremains is from 0.05 to 10% based on the total weight of the plaster composition, typically from 0.1 to 8 wt%, more typically 0.5 to 8 wt% or even more typically 1.5 to 6 wt%.
14. The plaster composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the wt% ratio of cremains to hydrated plaster is respectively 1: based on the total weight of the plaster composition, typically 1: a.20 or more typically 1: a.25.
15. A method of preparing a plaster composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the method comprising: providing hydrated plaster; and contacting the hydrated plaster with cremains having a mean average particle size of 440 pm.
16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the cremains are filtered using a filtering member.
17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the filtering member comprises pores having a pore size of S.440 pm.
18. A method according to claim 16, wherein the filtering member comprises pores having a pore size of from 75 pm to 440 pm.
19. A method of making a memorial product, the method comprising: (a) providing a plaster composition prepared according to claims 15 to 18; (b) applying a coating of the plaster composition to a substrate; and (c) drying the coating.
20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the substrate is stone, wood or canvas.
21. A method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the product comprises at least two layers of a plaster composition prepared according to claims 15 to 18, suitably by repeating the steps of (b) and (c).
22. A method according to claim 21, wherein a layer is formed from a plaster composition coating comprises cremains having a mean average particle size of from 235 pm to 440 pm.
23. A method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein a layer is formed from a plaster composition coating comprises cremains having a mean average particle size of from 120 pm to 234 pm.
24. A method according to claims 21 to 23, wherein a layer is formed from a plaster composition coating comprises cremains having a mean average particle size of from 75 pm to 119 pm.
25. A method of making a memorial product, the method comprising: providing a plaster composition prepared according to claims 15 to 18; arranging the plaster composition in a mold; drying the plaster composition; and removing the mold from the dried plaster composition.
26. A memorial product prepared by the method of claims 19 to 25.