A water-based acrylic textured layer-forming composition useful as a topcoat for synthetic sports surfaces.

Abstract

The present invention provides a two-component aqueous textured layer-forming composition useful for forming a flexible topcoat layer for sports surfaces. The composition includes vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules (e.g., EPDM rubber), a soft:hard acrylic emulsion copolymer blend in a weight ratio of solids to vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granule solids ranging from 1:4 to less than 1:9, a polyalkylene oxide rheology modifier, one or more high-boiling alcohols, and, as separate components, an aqueous dispersion of an aliphatic polyisocyanate and an epoxy silane. The vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules may have a sieve particle size of 8 mm or less. The topcoat layer of the present invention has improved tensile strength and elongation, as well as improved pot life and color stability.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an acrylic aqueous texture-forming composition useful for forming a textured topcoat layer on a sports surface. More specifically, the present invention relates to a two-component acrylic aqueous composition comprising, as one component, an acrylic emulsion polymer blend of a soft emulsion polymer and a hard emulsion polymer, rubber granules, a polyalkylene oxide rheology modifier, and a high-boiling point alcohol, and as the other component, a water-dispersible polyisocyanate, and further to a method of using the composition to produce a multilayer sports surface, and a multilayer sports surface produced thereby. [Background technology]

[0002] Synthetic sports surfaces are widely used in running tracks for athletic competitions, school sports surfaces, tennis courts, and athletic fields. Sports surfaces may include layers of rubber granules bonded together by thermosetting polymers such as polyurethane (PU). These sports surfaces may be formed on a durable cement, concrete, compacted stone, or asphalt base with multiple layers, e.g., two or three layers: a primer layer to improve adhesion to the cement, concrete, compacted stone, or asphalt base substrate; a base or cushioning layer containing an elastomer composite, such as an aromatic polycarbamate-containing polyurethane matrix from an aromatic polyurethane prepolymer, in which rubber granules are dispersed; and a topcoat layer providing weather resistance and durability (e.g., UV stability and color retention) in addition to friction and additional cushioning. The sports surface layers may be applied to the base, for example, manually, using conventional paving or screening machines or troweling equipment.

[0003] To facilitate application, all layers can be formed using the same equipment. For example, a PU composition can be used as a binder to form each layer. However, using a PU composition as a topcoat layer for sports surfaces has several drawbacks. Aromatic isocyanates are not UV stable and may discolor over time. Aliphatic isocyanates do not have this drawback. However, they are less reactive and have lower physical properties.

[0004] Dow Global Technologies LLC discloses an acrylic multilayer system for sports flooring, comprising a preferably sprayed acrylic topcoat layer-forming composition, in its World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) publication no. 2017 / 185332(A1). However, the physical properties of the topcoat layer formed from the acrylic composition, such as elongation percentage and tensile strength, could be improved. Furthermore, the viscosity of the acrylic coating composition was increased using conventional thickeners to prevent separation from rubber granules. However, the resulting aqueous coating composition could not adhere well to the rubber granules under shear, mixing, and application.

[0005] The inventors have strived to solve the problem of providing an aqueous composition for creating a textured topcoat layer for sports surfaces that provides improved mechanical properties in a UV-stable and weather-resistant topcoat layer. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] According to the present invention, a two-component aqueous textured layer forming composition is (i) an acrylic emulsion copolymer blend comprising (a) a first acrylic emulsion copolymer A having a calculated glass transition temperature (calculated Tg) of -60 to -5°C, and (b) a second acrylic emulsion copolymer B having a calculated Tg of 15 to 60°C, with a solids weight ratio of copolymer A:copolymer B of 25:75 to 90:10, or preferably 30:70 to 80:20; (ii) an amount of vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules, preferably ethylene profiloid rubber, in which the solids weight ratio of the acrylic emulsion copolymer blend to vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules is less than 1:4 to 1:9, or preferably in the range of 1:4.5 to 1:8. A first component comprising: (iii) a pyrendienene monomer (EPDM) rubber or recycled rubber; (iii) one or more polyalkylene oxide rheology modifiers having a viscosity-average molecular weight of 400,000 to 5,000,000, or preferably 480,000 to 2,500,000, for example, polyethylene oxide having a viscosity-average molecular weight of 400,000 to 5,000,000, or preferably 480,000 to 2,500,000; and (iv) one or more high-boiling point alcohols having a standard boiling point of 170 to 315°C, or preferably 180 to 300°C, and further having a formula MW of 100 to 250, for example, 130 to 250; The second component includes (v) a crosslinking agent comprising both a water-dispersible polyisocyanate composition and an epoxysilane, preferably a crosslinking agent in which the polyisocyanate is an aliphatic water-dispersible polyisocyanate. The solids weight ratio of the water-dispersible isocyanate composition to the epoxysilane may be in the range of 0.4:1 to 5:1, or preferably 0.6:1 to 2.5:1. (iii) A suitable amount of one or more polyalkylene oxiderheology modifiers may be in the range of 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, or preferably 0.1 to 0.4% by weight, based on the total weight of the acrylic emulsion copolymer blend. (iv) A suitable amount of one or more high-boiling alcohols may be in the range of 0.5 to 10% by weight, or preferably 0.5 to 7% by weight, based on the total weight of the acrylic emulsion copolymer blend. The amount of crosslinking agent may be in the range of 1 to 10% by weight, or 1 to 8% by weight, or preferably 2 to 6% by weight, based on the total solids weight of the acrylic emulsion copolymer blend.

[0007] (i) The acrylic emulsion copolymer blend according to the aqueous textured layer-forming composition of the present invention may comprise, as the first acrylic emulsion copolymer A, a copolymer of one or more acrylic ester monomers selected from methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, ethylhexyl methacrylate, aliphatic alkyl (meth)acrylate, or mixtures thereof, in copolymer form with one or more C1-C8 alkyl (meth)acrylates, preferably methyl methacrylate, in copolymer form. The first acrylic emulsion copolymer A may further comprise, in copolymer form, up to 5% by weight, or preferably 0.1-2% by weight, of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid group-containing monomers or salts thereof, such as acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, or carboxylic acid amide group-containing monomers or salts thereof, such as (meth)acrylamide, or preferably ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid group-containing monomers or salts thereof, based on the total weight of the monomers used to produce the copolymer. (i) In the acrylic emulsion copolymer blend according to the present invention, the second acrylic emulsion copolymer B is copolymerized with one or more C1-C8 alkyl methacrylates, preferably methyl methacrylate, or one or more C5-C 12The second acrylic emulsion copolymer B may further contain, in copolymer form, up to 5% by weight, or preferably 0.1 to 2% by weight, of an alkyl acrylate or cycloalkyl acrylate, such as isobornyl acrylate or cyclohexyl acrylate, with one or more additional acrylic or vinyl monomers, such as alkyl (meth)acrylate, (meth)acrylonitrile, allyl group-containing monomer, arylene, or mixtures thereof. The second acrylic emulsion copolymer B may further contain, in copolymer form, up to 5% by weight, or preferably 0.1 to 2% by weight, of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid group-containing monomer or salt thereof, such as acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, or a carboxylic acid amide group-containing monomer or salt thereof, such as (meth)acrylamide, preferably an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid group-containing monomer or salt thereof, based on the total weight of the monomers used to make the copolymer. The first or second acrylic emulsion copolymer A or B may further contain, in copolymer form, up to 3% by weight, or preferably 0.05 to 2% by weight, one or more adhesion promoter monomers, such as ureid group-containing (meth)acrylates, in copolymer form, based on the total weight of monomers used to produce the copolymer.

[0008] The vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules may have a sieve particle size of 0.7 to 8 mm, or preferably 0.85 to 5 mm.

[0009] (iv) One or more high-boiling alcohols in the aqueous textured layer-forming composition are hydroxyl group-containing esters of C3-C8 alkanoates, for example, hydroxyl group-containing isobutyrate esters; hydroxyl group-containing alkyl esters of fatty acids; hydroxyl group-containing alkyl ethers; C6-C 12 Branched alkanols and hydroxyl group-containing aliphatic ethers can be selected, preferably at least one of which is a hydroxyl group-containing isobutyrate ester.

[0010] The first component of the aqueous textured layer forming composition may further include a filler, preferably a filler containing a hydroxyl group or a hydrolyzable group in an aqueous medium, such as silicate or aluminum oxide.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, a method using the aqueous textured layer-forming composition of the first aspect of the present invention includes applying the two-component aqueous textured layer-forming composition to a substrate by means of a paving machine, a screening machine or a trowel, etc., to form a topcoat layer as a topcoat layer. The method may further include drying the topcoat layer. The substrate can be selected from any of the following: a cement, concrete, compacted stone or asphalt base (base), a primer-treated base including a base having a primer layer on top, a base having a cushion layer including a composite of vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules or an elastomer layer on top, or a primer-treated base having both a cushion layer and a primer layer on top. The method may include mixing the two components of the aqueous textured layer-forming composition of the present invention before or during their application. The aqueous textured layer-forming composition used in the method of the present invention may include the composition described in any one of the above paragraphs

[0006] ,

[0007] ,

[0008] ,

[0009] or

[0010] .

[0012] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a multilayer sports surface comprises a cement, concrete, compacted stone or asphalt base (base), a cushion layer thereon comprising a composite of vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules or an elastomer layer, a primer layer further on the cushion layer, and further thereon a weather-resistant textured topcoat layer comprising a matrix of a polyurethane (polycarbamate) crosslinked acrylic copolymer blend of (a) a first acrylic copolymer A having a calculated glass transition temperature (calculated Tg) of -60 to -5°C and (b) a second acrylic copolymer B having a calculated Tg of 15 to 60°C, wherein the solids weight ratio of copolymer A to copolymer B is in the range of 25:75 to 75:25, or preferably 30:70 to 70:30, and the matrix comprises vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules dispersed therein. Preferably, the material is ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber or recycled rubber, and the solid weight ratio of the acrylic copolymer blend to vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules is 1:4 to less than 1:9, or preferably in the range of 1:4.5 to 1:8. Furthermore, the matrix comprises one or more polyalkylene oxide rheology modifiers and one or more high-boiling alcohols, the one or more polyalkylene oxide rheology modifiers having a viscosity-average molecular weight of 400,000 to 5,000,000, or preferably 480,000 to 2,500,000, such as polyethylene oxide having a viscosity-average molecular weight of 400,000 to 5,000,000, the one or more high-boiling alcohols having a standard boiling point of 170 to 315°C, or preferably 180 to 300°C, and having a formula MW of 100 to 250, for example 130 to 250. The crosslinked acrylic copolymer blend contains aliphatic polycarbamates and silane-containing groups in a crosslinked form. Preferably, one or more high-boiling alcohols in the textured topcoat layer are hydroxyl-containing esters of C3-C8 alkanoates, e.g., hydroxyl-containing isobutyrate esters; hydroxyl-containing alkyl esters of fatty acids; hydroxyl-containing alkyl ethers; C6-C 12 Branched alkanols and hydroxyl group-containing aliphatic ethers can be selected. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, a weather-resistant topcoat layer can be formed by an aqueous composition containing vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules. By blending soft and hard acrylic emulsion copolymers in the aqueous composition, and by combining a high-boiling point alcohol and a polyalkylene oxide rheology modifier, a higher proportion of vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules can be provided during use. This then results in a topcoat layer with improved color and ultraviolet (UV) stability, tensile strength, and elongation at break. The aqueous composition has two components, the acrylic emulsion copolymer blend being crosslinked with polyisocyanate and epoxysilane in the aqueous textured layer-forming composition. The present invention avoids the problem that the addition of compatible thickeners such as polyethylene oxide (PEO) to the aqueous composition requires shearing at a level that increases the water content in the composition by 50% by weight or more. Using lower alkanols to introduce thickeners into the composition results in unsuitably high VOC concentrations due to the low boiling point of such alkanols. By including a high-boiling-point, high-molecular-weight alcohol such as 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate (boiling point: 255°C) in the composition, an increase in VOC concentration is avoided. At the same time, the high-boiling-point alcohol functions as a binder, resulting in a more flexible copolymer matrix in the topcoat layer, thereby improving the low-temperature performance of the topcoat layer, for example, on a sports track or athletic field. In the aqueous textured layer-forming composition of the present invention, even if the concentration of rubber granular solids is higher than in the present invention, the composition exhibits a good pot life after the two components are mixed together. Furthermore, the aqueous textured layer-forming composition can be mixed in the same equipment used to form the cushion layer without adversely affecting the pot life of the aqueous textured layer-forming composition, even if the cushion layer composition contains aromatic polyisocyanates.

[0014] Unless otherwise specified, all temperature and pressure units are room temperature (21-23°C) and standard pressure (1 atmosphere). In addition, unless otherwise specified, all conditions include relative humidity (RH) of 45-55%.

[0015] Unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" refer to multiple objects.

[0016] Unless otherwise specified, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art.

[0017] All ranges are inclusive and can be combined. Therefore, for example, a disclosure of a range including 1:4 to less than 1:9, or preferably 1:4.5 to 1:8, is read as including the range of 1:4 to less than 1:9, or 1:4 to less than 1:8, or 1:4.5 to 1:9, or 1:4 to less than 1:4.5, or preferably 1:4.5 to 1:8.

[0018] All phrases containing parentheses indicate either the item contained within the parentheses, its absence, or both. For example, a phrase containing "(meth)acrylate" alternatively includes acrylate and methacrylate.

[0019] As used herein, the term “acrylic monomer” refers to any of the following: (meth)acrylic acid, alkyl (meth)acrylate, (meth)acrylamide, (meth)acrylonitrile, and their functional group-containing forms, such as hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate.

[0020] As used herein, the term “aqueous” includes water, and mixtures substantially composed of water and water-miscible solvents; and “substantially composed of” means that only the enumerated materials are present in or added to the solvent composition. Some impurities or other trace materials (e.g., less than 0.5% by weight) may still be present in a composition substantially or composed of the enumerated materials.

[0021] Unless otherwise specified, as used herein, the term "sieve particle size" or "PS" refers to the average particle size determined by sieving, and the reported particle size is the mesh size in mm or micrometer units or the linear resolution of the smallest mesh through which the entire composition passes, without taking impurities into account.

[0022] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "calculated Tg" or "calculated glass transition temperature" refers to the Tg of a polymer calculated by using the Fox equation (T.G. Fox, Bull. Am. Physics Soc., Volume 1, Issue No. 3, page 123 (1956)). For reference and use in calculating Tg, a comprehensive compilation of available data describing the glass transition temperatures of homopolymers from suitable monomers is set forth in Polymer Handbook, Vol. 1, editors Brandrup, J.; Immergut, E.H.; Grulke, E.A., 1999, pages VI / 193-277.

[0023] Unless otherwise specified, as used herein, the phrase "application conditions" means standard pressure and ambient outdoor temperature or room temperature (21 to 23°C). Application conditions include all temperatures and pressures at which the two-component aqueous composition is mixed or the aqueous composition is applied to any substrate.

[0024] As used herein, the phrase "based on the total weight of monomers used to form the emulsion polymer" refers to all addition monomers, such as, for example, carboxylic acid-functional vinyl or ethylenically unsaturated monomers, and chain transfer agents that leave residues such as hypophosphite or salts thereof in the polymer.

[0025] As used herein, the term "copolymer" alternatively refers to polymers made from two or more different monomers, such as copolymers, terpolymers, tetrapolymers, pentapolymers and the like, which may be any of random, block, graft, sequential polymers or gradient polymers.

[0026] As used herein, the term "Formula MW" refers to the atomic mass or molar mass of one mole of a molecule having an idealized or representative structure, without taking into account the molecular weight of its distribution or isomer mixture.

[0027] As used herein, the term "ISO" refers to publications of the International Organization for Standardization (Geneva, CH).

[0028] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the term "normal boiling point" refers to the boiling point of a liquid or fluid at 760 mm / Hg.

[0029] As used herein, the term "substantially free of" any given material, composition or component such as formaldehyde, volatile amines, alkylphenyl ethoxylates, or solution polymers refers to any of the referenced composition, article, or method that does not contain such added materials or components, the compositions, articles containing them, and methods of making or using them. The amount of a given material, composition or component is less than 5000 ppm, or preferably less than 1000 ppm, based on the total weight of the composition that is stated to be substantially free thereof.

[0030] As used herein, the phrase "total solids" or "solids by weight" or equivalents thereof refers to the total weight of all non-volatile components or materials in a given composition, relative to the total weight of the referenced material or composition which may include volatile substances. Volatile components include both water and ammonia, as well as volatile solvents that volatilize at standard pressure and 40°C or below.

[0031] Where used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the term “viscosity-average molecular weight” or “MWv” refers to the molecular weight of a composition determined by comparing the viscosity of the composition with the calibrated viscosity of a set of suitable reference standards having known molecular weights and viscosities, such as polyethylene oxide of polyalkylene oxide rheology modifiers, the viscosity of the reference standards being measured in the same manner, at the same temperature, shear, and measurement conditions as the viscosity of the analyte, using the same indicated solid, the same carrier or solvent.

[0032] As used herein, the term "weight %" refers to a percentage by weight.

[0033] The first component of the aqueous textured layer-forming composition according to the present invention comprises an acrylic emulsion copolymer blend of a first acrylic emulsion copolymer A and a second acrylic emulsion copolymer B. The acrylic emulsion copolymer blend is a blend of a flexible acrylic emulsion copolymer A and a rigid acrylic emulsion copolymer B. The acrylic emulsion copolymer according to the present invention comprises polymerization products of addition-polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomers such as vinyl monomers or acrylic monomers. Preferably, the aqueous textured layer-forming composition is substantially free of alkylphenyl ethoxylates (APEOs). More preferably, the aqueous textured layer-forming composition is substantially free of volatile organic compounds and alkylphenyl ethoxylates (APEOs).

[0034] Acrylic emulsion copolymers useful in aqueous textured layer-forming compositions may, in copolymer form, comprise various combinations of one or more acrylic ester monomers, one or more ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid group-containing monomers or salts thereof, e.g., acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, one or more carboxylic acid amide group-containing monomers or salts thereof, e.g., (meth)acrylamide, and one or more additional acrylic monomers or vinyl monomers. The monomer combinations may be selected in a manner known to those skilled in the art in mixtures and proportions that provide acrylic emulsion copolymers having the calculated Tg enumerated according to the present invention.

[0035] Suitable vinyl monomers or acrylic monomers for use in the preparation of the acrylic emulsion copolymer of the present invention include ethylenically unsaturated monomers, for example, C1-C12. 18 Examples include (meth)acrylic ester monomers such as alkyl (meth)acrylates, e.g., methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, nonyl acrylate, decyl acrylate, lauryl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, nonyl methacrylate, isodecyl methacrylate, lauryl methacrylate; hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylates, e.g., hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and hydroxypropyl methacrylate; diethylene unsaturated monomers, e.g., 1,3-butanediol dimethacrylate; (meth)acrylamide; alkyl allyl ethers; allyl alcohols; (meth)acrylonitrile; styrene or alkyl-substituted styrene; or mixtures thereof.

[0036] A preferred acrylic emulsion copolymer B is PRIMAL® AC-261K binder (The Dow Chemical Co., Midland, MI). An example of a preferred acrylic emulsion copolymer A may be either Elastene® 2848 NG binder or PRIMAL® EC-2949 APEO-free binder (Dow).

[0037] Suitable aqueous emulsion polymerization techniques useful for preparing copolymers of the acrylic emulsion copolymer blend according to the present invention are well known in the art. Thermal, redox, photochemical, and electrochemical initiation processes may be used, wherein the aqueous polymerization medium comprises one or more initiators and one or more surfactants or emulsifiers. The copolymers can be prepared as aqueous mixtures having a solids content level in the range of 20 to 70% by weight, preferably 30 to 60% by weight.

[0038] Suitable free radical initiators or oxidizing agents include, for example, persulfates, e.g., ammonium and / or alkali metal persulfates; peroxides, e.g., sodium or potassium hydroperoxides, t-alkyl peroxides, t-alkyl hydroperoxides, dicumyl hydroperoxides; perboric acid and its salts, e.g., sodium perborate; and ammonium or alkali metal salts of peroxydisulfate. Such initiators may be used in amounts ranging from 0.05 to 3.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the monomers used to produce the copolymer. A suitable redox catalyst may be the same free radical initiator combined with a suitable reducing agent. Examples of suitable reducing agents include, for example, (iso)ascorbic acid, sodium sulfoxylate formaldehyde, sodium or alkali metal (bis)sulfites; thiosulfates, hydrosulfites; (hydro)sulfides or dithionites; formamidine sulfinic acid; hydroxymethanesulfonic acid; sodium 2-hydroxy-2-sulfinatoacetic acid; and acetone bisulfite. These salts may be used in amounts of 0.01 to 5.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the monomers used to produce the copolymer.

[0039] Conventional surfactants or emulsifiers can be used in polymerization, including anionic emulsifiers such as alkali or ammonium alkyl sulfates and oxyethylated alkylphenol sulfates; nonionic emulsifiers such as polyoxyethylene-derived alkyl alcohols, amine polyglycol condensates and alkyl polyether alcohols; or combinations thereof. The typical range of surfactants is 0.05 to 10% by weight, or preferably 0.05 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the monomers used to produce the copolymer.

[0040] Chain transfer agents can be used to control the molecular weight of the copolymer. Examples of suitable chain transfer agents include mercaptans, polymercaptans, and polyhalogen compounds (including alkyl mercaptans such as n-dodecyl mercaptan), which may be used in amounts of 0-6% by weight or 0.1-3% by weight, based on the weight of the ethylenically unsaturated monomer in the monomer mixture used to prepare the copolymer. Mercaptans are preferred. The polymer molecular weight can be controlled by other techniques known in the art, such as selecting the ratio of the initiator to the ethylenically unsaturated monomer.

[0041] Copolymers A and B, comprising the acrylic emulsion copolymer blend of the present invention, may have a weight-average particle size of 100 to 500 nm, or preferably 200 to 400 nm. The diameter of the copolymer particles can be controlled by one or more of several methods known in the art. To increase the weight-average particle size, the amount of conventional surfactants or emulsifiers added during the emulsion polymerization process can be reduced, the shear rate during polymerization can be lowered, the content of metal ions or salts present during and after polymerization can be increased, or a combination thereof. Preferably, pre-formed polymer seeds can also be used, in which case the weight-average particle size of the seeds is small enough to grow the copolymer to the desired average particle size, for example, 25 to 60 nm.

[0042] The first component of the aqueous textured layer-forming composition of the present invention further comprises (ii) vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules. Examples of suitable vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules useful in the present invention include styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, butadiene rubber, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene copolymer, hydrogenated nitrile, nitrile rubber, neoprene, polychloroprene, or recycled rubber, such as pulverized tire rubber (GTR), waste rubber, or mixtures thereof. Waste rubber may originate from any known source, such as tires, shoe soles, and pulverized tire rubber. The vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules useful in the present invention may have a sieve particle size of 0.5 mm or more, 0.7 mm or more, and even 0.85 mm or more, and at the same time 8 mm or less, or 5 mm or less.

[0043] The vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules can be preferably selected from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, polyurethane rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, natural rubber, nitrile or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene rubber (ABN), or recycled rubber, such as pulverized tire rubber (GTR), with a weight ratio of acrylic emulsion copolymer total solids to rubber granule solids of 1:4 to less than 1:9, or preferably 1:4.5 to 1:8.

[0044] To adjust the rheology, the first component of the aqueous textured layer-forming composition according to the present invention comprises (iii) one or more polyalkylene oxides, preferably polyethylene oxides, having a viscosity-average molecular weight of at least 500,000. The rheology modifier has been found to provide some internal cohesiveness and wet adhesion / tackiness to the crosslinked or vulcanized rubber granules. In addition, the aqueous textured layer-forming composition comprises one or more (iv) high-boiling point alcohols. The high-boiling point alcohols can help disperse the rheology modifier in the absence of volatile organic compounds.

[0045] One or more (iv) high-boiling alcohols in the aqueous textured layer-forming composition can be selected from hydroxyl group-containing alkyl, oxygenated alkyl and branched alkyl esters of C3-C8 alkanoates, such as isobutyrate esters, such as 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate or 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate; hydroxyl group-containing (branched) alkyl, alkylaryl or alkoxyalkyl esters, glycerides, amides or alkoxylates of fatty acids; or hydroxyl group-containing (branched) alkyl, alkylaryl or alkoxyalkyl ethers and alkoxylates of fatty alcohols. The preferred amount of one or more high-boiling alcohols may be in the range of 1 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the acrylic emulsion copolymer blend of the aqueous textured layer-forming composition.

[0046] The aqueous textured layer-forming composition according to the present invention may further contain one or more defoaming agents in the first component. Suitable defoaming agents may be silicone-containing defoaming agents, mineral oil-containing defoaming agents, ethylene oxide or propylene oxide-containing defoaming agents, or mixtures thereof. Suitable commercially available defoaming agents include, for example, NOPCO® NXZ metal soap, TEGO® Airex 902 W and TEGO® Foamex 1488 polyethersiloxane copolymer emulsions (Tego, Evonik Industries, Essen, DE), BYK-024 silicone defoaming agent (BYK, BYK-Chemie GmbH, Wesel, DE), or mixtures thereof. The suitable amount of defoaming agent may be in the range of 0.01 to 1% by weight, 0.05 to 0.8% by weight, or 0.1 to 0.3% by weight, based on the total weight of the first component of the aqueous textured layer-forming composition.

[0047] The first component of the aqueous textured layer-forming composition according to the present invention preferably further comprises a lubricant such as a fatty acid metal salt like calcium stearate. A suitable amount of the lubricant may be 0.05 to 1% by weight, 0.1 to 0.8% by weight, or 0.1 to 0.5% by weight as solid content, based on the total weight of the first component of the aqueous textured layer-forming composition.

[0048] The first component of the aqueous textured layer-forming composition according to the present invention preferably comprises a filler, or more preferably a filler containing hydrolyzable groups or hydroxyl groups, such as silicate, such as sodium-potassium alumina silicate (nepheline syenite), or aluminum oxide. Such fillers form hydroxyl groups or hydrolyzable groups in water. The preferred amount of filler may be in the range of 0 to 50% by weight, or 1 to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the first component of the aqueous textured layer-forming composition, as solid content.

[0049] The first component of the aqueous textured layer forming composition may further include one or a combination of the following additives: inorganic extenders, pigments, fillers, buffers, neutralizing agents, dispersants, wetting agents, antifungal agents, biocides, anti-skinning agents, colorants, flowing agents, antioxidants, plasticizers, leveling agents, dispersants, adhesion promoters, diluents, and pulverized vehicles.

[0050] Any additive may be present in an amount of 0.001 to 10% by weight, or 0.01 to 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the first component of the aqueous textured layer-forming composition.

[0051] As a second component, the aqueous textured layer-forming composition of the present invention comprises (v) one or more aqueous polyisocyanate dispersions and epoxysilane as a crosslinking agent. Such aqueous polyisocyanate dispersions can be prepared from polyisocyanates by at least partially reacting the polyisocyanate with at least one anionic group-containing reactant, at least one polyethylene oxide, both the anionic group-containing reactant and polyethylene oxide, a tertiary amine such as triethylamine, or an amino alcohol such as triethanolamine, preferably with an anionic group. After neutralization, the polyurethane can be dispersed in water under stirring to obtain a dispersion. As used herein, the term “anionic group” refers to a chemical group that bears a negative charge when mixed with water. Anionic groups can associate with one or more cations, which may be metal cations or organic compounds having cationic groups. Preferred anionic groups may be selected from sulfonate groups, carboxylate groups, carboxylic acid groups, for example, the carboxylic acid group in dimethylpropionic acid, a phosphonate group, or mixtures thereof.

[0052] Suitable polyisocyanates are any isocyanate-functional compound having two or more isocyanate groups. Polyisocyanates may be prepolymers prepared by reacting an excess of organic polyisocyanate with an organic compound, particularly a polyol, that contains two or more isocyanate-reactive groups. The reaction can be carried out in the presence of a catalyst such as an organotin compound and / or a tertiary amine.

[0053] Polyisocyanates are well known in the art and include aliphatic, alicyclic, and / or aromatic isocyanates containing at least two isocyanate groups per molecule. Suitable aliphatic diisocyanates include, for example, hexamethylene diisocyanate and propylene diisocyanate. Suitable alicyclic diisocyanates include, for example, isophorone diisocyanate and hydrogenation products of aromatic diisocyanates such as methylenediphenyl isocyanate (MDI). Suitable aromatic diisocyanates include, for example, toluene diisocyanate and methylenediphenyl diisocyanate, as well as others known in the art, and their isomers or mixtures thereof. Suitable triisocyanates include, for example, biuretes such as biuret of hexamethylene diisocyanate and water, isocyanurates such as isocyanurate of hexamethylene diisocyanate, and addition products of isophorone diisocyanate to trimethylolpropane. Other suitable aliphatic polyisocyanates include 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), 1-isocyanato-3-isocyanatomethyl-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexane (IPDI), 4,4'-diisocyanatodicyclohexylmethane (HMDI), diisocyanatomethylcyclohexane (ADI), their isomers, polymers, or mixtures thereof. Other suitable aromatic polyisocyanates include toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (2,4-TDI), toluene-2,6-diisocyanate (2,6-TDI), naphthylene-1,5-diisocyanate, diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate (MDI), their isomers, polymers, and mixtures thereof.

[0054] Suitable commercially available water-dispersible isocyanate compositions include, for example, BAYHYDUR® XP2655 hydrophilic aliphatic polyisocyanate made from hexamethylene diisocyanate, or BAYHYDUR® ULTRA 2487 / 1 hydrophilic aliphatic polyisocyanate (Covestro, Pittsburgh, PA) made from hexamethylene diisocyanate.

[0055] The concentration of the polyisocyanate crosslinking agent in the aqueous textured layer-forming composition of the present invention may be in the range of 1% by weight or more, 2% by weight or more, and simultaneously 10% by weight or less, or 8% by weight or less, or 5% by weight or less, based on the total solids weight of the acrylic emulsion copolymer blend. Preferably, the concentration of the polyisocyanate composition is in the range of 2 to 8% by weight, based on the total solids weight of the acrylic emulsion copolymer blend.

[0056] The second component of the aqueous textured layer-forming composition according to the present invention preferably further comprises an epoxysilane, such as glycidoxypropyltrialkoxysilane. The preferred amount of epoxysilane may be in the range of 0.5 to 8% by weight, or 1 to 7% by weight, based on the total weight of the components of the aqueous textured layer-forming composition, as solids. The solids weight ratio of the water-dispersible isocyanate composition to the epoxysilane may be in the range of 0.4:1 or more, or 0.6:1 or more, or further 1.5:1 or more, and at the same time, 10:1 or less, or 5:1 or less, or 2.5:1 or less.

[0057] Suitable commercially available epoxysilanes include, for example, SILQUEST® A-187, SILQUEST® WetLink 78, SILQUEST® A-186, and COATOSIL® 2287 epoxysilanes available from Momentive Performance Material, or OFS 6040 silane (Dow Corning, Midland, MI).

[0058] In another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a method comprising applying a two-component aqueous texture-forming composition to a substrate to form a textured topcoat layer. The application may include known troweling, paving, or leveling equipment. If the substrate is a primer layer, a cushioning layer, or a cement or asphalt base, or a multilayer sports surface according to the present invention, the same application equipment can be used for any or all of the layers. The method may further include curing the textured topcoat layer. Furthermore, the method may include mixing the two components of the aqueous texture-forming composition immediately before or at the time of application, which may include mixing in the application equipment itself.

[0059] In the method according to the present invention, any aqueous composition can be applied to a base by any known method, for example, by manual troweling or mechanical application using conventional running track paving equipment such as a PlanoMatic® P928 automatic paving machine type synthetic running track paving machine or a PlanoMatic® P211 semi-automatic paving machine (SMG Sportplatzmaschinenbau Gmbh, Voehringen, DE). The resulting surface may be further smoothed by troweling. The base may be any material, such as concrete, bitumen, metal, or wood. The base or cushion layer may be primed with a polyurethane-containing primer composition, such as a polyurethane primer, before applying the aqueous textured layer-forming composition. In the preparation of a multilayer sports surface, drying and curing of any aqueous composition can be carried out at a predetermined temperature and time sufficient to evaporate the water. Drying and curing can be carried out at ambient temperature.

[0060] The aqueous texture-forming composition of the present invention can be cured at temperatures of approximately 5 to 80°C, 10 to 50°C, 15 to 40°C, or 20 to 35°C. The curing time of the polymer mixture can range from 30 minutes to 8 days, 1 hour to 48 hours, or 2 hours to 10 hours. Curing is faster at higher temperatures. It is also possible to partially cure the polymer mixture and then complete the curing process.

[0061] In the production of a multilayer sports surface according to the present invention, the time between the application of a first layer of any composition, such as a cushion layer forming composition, a primer layer forming composition, or an aqueous textured layer forming composition, and the application of a layer of the aqueous composition or a second layer thereof, may be, for example, 8 hours or less, 6 hours or less, or even 5 hours or less, and simultaneously, 2 hours or more, 2.5 hours or more, or even 3 hours or more.

[0062] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a multilayer sports surface including a base, the base having a cushion layer thereon, a primer layer on the cushion layer, and a weather-resistant textured topcoat layer thereon. The cushion layer includes a crosslinked composite dispersion of vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules dispersed in a matrix of vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules or an elastomer layer composite, for example, polyurethane, elastomer acrylic polymer, or a mixture or combination thereof. The elastomer acrylic may be formed from the same acrylic emulsion copolymer blend used to form the textured topcoat layer or composition, or from an acrylic emulsion copolymer having a calculated Tg of -60 to 5°C and containing a diethylene unsaturated monomer such as divinylbenzene in copolymer form. The polyurethane may be formed from a reaction product of the polyisocyanate of the textured topcoat layer and a polyol such as a polyether polyol, the polyisocyanate being preferably an aromatic polyisocyanate. The primer layer includes a composition for forming a polymer matrix and an epoxy silane or epoxy resin such as γ-glycidoxypropyltrialkoxysilane. The polymer matrix of the primer layer may be formed from a composition such as an acrylic emulsion copolymer blend of the textured topcoat layer composition, or from an acrylic emulsion copolymer having a calculated Tg of -60 to 5°C, as in the cushion layer. The amount of epoxy resin or silane in the primer layer forming composition may be in the range of 0.1 to 5% by weight, based on the total solids weight of the polymer matrix forming composition. In the cushion layer of the multilayer sports surface of the present invention, the weight ratio of acrylic emulsion copolymer and / or polyurethane solids to vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules may be 1:6.5 or less, or more preferably 1:7 or less, and at the same time 1:11 or more, or more preferably 1:10 or more. The vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules in the base layer may have a sieve particle size of 0.7 to 8 mm, preferably 0.85 to 5 mm, more preferably 1 to 5 mm. The vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules in the base layer preferably contain recycled rubber or styrene-butadiene rubber.

[0063] The primer layer for multilayer sports surfaces of the present invention can be used to further improve the adhesion of a multilayer article to a base or other layer substrate. The primer layer may be made from a primer composition comprising a first acrylic emulsion copolymer A, a second acrylic emulsion copolymer B, a mixture thereof as an acrylic emulsion copolymer blend, or another acrylic emulsion copolymer. The primer composition may further contain epoxysilane to further improve the adhesion of the resulting multilayer article to the base under wet conditions. The primer composition may also contain an isocyanate prepolymer composition, such as that of an aqueous textured layer-forming composition. Preferably, the primer composition comprises the first and second acrylic emulsion copolymers A and B as a blend, epoxysilane, and a water-dispersible polyisocyanate composition. The amounts of the above materials in the primer composition may have the above range when used in an aqueous textured layer-forming composition. The multilayer article of the present invention may further include other functional layers. For example, the multilayer article may further include a protective layer, thereby the top layer being located between the protective layer and the base layer. The presence of a protective layer may be useful in further improving the wear resistance and aging resistance of multilayer articles.

[0064] The multilayer sports surface and aqueous textured layer-forming composition according to the present invention can be used, for example, in soundproofing materials, acoustic underlays, flooring underlays and mats; in industrial or sports utilities such as artificial tracks and sports field surfaces, ball cores, and consumer products such as floor tiles and coverings; in molded products; and in road paving and maintenance applications. In particular, the multilayer sports surface is suitable for use on running tracks, tennis courts, or rubberized sports field surfaces. [Examples]

[0065] The present invention is illustrated by the following examples. Unless otherwise indicated, all parts and percentages are by weight, and all temperatures are in °C. The following abbreviations are used in the following examples and in Tables 1, 2, and 3: AA: acrylic acid, AN: acrylonitrile; DVB: divinylbenzene; MAA: methacrylic acid, S: styrene, MMA: methyl methacrylate, BA: butyl acrylate, SHP: sodium hypophosphate; UEMA: ureidoethyl functionalized methacrylate; BP: benzophenone. Table 1 below shows the materials used.

[0066] In the following examples, the tested formulations are shown in Tables 2A and 2B. In all formulations, the high-boiling alcohol and polyalkylene oxiderheology modifier were pre-blended by hand using a spatula, each of the separate components was pre-mixed with the first component, and the rubber granules and optional fillers were dispersed by grinding at 600 RPM. Before use, the materials were mixed to form an aqueous composition, which was applied and used as described in the test method below.

[0067] In the following examples, the following test methods were used.

[0068] Tensile strength and elongation of dogbone-shaped specimens molded under pressure: The indicated formulation containing rubber granules was mixed and spread onto a mold with a polytetrafluoroethylene release surface secured with tape, forming a sheet with an area of ​​18 cm × 30 cm. The formulation was pressed within the frame with a spatula to obtain a textured topcoat layer with a thickness of 1 cm. To obtain a more homogeneous layer, silicone release paper was placed on top of the layer, followed by a 3 kg fiber cement panel, and pressed for 30 minutes. Before testing, the layer was cured at 23°C and 50% RH for 7 days and cut with a dogbone-shaped (ISO 527-2 Typ 1A) cutting die to prepare 15 specimens. Ten specimens were tested under RT conditions, and five specimens were tested after being immersed in water for 1 day. Tensile and elongation measurements were performed using a Zwick Roell Allround-Line 2.5kN testing machine (Zwick GmbH & Co.KG, Ulm, DE). The tensile speed was set to 100 mm / min. A clamp gap of 110 mm was used. The tensile strength was reported at its maximum, and the elongation was reported at the time of fracture. The results are shown in Table 3 below.

[0069] Tensile strength and elongation rectangular test specimens: Except for the absence of release paper and fiber cement press, the indicated mixture was cured as described above as a 1 cm thick hardened sample sheet and cut into 3.5 × 10 cm rectangles. Then, tensile tests were performed using a Zwick Roell Z005 mechanical testing machine (Zwick GmbH & Co). The clamp gap was set to 50 mm and the tensile speed to 50 mm / min. For tensile strength, the maximum value was reported. The reported elongation value was the elongation at the breaking point. The results are shown in Table 3 below.

[0070] Color Stability: The two components of the indicated formulation were mixed together and then combined with the indicated rubber granules for 2 minutes. The resulting composition was then filled into a Petri dish to form a layer and aged for 48 hours in an ultraviolet (UV) chamber equipped with a xenon lamp. After aging, the layer was visually inspected for yellowing.

[0071] [Table 1]

[0072] [Table 2] * -Comparative examples are shown; 1. EPDM size range 1-3 mm; 2. Contains 2.39 g of secondary alcohol ethoxylate (98%) surfactant.

[0073] [Table 3] * -Comparative examples are shown; 1. Portaflame (trademark) SG-10 filler synthetic aluminum hydroxide (D50: 3.5 micrometers, Sibelco, Antwerp, BE); 2. Minex (trademark) 4 nephrite syenite (Sibelco); 3. Orotan (trademark) 2500 dispersant S-AA copolymer 24.8 wt%, 25% aqueous ammonia (6.7 wt%) and DI aqueous (68.5 wt%) (Dow); 4. Rubber granules washed in water and sieved before use. 5. EPDM size range 1-3 mm; 6. Methylenediphenyl isocyanate (MDI) (47 wt%) of 2,4' isomers.

[0074] [Table 4] * -A comparative example is shown.

[0075] As shown in Table 3 above, the compositions of the present invention in Examples 2, 3, 4, and 5, which contain high-boiling alcohols, exhibit dramatically improved room-temperature tensile strength and elongation at break compared to the same aqueous composition having ethanol in Comparative Example 1.

[0076] [Table 5] * -A comparative example is shown.

[0077] As shown in Table 4 above, the compositions of the present invention in Examples 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 all exhibit the same level of improved wet and dry tensile and elongation in dogbone specimens as the compositions of Examples 2, 3, 4, and 5. All compositions of the present invention are aqueous, substantially VOC-free, substantially APEO-free, and contain high-boiling point alcohols.

[0078] The color stability test results for the composition of Example 6 of the present invention show only slight yellowing after 48 hours of ultraviolet (UV) aging. However, the same composition having an aromatic diisocyanate instead of an aliphatic polyisocyanate shows significant yellowing after 48 hours of UV aging, even at a smaller amount based on the total solids weight of the acrylic emulsion copolymer blend. The color stability test demonstrates that the aqueous textured layer-forming composition of the present invention having an aliphatic crosslinking agent provides a more UV-stable product compared to the same aqueous textured layer-forming composition having an aromatic diisocyanate as the crosslinking agent.

[0079] Pot Life Test and Results: Three compositions substantially identical to Comparative Example 1 were formed without rubber granules using aromatic crosslinking agent 3 and stretched into layers. The compositions contained 2.5, 5, and 10% by weight of the crosslinking agent, respectively. The compositions containing 5% and 10% by weight of the aromatic crosslinking agent showed a nearly completely cured film on the layer after 1 hour, while the composition containing 2.5% by weight of the aromatic crosslinking agent retained a film-free layer after 1 and 3 hours. This indicates that compositions like those of the present invention, which allow for a higher proportion of rubber granules while maintaining processable viscosity, also maintain a longer pot life than known compositions. The lower amount of crosslinking agent relative to the total weight of the aqueous textured layer-forming composition also contributes to the longer pot life. The present invention may include the following embodiments. [1] (i) an acrylic emulsion copolymer blend comprising (a) a first acrylic emulsion copolymer A having a calculated glass transition temperature (calculated Tg) of -60 to -5°C, with a solids weight ratio of copolymer A:copolymer B of 25:75 to 90:1, and (b) a second acrylic emulsion copolymer B having a calculated Tg of 15 to 60°C, (ii) vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules in an amount such that the solids weight ratio of the acrylic emulsion copolymer blend to vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules is in the range of less than 1:4 to 1:9, (iii) one or more polyalkylene oxide rheology modifiers having a viscosity-average molecular weight of 400,000 to 5,000,000, and (iv) one or more high-boiling point alcohols having a standard boiling point of 170 to 315°C and further having a formula MW of 100 to 250, A two-component aqueous texture-forming composition comprising, as a second component, (v) a crosslinking agent containing both an aliphatic aqueous dispersible polyisocyanate composition and an epoxysilane. [2] The aqueous textured layer forming composition according to Embodiment 1, wherein the (ii) vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules include ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber or recycled rubber. [3] The aqueous textured layer-forming composition according to Embodiment 1, wherein the solids weight ratio of the acrylic emulsion copolymer blend to the vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules is in the range of 1:4.5 to 1:8. [4] The aqueous textured layer forming composition according to embodiment 1, wherein (iii) one or more polyalkylene oxide rheology modifiers is polyethylene oxide. [5] (iv) One or more high-boiling point alcohols C 3 ~C 8 Hydroxyl group-containing esters of alkanoates, hydroxyl group-containing alkyl esters of fatty acids, hydroxyl group-containing alkyl ethers, C 6 ~C 12 An aqueous texture-forming composition according to embodiment 1, selected from branched alkanols or hydroxyl group-containing aliphatic ethers. [6] The aqueous textured layer-forming composition according to embodiment 5, wherein at least one of the one or more high-boiling point alcohols is a hydroxyl group-containing isobutyrate ester. [7] The aqueous textured layer-forming composition according to Embodiment 1, wherein the amount of one or more high-boiling point alcohols is in the range of 0.5 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the acrylic emulsion copolymer blend. [8] The aqueous textured layer-forming composition according to embodiment 1, wherein the composition further comprises a filler. [9] The aqueous textured layer forming composition according to embodiment 8, wherein the filler contains a hydroxyl group or a hydrolyzable group in an aqueous medium.

[10] A method for using the aqueous textured layer-forming composition described in Embodiment 1, comprising applying the two-component aqueous textured layer-forming composition to a substrate to form a layer as a topcoat layer.

Claims

1. (i) At solid weight ratios of copolymer A:copolymer B of 25:75 to 90:10, (a) A first acrylic emulsion copolymer A having a calculated glass transition temperature (calculated Tg) of -60 to -5°C, (b) an acrylic emulsion copolymer blend with a second acrylic emulsion copolymer B having a calculated Tg of 15 to 60°C, (ii) The acrylic emulsion copolymer blend: an amount of vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules in which the solids weight ratio of the vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules is in the range of 1:4 to less than 1:9, (iii) One or more polyalkylene oxiderheology modifiers having a viscosity-average molecular weight of 400,000 to 5,000,000, (iv) A first component comprising one or more high-boiling point alcohols having a standard boiling point of 170 to 315°C and further having formula MW of 100 to 250, The second component comprises (v) one or more aqueous polyisocyanate dispersions and epoxysilane as a crosslinking agent, A two-component aqueous texture-forming composition comprising a polyisocyanate comprising propylene diisocyanate, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), 1-isocyanato-3-isocyanatomethyl-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexane (IPDI), 4,4'-diisocyanatodicyclohexylmethane (HMDI), diisocyanatomethylcyclohexane (ADI), isomers thereof, polymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

2. The aqueous textured layer forming composition according to claim 1, wherein the (ii) vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules include ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber.

3. The aqueous textured layer forming composition according to claim 1, wherein the (ii) vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules include recycled rubber.

4. The aqueous textured layer-forming composition according to claim 1, wherein the solid content weight ratio of the acrylic emulsion copolymer blend to the vulcanized or crosslinked rubber granules is in the range of 1:4.5 to 1:

8.

5. The aqueous textured layer forming composition according to claim 1, wherein the (iii) one or more polyalkylene oxide rheology modifiers is polyethylene oxide.

6. The aqueous textured layer-forming composition according to claim 1, wherein the amount of one or more high-boiling point alcohols (iv) is in the range of 0.5 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the acrylic emulsion copolymer blend.

7. The aqueous textured layer forming composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises a filler.

8. A method for using the aqueous textured layer-forming composition described in claim 1, comprising applying the two-component aqueous textured layer-forming composition to a substrate to form a layer as a topcoat layer.

Images