Composition and method for providing stain release or stain repellency to substrates

Abstract

The present invention provides a composition for treatment, the composition comprising dispersed in water (i) a fluorinated compound, (ii) a potassium or lithium silicate and (iii) an acrylic polymer. The invention further provides a method of treating substrates with the composition.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The present invention relates to a composition for treatment for providing stain release or stain repellence properties to substrates, in particular hard surfaces such as natural and man-made stone. In a particular aspect, the composition comprises a fluorinated compound, a potassium or lithium silicate and an acrylic polymer.[0002]Hard surface substrates, in particular natural or man-made stones are frequently used in the building industry and outdoor environment in a decorative way. When left unprotected, hard surfaces may loose their original appearance from exposure to weathering and soil. In order to protect hard surfaces they are often sealed with a film-forming resin, such as an epoxy or urethane product. These coating materials are often quite expensive and may undesirably alter the appearance of the coated substrate.[0003]In order to protect substrates against water and increase the surface strength, moisture resistance coatings have been proposed. For examp...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]Hard surfaces include natural stone, such as granite and marble, and man-made materials, such as concrete, terracotta, grout, etc. Natural and / or man-made stone used in building and outdoor applications are generally vulnerable to soiling. Terrace tiles, for example, can become stained through solid or liquid stains, such as stains made from mud, food and / or beverages. Furthermore, the tiles may lose their original appearance and may gradually deteriorate from exposure to water penetration and weathering. This problem is particularly noticeable with increasing porosity of the substrate. Man-made stone, such as concrete, mortar or grout typically contain a fine capillary pore system formed in the paste by hydration. Due to this capillary system, liquid stains and water can easily penetrate into the substrate.

[0009]It would be desirable to find an alternative treatment composition for providing porous hard surfaces, in particular natural and man-made stone, with good stain release or stain repellency such that they can be easily and effectively cleaned and / or are less prone to soiling and weathering. Desirably, such treatment is durable, ie the beneficial properties obtained by the treatment aren't easily lost. Further desired properties include good water repellency and / or high oil repellency. Desirably, the treatment provides good repellency properties when applied at room temperature, dries fast and typically does not require curing at elevated temperatures. In particular, it would be desirable to find such treatment that can penetrate well into the porous surface of the stone and is highly effective without changing or undesirably diminishing the aesthetical appeal. Additionally, such coating should typically not cause the surface to be more slippery. Desirably, the composition can be readily manufactured at low cost and can be applied in an easy, convenient and economically feasible way. In particular, it would be desirable to find a composition that can be applied in existing manufacturing method of man-made stone, for example that can be readily used in the manufacture of concrete based articles.

[0013]It has been found that hard surface substrates treated with the above described composition typically have good repellency to soiling, and good stain release properties, especially against oil- and water based stains such as common household oil- and water based stains, which are amongst the most severe stains. Stains caused by for example motor oil, cooking oil, food dressings, and beverages, such as wine, coffee, thee and soft drinks can generally be removed from surfaces treated with the composition, by using tap water and a paper towel, in some cases even after the staining substance has been in contact with the substrate for a certain period of time, for example several hours. Furthermore, it has been found that man-made stone, in particular concrete substrates, treated with the above described composition have anti-efflorence properties and high surface strength. Typically the method can be used in an easy and safe way and is compatible with existing manufacturing methods. For example, the compositions can be applied in wet cast manufacturing methods of making concrete based articles. The compositions generally spread well over the surface of the substrate, with the result that typically uniform properties can be achieved over the whole surface of the substrate. The method is generally environmental friendly and conveniently provides a treatment that has minimal impact on the appearance of the substrate.

Problems solved by technology

Natural and / or man-made stone used in building and outdoor applications are generally vulnerable to soiling.

Furthermore, the tiles may lose their original appearance and may gradually deteriorate from exposure to water penetration and weathering.

This problem is particularly noticeable with increasing porosity of the substrate.

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