A peelable cleaning composition for frosted glass

Abstract

A peelable cleaning composition for frosted glass substrate is provided. The said peelable cleaning composition comprising at least one film forming polymer, expandable montmorillonite clay, and at least one thixotropic agent at select ratio. Said composition effectively removes contamination from the frosted glass substrate without any need for abrasion or wiping. The present disclosure further provides a method of cleaning the glass substrate using the peelable cleaning composition.

Description

[0001] A PEELABLE CLEANING COMPOSITION FOR FROSTED GLASS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates in general to a cleaning composition for glass substrate and a method thereof. More particularly, the present disclosure provides a peelable cleaning composition for frosted glass. The said composition cleaning the oil and adhesive stain marks from frosted glass without abrasion.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Applications of frosted glass are widespread. It is used in partition walls, cabinet shutter, windows, doors, decorative applications, wall claddings, etc. Frosted glass has a surface roughness that can be achieved sand blasting, grit blasting, wet grinding, acid etching or a combination thereof. Such frosted glass surface can be contaminated quickly with oils, adhesives, etc. These contaminants fill in the valleys in surface roughness which immediately changes the refractive index in contaminated region making the contamination vividly visible. Thus, Frosted glass cleaning is particularly challenging due to its surface roughness and non-uniform wetting.

[0006] Wiping with detergents with currently used method to clean such rough surfaces, however, it yields limited success. Furthermore, wiping also leads to damage or change in surface roughness making the cleaning area obvious. These marks are evident when viewed at an angle.

[0007] WO2021034271 Al related to a peel-able formula for waterless cleaning Composition is based on polysiloxane based film forming coating. Focused on removal of surface contaminants and ink but cleaning of frosted glass is beyond the scope. US6822012B1 discloses coating compositions of aqueous and solvent based water resistant peelable protective coating film. The disclosed coatings composition is for temporary or long-term protection for automobile applications against weathering, contamination from the atmosphere, chemical attack or accidental damage during handling. Said composition consists of aqueous polyurethane dispersion, a release agent, acrylic polymers, silicone surfactants and antifoaming agents. Furthermore, the protection coating thickness from prior art is said to be up to 80 mils (2000 micron) and preferably from about 20 to 40 mils (500 to 1000 micron) Furthermore, the peelable protective coating film in prior art will not be applicable for cleaning rough surfaces like frosted glass.

[0008] Use of peelable films for cleaning is well established, most widely used in nuclear decontamination and optical media industry. However, there is still a need for cleaning frosted glass surface. Cleaning is effective when surface is completely wetted with peelable cleaning composition. Wetting becomes furthermore important if surface has roughness in the order on 0.1-100 micron. The surface tension of coating is to be balanced such that complete wetting takes place without any air entrapment in the roughness during the drying of coating to form a film.

[0009] Novel peelable cleaning composition is formulated to address cleaning of frosted glass. Composition is disclosed with efficacy to clean oil and adhesive stains from frosted glass. Peelable cleaning composition of the present invention consist of cross-linkable water insoluble polymer emulsion which forms a film upon drying at ambient condition. During film removal, the surface contaminants are removed rendering the surface cleaner without any need for abrasion or wiping.

[0010] OBJECT OF INVENTION The main object of the present invention is to provide a peelable cleaning composition for glass substrate, such that depositing peelable cleaning composition on glass substrate to clean surface contaminants.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a peelable cleaning composition for glass substrate, such that the peelable cleaning composition demonstrates excellent cleanability by removal of stains and dirt.

[0012] Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a method for cleaning glass substrate, such that the method is using said peelable composition for cleaning glass substrate.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the peelable cleaning composition for frosted glass substrate comprising film forming polymer in an amount of 85 to 95 wt%, reinforcing agent in an amount of 2 to 6 wt%, thixotropic agent in an amount of 0.01 to 1 wt % and water in an amount of 2 to 10 wt%.

[0015] In one another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for cleaning frosted glass substrate using the peelable cleaning composition involves applying peelable cleaning composition on frosted glass surface, drying the composition for about 15 minutes at ambient conditions to form a film; and peeling off the film from the frosted glass surface. Wherein the film successfully removes stains and dirt, leaving frosted glass surface clean without abrasion.

[0016] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and are not limited in the accompanying figure.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates application of a peelable cleaning composition on frosted glass substrate for efficient contaminant removal from rough surfaces.

[0019] Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the invention.

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] As used herein, in every embodiment, it must be understood that the term ‘peelable cleaning composition’ refers to a composition which when applied on a transparent substrate forming a removable film which is peeled away leaving a clean surface.

[0022] The term ‘wet film’, as used herein refers to a freshly applied, undried state of the coating immediately after it has been applied to the substrate. At this stage, the coating is wet and has not yet undergone any drying.

[0023] The term ‘dry film’, as used herein refers to a dried state of the coating after it has undergone drying. During this stage, the water has evaporated, and the coating has adhered to the substrate. The dry film thickness may differ from the initial wet film thickness due to factors such as shrinkage during evaporation of water.

[0024] The term ‘glass substrate’ or ‘transparent substrate’, as used herein, interchangeably, refers to a solid-like and transparent material that is used in numerous applications in our daily lives. As referred herein, the substrate is glass which is made from natural and abundant raw materials (sand, soda ash, limestone, boron-based compounds, alumina, etc.) that are melted at very high temperature to form a new material.

[0025] The present disclosure provides a peelable cleaning composition for cleaning glass substrate. The said composition comprising at least one film forming polymer, expandable montmorillonite clay, and at least one thixotropic agent. The said cleaning composition demonstrates excellent cleanability by removal of stains and dirt.

[0026] The said composition is predominantly water based. Said composition is applied on vertical as well as horizontal surfaces without dripping or run down. Itis formulated such that complete wetting of rough surface is facilitated by adjusting the drying time. This provides sufficient wet interface time between surface contaminants and drying film. This leads to efficient removal of the surface contaminants.

[0027] The said composition when applied on the contaminated area, forms a flexible film upon drying. The composition when applied at said wet film thickness becomes touch dry within 15 min at ambient conditions on 25C and RH 50%. During drying, the composition interacts with dirt and organic contaminants which are trapped in the valleys. Upon drying the flexible film is peeled off from the surface, which at the same time, also removes the dirt and organic contaminants which are fully or partially homogenized or embedded within the cleaning composition during drying. Thus, the present invention provides for cleaning the surface without any need of detergents or need of abrasion / wiping.

[0028] In every embodiment of the present disclosure, the peelable film coating is formed by optimum ratio of film forming polymers emulsions, reinforcing fillers, thickeners, and water. In every embodiment of the present disclosure, the film forming polymer is selected from the group comprising water soluble or water dispersible polymers like but not limited to polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, ethelene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic polymers, polyurethanes. These film forming polymers are used with respective suitable solvent or dispersion medium, and they can also be used in modified form.

[0029] In a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, the film forming polymer is aliphatic polyether-polyurethane dispersion.

[0030] In a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, the Thixotropic agent is copolymer of acrylic polymer emulsion. These polymers are pH responsive and readily swell when system transitions into basic pH regime. These polymers are present as tight, coiled chains in acidic pH regime. Raising the pH to approximately 7, initiates the dissociation of the acid groups. This results in a beginning of uncoiling process of the coiled chains driven by magnetic repulsion due to the negative charges at the neutralized carboxylic groups. On complete dissociation (pH ~9) the chains reach their maximum extension and develop viscosity in the system by macromolecular extension and stearic hindrance effect.

[0031] The polymer chains take a little time to reorient when shear is removed so structural recovery is not instantaneous. Thus, the system formulated with these thickeners are thixotropic which leads to improved levelling facilitating uniform wetting of the surface. Thixotropic agent used is Viscotex 730. Other agents can be Acrysol ASE 60ER, Rheovis AS 1125, Rheovis AS 1130, Rheolate 101. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the peelable cleaning composition comprising film forming polymer in an amount of 85 to 95 wt%, reinforcing agent in an amount of 2 to 6 wt%, thixotropic agent in an amount of 0.01 to 1 wt % and water in an amount of 2 to 10 wt%.

[0032] The present disclosure further provides a method for cleaning frosted glass substrate using the peelable cleaning composition involves applying peelable cleaning composition on frosted glass surface, drying the composition for about 15 minutes at ambient conditions to form a film; and peeling off the film from the frosted glass surface. Wherein the film successfully removes stains and dirt, leaving frosted glass surface clean without abrasion.

[0033] In every embodiment of the present disclosure, the wet film thickness is between 100- 300 micron. More preferably, 180-240 microns.

[0034] In every embodiment of the present disclosure, the dry film thicknesses up to 60-120 micron. More preferably, 80-100 micron.

[0035] In a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, the method is repeated for one or more times to completely remove stains.

[0036] Referring to Fig.l, herein frosted surface 101 has surface roughness 102. Dirt particles and grim, oily substance 103 can get physically entrapped in the valleys of surface inhomogeneity. Said peelable cleaning composition applied on the contaminated surface to have wet film thickness 104 such that the liquid viscosity and surface wetting properties are tuned to wet entire rough surface as well as dirt particles represented as 105. Initially, air entrapment 106 may happen at the time of coating application, however, said composition will soon completely wet the surface, thus, releasing the air pockets. As coating dries off film 107 is formed which embodies all the dirt particles 108 or solubilize oily residue contaminants. Peeling off the film 109 will remove all the contaminants from the surface.

[0037] In every embodiment of the present disclosure, the peelable cleaning composition forms a translucent dried film (Haze > 25). Thus, the film is evidently visible and needs to be removed. Colour pigment can also be added to make it evidently visible, however, the pigments may potentially stain the glass. Hence, translucent film with high haze offers optimum visibility without side effects of pigments.

[0038] Preferably, the peelable cleaning composition for glass substrates, as disclosed herein, is designed to remove limescale from surfaces, clean surfaces in regions with restricted access to water, and is suitable for remote locations such as solar farms, which often experience water scarcity. The peelable cleaning composition, as disclosed herein, is intended for solid surfaces including, but not limited to, frosted glass, clear glass, and uPVC surfaces.

[0039] In a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, the glass substrate is frosted glass.

[0040] EXAMPLES

[0041] Example 1

[0042] Table 1: Peelable cleaning Composition-1 Preparation of peelable cleaning composition 1

[0043] For disclosed composition 1 in example 1, polyether modified polyurethane was used as film forming polymer. It was readily procured from commercially sources It was used in its received condition with a solid content of 39-41 wt% and a pH of 7-8. It is widely used for textile coating and leatherfining applications. However, its use as peelable cleaning composition especially for frosted glass is neither reported or nor known.

[0044] Expandable montmorillonite clay readily swells in aqueous system with agitation. It was used to increase the tensile strength of dried film which is beneficial during peel- off of dried film without rupture. Additionally, it is known to impart thixotropic properties to wet film. The expandable montmorillonite clay was mixed with deionized water untill uniform paste was formed, which was then added to the polymer dispersion.

[0045] Low shear viscosity was fine-tuned with thixotropic agent. For this purpose, Viscotex 730 was used. Viscotex 730 is synthetic alkali swellable, solvent-free liquid thickner. It was was mixed with water in 1: 1 ratio and subsequently added to polymer-clay mixture. Overall, viscosity was increased from 800 cps for neat polymer dispersion to 5000 cps for final mix.

[0046] CLEANING PROPERTY ASSESSMENT:

[0047] Cleanability of said composition was evaluated for commonly used agents which can contaminate frosted glass. For this purpose, cooking oil and coconut hair oil were used. Cooking oil contamination are known in kitchen applications whereas coconut oil contamination is evident in wardrobes and bathroom applications. Additionally, assessment was made for masking tape and heavy-duty packaging tape. Adhesive transfer from tapes to frosted glass surface was routinely observed. Use of masking tapes during interior activities is common whereas heavy-duty packaging tape may come in contact due to improper packing and shipping.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] Cooking oil cleanability:

[0050] Sample preparation:

[0051] Cooking oil was spread on the frosted glass surface. Due to surface tension of oil and capillary effect due to surface roughness of frosted glass, cooking oil spread across the entire surface. After 12h, the said peelable cleaning composition was applied on contaminated surface using paint-brush. Once dried, film was peeled off from the surface. This process was carried out twice to ensure complete oil removal. Bulk of contaminant cooking oil was successfully removed. While remainder trace oil was removed from glass surface after second peel off.

[0052] Example 3

[0053] Coconut hair oil cleanability:

[0054] Sample preparation:

[0055] Similar to cooking oil, hair oil was spread on the frosted glass surface. Again, due to the surface tension of oil and capillary effect due to surface roughness of frosted glass, cooking oil spread across the entire surface. As earlier, after 12h, the said peelable cleaning composition was applied on contaminated surface using paint-brush. Once dried, film was peeled off from the surface. This process was carried out twice to ensure complete oil removal. Bulk of contaminant cooking oil was successfully removed. While remainder trace oil was removed from glass surface after second peel off.

[0056] Example 4

[0057] Masking tape adhesive cleanability:

[0058] Sample preparation: Masking tape was applied on the frosted glass and were pressed using 2kg roller. The pressure applied leads to adhesive transfer from tape to surface. Half number of tapes were peeled off after 15 min at ambient codition. The sample with remianing half number of tapes on the surface was placed in convection oven at 55° C for 60 hours. After which tapes were peeled off. At higher temperes, adhesive tends to flow uniformly in the surface roughness. Once the substrate was reached ambient temperatures, said peelable cleaning composition was applied as before. Said composition Efficiently removed > 95% residual adhesive from the surface.

[0059] Example 5

[0060] Packaging tape adhesive cleanability:

[0061] Sample preparation:

[0062] Masking tape was applied on the frosted glass and were pressed using a 2kg roller. Half number of tapes were peeled off after 15 min at ambient codition. The sample with remaining half number of tapes on the surface was placed in convection oven at 55° C for 60 hours. One of the two remaining tapes were further pressed with 2kg roller while the? substrate was cooling down. After which tapes were peeled off. Deeper impregnation of adhesive is quite evident for hot rolled tape. Once the substrate was reached ambient temperatures, said peelable cleaning composition was applied as before. It is evident that said composition efficiently removed > 95% residual adhesive from the surface.

[0063] Example 6

[0064] Cleanability from solid surfaces:

[0065] Cleanability from solid surfaces was also evaluated. For this purpose, white extruded profile made up of uPVC were marked with blue and black permanent markers. Also, graphite powder was rubbed onto the surface to stain the white uPVC. During first peel-off almost all the graphite powder was removed. This is particularly advantageous to clean the white profile which have become dulled after deposition of carbonaceous pollutants over the period.

[0066] The key benefits of the peelable cleaning composition disclosed herein include ease of application, residue-free removal, waterless application, and protection of the underlying frosted glass surface. These qualities make the composition suitable for both routine maintenance and specialized cleaning tasks in various industrial and domestic applications. Furthermore, the peelable cleaning composition effectively removes dust, fingerprints, stains and other surface contaminants without causing damage to the underlying glass surface.

Claims

Claims1. A peelable cleaning composition for glass substrate, comprising: a. 85 to 95 wt% of film forming polymer; b. 2 to 6 wt% of reinforcing agent; c. 0.01 to 1 wt % of thixotropic agent; and d. 2 to 10 wt% of water.

2. The peelable cleaning composition as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the Film forming polymer is selected from the group comprising to polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, ethelene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic polymers and polyurethanes.

3. The peelable cleaning composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reinforcing agent is expandable montmorillonite clay.

4. The peelable cleaning composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Thixotropic agent is acrylic copolymer.

5. The peelable cleaning composition as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein film forming polymer is Aliphatic polyether-polyurethane dispersion.

6. The peelable cleaning composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the glass substrate is frosted glass.

7. A method for cleaning frosted glass substrate, using the peelable cleaning composition as claimed in claim 1, comprising: a. Applying peelable cleaning composition on frosted glass surface; b. Drying the composition for 15 minutes at ambient conditions to form a film; andc. Peeling off the film from the frosted glass surface, wherein the film removes stains and dirt, leaving frosted glass surface clean.

8. The method for cleaning frosted glass substrate as claimed in claim 7, wherein the wet film thickness ranges from 100 to 300 microns, with an optimal range of 180 to 240 microns.

9. The method for cleaning frosted glass substrate as claimed in claim 7, wherein the dry film thickness ranges from 60-120 microns, with an optimal range of 80-100 microns.

10. The method for cleaning frosted glass substrate as claimed in claim 7, wherein the composition is applied using paintbrush.

11. The method for cleaning frosted glass substrate as claimed in claim 7, wherein the peelable cleaning composition forms a translucent film upon drying.

12. The method for cleaning frosted glass substrate as claimed in claim 7, the said method is repeated for one or more times to completely remove stains.

13. The method for cleaning frosted glass substrate as claimed in claim 7, the said composition cleans the frosted glass surface without abrasion.

Images