Methods and compositions for repairing and maintaining hard surfaces - Patents.com

Abstract

The method and associated system include applying a first fluid to a hard surface, grinding the hard surface using at least one structured polishing pad while removing the first fluid, applying a second fluid to the hard surface, and scrubbing the hard surface using a floor bristle brush while removing the second fluid. Some surface enhancing compositions include a first nonionic surfactant that includes an alcohol alkoxylate, a second nonionic surfactant that includes a different alcohol alkoxylate, and a third nonionic surfactant with amide functionality. Other compositions include a nonionic surfactant with an alcohol alkoxylate, a polymer, and a siloxane.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present technology relates generally to methods, compositions, and associated systems for concrete floors, and in particular for repairing and maintaining polished concrete floors. [Background technology]

[0002] Concrete has been traditionally used for floors in both residential and commercial applications, considering its robustness and economic benefits. However, concrete typically has a relatively rough or porous surface. In general, it may be desirable to improve the surface appearance to provide a smoother appearance of concrete with a glossy finish. Various attempts have been made to improve the aesthetic appearance of concrete surfaces used in building materials.

[0003] Also, like all flooring materials, concrete surfaces can be subject to wear from traffic, leading to a dulling of the surface and loss of luster. Existing techniques involve labor-intensive regular maintenance, including periodic burnishing to restore the surface. Polished concrete floors are also routinely cleaned, for example, to remove stains, dirt, and dust. Cleaning typically involves the use of cleaning products. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technology of the present disclosure generally relates to methods, compositions, and related systems for concrete floors, and in particular for repairing and maintaining polished concrete floors. The methods and related systems of the present disclosure provide a simplified solution for repairing and maintaining concrete floor surfaces with a glossy appearance, which is also a dust-free and slurry-free process. The compositions of the present disclosure provide a cleaning product for effectively cleaning floors and simultaneously repairing worn surfaces.

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a surface enhancement solution that includes water, a first nonionic surfactant having an alcohol alkoxylate, a second nonionic surfactant having an alcohol alkoxylate different from the first nonionic surfactant, and a third nonionic surfactant having an amide functionality.

[0006] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a surface enhancing solution that includes water, a non-ionic surfactant having an alcohol alkoxylate, a polymer, and a siloxane.

[0007] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for repairing and maintaining a hard surface. The method includes applying a first fluid to the hard surface. The method also includes providing one, two, or three structured polishing pads, each having a unique level of abrasiveness. The method further includes grinding the hard surface using the one, two, or three structured polishing pads and simultaneously removing the first fluid from the hard surface to repair the hard surface. The method also includes applying a second fluid to the hard surface. The method further includes scrubbing the hard surface using a floor bristle brush and simultaneously removing the second fluid from the hard surface to maintain the hard surface. The floor bristle brush has bristles that include a moldable polymeric material and an abrasive particle additive. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing components of a system for repairing and maintaining hard surfaces. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a method for repairing and maintaining hard surfaces that can be used in conjunction with the system of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The present disclosure relates generally to methods and compositions for concrete floors, and in particular for repairing and maintaining polished concrete floors. The disclosed methods and associated systems provide a simplified solution for repairing and maintaining concrete floor surfaces with a glossy appearance, which is also a dust-free and slurry-free process. The disclosed compositions provide a cleaning product that effectively cleans floors and simultaneously repairs worn surfaces.

[0010] The method for repair and maintenance may provide a dust-free and slurry-free concrete floor repair and daily maintenance process. Such a method may provide a shiny, smooth surface on the concrete while being dust-free and allowing no downtime to store walkways and key areas during the repair process. In some embodiments, the disclosed technology provides a repair and maintenance process that may facilitate reducing the number of polishing pads, brushing passes, and overall number of steps to reach the same or better gloss or distinctness of image (DOI) compared to existing technology, and no slurry is left on the floor during repair.

[0011] Although the present disclosure describes the method with respect to concrete surfaces, such as concrete flooring, the method may be used with any suitable hard surface or flooring, such as marble, terrazzo, and granite. Generally, hard surfaces are formed from inorganic materials. Hard surfaces may exclude organic coated surfaces, such as acrylic or polyurethane coated floors.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method for repairing and maintaining a concrete floor surface may include grinding the concrete floor surface using one or more structured abrasive pads, for example, by mounting them on a backer pad and then mounting the assembly on a pad driver of a standard floor cleaning machine, such as an automatic scrubber. The floor cleaning machine can be operated as it normally would for daily cleaning operations during repair. This repair process can be repeated for several days or even weeks. Grinding during the repair process can be performed sequentially using multiple structured abrasive pads, from lower to higher grit.

[0013] In some embodiments, a method for restoring and maintaining a concrete floor surface may include cleaning or scrubbing the concrete floor surface in a normal manner with a floor bristle brush attached to the pad driver of a standard floor cleaning machine, such as an automatic scrubber. The floor bristle brush may contain diamonds. The cleaning solution may be water or a surface enhancing solution. Some surface enhancing solutions may include water, detergents, densifying agents, or other ingredients. Cleaning and polishing can maintain the gloss on stone-based floors above original values, for example, using a low-speed automatic scrubber with a floor bristle brush attached to the pad driver.

[0014] Systems that may be used in conjunction with the present methods may include one or more structured abrasive pads (e.g., 3M TRIZACT TZ Abrasive Pads available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn.), a cleaning solution (e.g., water or a surface enhancing solution), a floor bristle brush (e.g., a brush with diamond-containing bristles), and optionally a floor scrubber (e.g., an autoscrubber). The present methods may include providing one or more components of such a system. Such methods and systems for repair and maintenance may provide a total solution for managing exposed concrete floors in commercial buildings.

[0015] Compositions for repairing and maintaining polished concrete floors may include cleaning solutions, such as surface enhancing solutions. In some embodiments, the surface enhancing solutions may be used in both the repair and maintenance processes. The surface enhancing solutions, when used in conjunction with floor bristle brushes, may improve the appearance of polished concrete floors while cleaning the floor. The use of surface enhancing solutions in this manner may reduce the cost and effort of floor maintenance, provide long-lasting residual gloss enhancement and protection of the top layer of the floor, reduce the number of cleaning steps compared to existing techniques, and may be usable with autonomous or robotic scrubbing machines.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates components of a system 100 for restoring and maintaining a hard surface 104, such as a polished concrete floor. The system 100 may include a floor cleaning machine 102, such as an automatic scrubber. The machine 102 may include a pad driver. A pad or brush 106 may be attached to the pad driver of the machine 102 and used to grind or scrub the surface 104. A cleaning solution 108, such as water or a surface enhancing solution, may be added to a tank of the machine 102. The cleaning solution 108 may be applied to the surface 104 during one or more steps of grinding or scrubbing and may interact with a pad or brush 106 attached to the pad driver of the machine 102. A suction element 110 or squeegee may be included on the machine 102. The suction element 110 may be used to pull the cleaning solution 108 from the surface 104, which may be present in a slurry resulting from the grinding process. The suction element 110 may be configured to be raised in an off position away from the surface 104 when removal of the cleaning solution 108 from the surface 104 is not desired, and the suction element 110 may be lowered to an on position near the surface 104 to facilitate removal of the cleaning solution 108 from the surface 104 when desired.

[0017] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a method 200 for repairing and maintaining a hard surface, such as a hard floor surface, that may be used in conjunction with the system 100 of Figure 1. Generally, the method 200 may include a repair portion (e.g., blocks 202, 204, 206) and a maintenance portion (e.g., blocks 208, 210).

[0018] Although not shown, the method 200 for repair and maintenance may be preceded by a hard surface preparation process. The preparation process may be used if the hard surface has an unevenness or roughness above a desired threshold. The preparation process may bring the hard surface to a uniformity or roughness suitable for repair. In some embodiments, the preparation process includes grinding the floor with a slurry. In particular, the preparation process may include grinding the floor with a polishing pad, such as a structured polishing pad, with a slurry in one or more passes with the suction element 110 (FIG. 1) raised. The suction element 110 may be lowered on a final pass to remove the slurry from the hard surface. Two or more grinding steps may be used, each with a different polishing pad.

[0019] A method 200 for repairing and maintaining a hard surface may include applying a first fluid to the hard surface at block 202. The first fluid may be water or a cleaning solution, such as a surface enhancing solution.

[0020] One or more pads may be provided for grinding. Each pad may be a structured abrasive pad. Each pad may have a unique level of abrasiveness or grit level. Generally, one, two, or three unique pads may be provided.

[0021] The method 200 may include abrading the hard surface with one of the pads at block 204. One or more passes of abrasion may be performed using the pad.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first fluid may be applied continuously and concurrently with grinding. The first fluid may also be removed from the hard surface concurrently with grinding. In some embodiments, the suction element 110 (FIG. 1) may be lowered for one, more than one, or all of the passes while grinding. For example, the suction element 110 may be lowered for at least the last pass with the pad. In some embodiments, the suction element 110 may also be raised for one or more passes while grinding.

[0023] As used herein, the term "removed" in the context of a fluid means substantially or completely removing the fluid from a hard surface.

[0024] If more grinding is needed at block 206 and grinding is not complete, method 200 may return to block 204, which may include grinding with a new pad at block 204. The new pad has a unique abrasive action relative to the previously used pad. Every pad used in method 200 may have a unique or different abrasive action. In some embodiments, up to two or three different pads and corresponding grinding steps may be used before grinding is complete.

[0025] If grinding is completed at block 206, the repair portion of the method 200 may be considered complete. The method 200 may proceed to the maintenance portion of the method 200.

[0026] The method 200 may include applying a second fluid to the hard surface at block 208. The second fluid may be water or a cleaning solution, such as a surface enhancing solution.

[0027] For scrubbing, a floor bristle brush may be provided. The floor bristle brush may have bristles having a moldable polymeric material and an abrasive particle additive.

[0028] The method 200 may include scrubbing the hard surface with a floor bristle brush. The brush may be used to perform one or more passes of scrubbing. Any suitable number of passes may be used, but in many cases the hard surface may be scrubbed daily to provide a longer time between repairs compared to existing techniques.

[0029] In some embodiments, the second fluid may be applied continuously and in parallel with scrubbing. The second fluid may also be removed from the hard surface in parallel with scrubbing. In some embodiments, the suction element 110 (FIG. 1) may be lowered for one, more than one, or all of the passes while scrubbing. For example, the suction element 110 may be lowered for at least the last pass with the pad. In some embodiments, the suction element 110 may also be raised for one or more passes while scrubbing.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first and second fluids are the same type of fluid, which may facilitate ease of storage of the cleaning solution. In other embodiments, the first and second fluids are different types, such as a surface enhancing solution and water, which may facilitate reducing the amount of surface enhancing solution required.

[0031] In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second fluids, when applied, does not contain abrasive particles that are harder than the hard surface, particularly when using a structured polishing pad for grinding or a floor bristle brush with bristles having a moldable polymeric material and an abrasive particle additive. The hardness of the abrasive particles can be compared to the hardness of the hard surface using any suitable technique known to those skilled in the art.

[0032] Generally, the blocks of method 200 may be performed over a period of one or more days. Method 200 may also include determining whether further maintenance or repair is desired in block 212. For example, after completing the maintenance portion (e.g., blocks 208, 210), method 200 may include determining whether to repeat the maintenance portion (e.g., for daily cleaning or maintenance) daily or every other day. The repair portion of method 200 (e.g., blocks 202, 204, 206) may be repeated on a less frequent cycle, such as monthly (e.g., in response to traffic and wear).

[0033] The maintenance process and block 210 can end after the desired appearance, for example in terms of gloss or DOI, is reached. Any suitable number of passes can be used, such as generally 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 44 passes, over the course of a day, week, month, or more. Use of method 200 includes a Rhopoint IQ (Goniophotometer) 200, available from IMBOTEC Group Company, Ontario, Canada. o / 60 o and the like. In some embodiments, method 200 may provide an average DOI of at least 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40 after all grinding is complete (e.g., after repair is complete). In some embodiments, method 200 may provide a 60 degree average gloss of at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35 after scrubbing for 6, 12, 28, or 44 passes, or after maintenance is complete. In some embodiments, method 200 may provide an average DOI of at least 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 after scrubbing for up to 6, 12, 28, or 44 passes, or after maintenance is complete.

[0034] Any suitable pad may be used in the system 100 or method 200. In some embodiments, one or more 3M TRIZACT TZ Abrasive Pads available from 3M Company (St. Paul, MN) may be used. For example, 3M TRIZACT TZ Abrasive Pad Gold, Red, and Blue may be used. Examples of suitable structured abrasive pads suitable for use as pads are described in WO 2020 / 035764 (Smyth et al.), which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0035] In some embodiments, the structured polishing pad may include shaped (including precision molded) abrasive composites having a shape that results in at least one of raised features or recesses on the exposed surface of the polishing layer of the pad. Useful shapes may include square prisms, square prisms, square pyramids, square pyramids, truncated square pyramids, and truncated square pyramids. A combination of abrasive composites of different shapes and / or sizes may also be used. The shaped abrasive composites may have, for example, flat and / or curved sides. Preferably, the shaped abrasive composites include at least one of a square pyramid or a pyramid. In some preferred embodiments, at least some of the shaped abrasive composites each have four sides that meet at a single apex. In some preferred embodiments, the shaped abrasive composites include (or even consist of) a square pyramid.

[0036] Any suitable brush or bristle brush may be used in the system 100 or method 200. In some embodiments, one or more diamond-containing floor brushes (or diamond floor brushes) may be used. Examples of suitable bristle brushes suitable for use as pads are described in WO 2019 / 175730 (Erickson et al.), which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0037] A variety of surface enhancement solutions may be used in the system 100 or method 200. Generally, the surface enhancement solution may be provided to facilitate cleaning and filling pores of the hard surface or reducing pore density of the hard surface. Some surface enhancement solutions may include multiple non-ionic surfactants or functionalized siloxanes. In one or more embodiments, the surface enhancement solution may be provided in a concentrated or ready-to-use (e.g., diluted) form. A ready-to-use solution may include at least 98 parts by weight of 100 parts by weight of the total solution.

[0038] Multiple non-ionic surfactants may be provided to cooperatively facilitate either or both of the cleaning and surface enhancing functions, hi some embodiments, the surface enhancing solution may include water and at least three non-ionic surfactants.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, two of the nonionic surfactants may be different, but both comprise alcohol alkoxylate.For example, a first nonionic surfactant may comprise alcohol alkoxylate, and a second nonionic surfactant may comprise alcohol alkoxylate different from the first nonionic surfactant.Suitable alcohol alkoxylates include alcohol ethoxylates, such as ECOSURF EH-6 surfactant available from Dow Chemical (Midland, MI) and TOMADOL 900 surfactant available from Evonik Corporation (Allentown, PA).

[0040] In one or more embodiments, one of the nonionic surfactants may contain amide functional groups. For example, the third nonionic surfactant may contain amide functional groups. Suitable amide functional groups include unsaturated carbon chains with amide functional groups, such as STEPOSOL MET-10U available from Stepan Company (Northfield, IL), which may be described as N,N-dimethyl 9-decene amide. Amide-containing nonionic surfactants may have an oil-like consistency and may facilitate cleaning.

[0041] The amount of each nonionic surfactant can be selected based on the amount of another nonionic surfactant. In some embodiments, the amount of the first nonionic surfactant relative to the amount of the second nonionic surfactant can range from a weight ratio of 1:9 to 9:1. In some embodiments, the amount of the first nonionic surfactant relative to the amount of the third nonionic surfactant can range from a weight ratio of 1:9 to 9:1.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, a solubilizer may be included to promote the solubility of one or more nonionic surfactants, such as those with an oil-like consistency that may not be water-soluble or may not be completely soluble. For example, a solubilizer may be included for a third nonionic surfactant having an amide with an aliphatic carbon chain, which may promote its solubility in water or other polar solvents. Suitable solubilizers include hydrotropic agents such as monoethanolamine. The amount of solubilizer may be selected based on the amount of the corresponding one or more nonionic surfactants. For example, the amount of the third nonionic surfactant relative to the amount of solubilizer may range from a weight ratio of 1:2 to 2:1.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, siloxanes may be included. The siloxanes may be functionalized. Suitable siloxanes may include hydroxy-functional polydimethylsiloxanes that may be polyether-modified, such as SILCLEAN 3720 (25 wt%) available from BYK USA Inc. (Wallingford, CT). Functionalized siloxanes may promote ease of cleaning and produce water repellency when applied to hard surfaces.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, a glycol ether solvent may be included. Suitable glycol ether solvents may include ethyl carbitol solvent for ease of cleaning.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, a polymer such as an acrylic polymer may be included. Suitable acrylic polymers may include any type of polymer that contains at least one type of acrylic monomer. The polymer may take a wide variety of forms and may include one or more polymers, including but not limited to polymers, copolymers, and terpolymers. In some embodiments, the polymer may be an emulsion-based polymer. In some embodiments, the polymer may be a self-crosslinking polymer. In some embodiments, the polymer may be an acrylic polymer, an acrylic copolymer, a styrene-acrylic copolymer, or a blend thereof. An acrylic homopolymer contains only one type of acrylate monomer, while an acrylic copolymer contains two or more different types of acrylate monomers. A styrene-acrylic copolymer contains at least one styrene monomer and one acrylate monomer. Acrylate monomers may include acrylic acid, butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, acrylonitrile, acrylamide, methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, methacrylamide, and the like. Style monomers can include styrene, alpha-methylstyrene, and the like. Commercially available acrylic copolymers include methyl methacrylate / butyl acrylate / methacrylic acid (MMA / BA / MAA) copolymer, methyl methacrylate / butyl acrylate / acrylic acid (MMA / BA / AA) copolymer, and the like. One example of a suitable acrylic polymer emulsion is AVANSE 100 acrylic emulsion (50% by weight). The use of polymers can help improve stain resistance.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, silicate may be included.Suitable silicate may include lithium silicate, such as lithium polysilicate (20% by weight).Silicate can facilitate filling of pores, which can lead to higher gloss.Silicate can react with hard surface material to promote further hardening of the surface.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, siliconate may be included. For example, siliconate may be included as a substitute for silicate. Suitable siliconate may include potassium siliconate, such as XIAMETER OFS-0777 siliconate (20% by weight) available from Dow Corning Co. (Midland, MI). Siliconate may help increase water repellency.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, nanosilica particles may be included. Suitable nanosilica particles may include aqueous colloidal spherical silica dispersions, such as NALCO 2327 particles available from NALCO Chemical Company (Naperville, IL). Suitable nanosilica particles may also include modified nanosilica particles, such as anhydrous silane modified nanosilica particles, e.g., NALCO 2327 particles modified with a silica particle modifier, such as 3-(triethoxysilyl)propylsuccinic anhydride. Nanosilica particles may facilitate pore filling, which may result in higher gloss. Nanosilica particles may react with hard surface materials to promote further hardening of the surface. EXAMPLES

[0049] The method's concrete floor cleaning and concrete floor surface enhancing compositions or solutions were formulated and tested using a slurry-free repair and cleaning / scrubbing process. The effect of the compositions and processes on floor gloss and distinctness of image (DOI) was measured.

[0050] These examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. All parts, percentages, ratios, etc. in the examples and elsewhere herein are by weight unless otherwise indicated. The following abbreviations are used herein: nm = nanometers, cm = centimeters, in = inches, g = grams, oz = ounces, °C = degrees Celsius, mL = milliliters.

[0051] material [Table 1]

[0052] 3M TRIZACT TZ Abrasive Pads During the testing of the examples, 3M TRIZACT Diamond TZ Abrasive Pads Gold, Red, and Blue available from 3M Company (St. Paul, Minn.) were used.

[0053] Foam Backer Pad for 3M TRIZACT TZ Abrasive Pads To provide the foam backer pad, ½ inch thick HYPUR-CEL R1205 foam was purchased from Rubberlite (Huntington, WV). The foam was laminated with knit fabric 1733 (purchased from Gehring-Tricot Corp., St. Johnsville, NY) on both sides and then cut to a 20 inch circle.

[0054] Bristle Floor Brush for Maintenance / Scrubbing To provide a floor bristle brush, molded abrasive bristle brushes were manufactured by injection molding according to the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,679,067 (Johnson et al.) using the formulation for injection molded bristle brushes shown in Table 2 of this disclosure. The mold design used is shown in FIG. 11 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,679,067 (Johnson et al.). The base was a generally wedge-shaped polygonal shape 10.5 cm (4.125 in.) long, 3.8 cm (1.5 in.) wide at one end, and 2.2 cm (0.875 in.) wide at the other end. Extending from one major surface were 440 bristles, each 1.5 cm (0.59 in.) long, 2.3 mm (0.090 in.) in diameter at the base, and 1.0 mm (0.040 in.) in diameter. A 9.5 mm (0.375 in.) long portion of the bristles adjacent the tip was cylindrical. The underside of the base was flat. Sixteen wedge-shaped bristle brushes were evenly spaced on a 20 inch foam board towards the outer circle. [Table 2]

[0055] Test Method Each example was tested on bare concrete floors using a Tennant T3 Auto Scrubber (20 inch, single head) available from Tennant Co., Minneapolis, Minn. The gloss and DOI values ​​of the concrete floor surface were measured using a Rhopoint IQ (Goniophotometer) 2000 (available from IMBOTEC Group Company, Ontario, Canada). o / 60 o An average of five measurements were recorded for both 60 degree gloss and DOI readings within a test area of ​​approximately 1 foot by 1 foot.

[0056] Examples E1 to E5 and Comparative Examples CE1-CE2 The formulations of Examples E1 to E5 are listed in Table 3. [Table 3]

[0057] Example 1 (E1) was prepared as follows: To a 200 mL glass beaker containing a magnetic stir bar, 47.96 g deionized (DI) water, 3.60 g ethyl carbitol were added with stirring, and 1.68 g SILCLEAN was added. After the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes, 4.80 g EH-6 was then added to the beaker, followed by 14.39 g acrylic emulsion. After the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes, 23.98 g Li silicate was added, followed by 3.60 g potassium siliconate. The beaker was covered with alumina foil, and the final mixture was stirred overnight and ready to use.

[0058] The modified silica particles were prepared as follows: 1000 grams of silica particles were added to a glass jar equipped with a magnetic stir bar. While stirring at room temperature, 15 grams of silica particle modifier was slowly added to the glass jar containing the silica particles through a dropper over a period of 10 minutes with good stirring. After addition was complete, the mixer was stirred for an additional 30 minutes, the jar was sealed and placed in a 90°C oven for 20 hours (no stirring while in the oven). Upon cooling to room temperature, an anhydride silane modified silica portion, or modified silica particles, was obtained with a solids content of 41.5%.

[0059] Example 2 (E2) was prepared as follows: To a 100 mL glass beaker containing a magnetic stir bar was added 35.50 g DI water and, with stirring, 4.00 g ethyl carbitol, 0.84 g monoethanolamine, 0.75 g MET 10U, followed by 0.84 g EH-6 and 0.84 g TM 900. After stirring the mixture for 30 minutes, 12.00 g Li-silicate was added, followed by stirring for an additional 30 minutes after which the sample was ready to use.

[0060] Examples 3-5 (E3-E5) were prepared using the formulations in Table 3 in a similar manner as described for E2.

[0061] Comparative Example 1 (CE1) was commercially available PENTRA-CLEAN diluted according to the manufacturer's recommended dilution ratio.

[0062] Comparative Example 2 (CE2) was commercially available LUSTRE diluted according to the manufacturer's recommended dilution ratio.

[0063] Concrete Floor Repair (Grinding) and Maintenance (Washing / Scrubbing) The concrete floor was prepared using first the 3M TRIZACT Diamond TZ Gold Abrasive Pads, then the 3M TRIZACT Diamond TZ Red Abrasive Pads according to the following procedure: A Tennant T3 Auto Scrubber was used with the abrasive pads.

[0064] 1. For new 3M TRIZACT Diamond TZ Abrasive Pad Gold, Red, and Blue, a preliminary pass is made and prepared by exposing the abrasive with water using a Tennant T3 Auto Scrubber. When slurry appears on the floor, the pad is conditioned for use.

[0065] 2. Using a 3M TRIZACT Diamond TZ Abrasive Pad Gold on a Tennant T3 Auto Scrubber, make six passes with the squeegee facing up and with water, the final pass being made with the squeegee facing down.

[0066] 3. Auto scrubbing is performed using 3M Red Buffer Pad 5100 available from 3M Company on a Tennant T3 Auto Scrubber.

[0067] 4. Using a 3M TRIZACT Diamond TZ Abrasive Pad Red on a Tennant T3 Auto Scrubber, make six passes with water, squeegee up, the final pass was made with the squeegee down.

[0068] 5. Auto scrub using 3M Red Buffer Pad 5100 on a Tennant T3 Auto Scrubber.

[0069] After preparation, the concrete floor had a pre-dulling surface with an average gloss reading of 3 and an average DOI reading of 0.

[0070] The concrete floor was restored as follows: 3M TRIZACT Diamond TZ Abrasive Pad Blue was attached to the foam backer pad at the 12:00, 3:00, 6:00, and 9:00 o'clock positions. The entire assembly was attached to the pad driver of a T3 Auto Scrubber. The T3 Auto Scrubber was operated as normally done for daily cleaning operations. The same area was scrubbed with the squeegee down and wet for six passes. After this restoration process, the average 60° gloss and DOI readings were measured using a Rhopoint IQ 20° / 60° meter and are listed in Table 4.

[0071] E1 exam E1 was tested on a concrete floor at the first location. After the floor restoration process described above using 3M TRIZACT Diamond TZ Blue Abrasive Pad, the average 60 degree gloss readings were in the range of 8-10 and the average DOI readings were in the range of 9-14.

[0072] The water tank of the T3 Auto Scrubber was thoroughly washed with water. 2 ounces of E1 was diluted with 4 gallons of water in a 5 gallon bucket and then added to the tank of the T3 Auto Scrubber.

[0073] A floor bristle brush was attached to the pad driver of the T3 Auto Scrubber. The T3 Auto Scrubber was operated as would normally be done for daily cleaning operations. The same repaired area was scrubbed with the T3 Auto Scrubber with the squeegee down and water for 28 passes. The average 60 degree gloss and DOI were measured after 6 passes, 12 passes, and 28 passes, respectively. Tests were performed with water and E1 separately. The data are listed in Table 4. [Table 4]

[0074] Testing of Example 2 (E2) E2 was tested on a concrete floor at a second location. After the floor restoration process described above using 3M TRIZACT Diamond TZ Blue Abrasive Pad, the average 60 degree gloss readings were in the range of 5-8 and the average DOI readings were in the range of 30-45.

[0075] The water tank of the T3 Auto Scrubber was thoroughly washed with water. 63.3 mL (2.1 oz) of E2 was diluted with 3 gallons of water in a 5 gallon bucket and then added to the tank of the T3 Auto Scrubber.

[0076] A floor bristle brush was attached to the pad driver of the T3 Auto Scrubber. The T3 Auto Scrubber was operated as normally done for daily cleaning operations. The repaired area at the second location was scrubbed with the T3 Auto Scrubber with the squeegee down and wet for 44 passes. The average 60 degree gloss and DOI were measured after 6 passes, 12 passes, 28 passes and 44 passes, respectively. The data are listed in Table 5.

[0077] E3~E5 and CE 1~CE 2 exams Testing of E3-E5 and CE 1-CE 2 was carried out in the same manner as described for E2, except that the following dilution ratios were used:

[0078] E3: 63.3 mL (2.11 oz) was used with 3 gallons of water. E4: 36.0 mL (1.2 oz) was used with 3 gallons of water. E5: 36.0 mL (1.2 oz) was used with 3 gallons of water. CE1: 30 mL (1 oz) was used with 3.75 gallons of water. CE2: 180 mL (6 oz) was used with 3 gallons of water. [Table 5]

[0079] Thus, various embodiments of methods and compositions for repairing and maintaining polished concrete floors are disclosed. Reference is made herein to the accompanying series of drawings that form a part of this disclosure, and at least one skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the embodiments described herein are within or do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, aspects of the embodiments described herein can be combined with each other in various ways. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the claimed invention may be practiced otherwise than as expressly described herein.

[0080] All scientific and technical terms used herein have the meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided herein are intended to aid in the understanding of certain terms used frequently herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0081] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, quantities, and physical properties used in the specification and claims can be understood as being modified by either the term "exactly" or "about." Accordingly, unless specifically indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the above specification and appended claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties one of ordinary skill in the art would seek to obtain using the teachings disclosed herein, for example, within typical ranges of experimental error.

[0082] As used herein, the term "configured to" may be used interchangeably with the terms "adapted to" or "structured to," unless the content of the disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.

[0083] The term "or" is generally used in its inclusive sense, e.g., meaning "and / or," unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. The term "and / or" refers to one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

[0084] The phrases "at least one of" and "one or more of" followed by a list refer to any one of the items in the list, as well as any combination of two or more items in the list.

Claims

1. Water, a first nonionic surfactant comprising an alcohol alkoxylate; a second nonionic surfactant comprising an alcohol alkoxylate different from the first nonionic surfactant; a third nonionic surfactant comprising an amide functional group; and A surface enhancing solution comprising:

2. 10. The solution of claim 1 further comprising a solubilizer for the third nonionic surfactant.

3. 3. The solution of claim 2, wherein the amount of said third nonionic surfactant relative to the amount of said solubilizing agent ranges from a weight ratio of 1:2 to 2:

1.

4. Water, a nonionic surfactant comprising an alcohol alkoxylate; A polymer; Siloxane, A surface enhancing solution comprising:

5. 1. A method for repairing and maintaining a hard surface, comprising: applying a first fluid to the hard surface; Providing one, two, or three structured polishing pads, each having a unique level of abrasive action; abrading the hard surface using the one, two, or three structured polishing pads while simultaneously removing the first fluid from the hard surface to repair the hard surface; applying a second fluid to the hard surface; scrubbing the hard surface using a bristle brush while simultaneously removing the second fluid from the hard surface to maintain the hard surface, the bristle brush having bristles comprising a moldable polymeric material and an abrasive particle additive; A method comprising:

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