U.S. patent number 3,847,688 [Application Number 05/337,874] was granted by the patent office on 1974-11-12 for system for etching ceramic surfaces and the like.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Alpha-O Corporation. Invention is credited to Leland O. Gillice.
United States Patent |
3,847,688 |
Gillice |
November 12, 1974 |
SYSTEM FOR ETCHING CERAMIC SURFACES AND THE LIKE
Abstract
Ceramic tile, porcelain and concrete surfaces are rendered
slipproof by treatment with an etching preparation applied in such
a manner as to roughen the surface without changing its outward
appearance.
Inventors: |
Gillice; Leland O. (Auburn,
CA) |
Assignee: |
Alpha-O Corporation (Reno,
NV)
|
Family
ID: |
23322387 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/337,874 |
Filed: |
March 5, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
216/101;
252/79.3; 252/79.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C04B
41/5353 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
C04B
41/53 (20060101); B44c 001/22 () |
Field of
Search: |
;156/2,24,25,15
;252/79.2,79.3,79.4 ;65/31 ;94/22 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Powell; William A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Lothrop & West
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system of etching ceramic surfaces and the like including the
method characterized by the application to the treated surface of
an aqueous solution of hydrofluoric acid, ethylene oxide and
nonylphenol, continuing the contact on the treated surface for a
period of time sufficient to etch the surface; and thereafter
flushing away the solution in order to terminate the contact.
2. A system as in claim 1 followed by the application to the
treated surface of a neutralizing agent sufficient to neutralize
any remaining excess of hydrofluoric acid.
3. A system as in claim 2 in which the neutralizing agent is
trisodium phosphate in the proportion of 2 1/2 to 4 percent in an
aqueous solution.
4. A system as in claim 1 in which the hydrofluoric acid, ethylene
oxide and nonylphenol are present in approximately the following
amounts:
a. hydrofluoric acid--2 to 5 percent hydrofluoric acid; and,
b. Ethylene oxide in the proportion of 65 percent ethylene oxide
and 35 percent nonylphenol in the proportions not to exceed 1/240
of 1 percent to 920th of 1 percent based on a thousand mean.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As is well known, many of the accidents occurring in hotels, homes,
places of business, hospitals, around swimming pools, and the like,
result from slipping on wet surfaces of ceramic tile, glazed
porcelain and smooth concrete.
Numerous expedients have heretofore been devised to increase the
coefficient of friction on such surfaces, including strips of
material having an adhesive on the bottom side and a layer of
roughened material on the exposed upper side. Such roughening
strips serve moderately well, although they sometimes come loose,
particularly if the subjacent surface was not properly prepared at
the time of installation of the strips; and, of course, the
appearance of the surface covered by the strips is considerably
altered.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an improved system for roughening the
surface of ceramic tile, and the like, without altering its
appearance to to any significant extent.
It is an object of the invention to provide a system for treating
the smooth surface of ceramic tile, porcelain, concrete and the
like so that even when the surface is wet, accidental slippage is,
for all practical purposes, substantially eliminated.
It is another object of the invention to provide an etching system
which is entirely free from objectionable discoloration or any
outward appearance that the surface friction has been beneficially
altered in any way.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an etching
system in which one application will last for a period of several
years before a further application is necessary.
It is still a further object of the invention to provide an etching
preparation which is not only economical to prepare and apply, but
which is also safe to work with if the rules for its proper
handling are adhered to.
It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a system for
applying an etching preparation to the surface of ceramic tile and
the like which is both convenient and quick, and which can be
applied either at the factory or at any subsequent time, either
before or after plumbing fixtures have been installed.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide a system for
roughening the supporting smooth surfaces of tubs, showers, kitchen
floors, swimming pool decks, walkways, and the like, which affords
greater safety to users and eventually reduced insurance rates.
It is another object of the invention to provide a generally
improved system for etching ceramic surfaces and the like.
Other objects, together with the foregoing, are attained in the
system described in the following description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED FORM OF THE INVENTION
Application of the etching preparation is preceded by a thorough
cleaning and drying of the concrete, ceramic, porcelain or
porcelain-like surface to be treated.
It is to be noted, at this juncture, that the etching preparation
of the invention is not suitable for vinyls, "plastics" or
fiberglass.
Cleaning of the surface to be treated can be effected by any
suitable means, such as a detergent.
After thorough cleaning and drying of the surface to be roughened,
the etching compound is applied as an aqueous solution, the
solution comprising distilled water, hydrofluoric acid, ethylene
oxide and nonylphenol.
The concentration of the hydrofluoric acid (as well as the other
active ingredients of the treating agent) and the relative
proportions of the active ingredients, can be varied. For example,
with a 60 percent hydrofluoric acid concentration, the amounts of
the combined ethylene oxide and nonylphenol can be varied as
follows:
In ten gallons of distilled water containing not less than 26.03
ounces and not more than 64.03 ounces of 60 percent hydrofluoric
acid, the amount of ethylene oxide and nonylphenol can be varied
between 0.50 ounces and 2.00 ounces, in the proportion of 65
percent 9 mol ethylene oxide and 35 percent nonylphenol.
In other terms, the amounts can be varied within the following
approximate ranges:
a. Hydrofluoric acid --2 to 5 percent of 60 percent hydrofluoric
acid
b. Ethylene oxide and nonylphenol in the proportion of 65 percent
ethylene oxide and 35 percent nonylphenol in the proportions not to
exceed 1/240th of 1 percent to 920th of 1 percent based on a
thousand mean.
The foregoing solution is applied to the previously cleaned and
dried surface of ceramic tile, or the like, and worked in for at
least 4 minutes, as by a rough sponge, or brush. If applied by
hand, the hands should be protected, as by rubber or "plastic"
gloves. This contact effects a slight etching of the surface but
without harming, discoloring or otherwise adversely effecting the
external, over-all appearance of the treated surface.
At the conclusion of the etching operation, the surface is flushed
thoroughly with clear water, followed by the step of applying a
neutralizing agent, such as trisodium phosphate, using 2.00 to 3.40
pounds of trisodium phosphate to ten gallons of water. In other
terms, the trisodium phosphate can be in the proportion of 2 1/2 --
4 percent in an aqueous solution. After working in the neutralizing
agent and allowing it to stand for about two minutes, thorough
rinsing with clear water is effected, followed by drying.
After drying, the treated surface is slip proof and ready for
use.
It can therefore be seen that I have devised a system for etching a
surface of ceramic tile or the like which is economical, quick and
safe, yet is effective to render the surface slip proof without
deleteriously affecting the appearance of the surface so
treated.
* * * * *