Dust repellant compositions

Abstract

Sprayable, liquid polymeric film-forming compositions containing an amount of an anti-static polymer that is effective to provide films formed from the composition with resistance to the deposition of dust, soil or grime on the surface thereof, wherein the surface tension of the liquid composition is less than about 25 milli-newtons per meter. Methods for preventing the accumulation of dust, soil, or grime on surfaces such as a vehicle tire, wheel or wheel cover are also disclosed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a method of coating surfaces with a low surface energy anti-static film that repels dust, soil and grime in a manner that is suitable for use by a typical consumer. This invention also relates to compositions for use by consumers to repel dust, soil and grime from surfaces. The invention more particularly relates to methods and compositions for repelling dust soil and grime, and in particular brake dust, from the surface of vehicle wheel and wheel covers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] A wide variety of automobile appearance products are used in consumer applications to maintain the original appearance of automobiles. Specifically, numerous wheel and tire cleaners are commercially available to maintain the appearance of soiled tires and metal or plastic wheels, wheel covers or hubcaps. These tire cleaners are typically acidic formulations, with pH ranges from 2 to 4. The extreme acidity is required to effectively rem...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] A method has now been discovered in which a composition may be applied to surfaces in general and vehicle wheels, wheel covers and tires in particular, that delivers a film that is repellant to soils, dust (including brake dust) and grime. Furthermore, the delivery method is in a manner that typical consumers can use safely to apply the film to a surface such as a wheel, wheel cover or tire. For automotive surfaces, the application of this film substantially reduces or eliminates the need for harsh acidic, caustic or solvent-borne cleaners to maintain wheel and tire appearance. This now offers consumers the ability to treat a wheel and tire once with a repellant film to maintain its appearance. Consumers can deliver the films from aerosol or trigger spray packages, gels or pre-saturated wipes.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention a sprayable, liquid polymeric film-forming composition is provided containing an amount of anti-static polymer that is effective to provide films formed from the composition with resistance to the deposition of dust, soil or grime on the surface thereof, wherein the surface tension of the liquid composition is less than 25 milli-newtons per meter. The low surface tension of the liquid composition provides the polymer films formed therefrom with a low surface energy that contributes to the dust, soil and grime resistance.

[0009] (A) Anti-static polymers that also contribute to lowering the surface tension of the liquid compositions, thereby lowering the surface energy of the polymeric films;

[0014] Compositions according to the present invention may optionally include a substantiative polymer providing water resistance to the polymeric film. Water resistance increases the durability of the films.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for preventing the accumulation of dust, soil or grime on a surface by applying a composition according to the present invention thereto so that a polymeric film coating is formed thereon resistant to the deposition of soil, dust and grime. The composition coating is left on the surface as a protective polymeric film. The composition may be applied to the surface by means of aerosol or trigger spray device, as a gel, or from a pre-saturated wipe.

[0017] Examples of some of the surfaces included within the method of the present invention include automotive surfaces, such as engine components and vehicle tires, wheels or wheel covers; optical surfaces, for which dust is a particular problem; the surface of product packages, including retail product packaging, to maintain product appearance regardless of storage duration or conditions; and household surfaces, such as furniture, floors, walls, and the like, to reduce the frequency with which such surfaces must be cleaned.

Problems solved by technology

The extremely low pH of these formulations makes their compatibility poor with many metallic wheels and most of these products are devised for use on clear-coated wheels so there is no (or very low) chance of acid corrosion.

This composition has the disadvantage of low pH and the use of fluoride salts which may be detrimental to the environment and human safety.