U.S. patent application number 10/822120 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-30 for strippable laminate finish.
Invention is credited to Anderson, Bryan Michael, Levitt, Mark D., Olson, Keith Edward, Smith, Kim R..
Application Number | 20040191505 10/822120 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24236665 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040191505 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Levitt, Mark D. ; et
al. |
September 30, 2004 |
Strippable laminate finish
Abstract
A coated substrate comprises a strippable intermediate coating
on a substrate, and a strip agent-permeable coating or topcoat on
the intermediate coating. The topcoat is less strippable and more
wear-resistant than the intermediate coating. In a preferred
embodiment, the substrate comprises a floor, the topcoat comprises
a UV curable floor finish, the intermediate coating comprises a
metal-crosslinked acrylic, and the strip agent comprises a chemical
strip agent containing a phenol alcohol. When the topcoat
eventually becomes worn and must be renewed, a strip agent (e.g.,
chemical strip agent) can be applied to the topcoat. The strip
agent penetrates the topcoat and attacks the intermediate coating,
thereby enabling removal of the intermediate coating and topcoat
without aggressive removal techniques such as sanding. Certain
laminate finishes, strip agents, methods for using these finishes
and strip agents, and methods for removing a multilayer laminate
finish are used to prepare and to renew the coated substrate.
Inventors: |
Levitt, Mark D.; (Saint
Paul, MN) ; Anderson, Bryan Michael; (Saint Paul,
MN) ; Olson, Keith Edward; (Apple Valley, MN)
; Smith, Kim R.; (Woodbury, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IPLM GROUP, P.A.
POST OFFICE BOX 18455
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55418
US
|
Family ID: |
24236665 |
Appl. No.: |
10/822120 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10822120 |
Apr 9, 2004 |
|
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09560170 |
Apr 28, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/332 ;
428/423.1; 428/424.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 428/24479 20150115;
Y10T 442/2213 20150401; C11D 3/43 20130101; Y10T 428/265 20150115;
Y10T 428/31573 20150401; A01N 37/16 20130101; A01N 61/00 20130101;
C11D 7/5022 20130101; A01N 2300/00 20130101; A01N 2300/00 20130101;
A01N 2300/00 20130101; C11D 3/2034 20130101; Y10T 442/259 20150401;
Y10T 442/2139 20150401; C11D 3/48 20130101; A01N 59/00 20130101;
Y10T 428/31551 20150401; A01N 25/02 20130101; B05D 1/325 20130101;
A01N 61/00 20130101; A01N 37/16 20130101; Y10T 428/26 20150115;
C09D 7/00 20130101; B05D 3/067 20130101; C11D 17/0017 20130101;
A01N 59/00 20130101; C11D 3/3945 20130101; B05D 7/52 20130101; B05D
5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/332 ;
428/423.1; 428/424.2 |
International
Class: |
G03C 001/06 |
Claims
1. A coated substrate comprising a strippable intermediate coating
atop the substrate, and a strip agent-permeable coating atop the
intermediate coating, wherein the strip agent-permeable coating
comprised a two-part composition and is less strippable and more
durable than the intermediate coating.
2. A coated substrate according to claim 1, wherein the substrate
comprises a floor.
3. A coated substrate according to claim 2, wherein the substrate
comprises a resilient flooring material.
4. A coated substrate according to claim 3, wherein the substrate
comprises a vinyl or vinyl composite tile.
5. A coated substrate according to claim 1, wherein the substrate
comprises a wall, ceiling, label, emblem, sign or vehicle.
6. A coated substrate according to claim 1, wherein the
intermediate coating comprises a metal-catalyzed acrylic
finish.
7. A coated substrate according to claim 1, wherein the
intermediate coating has a strippability rating of 6 or more on a 7
point scale, corresponding to at least partial strip with softened
finish in all areas, using a test strip agent made using a 25%
water solution of a concentrate that contained 59% softened water,
6% sodium xylene sulfonate, 4.5% potassium hydroxide, 10%
monoethanolamine, 0.2% tetrasodium EDTA, 10% ethylene glycol phenyl
ether and 0.05% fluorosurfactant, and a 10 minute standing
time.
8. A coated substrate according to claim 1, wherein the
intermediate coating has a thickness of about 5 to about 38
micrometers.
9. A coated substrate according to claim 1, wherein the topcoat
comprises a polymerized material.
10. A coated substrate according to claim 1, wherein the topcoat
comprised a one- part photopolymerizable material.
11. A coated substrate according to claim 1, wherein the topcoat
comprised a UV curable material.
12. A coated substrate according to claim 1, wherein the topcoat
comprises an acrylate, urethane or acrylated urethane.
13. A coated substrate according to claim 12, wherein the topcoat
comprises an aromatic urethane.
14. A coated substrate according to claim 12, wherein the topcoat
comprises an aliphatic polyester urethane.
15. A coated substrate according to claim 1, wherein the topcoat is
not metal crosslinked.
16. A coated substrate according to claim 1, wherein the topcoat
has a strippability rating of 4 or less on a 7 point scale,
corresponding to no more than severe chemical attack on the topcoat
and the onset of stripping, using a test strip agent made using a
25% water solution of a concentrate that contained 59% softened
water, 6% sodium xylene sulfonate, 4.5% potassium hydroxide, 10%
monoethanolamine, 0.2% tetrasodium EDTA, 10% ethylene glycol phenyl
ether and 0.05% fluorosurfactant, and a 10 minute standing
time.
17. A coated substrate according to claim 1, wherein the topcoat
has a thickness of about 5 to about 38 micrometers.
18. A coated substrate according to claim 1, wherein the
intermediate coating or topcoat comprise two or more different
layers of materials.
19. A coated substrate according to claim 1, wherein the substrate
comprises a floor and the strip agent-permeable coating comprises a
UV curable finish.
20-30. cancelled.
31. A method for applying a finish to a substrate, comprising: a)
applying to the substrate a strippable intermediate coating; b)
allowing the intermediate coating to dry or harden; and c) applying
a strip agent-permeable topcoat to the intermediate coating,
wherein the topcoat comprises a two-part composition and is less
strippable and more durable than the intermediate coating.
32. A method according to claim 31, wherein the topcoat is UV
cured.
33. A method according to claim 31, wherein the intermediate
coating is applied in two or more coats.
34. A method according to claim 31, wherein the topcoat is applied
in two or more coats.
35. A method according to claim 34, wherein each of said two or
more coats is UV cured before application of any further coat.
36. A method for removing a finish from a substrate, comprising: a)
applying a strip agent to a laminate finish comprising a strip
agent-permeable coating atop a strippable intermediate coating atop
a substrate, wherein the strip agent-permeable coating comprises a
two-part composition and is less strippable and more durable than
the intermediate coating; b) allowing the strip agent to permeate
through the topcoat to attack the intermediate layer; and c)
removing the intermediate layer and topcoat without removing
substantial portions of the underlying substrate.
37. A method according to claim 36, wherein permeation of the strip
agent through the topcoat is enhanced by a mechanically roughening
the topcoat prior to applying the strip agent.
38. A method according to claim 36, wherein removal of the
intermediate layer and topcoat occurs in less than 10 minutes after
application of the strip agent.
39. A coated substrate according to claim 1, wherein the topcoat
comprises a urethane.
40. A method according to claim 31, wherein the topcoat comprises a
urethane.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to a strippable laminate finish, a
strippable laminate finish kit, and methods for applying and for
removing a finish.
BACKGROUND
[0002] UV light curable coating compositions typically provide a
desirable combination of properties including rapid cure, high
gross and good durability. Due to these properties and their
generally good scratch and detergent resistance, UV light curable
coating compositions have been used as floor finishes. Eventually
even a UV light cured floor finish will show the effects of wear,
and will require removal and renewal. UV cured floor finishes
generally are not regarded as being removable using conventional
chemical floor stripping agents. Instead, more aggressive removal
techniques such as floor sanding or aggressive burnishing may be
employed, thereby leading to removal of a portion of the underlying
floor surface. This has discouraged the use of UV cured floor
finishes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention provides, in one aspect, a coated
substrate comprising a strippable intermediate coating atop the
substrate, and a strip agent-permeable coating atop the
intermediate coating, wherein the strip agent-permeable coating is
less strippable and more wear-resistant than the intermediate
coating. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate comprises a
floor, the strip agent-permeable coating comprises a UV curable
floor finish, the intermediate coating comprises a
metal-crosslinked acrylic, and the strip agent comprises a chemical
strip agent containing a phenyl alcohol.
[0004] The strip agent-permeable coating (which in the interest of
brevity could be referred to as the topcoat, even though it may
itself be overcoated with one or more other layers) protects the
underline intermediate coating and substrate from abrasion, dirt,
and other environmental effects. When the topcoat eventually
becomes worn and must be renewed, a strip agent (e.g., chemical
strip agent) can be applied to the topcoat whereupon the strip
agent will penetrate the topcoat and attack the underlying
intermediate coating. The intermediate coating breaks down due to
the action of the strip agent, thereby enabling removal of the
intermediate coating and topcoat without the need for the use of
aggressive removal techniques such as floor sanding or aggressive
burnishing
[0005] In another aspect, the invention provides a strippable
laminate finish kit, comprising one or more containers of a
strippable intermediate coating and a strip agent-permeable
topcoat, wherein the topcoat is less strippable and more wear
resistant than the intermediate coating. The strippable laminate
finish kit optionally includes a strip agent.
[0006] In a further aspect the invention provides a strip agent
concentrate containing a polar solvent that is denser than water,
and a sufficiently low level of cosolvent or surfactant so that
upon mixing with water a pseudo-stable aqueous dispersion forms
which will phase-separate following application to a surface.
[0007] In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for
applying a finish to a substrate, comprising the steps of applying
to the substrate a strippable intermediate coating, allowing the
intermediate coating to dry or harden, and applying a strip
agent-permeable topcoat to the intermediate coating, wherein the
topcoat is less strippable and more wear resistant than the
intermediate coating.
[0008] In yet a further aspect, the invention provides a method for
removing a multilayer laminate finish having a topcoat and an
intermediate layer atop a substrate, comprising the steps of
applying to the topcoat a strip agent (e.g., a chemical strip
agent), allowing the strip agent to permeate through the topcoat to
attack the intermediate layer, and removing the intermediate layer
and topcoat by mopping, vacuuming, mild abrasion or other measures
that do not removed substantial portions of the underlying
substrate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a view in cross-section of a floor coated with
a laminate finish of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a view in cross-section of a wall coated with a
laminate finish of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a view in cross-section of the application of a
chemical strip agent to a laminate finish in the invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 show s a view in cross-section illustrating removal
of a laminate finish of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] As used in connection with this invention, a coating is
regarded as being "strippable" if when subjected to the action of a
suitable strip agent, the coating can readily be removed from the
substrate using simple, non-abrasive measures such as a mop and
detergent solution, or mildly abrasive but substrate-non-damaging
measures such as a nonwoven floor scrub pad. Strippability
preferably is evaluated using the Second Strippability Evaluation
Method (7 point scale) set out below in the Example section, using
Test Strip Agent K and a 10 minute strip agent standing time.
[0014] As used in connection with this invention, a topcoat is
regarded as being "strip agent-permeable" if when coated atop the
desired strippable coating and subjected to the action of a
suitable strip agent, the strip agent permeates or otherwise
penetrates the topcoat sufficiently so that the both the topcoat
and strippable coating can be removed from the substrate. Strip
agent permeability can be enhanced by a mechanically roughening the
topcoat (using, for example, a nonwoven floor scrub pad, brush or
other mild abrasive measure) just prior to stripping. A topcoat
will be regarded as being strip agent-permeable even if such
mechanical roughening is required, so long as the required
mechanical roughening does not damage the underlying substrate.
[0015] As used in connection with this invention, a topcoat is
regarded as being more wear resistant than an underlying strippable
intermediate coating when the topcoat exhibits lower weight loss
than the underlying intermediate coating using a Taber Abrasion
test conducted according to ASTM D4060-95.
[0016] Referring now to FIG. 1, floor 10 is overcoated with
laminate finish 11 containing intermediate coating 12 and topcoat
14. Topcoat 14 is a UV-curable floor finish whose wear resistance
and durability protect underline intermediate coating 12 and floor
10 from dirt, scuffing and other environmental factors.
Intermediate coating 12 is a metal-catalyzed acrylic floor finish
having lower wear resistance than topcoat 14. If used alone on
floor 10, intermediate coating 12 could readily be stripped from
floor 10 using a conventional chemical floor stripping agent. If
used alone on floor 10, topcoat 12 would not be strippable (or
might only be stripped with difficulty) from floor 10 using such a
stripping agent.
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a wall 20 overcoated with wallpaper 22 and
protective laminate finish 24 containing intermediate coating 26
and topcoat 28. Topcoat 28 is an acrylic latex paint whose ear
resistance and durability protect underlying intermediate coating
26, wallpaper 22 and wall 20 from scuffing, abrasion and other wear
or damage. Intermediate coating 26 is a metal-catalyzed acrylic
coating having lower wear resistance than topcoat 28. If used alone
on wall 20, intermediate coating 22 could readily be stripped from
wall 20 using a thickened version of a conventional chemical floor
stripping agent. If used alone on wall 20, topcoat 24 would not be
strippable (or might only be stripped with difficulty) from wall 20
using such a stripping agent.
[0018] FIG. 3 shows the application of chemical stripping agent 30
to the laminate finish 11 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 shows the
subsequent removal of the softened laminate finish 11. As shown in
FIG. 3, agent 30 permeates and penetrates topcoat 14 but does not
significantly soften or otherwise attack topcoat 14. On reaching
intermediate coating 12, agent 30 causes intermediate coating 12 to
soften and break apart. Intermediate coating 12 loosens its bond
with floor 10 and begins a gradual disintegration process
(illustrated in FIG. 4) that eventually causes intermediate coating
12 and topcoat 14 to break up into small particles such as
particles 42, 43 and 44. By using a mop 46 and water 47, the
disintegration process can be accelerated. Vacuum 48 facilitates
removal of the residue of the laminate finish 11 from floor 12.
[0019] A variety of substrates can be coated with the laminate
finishes of the invention. For example, flooring materials that can
be coated include resilient materials such as vinyl flooring, vinyl
composite flooring, and synthetic sports floors; and non-resilient
materials such as concrete, marble and wood. Other substrates that
can be coated include walls, ceilings, labels, emblems, indoor and
outdoor signs, and vehicles such as automobiles.
[0020] A variety of intermediate coating materials can be employed.
Suitable intermediate coating materials should be strippable using
a strip agent that is capable of permeating the topcoat. Thus, the
choice of intermediate coating material will be determined in part
by the chosen topcoat and stripping agent. Waterborne intermediate
coating materials are preferred for ease of application.
Water-soluble acid-containing polymers crosslinked using transition
metals (e.g., metal crosslinked acrylics) are a particularly
preferred class of intermediate coating materials. These can be
stripped using a variety of strip agents (described in more detail
below) that dissolve the intermediate coating or attack the
crosslinking site. Preferred intermediate coatings will have a
rating of 6 or more, more preferably a rating of 7, when coated
alone on a vinyl composite tile substrate and evaluated using
second Strippability Evaluation Method (7 point scale), using Test
Strip Agent K and a 10 minute strip agent standing time. Suitable
commercially available metal crosslinked acrylic polymers include
Gemstar Laser.TM. and Taj Mahal.TM. acrylic finishes from Ecolab
Inc.; High Noon.TM. acrylic finish from Butchers; Citation.TM.
acrylic finish from Buckeye International, Inc., Signatures.TM.,
Vectra.TM., and Complete.TM. acrylic finishes from S C Johnson
Professional Products; Upper Limits.TM. acrylic finish from Spartan
Chemical Co.; and materials such as those described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,517,330 and 5,319,018 and the patents cited therein.
Strippable floor coatings designated as "sealers" (e.g., Over and
Under.TM. floor sealer, available from S.C. Johnson Professional
Products) and strippable coatings based on polyvinylacetate could
also be used. If desired, two or more layers of different
intermediate coatings can be employed in laminate finishes of the
invention, in order to optimize properties such as adhesion to the
substrate or to the topcoat, wear resistance, strippability,
etc.
[0021] A variety of topcoat materials can be used in the invention.
Suitable topcoat materials should be less strippable than the
intermediate coating, and should be permeable by a chemical strip
agent that is capable of stripping the intermediate coating
material. Thus, the choice of topcoat material will be determined
in part by the chosen intermediate coating material and stripping
agent. Preferred topcoat materials will have a rating of 5 or less,
and more preferably a rating of 3 or less, if coated alone on a
vinyl composite tile substrate and evaluated using the second
Strippability Evaluation Method (7 point scale). Test Strip Agent K
and a 10 minute strip agent standing time. When the intermediate
coating and topcoat are each coated alone and compared using such
an evaluation method, they preferably will have at least a 1 point
differential, more preferably at least a 2 point differential, and
most preferably at least a 4 point differential in observed
strippability rating values.
[0022] Polymerizable topcoat materials (e.g. two-part thermally
curable or one-part photocurable materials) are preferred due to
their durability. In addition, topcoat materials that are
waterborne or otherwise substantially solvent free (e.g., 100
percent solids low viscosity formulations) are preferred for
environmental reasons. Preferably the topcoat is not metal
crosslinked. Suitable topcoat materials include urethanes,
acrylics, epoxies, melamines and blends or copolymers thereof.
Waterborne UV curable acrylates and urethanes are particularly
preferred topcoat materials. These tend to be less strippable and
more wear resistant than the metal crosslinked acrylic intermediate
coatings mentioned above, and are permeable by strip agents that
can be used to remove such intermediate coating materials. Suitable
commercially or experimentally available topcoat materials include
UV curable acrylates, urethanes and urethane acrylates (including
aliphatic polyester urethane acrylates) such as the materials
designated as 935-63 through 935-67; 935-75B; 935-76 and 935-80
through 935-82 series of UV curable coatings from UV Coatings
Limited; RoShield.TM. 3120 UV curable acrylate coating from Rohm
& Haas; and NeoRad.TM. NR-3709 UV curable aliphatic urethane
coating from Zeneca Resins, and materials such as those described
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,453,451 and 5,773,487. A variety of other
coating resins that can be cured using suitable crosslinking
agents, thermal initiators or photoinitiators can be employed,
including Courtmaster II.TM. waterborne acrylic urethane, available
from Ecolab, Inc.; Laromer.TM. PE 55W polyester acrylate, LR 8895
polyester acrylate, LR 8949 aliphatic urethane and LR 8983 aromatic
urethane waterborne acrylic ester resins, all available from BASF
Corp.; Viaktin.TM. VTE 6155 aliphatic urethane acrylate, VTE 6165
aromatic urethane acrylate and VTE 6169 aliphatic polyester
urethane radiation curing resins, all available from Vianova Resins
GmbH & Co. KG; 98-283W urethane acrylate, available from Hans
Rahn & Co. and materials such as those described in U.S. Pat.
No 5,830,937. If desired, two or more layers of different topcoats
can be employed in laminate finishes of the invention, in order
optimize properties such as adhesion to the intermediate coating,
laminate surface appearance or properties, wear resistance,
strippability, etc.
[0023] Suitable strip agents include compositions containing phenyl
alcohols (e.g., benzyl alcohol); glycol ethers (e.g., propylene
glycol methyl ether; phenoxy ethanol; phenoxy propanol; and Ethyl
Carbitol.TM., Butyl Carbitol.TM. and Butyl Cellosolve.TM., all
available from Union Carbide Corp.); metasilicates; alkanolamines
(e.g., monoethanolamine); and caustic agents such as sodium or
potassium hydroxide. Compositions containing phenyl alcohols are
preferred for laminate finishes employing acrylate or urethane
topcoats owing to the relatively high rate at which phenyl alcohols
penetrate such topcoats and their ease of use and low odor.
[0024] A particularly preferred strip agent concentrate contains a
polar solvent that is denser than water, and a sufficiently low
level of cosolvent or surfactant so that upon mixing with water a
pseudo-stable aqueous dispersion forms which will phase-separate
following application to a surface.
[0025] Another preferred strip agent concentrate contains about 1
to 75 wt. percent of an ether alcohol solvent having a solubility
in water of less than about 5 wt. % of the solvent. and about 1 to
75 wt. % of an ether alcohol solvent/coupler having a solubility in
water of about 20 to about 100 wt. % of the solvent coupler,
wherein the vapor pressure of the concentrate is less than 1
millimeter Hg. Concentrates of this type are described in copending
application Ser. No. 09/383.000 filed Aug. 25, 1999, the disclosure
of which is incorporated by reference.
[0026] Suitable commercially available strip agents include
Hawk.TM., Freedom.TM. and Care Strip Low Odor.TM. stripper
concentrates from Ecolab, Inc.; Juggernaut.TM. stripper concentrate
from Buckeye International, Inc.; Fuller 3100.TM. Super Concentrate
from H. B. Fuller, Inc. and Twist and Fill.TM. stripper concentrate
from 3M.
[0027] The intermediate coating, topcoat and strip agent can
contain a variety of adjuvants to alter the performance of
properties of each component before or after application to a
substrate. Useful adjuvants include leveling agents and other
surface-active agents, defoamers, solvents to accelerate or to slow
the drying rate, waxes, fillers, indicators and colorants. They
types and amounts of such adjuvants will be apparent to those
skilled in the art.
[0028] The compositions of the invention can be applied using a
variety of methods, including spraying, brushing, roll coating and
flood coating. Mop application is preferred for coating floors.
Typically the substrate should first be cleaned and any loose
debris removed. One or more coats of the intermediate coating
(diluted if necessary with water or another suitable solvent) are
applied to the substrate, and allowed to dry. Three to five coats
of the intermediate coating typically will be preferred for coating
floors. When used on floors, each coat of the intermediate coating
preferably will have a dry coating thickness of about 2.5 to about
75 micrometers, more preferably about 2.5 to about 20 micrometers,
and the overall intermediate dry coating thickness preferably will
be about 5 to about 8 micrometers, more preferably about 5 to about
10 micrometers.
[0029] Next, one or more coats of the topcoat (diluted if necessary
with water or another suitable solvent) can be applied to the
intermediate coating as soon as the intermediate coating has dried
to the touch. The topcoat is applied, and cured or allowed to dry
or harden. Three to five coats of the topcoat typically will be
preferred for coating floors. When used on floors, each coat of the
topcoat preferably will have a dry coating thickness of about 2.5
to about 75 micrometers, more preferably about 2.5 to about 20
micrometers, and the overall topcoat dry coating thickness
preferably will be about 5 to about 38 micrometers, more preferably
about 5 to about 20 micrometers. When used on floors, the laminate
finish preferably will have an overall dry coating thickness of
about 10 to about 75 micrometers, more preferably about 12 to about
38 micrometers.
[0030] The laminate finish composition can thereafter receive
normal maintenance until such time as it is desired to remove and
renew the laminate finish. The laminate finish can be stripped by
optionally abrading the topcoat with a suitably mild abrasive
(e.g., a green or black Scotch-Briter.TM. Floor Maintenance pad
from 3M) and then applying a coating of the desired strip agent.
The strip agent should be allowed to stand for a suitable time
(e.g., for a minute or more, and typically between about 5 and
about 15 minutes) while it permeates through the topcoat and
attacks the intermediate coating. After the finish softens
sufficiently, it can be removed using a variety of techniques
including vacuuming, mopping or wiping. Removal will usually be
made easier if water or a suitable detergent solution is applied to
the softened finish. The substrate can be allowed to dry, and new
layers of the intermediate coat and topcoat can be applied to renew
the laminate finish.
[0031] The compositions of the invention typically will be sold in
the form of a kit containing the intermediate coating and topcoat
in containers (e.g., separate containers) together with suitable
directions for carrying out the methods of the invention. If
desired, the intermediate coating or topcoat could be packaged as
concentrates intended to be typically will be mixed with water or
another suitable solvent at about a 15-40% solids level. Optionally
the kit will include a container of the strip agent. The strip
agent typically will be mixed with water or another suitable
solvent at about a 5-30% by weight. The kit can also contain
undercoat materials (e.g., leveling coatings) that can be applied
to the substrate before application of the intermediate coating,
and overcoat materials (e.g., wax finishes) that can be applied
atop the topcoat.
[0032] The invention is further illustrated in the following
non-limiting examples, in which all parts and percentages are by
weight unless otherwise indicated. In the examples the following
procedures ere employed:
Substrate Coating Procedure
[0033] A set of 150 mm square white or black vinyl composite floor
tiles from Armstrong Tile or from American Biltrite Limited were
coated with 2 coats of a waterborne metal-catalyzed acrylic floor
finish (Gemstar Laser.TM., Ecolab Inc.) applied at a 20% solids
level. Tiles coated only with this acrylic floor finish can readily
be stripped in less than 30 minutes using all of the Test Strip
Agents listed below. Each coal was allowed to air dry before
application of the second coat. The total coating thickness after
the second coat had dried was about 10 micrometers (at 5
micrometers per coat). This first set of coated tiles and a second
set of uncoated tiles were next coated with various waterborne UV
curable coating formulations. The UV curable coating formulations
were applied at a 30% solids level with each coat being allowed to
air dry before application of the next coat. Two coats of the UV
curable coating formulation were applied to each of the
metal-catalyzed acrylic floor finish coated tiles in the first set.
The total dried coating thickness for these two UV curable coats
was about 15 micrometers (at 7.5 micrometers per coat), yielding a
combined coating thickness of about 25 micrometers. Three coats of
the UV curable coating formulation were applied to each of the
uncoated tiles in the second set. The total dried coating thickness
for these three UV curable coats was about 22.5 micrometers (at 7.5
micrometers per coat). Thus the two sets of tiles were coated to
nearly similar overall thicknesses, at 25 micrometers for the tiles
in the first set and 22.5 micrometers thickness for the tiles in
the second set. Both sets of tiles were passed through a UV curing
apparatus containing an H bulb mercury vapor lamp operated at 1935
joule/sec per cm.sup.2 and 4.9 meters per minute.
Test Strip Agents
[0034] Aqueous solutions of the following Test Strip Agents diluted
with deionized later were used in the examples:
1 Test Strip Agent A: Concentrate.sup.1 at 1:9 dilution (10% in
water) Test Strip Agent B: Concentrate.sup.2 at 1:9 dilution (10%
in water); formed a clear solution Test Strip Agent C:
Concentrate.sup.2 at 1:4 dilution (20% in water); formed a cloudy
solution Test Strip Agent D: Concentrate.sup.3 at 1:9 dilution (10%
in water) Test Strip Agent E: Concentrate.sup.3 at 1:4 dilution
(20% in water) Test Strip Agent F: Concentrate.sup.4 at 1:9
dilution (10% in water) Test Strip Agent G: Concentrate.sup.4 at
1:5 dilution (20% in water) Test Strip Agent H: Concentrate.sup.5
at 1:9 dilution (10% in water) Test Strip Agent I:
Concentrate.sup.5 at 1:4 dilution (20% in water) Test Strip Agent
J: Concentrate.sup.1 at 1:4 dilution (20% in water) Test Strip
Agent K: Dilute solution.sup.6 Test Strip Agent L:
Concentrate.sup.7 at 1:4 dilution (20% in water) .sup.1Concentrate
containing 30 wt. % diethylene glycol monobutyl ether. 30 wt. %
dipropylene glycol N-butyl ether. 30 wt. % propylene glycol phenyl
ether and 10 wt. % "Surfonic 24-9" ethoxylated alcohol (Huntsman
Chemical). .sup.2Concentrate containing 49% benzyl alcohol, 17%
monoethanolamine, 24% water and 10% sodium decyldiphenyl ether
disulfonate. .sup.3Juggernaut .TM. stripper concentrate from
Buckeye International, Inc. .sup.4Concentrate containing 44% benzyl
alcohol, 32% monoethanolamine, 10% decanoic fatty acid, 11%
octanoic fatty acid, 2% water and <1% Dequest .TM. 2010
hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid (Solutia Inc.).
.sup.5Concentrate containing 75 wt. % benzyl alcohol, 7.5 wt. %
diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, 7.5 wt. % dipropylene glycol
N-butyl ether, 7.5 wt. % propylene glycol phenyl ether and 2.5 wt.
% "Surfonic 24-9" ethoxylated alcohol (Huntsman Chemical).
.sup.6Dilute solution made at a 1:3 dilution (25% in water) from a
concentrate containing 59% softened water, 6% sodium xylene
sulfonate, 4.5% potassium hydroxide, 10% monoethanolamine, 0.2%
tetrasodium EDTA, 10% ethylene glycol phenyl ether and 0.05%
fluorosurfactant (FC-129, 3M). .sup.7Concentrate containing 48.5%
benzyl alcohol, 40.75% monoethanolamine, 10.1% dinonylphenol
ethoxylate (with an average of 10 EO units), and 0.15% "FC-120"
fluorinated wetting agent (3M)
First Strippability Evaluation Method (6 Point Scale)
[0035] Coated tiles were placed on a level surface and flooded with
a sufficient quantity of a 10% aqueous solution of Test Strip Acent
A to form a 50 mm diameter circular pool on the surface of each
coated tile. The Test Strip Agent solution was allowed to remain on
the tiles for approximately 20 minutes. Using light and consistent
pressure, a nonwoven abrasive scrub pad (Scotch-Brite.TM. green
abrasive, 3M) was used make 10 circular rubs on each tile. The
tiles were rinsed with tap water, blotted dry and rated according
to the following scale:
[0036] 1) No effect
[0037] 2) Chemical attack on surface (non tacky)
[0038] 3) Slight removal in spots or abrasion (random scratches on
the surface of the coating)
[0039] 4) Incomplete strip (may strip completely in some areas,
especially where topcoat was porous, but not in other areas.
Coating is slightly soft or tacky)
[0040] 5) Partial strip with softened coating in all areas
[0041] 6) Complete strip
Second Strippability Evaluation Method (7 Point Scale)
[0042] A 50 mm diameter by 38 mm high carbon steel cylinder with a
weight of 571 grams was wrapped with a green nonwoven pad
(Scotch-Brite.TM. Floor Maintenance Disc, 3M). When rolled over a
coated tile substrate, the cylinder exerted a pressure of 2.8 kPa
and mimicked the pressure applied by a standard electric floor
burnisher. The coated tiles were placed on a level surface and
flooded with a sufficient quantity of a 15% aqueous solution of
various Test Strip Agents to form a 50 mm diameter circular pool on
the surface of the coated tiles. The Strip Agent solution was
allowed to remain on the coated tiles for 10 minute or 20 minute
standing times. The cylinder was then rolled 10 times over each
tile. The tiles were rinsed with tap water, blotted dry and rated
according to the following scale:
[0043] 1) No effect
[0044] 2) Minimal chemical attack on coating
[0045] 3) Moderate chemical attack on coating
[0046] 4) Severe chemical attack on coating with onset of
stripping
[0047] 5) Incomplete strip (may strip completely in some areas,
especially where coating was porous, but not in other areas. Finish
is slightly soft or tacky)
[0048] 6) Partial strip with softened finish in all areas
[0049] 7) Complete strip
EXAMPLE 1
[0050] Using the First Strippability Evaluation Method (6 Point
Scale) set out above, several waterborne UV curable coating
formulations obtained from UV Coatings Limited were applied to
tiles and evaluated for strippability with and without the use of a
strippable intermediate coating composition between the tile and
the topcoat. The results are set out below in Table 1.
2 TABLE 1 Intermediate 6 Point Scale Run No. coating? Overcoat
Evaluation 1-1 No 935-62 1 1-2 Yes 935-62 3 1-3 No 935-63 1 1-4 Yes
935-63 4 1-5 No 935-64 3 1-6 Yes 935-64 5 1-7 No 935-65 4 1-8 Yes
935-65 5 1-9 Yes 935-65.sup.1 5 .sup.1Modified by the addition of
0.07% FC-120 fluorinated surfactant, 3M
[0051] The results in Table 1 show that for each of the tested UV
curable topcoat formulations, strippability was improved when the
intermediate coat was present.
EXAMPLE 2
[0052] Using the method of Example 1, a waterborne UV curable
coating formulation obtained from UV Coatings Limited (identified
as "936-66-2", a 75:25 blend of an aliphatic polyester urethane and
an acrylic resin) was applied as a topcoat to vinyl composite
tiles, with and without a strippable intermediate coating
composition between the tile and the topcoat. Using the Second
Strippability Evaluation Method (7 Point Scale), the coatings were
evaluated for strippability. Test Strip Agents B and C were
employed for 10 minute or 30 minute standing times. The results are
set out below in Table 2.
3TABLE 2 Intermediate Test Strip Standing 7 Point Scale Run No.
coating? Agent Time, min Evaluation 2-1 No B 10 2 2-2 Yes B 10 7
2-3 No B 30 3 2-4 Yes B 30 7 2-5 No C 10 5 2-6 Yes C 10 7 2-7 No C
30 4 2-8 Yes C 30 7 2-9 No D 10 1 2-10 Yes D 10 1 2-11 No D 30 1
2-12 Yes D 30 5 2-13 No E 10 1 2-14 Yes E 10 2 2-15 No E 30 1 2-16
Yes E 30 7 2-17 No F 10 2 2-18 Yes F 10 6 2-19 No F 30 2 2-20 Yes F
30 7 2-21 No G 10 3 2-22 Yes G 10 6 2-23 No G 30 3 2-24 Yes G 30 7
2-25 No H 10 4 2-26 Yes H 10 6 2-27 No H 30 4 2-28 Yes H 30 7 2-29
No I 10 4 2-30 Yes I 10 6 2-31 No I 30 4 2-32 Yes I 30 7 2-33 No A
10 1 2-34 Yes A 10 1 2-35 No A 30 1 2-36 Yes A 30 2 2-37 No J 10 1
2-38 Yes J 10 1 2-39 No J 30 1 2-40 Yes J 30 4
[0053] The results in Table 2 show that for each of the tested UV
curable topcoat formulations, strippability was improved when the
intermediate coat was present. The laminate finish formulations
were completely strippable with most of the Test Strip Agents,
whereas the corresponding topcoat was not completely strippable
with any of the Test Strip Agents. Complete stripping of the
laminate finish formulations was achieved in less than 6 minutes
using Test Strip Agent B, and in less than 1 minute using Test
Strip Agent C.
EXAMPLE 3
[0054] Two waterborne UV curable coating formulations were prepared
from the ingredients set out below in Table 3:
4 TABLE 3 Formulation Formulation Ingredient A, Parts B, Parts
VIAKTIN .TM. VTE 6165 resin.sup.1 42.86 VIAKTIN .TM. VTE 6169
resin.sup.2 42.86 Irgacure 500 photoinitiator.sup.3 1.57 1.57 Wax
325 polymer emulsion.sup.4 1.05 0.53 Wax 43N polymer emulsion.sup.4
1.05 1.58 PI-35 defoamer.sup.5 0.1 0.1 FC-120
fluorosurfactant.sup.6 0.05 0.05 Deionized water 53.32 53.32
.sup.1Aromatic urethane acrylate radiation curing resin, available
from Solutia Inc. .sup.2Aliphatic polyester urethane radiation
curing resins, available from Solutia Inc. .sup.3Available from
Ciba-Geigy Company .sup.4Available from Emulsion Systems, Inc.
.sup.5Available from Ultra Additives, Inc. .sup.6Available from
3M
[0055] Using the method of Example 1, these compositions were
applied as topcoats to vinyl composite tiles, with and without a
strippable intermediate coating composition between the tile and
the topcoat. Using the Second Strippability Evaluation Method (7
Point Scale), the coatings were evaluated for strippability. Test
Strip Agent L was employed for a 10 minute standing time. The
results are set out below in Table 4.
5TABLE 4 Intermediate 7 Point Scale Run No. coating? Topcoat Test
Strip Agent Evaluation 3-1 No A L 2 3-2 Yes A L 7 3-3 No B L 2 3-4
Yes B L 7
[0056] Various modifications and alterations of this invention will
be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the
scope and spirit of this invention. It should be understood that
this invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments set
forth above.
* * * * *