Surface coating system and method of using surface coating system

Abstract

A coating system for a surface (such as a floor) including a liquid adhesive layer composition including a heat-activated adhesive that forms an adhesive layer upon drying after application to a surface, and a liquid maintenance layer composition comprising a dispersible polymer that forms a maintenance layer upon drying after application to the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer and the maintenance layer may form a peelable coating. An adhesive strength between the adhesive layer and the maintenance layer may be greater than an adhesive strength between the adhesive layer and the surface. The peelable coating may have a tensile strength that is greater than the adhesive strength between the adhesive layer and the surface. The peelable coating may be configured to be peeled from the surface without the adhesive layer and the maintenance layer separating from one another.

Claims

1. A coating system comprising: a) a liquid adhesive layer composition comprising a heat-activated adhesive, wherein when the adhesive layer composition is applied on top of a surface, the adhesive layer composition dries to form an adhesive layer adhered to the surface, the heat-activated adhesive resulting in a tack-free surface upon drying; and b) a liquid maintenance layer composition comprising a dispersible polymer, wherein when the maintenance layer composition is applied on top of the adhesive layer, the maintenance layer composition dries to form a maintenance layer adhered to the adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer and maintenance layer form a peelable coating, wherein an adhesive strength between the adhesive layer and the maintenance layer is greater than an adhesive strength between the adhesive layer and the surface, and wherein the peelable coating has a tensile strength that is greater than the adhesive strength between the adhesive layer and the surface, such that the peelable coating is configured to be peeled from the surface without the adhesive layer and the maintenance layer separating from one another.

2. The coating system of claim 1, wherein the maintenance layer composition comprises a polyurethane.

3. The coating system of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer composition or the maintenance layer composition further comprises a wax emulsion.

4. The coating system of claim 3, wherein the wax emulsion comprises oxidized polyethylene and glycerol monostearate.

5. The coating system of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer composition comprises a polyurethane.

6. The coating system of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer composition comprises a first polyurethane composition, a second polyurethane composition, or a combination thereof.

7. The coating system of claim 6, wherein the first polyurethane composition comprises a heat-activated polyurethane.

8. The coating system of claim 6, wherein the second polyurethane composition comprises a polyether, a polyester, a polycarbonate, or a combination thereof.

9. The coating system of claim 1, wherein the peelable coating does not whiten and/or blister after exposure to an alcohol for about 30 minutes, wherein the alcohol comprises at least one of methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol.

10. The coating system of claim 1, wherein the peelable coating comprises a peel strength of between about 50 gf/25 mm from the surface and about 500 gf/25 mm from the surface.

11. A method of coating a surface comprising: a) applying a liquid adhesive layer composition comprising an emulsified heat-activated adhesive on top of a surface; b) drying the adhesive layer composition to form an adhesive layer adhered to the surface, the heat-activated adhesive resulting in a tack-free surface upon drying; c) applying a maintenance layer composition comprising an emulsified dispersible polymer on top of the adhesive layer; and d) drying the maintenance layer composition to form a maintenance layer adhered to the adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer and maintenance layer form a peelable coating, wherein an adhesive strength between the adhesive layer and the maintenance layer is greater than an adhesive strength between the adhesive layer and the surface, and wherein the peelable coating has a tensile strength that is greater than the adhesive strength between the adhesive layer and the surface, such that the peelable coating is configured to be peeled from the surface without the adhesive layer and the maintenance layer separating from one another.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the maintenance layer composition comprises a polyurethane.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the adhesive layer composition or the maintenance layer composition further comprises a wax emulsion.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the wax emulsion comprises a non-ionic wax emulsion.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the heat-activated adhesive comprises a polyurethane.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the adhesive layer composition comprises a first polyurethane composition, a second polyurethane composition, or a combination thereof.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first polyurethane composition comprises heat-activated polyurethane.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the second polyurethane composition comprises a polyether, a polyester, a polycarbonate, or a combination thereof.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the peelable coating does not whiten and/or blister after exposure to an alcohol for about 30 minutes, wherein the alcohol comprises at least one of methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the peelable coating comprises a peel strength of between about 50 gf/25 mm from the surface and about 500 gf/25 mm from the surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a coating system of the disclosure.

(2) FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a coating system of the disclosure.

(3) FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a coating system of the disclosure.

(4) FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a coating system of the disclosure.

(5) FIG. 5 shows a use of an embodiment of a coating system of the disclosure.

(6) FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a coating system of the disclosure.

(7) FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a coating system of the disclosure.

(8) FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a coating system of the disclosure.

(9) FIG. 9 shows a use of an embodiment of a coating system of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(10) The present disclosure is not limited in its disclosure to the specific details of construction, arrangement of components, or method steps set forth herein. The compositions and methods disclosed herein are capable of being made, practiced, used, carried out and/or formed in various ways. The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. Ordinal indicators, such as first, second, and third, as used in the description and the claims to refer to various structures or method steps, are not meant to be construed to indicate any specific structures or steps, or any particular order or configuration to such structures or steps. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., such as) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification, and no structures shown in the drawings, should be construed as indicating that any non-claimed element is essential to the practice of the disclosure. The use herein of the terms including, comprising, or having, and variations thereof, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms mounted, connected, supported, and coupled and variations thereof encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, connected and coupled are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

(11) Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a concentration range is stated as 1% to 50%, it is intended that values such as 2% to 40%, 10% to 30%, or 1% to 3%, etc., are expressly enumerated in this specification. These are only examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values between and including the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this disclosure. Use of the word about to describe a particular recited amount or range of amounts is meant to indicate that values very near to the recited amount are included in that amount, such as values that could or naturally would be accounted for due to manufacturing tolerances, instrument and human error in forming measurements, and the like.

(12) No admission is made that any reference, including any non-patent or patent document cited in this specification, constitutes prior art. In particular, it will be understood that, unless otherwise stated, reference to any document herein does not constitute an admission that any of these documents forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in the United States or in any other country. Any discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicant reserves the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of any of the documents cited herein. All references cited herein are fully incorporated by reference, unless explicitly indicated otherwise. The present disclosure shall control in the event there are any disparities.

(13) As used herein, the term adhesive refers to a substance capable of holding materials together by surface attachment.

(14) As used herein, the term liquid refers to being neither solid nor gaseous. Examples of liquid substances for the purpose of this invention include, without limitation, water, organic solvents, solutions, emulsions, and dispersions.

(15) The present disclosure has potential applications on any surface where protection, cleanliness, gloss, scuff resistance, or slip resistance is desirable. Such surfaces include floors, food preparation surfaces, walls, stalls, counters, bathroom fixtures, etc. The surfaces to be finished may be made from a large variety of materials including, but not limited to, engineered stone, engineered wood, vinyl, marble, terrazzo, ceramic, linoleum, wood, metal, plastic, rubber, concrete, stone, vinyl composition tiles (VCT), and glass.

(16) The disclosure relates to a coating system comprising a liquid adhesive layer composition comprising a heat-activated adhesive, wherein when the adhesive layer composition is applied on top of a surface, the adhesive layer composition dries to form an adhesive layer adhered to the surface, and a liquid maintenance layer composition comprising a dispersible polymer, wherein when the maintenance layer composition is applied on top of the adhesive layer, the maintenance layer composition dries to form a maintenance layer adhered to the adhesive layer. The heat-activated adhesive may result in a tack-free surface upon drying. A finished coating is formed after application of the maintenance layer composition to the adhesive layer. The coating system optionally includes a base coating composition. In addition, the optional removal tool may be a razor blade or the like or it may be a tool such as that described in U.S. Application No. 61/023,351 filed Jan. 24, 2008, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. One of ordinary skill in the art would be able to determine suitable removal tool for use in the invention. The finished coating has a tensile strength that is greater than the peel strength of the finished coating. This allows the finished coating to be non-chemically removed from the surface with minimal to no damage to the surface.

(17) The adhesive layer composition may comprise at least about 10 wt %, at least about 15 wt %, at least about 20 wt %, and at least about 25 wt % heat-activated adhesive. The adhesive layer composition may comprise less than about 95 wt %, less than about 90 wt %, less than about 85 wt %, and less than about 80 wt % heat-activated adhesive. This includes about 10 to about 95 wt %, about 15 to about 90 wt %, about 20 to about 85 wt %, and about 25 wt % to about 80 wt % heat-activated adhesive.

(18) In some embodiments, the adhesive layer composition may comprise a first polyurethane composition, a second polyurethane composition, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first polyurethane composition may comprise a heat-activated polyurethane. In some embodiments, the second polyurethane composition may comprise polyether, a polycarbonate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the second polyurethane composition may comprise polyester. In some embodiments, the first polyurethane composition may comprise polyester. In some embodiments, the heat-activated adhesive may comprise about 25 wt % to about 100 wt % of the first polyurethane composition and 0 wt % to about 50 wt % of the second polyurethane composition. In some embodiments, the heat-activated adhesive may comprise a DISPERCOLL U polyurethane (Bayer Material Science AG, Germany), such as, for example, DISPERCOLL U53, DISPERCOLL U54, DISPERCOLL U56, DISPERCOLL U42, DISPERCOLL U8755, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the heat-activated adhesive may comprise IMPRANIL DLU (Bayer MaterialScience AG, Germany), IMPRANIL XP2611 (Bayer Material Science AG, Germany), or combinations thereof.

(19) The adhesive layer may comprise at least about 50 wt %, at least 80 wt %, and at least 85 wt % heat-activated adhesive. The adhesive layer may comprise less than about 100 wt %, less than about 99 wt %, less than about 98 wt %, less than about 97 wt %, less than about 96 wt %, less than about 95 wt %, less than about 94 wt %, less than about 93 wt %, less than about 92 wt %, less than about 91 wt %, less than about 90 wt %, and less than about 85 wt % heat-activated adhesive. This includes about 50 wt % to about 100 wt %, about 85 wt % to about 99 wt %, and about 90 wt % to about 98 wt % heat-activated adhesive.

(20) The maintenance layer composition may comprise at least about 10 wt %, at least about 15 wt %, at least about 20 wt %, at least about 25 wt %, and at least about 30 wt % dispersible polymer. The maintenance layer composition may comprise less than about 90 wt %, less than about 85 wt %, less than about 80 wt %, less than about 75 wt %, and less than about 70 wt % dispersible polymer. This includes about 10 to about 90 wt %, about 15 to about 85 wt %, about 20 to about 80 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 75 wt %, and about 30 wt % to about 70 wt % dispersible polymer.

(21) The dispersible polymer may comprise at least one of a UV-cured polymer, a nylon, an epoxy, a polyacrylate, a polystyrene acrylate, a polyurethane, a polyurea, a polycarbonate, a polyester, a polyether, and a combination thereof. Suitable maintenance layer compositions can include commercially-available materials such as, for example, BAYHYDROL UH 2606 (Bayer Material Science of Pittsburg, Pa.), BAYHYDROL UH 2558 (Bayer Material Science of Pittsburg, Pa.), TURBOSET 2025 polyurethane dispersion (Lubrizol Advanced Material Inc., Cleveland, Ohio), NEOPAC R-9045 (DSM NeoResins, Waalwijk, The Netherlands), WITCOBOND 386-99 (Chemtura, Middlebury, Conn.), and WITCOBOND 788 (Chemtura, Middlebury, Conn.).

(22) The maintenance layer may comprise at least about 50 wt %, at least about 70 wt %, and at least about 90 wt % dispersible polymer. The maintenance layer may comprise less than about 100 wt %, less than about 99 wt %, less than about 98 wt %, less than about 97 wt %, and less than about 96 wt % dispersible polymer. This includes about 50 to about 100 wt %, about 70 to about 99 wt %, and about 90 wt % to about 98 wt % dispersible polymer.

(23) Dispersible adhesives and dispersible polymers have the characteristic that they are easily dispersed on, or applied to, a surface, i.e., with spraying, spreading, brushing, rolling, wiping, etc. Dispersible adhesives and polymers are typically liquids, however, they may take the form of aerosols. The dispersible adhesives and polymers typically comprise one or more polymers that are suspended in a carrier medium such as water, a propellant, or an organic solvent.

(24) Other additives such as waxes, plasticizers, neutralizers, wetting agents, defoamers, coalescing agents, preservatives, dyes, pigments, fragrances, optical components (e.g., matting agents), nanoparticles, and embedded particles can be added to the maintenance layer composition or the adhesive layer composition.

(25) In some embodiments, the wax may include a wax emulsion such as, for example, non-ionic or ionic polyethylene or oxidized polyethylene emulsions, polypropylene propylene emulsions, ethyl acrylate copolymer wax emulsions, ethyl acrylate-maleic anhydride copolymer emulsions, polyvinyl ether emulsions, paraffin and natural wax emulsions. In some embodiments, the non-ionic wax emulsions may include, without limitation, A-C316, A-C392, A-C540 (Honeywell, Morristown, N.J.), or EPOLENE E-43 (Westlake Chemical, Houston, Tex.). In some embodiments, the wax emulsion may be modified and incorporated with a releasing agent, e.g., glycerol monostearate (GMS). In some embodiments, the wax emulsion may be in the amount of up to about 10 wt % or up to about 5 wt % or up to about 1 wt % of the maintenance layer composition or the adhesive layer composition. In other embodiments, the wax emulsion may be present in at least about 0.1 wt % or at least about 0.5 wt %. This includes ranges of about 0.1 to about 10 wt % and about 0.5 to about 5 wt %. Some embodiments include wax emulsion in the amount of about 3 wt %.

(26) Suitable plasticizers include, but are not limited to, dibutyl phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalate, diisooctyl phthalate, diethylene glycol dibenzoate, triethylene glycol dibenzoate, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, tributoxy ethylphosphate and many other plasticizers known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the plasticizer is in the amount of up to about 5 wt % or up to about 3 wt % or up to about 1 wt % of the maintenance layer composition or the adhesive layer composition. In other embodiments, the plasticizer is present in at least about 0.1 wt % or at least about 0.5 wt %. This includes ranges of about 0.1 to about 5 wt % and about 0.5 to about 3 wt %. Some embodiments include plasticizer in the amount of about 0.5 wt %.

(27) Neutralizers can be used to adjust the pH of the maintenance layer composition or the adhesive layer composition. For example, ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, amines, hydroxides, silicates, phosphates and other additives known to those skilled in the art can be used to adjust the pH of the system if deemed necessary in an amount up to about 2 wt % or up to 1 wt % or up to about 0.5 wt % of the maintenance layer composition or the adhesive layer composition. In other embodiments, the neutralizer can be present in an amount of at least about 0.05 wt % or at least about 0.1 wt %. This includes ranges of about 0.05 to about 2 wt % and about 0.1 to about 1 wt %. Alternative embodiments can include about 0.1 wt % neutralizer.

(28) Wetting agents may include compounds such as ethoxylated non-ionic fluorochemicals, other fluorochemicals, alcohol ethoxylates, organo-silicones, or others known to those of skill in the art. These materials can be used up to about 3 wt %, up to about 2 wt %, or up to about 1 wt % of the maintenance layer composition or the adhesive layer composition. In other embodiments, the wetting agent can be present in an amount of at least about 0.01 wt %, at least about 0.03 wt %, or at least about 0.05 wt %, or at least about 1.0 wt %. This includes ranges of about 0.01 to about 3 wt %, about 0.03 to about 2 wt %, and about 0.05 to about 1 wt %. Some embodiments utilize about 0.02 wt % wetting agent. Still other embodiments include about 0.03 wt % wetting agents. In some embodiments, the wetting agent may include, without limitation, CAPSTONE FS-60, CAPSTONE FS-63 (DuPont Chemical and Fluoroproducts, Wilmington, Del.), CHEMGUARD S-761P (Chemguard, Mansfield, Tex.).

(29) Defoamers include, but need not be limited to organic polymer, polysiloxane, silicone, or acetylene-based defoamers. The defoamer may be present in about 0 to about 2 wt % of the maintenance layer composition or the adhesive layer composition. In some embodiments, the defoamer may include, without limitation, TEGO FOAMEX 822 (Evonik Tego Chemie GmbH, Essen, Germany)

(30) Coalescing agents such as glycol ethers including, but not limited to, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol 2-ethylhexyl ether, and dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, or other suitable solvents can be utilized. In some embodiments, the coalescing agent is in the range of up to about 10 wt % or up to about 8 wt % or up to about 6 wt % of the maintenance layer composition or the adhesive layer composition. In other embodiments, the coalescing agent is present in at least about 0.1 wt %, at least about 0.5 wt %, or at least about 1 wt %. This includes ranges of about 0.1 to about 10 wt %, about 0.5 to about 8 wt %, and about 1 to about 6 wt % coalescing agent.

(31) Various preservatives, dyes, pigments, and fragrances can also be included in some embodiments. Suitable preservatives may include PROXEL GXL (1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one Na-salt (20%)). Suitable dyes may include, for example, FD&C blue #1 (Keystone, Chicago, Ill.), and anatase titanium dioxide AT-1 white dye (Hankok Titanium Industry, Seoul, Korea) Suitable pigments may include some organic pigments, such as, for example, azo metal complexes and dioxazine, and inorganic pigments, such as, for example, carbon black, titanium dioxide and azurite. Suitable fragrances may include Robertet fragrances, including Robertet 98M.

(32) Additives that affect the optical properties of the adhesive or maintenance layer can be added (optical components) in order to reduce glossiness or produce a matte finish (matting agents). A matte finish can improve the appearance of the floor by making defects less noticeable, and can give the floor a more uniform appearance. Suitable matting agents include, but are not limited to, fumed silica, silica gels, polyethylene, and hollow glass microspheres. These are typically used in a range of 0.5 to 10 wt % of the adhesive layer composition or maintenance layer composition. In other embodiments, in which a glossier finish is desired, the matte optical components may not be included.

(33) Additionally, nanoparticles, embedded particles, and other additives can also be included in some embodiments. Suitable nanoparticles may be those with diameters of 1-100 nanometer and may include, for example, carbon, ceramics, glass-ceramics, polymers, and nano-sized quantum dots in the shape of a sphere, a core-shell sphere, or a tube. These are typically used in a range of about 0.05 to about 10 wt % of the adhesive layer composition or maintenance layer composition. Suitable embedded particles may include glass, ceramics, and highly cross-linked hard polymer. These are typically used in a range of about 0.05 to about 5 wt % of the adhesive layer composition or maintenance layer composition. Embedded particles may have a size of about 51 to about 500 microns.

(34) By incorporating certain wetting agents, plasticizers, and/or coalescents, the adhesive layer or maintenance layer can be achieved with reduced or eliminated chances of incurring aesthetically unpleasant film defects such as hazing, cracking, blooming, crazing, and many other types of film defects commonly known to those of skill in the art. Without wishing to be limited by theory, it is believed that adding the surfactants, plasticizers, and/or coalescents enables better inter-coat adhesion and film-formation, which inherently reduces the likelihood of such defects.

(35) The balance of the maintenance layer composition and the adhesive layer composition may be water.

(36) Suitable base coating compositions include, but are not limited to, UV-cured polymers, polyacrylates, polystyrene-acrylate, polyurethanes, epoxies, and polyureas. Other suitable compositions are known to those skilled in the art. The base coating composition may be the same as the maintenance layer composition, but this is not required or necessary. Suitable water-borne polyacrylate or polystyrene-acrylate based compositions include a polyacrylate or polystyrene component including but not limited to, styrene, methacrylic acid, butyl acrylate, and methylacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate derived monomeric units. In other embodiments, base coating 250 can also include vinyl-acrylic compounds. In some embodiments, a blend of base coating compositions may be used.

(37) Suitable base coating compositions may include commercially available floor finish materials such as GEMSTAR LASER and GEMSTAR POLARIS and TAJ MAHAL and FIRST BASE available from Ecolab, Inc. of St. Paul, Minn., BETCO BEST and BETCO EXPRESS and BETCO FLOOR SEALER floor finish from Betco Corp. of Toledo, Ohio, CITATION and CASTLEGUARD floor finish available from Buckeye International of Maryland Heights, Mo., and IRONSTONE and PLAZA PLUS and PREMIA and HIGH NOON and FRESCOMAX and OVER& UNDER, SIGNATURE, and JONSEAL from Diversey, Inc. of Sturtevant, Wis.

(38) The disclosure may provide at least one advantage identified below. Coating systems of the disclosure can be used to coat a surface with a removable, durable coating in a few minutes to a few hours, with removal of the durable coating taking seconds to minutes. The coating system can be applied with spraying, rolling, brushing, painting, mopping, or spreading; however other techniques will be known to those of skill in the art. Because the coating systems can use water-dispersed polymer compositions, the coating systems may produce fewer organic volatiles compared to the prior art. Reduced organic volatiles benefit the environment as well as the health of the user, especially when the user would be otherwise exposed to the organic volatiles in a confined space. Additionally, because the used coatings may be simply peeled away, there may be no need for caustic stripping agents. Once removed, the used coatings may be recycled or sent to a landfill.

(39) FIG. 1 shows a coating system 100 of this disclosure and which may be prepared using methods of the disclosure. Coating system 100 comprises adhesive layer 130 and maintenance layer 150, which are both applied to surface 180, such as a floor. The adhesive layer 130 and maintenance layer 150 collectively may form a peelable layer or coating 170.

(40) The adhesive layer 130 forms on top of the surface 180. The adhesive layer 130 may be less than about 1 mm thick, less than about 0.5 mm thick, or less than about 0.1 mm thick. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer 130 may be at least about 0.001 mm thick, at least about 0.005 mm thick, at least about 0.01 mm thick, or at least about 0.015 mm thick. In some embodiments, the thickness of the adhesive layer 130 may be about 1 mm to about 0.001 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 0.005 mm, or about 0.1 mm to about 0.01 mm. The adhesive layer 130 is applied at a rate of about 5 g/ft.sup.2 to about 25 g/ft.sup.2.

(41) The maintenance layer 150 forms on top of the adhesive layer 130. The maintenance layer 150 may be less than about 2 mm thick, less than about 1 mm thick, less than about 0.5 mm thick, or less than about 0.25 mm thick. In some embodiments, the maintenance layer 150 may be at least about 0.01 mm thick, at least about 0.05 mm thick, at least about 0.1 mm thick, or at least about 0.15 mm thick. In some embodiments, the maintenance layer 150 thickness may be about 2 mm to about 0.01 mm, about 1 mm to about 0.05 mm, or about 0.5 mm to about 0.1 mm, about 0.25 mm to about 0.15 mm. The maintenance layer 150 may be applied at a rate of about 5 g/ft.sup.2 to about 40 g/ft.sup.2.

(42) The maintenance layer composition can have a solids content of about 15% to about 50 wt % solids. This includes embodiments having a solids content of about 15 to about 35 wt %, which is suitable in some applications. The maintenance layer composition can be applied to provide about a 10 mil wet coating thickness. In some exemplary embodiments, the maintenance layer composition has a solids content of about 27 wt % and produces a hardened dried maintenance layer with a thickness of about 2 mil.

(43) Typically, an adhesive layer composition is applied to the surface 180, the adhesive layer composition is allowed to dry for some time to form the adhesive layer 130, and then the maintenance layer composition is applied to adhesive layer 130 which has formed on surface 180. Typically, the maintenance layer composition is allowed to dry for some time, during which the maintenance layer 150 forms on the adhesive layer 130, forming the peelable coating 170. The peelable coating 170 may have a tensile strength greater than a peel strength of the peelable coating 170 from surface 180.

(44) Multiple layers of the maintenance layer composition may be applied to completely cover the adhesive layer 130, resulting in a maintenance layer 150 with a total thickness of about 0.2 mil to about 2 mil in some embodiments. This total thickness may be at least about 0.1 mil, at least about 0.5 mil, at least about 1 mil, at least about 1.5 mil, at least about 2 mil, at least about 2.5 mil, at least about 3 mil, at least about 3.5 mil, and at least about 4 mil. The total thickness may be less than about 10 mil, less than about 8 mil, less than about 6 mil, less than about 4 mil, and less than about 3 mil. One to ten or more coats of the maintenance layer composition can be applied, in some embodiments. Some embodiments of the surface coating system can include two to six layers of maintenance layer 150. The maintenance layer(s) can also be scrubbed and recoated over time as needed, further increasing their thickness. More than one different type of formulation of the maintenance layer composition may be used in successive coats.

(45) The peelability of the adhesive layer 130 is illustrated in FIG. 2, which shows the removal of adhesive layer 130 and maintenance layer 150 from the surface 180 as the peelable coating 170. The adhesive layer composition is typically allowed to dry for at least about 1 minute, typically for at least about 10 minutes, more typically for at least about 60 minutes. The maintenance layer composition is typically allowed to dry for at least about 1 minute, typically for at least about 10 minutes, more typically for at least about 60 minutes.

(46) The peelable coating 170 may have an elongation failure point of greater than about 10%, typically greater than about 25%, or more typically greater than about 50%. The elongation failure point may be 150%. In some embodiments, the elongation failure point of the peelable coating 170 may be less than about 350%, or less than about 300%, or less than about 250%, or less than about 200%. In some embodiments, the elongation failure point of the peelable coating 170 may be about 10% to about 350%, about 25% to about 300%, and about 50% to about 250%.

(47) The coating system 100 may not whiten after exposure to an alcohol for about 30 minutes or about 60 minutes. The alcohol may include, for example, at least one of methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol.

(48) The coating system 100 may not blister after exposure to an alcohol for about 30 minutes or about 60 minutes. The alcohol may include, for example, at least one of methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol.

(49) FIG. 3 shows an alternative coating system 200 which may be prepared using the coating system and methods of the disclosure. The alternative coating system 200 comprises the base coating 250, the adhesive layer 130, and the maintenance layer 150, which are both applied to surface 180, such as a floor. The adhesive layer 130 and the maintenance layer 150 in alternative coating system 200 may be substantially similar to the adhesive layer 130 and the maintenance layer 150 in the coating system 100, and collectively may form a peelable layer or coating 170. (The adhesive layer 130 in the alternative coating system 200 may comprise additional additives to impart better compatibility with base coating 250.) The base coating 250 is a continuous coating, which forms on the surface 180 after a base coating composition of the disclosure is applied to the surface 180. The base coating 250 comprises at least one of UV-cured polymers, nylons, epoxies, polyacrylates, polystyrene acrylates, polyurethanes, polyureas, and combinations thereof. The base coating 250 provides a continuous, level surface for the application of adhesive layer 130, and subsequent application of maintenance layer 150. Typically the base coating composition is applied to surface 180 and then allowed to dry to form base coating 250. The base coating composition is typically allowed to dry for at least about 1 minute, typically for at least about 10 minutes, more typically for at least about 60 minutes. The alternative coating system 200 is suitable for use when surface 180 is not smooth, for example, a tile floor.

(50) FIG. 4 shows an alternative coating system 300 which may be prepared using the coating system and methods of the disclosure. The alternative coating system 300 comprises a base coating 250, an adhesive layer 130, a maintenance layer 150, and a second maintenance layer 350, which are all applied to surface 180, such as a floor. The adhesive layer 130 and the maintenance layer 150 in the alternative coating system 300 are substantially similar to the adhesive layer 130 and the maintenance layer 150 in the coating system 100. The second maintenance layer 350 may be substantially similar to the maintenance layer 150, however it is possible to use different maintenance layer compositions according to the disclosure. While the base coating 250 is shown used with second maintenance layer 350 in the alternative coating system 300, the second maintenance layer 350 can be used with a coating system 100, comprising only an adhesive layer 130 and a maintenance layer 150. A second maintenance layer 350 may comprise any of the dispersible polymers suitable for use as maintenance layers of the disclosure.

(51) Heat-activated adhesives are a class of adhesives that require a temperature at or above a crystalline melting point to set them, wherein the crystalline melting point of the polymer within the heat-activated adhesive may be at least about 30 C. Thus, after application of a heat-activated adhesive to a substrate, the resulting film becomes tacky only after heating of the crystalline polymer segments above a minimum activation temperature, i.e., the crystalline melting point of the heat-activated adhesive. Heat-activated adhesives suitable for use in adhesive layer compositions of the disclosure include heat-activated adhesives comprising polymers which result in an adhesive which has an adhesive strength that allows a finished coating comprising adhesive layer 130 and maintenance layer 150 to be peeled away from surface 180. Heat-activated adhesive materials include styrene-butadiene latex, acrylic latex material, polyurethane latex, polyvinyl acetate emulsions, epoxy-polyurethane latex, ethylene-vinyl acetate latex, and combinations thereof.

(52) In some embodiments, the crystalline melting point of the polymer within a heat-activated adhesive may be at least about 30 C., at least about 40 C., at least about 50 C., at least about 60 C., at least about 70 C., at least about 80 C., at least about 90 C., at least about 100 C., at least about 110 C., or at least about 120 C. Polyurethane latex including partially crystallized polyurethane is one example of a common material in a heat-activated adhesive. Other examples of heat-activated adhesives include, but are not limited to, DISPERCOLL U polyurethane dispersions (Bayer MaterialScience AG, Germany), NWC styrene acrylic polyurethane and vinyl acetate dispersions (Ashland, Covington, Ky.), MACEKOTE 1371 Z aliphatic, co-solvent free, Zero NMP polyurethane dispersion (Mace Company, Dudley, Mass.), and CYDROTHANE HA aliphatic polyester polyurethane dispersions (Cytec Industries Inc., Woodland Park, N.J.).

(53) In some embodiments, the heat-activated adhesive may include an aliphatic polyether polyurethane, a polycarbonate polyurethane, a polyester polyurethane, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the heat-activated adhesive can include, but is not limited to, IMPRANIL DLU polyether/polycarbonate polyurethane dispersion (Bayer MaterialScience AG, Germany) and IMPRANIL 2611XP polyester polyurethane dispersion (Bayer MaterialScience AG, Germany).

(54) The peelability of adhesive layer 130 is illustrated in FIG. 5, which shows the removal of adhesive layer 130 and maintenance layer 150 (i.e., as a peelable layer 170) from base coating 250 on surface 180 in the alternative coating system 200. When coating system 100 is used, adhesive layer 130 and maintenance layer 150 are directly removed from surface 180 (not shown). When used, base coating 250 is designed to remain adhered to surface 180, as shown in FIG. 5. Adhesive layer 130 and maintenance layer 150 are designed to remain adhered to one another, yet peel away from base coating 250 or surface 180 to enable stripping and refinishing of surface 180 with minimal to no damage to surface 180. Coating system 100 comprising adhesive layer 130 and maintenance layer 150 may have a peel strength greater than about 50 gf/25 mm (gf=grams force), typically greater than about 100 gf/25 mm, more typically greater than about 200 gf/25 mm. In some embodiments, peelable coating 170 may have a peel strength less than about 500 gf/25 mm, less than about 400 gf/25 mm, or less than about 300 gf/25 mm. In some embodiments, peelable coating 170 may have a peel strength of about 50 gf/25 mm to about 500 gf/25 mm, about 100 gf/25 mm to about 400 gf/25 mm, or about 200 gf/25 mm to about 300 gf/25 mm.

(55) While a removal tool may be unnecessary with coating systems of the disclosure, coating systems may optionally include a removal tool, such as a razor blade, or a removal tool similar to that described in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/863,966 filed Jul. 21, 2010 which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. One of ordinary skill in the art would be able to determine other suitable removal tools for use in the disclosure. In some embodiments, the removal tool may be a plastic ribbon that has been embedded in the coating.

(56) In some embodiments, a removal tool may be included in the coating, such as in coating system with a starter mechanism 400, shown in FIG. 6. Starter mechanism 450 assists in initiating the peeling of adhesive layer 130 and maintenance layer 150 from base coating 250 or from surface 180 in a finished coating with starter mechanism (not shown). Starter mechanism 450 may be in the shape of a wire, ribbon or floss, and may be constructed from metal or plastic. Starter mechanism 450 may be opaque or colored to make starter mechanism 450 easily identifiable, or starter mechanism 450 may be clear to hide its presence in the finished coating.

(57) As shown in FIG. 7, starter mechanism 450 is simply pulled away from base coating 250 providing a clean edge (not shown) of adhesive layer 130 and maintenance layer 150, which is easy to pull away from base coating 250 and/or surface 180.

(58) As shown in FIG. 8, a set of starter mechanisms 450 may be placed around the perimeter of surface 180 to provide a series of starting points for removing the coatings. Starter mechanisms 450 may also be placed across surface 180 to allow the finished coating to be pulled up in sheets of a manageable size. While starter mechanism 450 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 as being thinner than adhesive layer 130, starter mechanism 450 is typically at least as thick as adhesive layer 130. Additionally, starter mechanism 450 may be placed on surface 180 or base coating 250 prior to application of the adhesive layer composition, or starter mechanism 450 may be placed atop adhesive layer 130 prior to application of the maintenance layer composition. Regardless of the use of starter mechanism 450, scraping tool 720 may be used to assist a user in removing adhesive layer 130 and maintenance layer 150 from base coating 250 and/or surface 180 as shown in FIG. 9.

(59) The starter mechanisms 450 can be strategically placed on a surface in order to facilitate removal of maintenance layer 150 and, where present, second maintenance layer 350. In some embodiments, starter mechanisms 450 are placed on opposite edges of the surface from which maintenance layer 150 is to be removed. For example, if the diagram shown in FIG. 8 represents a cross-section of a hallway, the starter mechanisms 450 could be placed on opposite sides of the hallway against the edges of adjacent walls. Thus, pulling up starter mechanisms 450 separates the layers from the walls to facilitate complete removal of the layers from the walls. In certain embodiments, starter mechanisms 450 are applied in a grid pattern, while in other embodiments starter mechanisms 450 are only applied in parallel side-by-side fashion. In still other embodiments, starter mechanisms 450 are applied in a pattern that facilitates removal and replacement of the layers in known or anticipated high-traffic areas of a floor, such as in the center of a hallway or in the vicinity of a doorway.

(60) In some embodiments, starter mechanism 450 is relatively inconspicuous. For example, starter mechanism 450 can be clear and colorless, or starter mechanism 450 can have the same texture and/or color as surface 180 to which the surface coating system is applied. In other embodiments, starter mechanism 450 can be selected so as to be readily visible through the layers and, optionally, conventional floor finish coatings for quick identification. Examples starter mechanisms 450 can include tapes (e.g., polyester-based tapes), string, and plastic. Commercially available starter mechanisms can include fishing line, dental floss (comprising, e.g., thin nylon filaments or a ribbon made of a plastic such as polyethylene or Teflon), automobile pinstriping tape, and Linered Removable Acrylic Tape (#S922) available from Specialty Tapes of Franksville, Wis. In some embodiments, for example, starter mechanism 450 is an adhesive-backed tape that is about 6 mm wide and about 4.5 mil thick (1 mil is approximately 0.001 inch).

(61) In some embodiments, starter mechanism 450 is applied to at least a portion of the base coating prior to the addition of the adhesive layer 130. However, it will be understood that starter mechanism 450 can be made from a variety of different materials, can have a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be applied in one or more places on base coating 250. Adhesive layer 130 can be applied to starter mechanism 450 and the base coating 250.

(62) In some embodiments, one or more layers of peelable coating 170 are applied to an installable flooring substrate (e.g. tiles or sheet materials) during the manufacture thereof. Thus, after the flooring substrate has been installed, its surface can be renewed by removing the topmost layer of peelable coating 170. This can be repeated for as many layers as have been factory-applied to the substrate. In some embodiments, starter mechanisms 450 of each layer are offset, or staggered, from other starter mechanisms 450 of one or more nearby layers in order to prevent a possible buildup of layered materials that could distort the surface.

(63) To remove maintenance layer 150 and second maintenance layer 350, or other layers thereon, starter mechanism 450 is pulled through the top layers to create a defined edge that can be used to peel maintenance layer 150 from the underlying base coating 250 as shown in FIG. 7. Starter mechanism 450 can be accessed by way of a starter strip, which can be exposed above the various layers, or by cutting through the top layers to reach an embedded starter strip.

(64) In other embodiments, coating system 100 is applied to surfaces other than floors, including, for example, other substantially horizontal surfaces, such as surgical tables, food preparation surfaces, desks, tables, as well as vertical surfaces, such as walls, windows, and the like, as well as irregular surfaces, such as food preparation equipment, vessels, tanks, parts, and the like, to name but a few possible uses.

(65) In some embodiments, the maintenance layer composition is a water-borne composition. Maintenance layer 150 is the source of the durability and wear resistance of coating systems of the disclosure. Wear resistance includes resistance to physical wear, scratching, staining, and chemical damage, among other things. The maintenance layer composition should be compatible with the adhesive layer composition such that a defect-free durable coating results.

(66) In some embodiments, the maintenance layer dispersible polymer may have a glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) of about 50 C. to about 100 C., suitably about 20 C. to about 50 C., or about 20 C. to about 80 C. For example, the T.sub.g of the maintenance layer may be less than about 0 C., less than about 20 C., less than about 30 C., or less than about 40 C. The T.sub.g may be greater than about 0 C., greater than about 20 C., greater than about 40 C., or greater than about 60 C. In those embodiments in which a blend of maintenance layer film formers is used, each film former may have a different T.sub.g. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the maintenance layer film former may have more than one glass transition temperature (T.sub.g). For these embodiments, the maintenance layer film former may have a first T.sub.g from about 50 C. to about 20 C., and a second T.sub.g from about 20 C. to about 120 C. Some embodiments may have a maintenance layer film former with a first T.sub.g from about 50 C. to about 20 C., and a second T.sub.g from about 40 C. to about 100 C. In some embodiments, the first T.sub.g may be from about 40 C. to about 20 C., and the second T.sub.g may be from about 70 C. to about 100 C.

(67) It has been found that some floor finish compositions which are water-borne polyurethane-based compositions exhibit the necessary compatibility and durability properties required for the maintenance layer 150. In general, water-borne polyurethane-based compositions include polyurethane or polyurethane-forming components including but not limited to, self-crosslinking polyurethanes or polyurethane copolymers.

(68) It may be desirable in some cases to repair only a portion of a damaged maintenance layer or surface coating system. To accomplish this, the damaged area can be removed using any suitable technique, such as cutting out using a razor blade or other tool suitable for cutting the layers, and peeling only the cut out section away creating an exposed surface. After removal, the adhesive layer composition can be re-applied to the exposed surface (i.e., the area where the section was removed) to form a repaired adhesive layer. After adhesive layer 130 dries, the maintenance layer composition can then be applied to obtain a repaired coating.

(69) While not wishing to be bound by a particular theory, it is theorized that base coating 250 may provide a surface that is physically and chemically normalized, which is believed to be important for the performance of the coating system. Physically normalized means a surface with nearly equal roughness, porosity, and/or surface morphology as that reached by mechanical and/or chemical methods. Chemically normalized means a surface with nearly equal distribution of chemical moieties such as hydroxyl groups, ester groups, hydrocarbon groups, fluorochemical groups, phosphate groups, organo-phosphate groups, metal and metal oxides and the like as that reached by mechanical and/or chemical methods. Suitably, the surface is substantially free of chemical moieties which would either dramatically increase (too much adhesion) or decrease (too little adhesion) adhesion of adhesive layer 130 and maintenance layer 150.

(70) It should be understood that there may be one or more additional layers between the layers described above. In this manner, the layers may be applied directly or indirectly to one another.

EXAMPLES

(71) The following Examples are provided to assist in further understanding of the invention. The particular materials and methods employed are considered to be illustrative of the invention and are not meant to be limiting on the scope of the claims.

Example 1

Peelable Coatings with Heat-Activated Adhesives and Polyurethane Dispersions

(72) Vinyl composite tiles (EXCELON brand, Armstrong Flooring, Lancaster, Pa.) were prepared with various combinations of ADHESIVE LAYER COMPOSITIONS 1-7 and MAINTENANCE LAYER COMPOSITIONS 1-2.

(73) Adhesive Layer Composition 1

(74) TABLE-US-00001 75.00 wt % DISPERCOLL U 53 19.78 wt % Deionized water 0.2 wt % TEGO FOAMEX 822 0.02 wt % CAPSTONE FS-60 5.00 wt % Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether
Adhesive Layer Composition 2

(75) TABLE-US-00002 56.25 wt % DISPERCOLL U 53 18.75 wt % IMPRANIL DLU 21.03 wt % Deionized water 0.20 wt % TEGO FOAMEX 822 0.02 wt % CAPSTONE FS-60 3.75 wt % Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether
Adhesive Layer Composition 3

(76) TABLE-US-00003 56.25 wt % DISPERCOLL U 53 18.75 wt % IMPRANIL XP2611 21.03 wt % Deionized water 0.20 wt % TEGO FOAMEX 822 0.02 wt % CAPSTONE FS-60 3.75 wt % Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether
Adhesive Layer Composition 4

(77) TABLE-US-00004 63.75 wt % IMPRANIL XP2611 11.25 wt % IMPRANIL DLU 24.78 wt % Deionized water 0.20 wt % TEGO FOAMEX 822 0.02 wt % CAPSTONE FS-60
Adhesive Layer Composition 5

(78) TABLE-US-00005 75.00 wt % DISPERCOLL U 53 16.88 wt % Deionized water 0.2 wt % TEGO FOAMEX 822 0.02 wt % CAPSTONE FS-60 5.00 wt % Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether 3.0 wt % Glycerol Monostearate-modified A-C 316 NONIONIC WAX EMULSION
Adhesive Layer Composition 6

(79) TABLE-US-00006 75.00 wt % DISPERCOLL U 53 16.88 wt % Deionized water 0.2 wt % TEGO FOAMEX 822 0.02 wt % CAPSTONE FS-60 5.00 wt % Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether 3.0 wt % A-C 316 NONIONIC WAX EMULSION
Adhesive Layer Composition 7

(80) TABLE-US-00007 63.75 wt % IMPRANIL XP2611 11.25 wt % IMPRANIL DLU 21.78 wt % Deionized water 0.20 wt % TEGO FOAMEX 822 0.02 wt % CAPSTONE FS-60 3.0 wt % Glycerol Monostearate-modified A-C 316 NONIONIC WAX EMULSION
Maintenance Layer Composition 1

(81) TABLE-US-00008 65.00 wt % BAYHYDROL UH 2606 25.87 wt % Deionized water 0.10 wt % TEGO FOAMEX 822 0.03 wt % CAPSTONE FS-60 6.00 wt % Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether 3.00 wt % A-C 316 NONIONIC WAX EMULSION
Maintenance Layer Composition 2

(82) TABLE-US-00009 85.00 wt % BAYHYDROL UH 2558 10.09 wt % Deionized water 0.10 wt % TEGO FOAMEX 822 0.02 wt % CAPSTONE FS-60 4.68 wt % Dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether

Example 2

INSTRON Testing

(83) The testing was done using a version ASTM D 6862-03 Standard Test Method for 90 Degree Peel Resistance of Adhesives. The peelable coatings were tested using an INSTRON Table Top Electromechanical Single Column Testing System, model 3345 (INSTRON, Norwood Mass.) using a 90 peeling attachment. The testing was done using a version of ASTM D882-10 Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting. The films were tested using an INSTRON Table Top Electromechanical Single Column Testing System, model 3345 (INSTRON, Norwood Mass.).

(84) Vinyl composite tiles (EXCELON brand, Armstrong Flooring, Lancaster, Pa.) were prepared by applying commercially-available floor finish (OVER & UNDER, Diversey, Sturtevant, Wis.) as a base coating at a rate of 2,000 sq.ft/gal, and allowed to dry

(85) Next, the peelable layer composition described in Table 1 was applied at a rate of approximately 600 ft.sup.2/gal atop the base coating, and allowed to dry.

(86) TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 1 Adhesive Layer Composition Amount (wt %) Adhesive Layer Composition Component 19.74 wt % Deionized water 5.00 wt % DE Solvent from Dow 0.01 wt % CAPSTONE FS-60 75.0 wt % DISPERCOLL U 53 0.25 wt % TEGO FOAMEX 822

(87) Two successive layers of the maintenance composition described in Table 2 were then applied to the adhesive layer at a rate of 600 ft.sup.2/gal, with a drying period between successive layers of maintenance layer compositions.

(88) TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 2 Maintenance Layer Composition Amount (wt %) Maintenance Layer Composition Component 10.09 wt % Deionized water 85.00 wt % BAYHYDROL UH 2558 4.68 wt % Dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether 0.10 wt % TEGO FOAMEX 822 0.02 wt % CAPSTONE FS-60

(89) After the coating system had fully cured in air, the tile was cut into 1 inch sections. Free films were placed into the INSTRON Testing System for tensile and elongation analysis. The samples were extended at a rate of 30 mm/min to measure the tensile properties. Tiles were placed in the INSTRON Testing System utilizing the 90 degree peel apparatus and the samples were peeled at a rate of 1,000 mm/min to measure the peel properties. The software program of the INSTRON then automatically calculated the ultimate tensile strength, elongation, and peel strength of the sample. The results are shown in Table 3.

(90) TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 3 Properties of Finished Coating (measured at 80% RH, 80 F.) Property Value (units) Ultimate Tensile Strength at Max. load 1320 psi (average load/area) for Peelable Coating % Elongation at Break for Peelable 264% Coating Peel Strength (average load/width) for 282 gf/25 mm removing Peelable Coating from Surface

Example 3

Alcohol Resistance Testing

(91) The alcohol resistance of the finished coating was evaluated using the method similar to the water spot ASTM D1793-92 Method, substituting water with ethanol, isopropanol, or methanol. Vinyl composite tiles (EXCELON brand, Armstrong Flooring, Lancaster, Pa.) were prepared by applying commercially-available floor finish (OVER & UNDER, Diversey, Sturtevant, Wis.) as a base coating at a rate of 2,000 sq.ft/gal, and allowing the base coating to dry. Next, the peelable layer composition described in Table 4 was applied at a rate of approximately 600 ft.sup.2/gal atop the base coating, and allowed to dry. Two successive layers of the maintenance composition described in Table 4 were then applied to the peelable layer at a rate of 600 ft.sup.2/gal, with a drying period between successive layers of maintenance layer compositions. The final coated VOC tiles were further dried overnight.

(92) At the conditions of about 50% relative humidity and room temperature (about 20+/2 C.), 1 mL of alcohol was placed in two spots on the panel. One spot was covered with a plastic cup, while the other spot was left open to air to dry. After 1 hour, the standing alcohol, if any, was carefully wiped off with cheesecloth. The two spots were examined for whitening and blisters. Table 4 shows the results comparing the finish coatings comprising heat-activated polyurethane dispersion adhesive layer and ethylene vinyl acetate (AIRFLEX EZ123 (Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Allentown, Pa.)) adhesive layer, respectively. As shown in Table 4, the finished coating including the heat-activated polyurethane dispersion adhesive layer showed no whitening and no blisters, while the finished coating with AIRFLEX EZ123 adhesive layer was whitened and showed blisters with alcohol spotting after 1 hour. The results indicated that the finished coating with heated-activated polyurethane showed alcohol resistance.

(93) TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 4 Alcohol Resistance of Finished Coatings (measured at 80% RH, 80 F.) Active Ingredient wt % Sample 1 Sample 2 Maintenance Maintenance Layer Layer BAYHYDROL UH2606 40 65.00 65.00 Deionized water 0 28.87 28.87 TEGO FOAMEX 822 26 0.10 0.10 CAPSTONE FS-60 40 0.03 0.03 Diethylene glycol monoethyl 100 6.00 6.00 ether Total 100.00 100.00 Adhesive Layer Adhesive Layer DISPERCOLL U 53 40 56.25 IMPRANIL DLU 60 18.75 AIRFLEX EZ123 54 84 Emulsion Deionized water 0 21.03 14 TEGO FOAMEX 822 26 0.2 0.03 CAPSTONE FS-60 40 0.02 0.02 Diethylene glycol monoethyl 100 3.75 1.75 ether Ammonium hydroxide 28 0.2 Total 100.00 100.00 Alcohol Resistance Ethanol 60 minutes open whitening No Yes blisters No Yes 60 minutes covered whitening No Yes blisters No Yes