Binary solvent composition and method for removing a coating from a surface

Abstract

A composition includes particular amounts of methyl formate and a second solvent selected from acetone, acetonitrile, cyclopentanone, dimethyl carbonate, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,3-dioxolane, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, gamma butyrolactone, isopropyl alcohol, methyl acetate, methylal, methyl glyoxal, propionaldehyde, propionic acid, n-propyl alcohol, propylene carbonate, 2-pyrrolidone, tetrahydrofuran, thioacetic acid, thiophene, transdichloroethylene, water, or a combination thereof. The composition can be particularly useful in removing a coating from a surface.

Description

UML 2025-001-02 (103440-056PCT) BINARY SOLVENT COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR REMOVING A COATING FROM A SURFACE CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 703,246, filed October 4, 2024, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. FEDERAL RESEARCH STATEMENT This invention was made with government support under Grant no.84071901 awarded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The government has certain rights in the invention. BACKGROUND

[0001] Methylene chloride has been commonly used as a primary solvent ingredient forcoating removal products. However, there is a potential for product user exposure to methylene chloride during the application of these products. Methylene chloride is highly volatile and theprimary route of exposure is inhalation, which can lead to acute and chronic human healthhazards. For example, methylene chloride can cause acute and chronic effects on the centralnervous system. The inhalation of methylene chloride can result in short term effects such asdizziness, clumsiness, headache, nausea, and numbness of fingers and toes, and long-termeffects such as loss of concentration, memory loss, and personality changes.

[0002] In 2019, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the retaildistribution of methylene chloride in coating removal products for consumer uses, such as do-it- yourselfers (DIYers) conducting home repair projects. However, the use of methylene chloride was still allowed for products used for industrial and commercial coating removal applications. Therefore, methylene chloride remains a widely used primary component for industrial and commercial coating removal products. These products are used for applications such as aviation, military, bathtub refinishing, electronics, furniture refinishing, and automotive. These applications are challenging due to the use of highly durable coatings such as two-part epoxies, conformal coatings, and chemical agent resistant coatings (CARC).

[0003] In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a finalrule regulating methylene chloride under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to protect human health from health risks such as neurotoxicity effects and cancer from inhalation orUML 2025-001-02 (103440-056PCT) dermal exposures. Most industrial and commercial uses of methylene chloride will be prohibited in the U.S. after April 28, 2026.

[0004] Accordingly, there remains a continuing need for alternative compositions forremoving various coatings from surfaces (e.g., paint, varnish, or coating stripping compositions) that do not contain methylene chloride or other hazardous ingredients. SUMMARY

[0005] An aspect is a composition comprising, based on the total weight of thecomposition: 1 to 99 weight percent of methyl formate; and 1 to 99 weight percent of a second solvent selected from acetone, acetonitrile, cyclopentanone, dimethyl carbonate, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,3-dioxolane, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, gamma butyrolactone, isopropyl alcohol, methyl acetate, methylal, methyl glyoxal, propionaldehyde, propionic acid, n-propyl alcohol, propylene carbonate, 2-pyrrolidone, tetrahydrofuran, thioacetic acid, thiophene, transdichloroethylene, water, or a combination thereof; wherein the amounts of methyl formate and the second solvent sum to at least 85 weight percent.

[0006] Another aspect is a method of removing a coating from a surface, the methodcomprising, contacting the composition of the present disclosure with a surface comprising a coating disposed on at least a portion of the surface; and separating at least a portion of the coating from the surface.

[0007] The above described and other features are exemplified by the following detaileddescription. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Some commercially available coating removal products do not contain methylenechloride and could potentially be used for industrial and commercial applications. However, their paint stripping performance is significantly below that of methylene chloride, and the replacement chemicals, such as toluene, xylene, ethyl benzene, naphthalene, Stoddard Solvent, and N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP), introduce other significant human health and safety hazards. Additionally, there are practical considerations surrounding the use of industrial and commercial coating removal products that currently do not include methylene chloride, for example, longer required dwell times, and stripping coatings one layer at a time necessitating multiple applications.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for alternative compositions for removing variouscoatings for industrial and commercial applications without the use of chemicals of concern. TheUML 2025-001-02 (103440-056PCT) present inventor has discovered new compositions that have comparable coating removal characteristics as methylene chloride-containing compositions. The new compositions provide coating removal performance very close to methylene chloride based products, even for challenging commercial and industrial applications such as aviation, military, bathtub refinishing, electronics, furniture refinishing, and automotive. The new compositions also do not use methylene chloride or any of the following chemicals of high concern: toluene, xylene, ethyl benzene, naphthalene, Stoddard Solvent, and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). The new formulations can be used for industrial and commercial coating applications, but are also useful for retail applications. A significant improvement is therefore provided by the present disclosure.

[0010] Accordingly, one aspect of the present disclosure is a composition. Thecomposition comprises a particular combination of solvents. The composition does not contain any methylene chloride and includes two types of solvents (i.e., is a binary solvent formulation). Specifically, the composition comprises a first solvent, wherein the first solvent is methyl formate and a second solvent selected from acetone, acetonitrile, cyclopentanone, dimethyl carbonate, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,3-dioxolane, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, gamma butyrolactone, isopropyl alcohol, methyl acetate, methylal, methyl glyoxal, propionaldehyde, propionic acid, n-propyl alcohol, propylene carbonate, 2- pyrrolidone, tetrahydrofuran, thioacetic acid, thiophene, transdichloroethylene, water, or a combination thereof.

[0011] The first solvent (i.e., methyl formate) can be present in the composition in anamount of 1 to 99 weight percent, or 1 to 90 weight percent, 10 to 90 weight percent, or 20 to 90 weight percent, or 30 to 90 weight percent, or 30 to 80 weight percent, or 40 to 70 weight percent, or 45 to 65 weight percent, or 30 to less than 60 weight percent, each based on the total weight of the composition.

[0012] The second solvent can be present in the composition in an amount of 1 to 99weight percent, or 1 to 90 weight percent, or 10 to 99 weight percent, or 10 to 90 weight percent, or 25 to 60 weight percent, or 25 to 50 weight percent, or 30 to 45 weight percent, each based on the total weight of the composition.

[0013] The total amount of the first solvent and the second solvent sum to at least 85weight percent, or at least 90 weight percent, or at least 92 weight percent, or at least 95 weight percent, or at least 97 weight percent, or at least 98 weight percent, or at least 99 weight percent, each based on the total weight of the composition.

[0014] In some embodiments, the composition can be substantially free of certainUML 2025-001-02 (103440-056PCT) solvents. As used herein, the term "substantially free" means that the composition includes less than or equal to 10 weight percent, or less than or equal to 5 weight percent, or less than or equal to 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to 0.5 weight percent, or less than or equal to 0.1 weight percent of the recited solvent. For example, in some embodiments, the composition can be substantially free of methylene chloride, N-methylpyrrolidone, methanol, toluene, ethyl acetate, n-butyl amine, propyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the composition can exclude a particular solvent, for example the composition can exclude methylene chloride, N-methylpyrrolidone, methanol, toluene, ethyl acetate, n-butyl amine, propyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, or a combination thereof (i.e., no methylene chloride, N- methylpyrrolidone, methanol, toluene, ethyl acetate, n-butyl amine, propyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, or a combination thereof is present in the composition). In some embodiments, the composition can exclude solvents other than methyl formate, acetone, acetonitrile, cyclopentanone, dimethyl carbonate, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,3- dioxolane, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, gamma butyrolactone, isopropyl alcohol, methyl acetate, methylal, methyl glyoxal, propionaldehyde, propionic acid, n-propyl alcohol, propylene carbonate, 2-pyrrolidone, tetrahydrofuran, thioacetic acid, thiophene, transdichloroethylene, water. In some embodiments, the composition can exclude solvents other than methyl formate and 1,3-dioxolane.

[0015] In some embodiments, the composition can further comprise an additive. Theadditive(s) can be selected to achieve a desired property, with the proviso that the additive(s) are also selected so as to not significantly adversely affect a desired property of the composition. In some embodiments, the additive can be selected from the group consisting of thickeners, wetting agents, colorants, swelling agents, rinsing agents, evaporation inhibitors, activators, corrosion inhibitors, surfactants, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the additive can preferably be selected from the group consisting of thickeners, colorants, evaporation inhibitors, activators, corrosion inhibitors, surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0016] Thickeners are generally used to increase the viscosity of the composition.Exemplary thickeners can include, for example, cellulose ethers (e.g., hydroxypropyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and other alkyl or hydroxyalkyl cellulose, and combinations thereof); silica including colloidal silica; clays (e.g., bentonite and montmorillonite starch); alumina including colloidal alumina; gum arabic; tragacanth; agar; sugar derivatives; high molecular weight polyethylene oxides; fatty acid salts; guar gum; xanthan gum; polyvinyl pyrrolidone and methyl vinyl ether / maleic anhydride copolymers; paraffinic waxes (e.g., polyethylene wax); and the like, or a combination thereof.UML 2025-001-02 (103440-056PCT)

[0017] Colorants can be used to provide color to the composition. Exemplary colorantscan include, for example, pigments, dyes, or combinations thereof.

[0018] Evaporation inhibitors can be used to reduce evaporation of the composition, thusincreasing the amount of contact time with a coating to be removed. Exemplary evaporation inhibitors can include, for example, film forming resins, acrylic resins, hydrocarbon resins (such as polyethylene), waxes (such as paraffin wax, carnauba wax, ethylene vinyl acetate wax, polyethylene wax, and ester waxes), or a combination thereof.

[0019] Activators can be used to increase the penetration of the composition into acoating surface. Exemplary activators can include, for example, acids, specifically organic acids (e.g., formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, oleic acid, oxalic acid, alkyl benzenssulfonic acid, hydroxyacetic acid, and the like, or a combination thereof), hydrogen peroxide, hydroxides (e.g. sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and the like, or a combination thereof) and organoamines (e.g., ethanolamine, diethanolamine, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, morpholine, triethanolamine, triethylamine, 2-(N,N'- diethylamino)ethanol, and the like, or a combination thereof). In some embodiments, organoamine activators can be used. In some embodiments, when an acidic activator or other potentially corrosive ingredient is used, it can be desirable to also incorporate a corrosion inhibitor.

[0020] Corrosion inhibitors can be used to provide stability to the composition in apackaging container, or to protect a substrate to which the composition can be applied (e.g., a metal substrate). There are a variety of possible packaging container materials available and a variety of substrate materials for coating removal applications. Exemplary corrosion inhibitors can include, for example, triethylammonium phosphate, sodium benzoate, alkali metal and alkaline earth alkyl aromatic sulfonates, and the like, or a combination thereof.

[0021] In some embodiments, the composition can be substantially free of swellingagents. In some embodiments the composition can exclude a swelling agent. Without wishing to be bound by theory, swelling agents can cause swelling of a coating (e.g., a polymeric coating) enabling better cracking of the coating. Swelling agents can include, for example, glycol ethers (e.g., ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethyleneglycol monobutylether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutylether, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, ethylene glycol monobenzyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, and the like, or a combination thereof), aliphatic alcohols having 3 to 9 carbon atoms (e.g., isopropanol, dimethyl heptanol, nonyl alcohol, and the like, orUML 2025-001-02 (103440-056PCT) a combination thereof), or a combination thereof.

[0022] Surfactants can be used to enhance wetting or penetration of the compositiononto or into a coating. Exemplary surfactants can be anionic, cationic, nonionic, or amphoteric, and can include, for example, polyoxyethylene derivatives of aromatic and aliphatic alcohols, (e.g., nonyl phenoxy polyoxyethylene ethanol), alkali metal salts of C8-22 aliphatic sulfates (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate, and the like), alkali metal salts of alkyl aromatic sulfonates (e.g., sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, and the like), dialkyl sulfosuccinates (e.g., dioctyl sulfosuccinate, and the like), and the like, and combinations thereof.

[0023] When present, the additive(s) can be included in the composition in an amount ofgreater than 0 to 15 weight percent, or greater than 0 to 12 weight percent, or greater than 0 to 10 weight percent, or 1 to 15 weight percent, or 1 to 12 weight percent, or 1 to 10 weight percent, or 2 to 10 weight percent, or 2 to 5 weight percent, each based on the total weight of the composition.

[0024] In a specific embodiment, the composition comprises an activator. Preferably theactivator comprises formic acid. More preferably, the activator is present in the composition in an amount of greater than 0 to 15 weight percent, or greater than 0 to 14 weight percent, or greater than 0 to 12 weight percent, or greater than 0 to 10 weight percent, or 1 to 15 weight percent, or 1 to 12 weight percent, or 1 to 10 weight percent, or 2 to 10 weight percent, each based on the total weight of the composition.

[0025] In a specific embodiment, the composition comprises, based on the total weightof the composition, 10 to 90, or 30 to 80 weight percent, or 40 to 70 weight percent, or 45 to 65 weight percent methyl formate; and 10 to 90 weight percent, or 25 to 60 weight percent, or 25 to 50 weight percent, or 30 to 45 weight percent 1,3-dioxolane or 2-pyrrolidone; and 0 to 15 weight percent formic acid. The amounts of methyl formate, 2-pyrrolidone and 1,3-dioxolane sum to at least 85 weight percent, or at least 90 weight percent, or at least 92 weight percent, or at least 95 weight percent, or at least 97 weight percent, or at least 98 weight percent, or at least 99 weight percent.

[0026] The composition can be prepared by mixing the components, for example, byblending using a mechanical mixer in a tank or other similar vessel. When one or more additives are included, the one or more additives can generally be added at any suitable time during mixing of the components. For example, the one or more additives can be added slowly to the solvent components while mixing. Alternatively, the solvent components and any additives can be added and mixed simultaneously.

[0027] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of removing a coating fromUML 2025-001-02 (103440-056PCT) a surface. The method comprises contacting the above-described composition with a surface comprising a coating disposed on at least a portion of the surface, and separating at least a portion of the coating from the surface.

[0028] In some embodiments, the coating can comprise more than one coating layer (i.e.,the coating can be a multilayer coating), for example more than one to ten coating layers (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 coating layers). Each coating layer can be the same or different. In some embodiments, the coating (or coating layer(s) when more than one coating layer is present) can comprise epoxy, latex enamel paints, alkyd paints, oil-based paints, varnish, shellac, paint, lacquer, polyurethane, primers, basecoats, clearcoats, conformal coatings, 2 part epoxies, chemical agent resistant coatings (CARC), lead based paint, or a combination thereof. Other types of coatings not specifically mentioned herein may also be removed by the compositions of the present disclosure.

[0029] In some embodiments, the surface comprises wood, metal (e.g., aluminum,steel, and the like), ceramic, brick, stone, rubber, cement, concrete, glass, plastic, compositematerials, electronics components, printed circuit boards, or a combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the surface comprises wood. In some embodiments, the compositions canbe particularly useful for removing paints and coatings from furniture, bathtubs, automobiles,t rucks, motorcycles , boats, trains, airplanes, drones, helicopters, military vehicles,paint guns, cement / concrete , and the like.

[0030] Contacting the composition with a coated surface can be by, for example,dipping, spraying, brushing, dropping, rolling, daubing, or pouring the composition onto the coated surface.

[0031] In some embodiments, the contacting can be for a period of time effective toenable significant separation or removal of the coating from the surface, preferably without causing substantial damage to the surface. Contacting the compositions with a coating disposed on a surface can often be accompanied by changes to the coating including penetration, softening, swelling, flaking, cracking, chemical reacting, dissolution of the coating, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the contacting can be for a time of 5 to 40 minutes, or 8 to 35 minutes, or 10 to 25 minutes, or 15 to 25 minutes, sometimes referred to as the “dwell time”. In some embodiments, the contacting can be for a time of 5 minutes to 5 hours, or 5 minutes to 4 hours, or 5 minutes to 3 hours, or 5 minutes to 2.5 hours, or 5 minutes to 2 hours.

[0032] In some embodiments, separating the coating from the surface can be, forexample, by scraping, brushing, sanding, washing, pressurized spraying of gases or liquids, abrasive particles, and the like, or a combination thereof.UML 2025-001-02 (103440-056PCT)

[0033] In some embodiments, the contacting can be at ambient temperature. In someembodiments, for example when shorter contact times are desired, the composition, the coated substrate, or both can be heated, for example to a temperature of 20 to 200°C.

[0034] This disclosure is further illustrated by the following examples, which are non-limiting. EXAMPLES

[0035] Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings (CARC) coatings are used for variousmilitary combat vehicles and aviation applications. These coatings provide protection against corrosion, biological agents, radioactive agents, and chemical agents. Consequently, CARC coatings are very durable and challenging to remove with coating removal products.

[0036] Aluminum panels (alloy 6061) with hexavalent chromium conversion coatingapplied were used for the test panels. CARC green topcoats provided by NCP Coatings were used to meet MIL DTL 64159 Type II 383: “Polyurethane Chemical Agent Resistant Coating”. The primer coating provided by NCP Coatings was used to meet MIL-DTL-53022 TYPE IV “Primer, Epoxy Coating, Corrosion Inhibiting Lead and Chromate Free”. One primer layer and four topcoat layers were brush-applied to the aluminum substrate.

[0037] Rubber gaskets were glued onto the test panels to designate the individual testingareas. The rubber gaskets enabled the thickened and un-thickened coating removal solvent blends to remain in one area on the test panel without flowing to other areas of the test panel surface. The rubber gaskets used for the test panels had an inside diameter between 1-1 / 8 and 1- 1 / 4 inches and height between 1 / 8 and 3 / 16 inches.

[0038] For each test, the coating removal product was placed into the test area bypouring, scooping, or applying via pipet, depending upon the product viscosity. The test area was completely covered with coating removal product at a thickness approximately equivalent to the height of the rubber gasket. A lab watch glass was used to cover each test area to prevent the coating removal product from drying out during the long test duration. The test area was periodically investigated by removing the lab watch glass and scraping the test area with a plastic spatula. If no product was removed, then the test area was then covered with the lab watch glass and the test was resumed. If any coating material was removed, then the entire coating removal product and coating residue was removed and replaced with new coating removal product and covered again with the lab watch glass. This process was repeated until either: (1) 90% of the substrate was exposed, or (2) the lab was closed for the day and the test stopped. This occurred between 8 hours and 9 hours for each test.UML 2025-001-02 (103440-056PCT)

[0039] The removing compositions tested in the following Examples are provided inTable 1. Table 1

[0040] Table 2 shows the time required for the coatings to be removed such that 90% ormore of the substrate was exposed. The fastest acting coating removal products are listed at the top of the table, and the speed and effectiveness of coating removal decreased for every subsequent row. Table 2UML 2025-001-02 (103440-056PCT)

[0041] Additional examples were conducted to evaluate the performance of variouscoating removal products in removing different types of coatings. The coatings tested are shown in Table 3. Table 3

[0042] Table 4 shows the removal products tested in the following examples.UML 2025-001-02 (103440-056PCT) Table 4

[0043] Test panels were prepared with rubber gaskets affixed to the surface to createisolated test areas approximately 1-1 / 4 inches in diameter. This setup prevented the coating removal products from migrating across the panel surface. Each test area was filled with the coating removal product to a depth equal to the height of the gasket. Depending on the viscosity of the product, it was either poured or scooped into the test area.

[0044] For tests requiring dwell times longer than 15 minutes, a laboratory watch glasswas placed over the test area to prevent evaporation. All tests were conducted within a fume hood.

[0045] After the designated dwell time, the coating removal product and loosenedcoating residue were removed using a plastic spatula. The area was then scraped with a plastic scraper until no additional coating could be easily removed. The test area was inspected to determine the percentage of exposed substrate. If less than 90% of the substrate was exposed, the product was reapplied and the process repeated until 90% exposure was achieved. The cumulative dwell time was recorded.

[0046] For test panels coated with Coatings 1-3, the test area was visually inspected todetermine coating removal and substrate exposure. For Coating 4 coating tests, ultraviolet light was used to determine coating removal and substrate exposure. For the Coating 5 coating tests, a multimeter that measures electrical connectivity of the metal pads was used to determine coating removal and substrate exposure.

[0047] Table 5 summarizes the cumulative dwell times required to achieve 90%substrate exposure for each coating removal product across the different coating types. TimeUML 2025-001-02 (103440-056PCT) ranges indicate the interval during which the threshold was achieved. Table 5

[0048] These results demonstrate that while methylene chloride-based products such asComparative Remover 17 offer good performance in terms of dwell time, alternative products are capable of achieving comparable results, particularly for conformal coatings. Products requiring dwell times exceeding 8 hours are deemed impractical for operational use.

[0049] This disclosure further encompasses the following aspects.

[0050] Aspect 1: A composition comprising, based on the total weight of thecomposition: 1 to 99 weight percent of methyl formate; and 1 to 99 weight percent of a second solvent selected from acetone, acetonitrile, cyclopentanone, dimethyl carbonate, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,3-dioxolane, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, gamma butyrolactone, isopropyl alcohol, methyl acetate, methylal, methyl glyoxal, propionaldehyde, propionic acid, n-propyl alcohol, propylene carbonate, 2-pyrrolidone, tetrahydrofuran, thioacetic acid, thiophene, transdichloroethylene, water, or a combination thereof; wherein the amounts of methyl formate and the second solvent sum to at least 85 weight percent.

[0051] Aspect 2: The composition of aspect 1, comprising, based on the total weight ofthe composition: 1 to 90 weight percent methyl formate; and 10 to 99 weight percent 1,3- dioxolane or 2-pyrrolidone; wherein the amounts of methyl formate, 2-pyrrolidone, and 1,3- dioxolane sum to at least 85 weight percent.

[0052] Aspect 3: The composition of aspect 1 or 2, comprising, based on the totalweight of the composition: 30 to 80 weight percent methyl formate; and 20 to 70 weight percent 1,3-dioxolane; wherein the amounts of methyl formate and 1,3-dioxolane sum to at least 85 weight percent.

[0053] Aspect 4: The composition of aspect 1 or 2, comprising, based on the totalUML 2025-001-02 (103440-056PCT) weight of the composition: 30 to 80 weight percent methyl formate; and 20 to 70 weight percent 2-pyrrolidone; wherein the amounts of methyl formate and 2-pyrrolidone sum to at least 85 weight percent.

[0054] Aspect 5: The composition of any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the compositionis substantially free of methylene chloride.

[0055] Aspect 6: The composition of any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the compositionis substantially free of N-methylpyrrolidone.

[0056] Aspect 7: The composition of any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the compositionis substantially free of methanol.

[0057] Aspect 8: The composition of any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the compositionis substantially free of toluene.

[0058] Aspect 9: The composition of any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the compositionis substantially free of acetone.

[0059] Aspect 10: The composition of any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein thecomposition has a volatile organic compound content of less than 50%.

[0060] Aspect 11: The composition of aspect 1 or 2, comprising, based on the totalweight of the composition: 42 to 62 weight percent methyl formate; and 30 to 50 weight percent 1,3-dioxolane; wherein the amounts of methyl formate and 1,3-dioxolane sum to at least 85 weight percent.

[0061] Aspect 12: The composition of aspect 1 or 2, comprising, based on the totalweight of the composition: 42 to 62 weight percent methyl formate; and 30 to 50 weight percent 2-pyrrolidone; wherein the amounts of methyl formate and 2-pyrrolidone sum to at least 85 weight percent.

[0062] Aspect 13: The composition of any one of aspects 1 to 12, further comprising,based on the total weight of the composition, greater than 0 to 15 weight percent of an additive selected from the group consisting of thickeners, wetting agents, colorants, rinsing agents, evaporation inhibitors, activators, corrosion inhibitors, surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0063] Aspect 14: The composition of any of aspects 1 to 13, further comprising greaterthan 0 to 15 weight percent of formic acid, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0064] Aspect 15: A method of removing a coating from a surface, the methodcomprising, contacting a composition according to any one of aspects 1 to 14 with a surface comprising a coating disposed on at least a portion of the surface; and separating at least a portion of the coating from the surface.

[0065] Aspect 16: The method of aspect 15, wherein the coating comprises more thanUML 2025-001-02 (103440-056PCT) one coating layer, wherein each coating layer can be the same or different.

[0066] Aspect 17: The method of any one of aspects 15 to 16, wherein the coatingcomprises epoxy, latex enamel paints, alkyd paints, oil-based paints, varnish, shellac, paint, lacquer, polyurethane, primers, basecoats, clearcoats, conformal coatings, 2 part epoxies, chemical agent resistant coatings (CARC), lead based paint, or a combination thereof.

[0067] Aspect 18: The method of any one of aspects 15 to 17, wherein the surfacecomprises wood, metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, and the like), ceramic, brick, stone, rubber, cement, concrete, composite materials, glass, plastic, electronics components, printed circuit boards, or a combination thereof.

[0068] Aspect 19: The method of any one of aspects 15 to 18, wherein the contacting isfor a time of 5 minutes to 3 hours.

[0069] The compositions, methods, and articles can alternatively comprise, consist of, orconsist essentially of, any appropriate materials, steps, or components herein disclosed. The compositions, methods, and articles can additionally, or alternatively, be formulated so as to be devoid, or substantially free, of any materials (or species), steps, or components, that are otherwise not necessary to the achievement of the function or objectives of the compositions, methods, and articles.

[0070] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints areindependently combinable with each other. “Combinations” is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like. The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms “a” and “an” and “the” do not denote a limitation of quantity, and are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. “Or” means “and / or” unless clearly stated otherwise. Reference throughout the specification to “an aspect” means that a particular element described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. The term “combination thereof” as used herein includes one or more of the listed elements, and is open, allowing the presence of one or more like elements not named. In addition, it is to be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

[0071] Unless specified to the contrary herein, all test standards are the most recentstandard in effect as of the filing date of this application, or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standard appears.

[0072] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have theUML 2025-001-02 (103440-056PCT) same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which this application belongs. All cited patents, patent applications, and other references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, if a term in the present application contradicts or conflicts with a term in the incorporated reference, the term from the present application takes precedence over the conflicting term from the incorporated reference.

[0073] Compounds are described using standard nomenclature. For example, anyposition not substituted by any indicated group is understood to have its valency filled by a bond as indicated, or a hydrogen atom. A dashthat is not between two letters or symbols is used to indicate a point of attachment for a substituent. For example, -CHO is attached through carbon of the carbonyl group.

[0074] While particular embodiments have been described, alternatives, modifications,variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents that are or may be presently unforeseen may arise to applicants or others skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims as filed and as they may be amended are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents.

Claims

UML 2025-001-02 (103440-056PCT) CLAIMS1. A composition comprising, based on the total weight of the composition:1 to 99 weight percent of methyl formate; and 1 to 99 weight percent of a second solvent selected from acetone, acetonitrile, cyclopentanone, dimethyl carbonate, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,3-dioxolane, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, gamma butyrolactone, isopropyl alcohol, methyl acetate, methylal, methyl glyoxal, propionaldehyde, propionic acid, n-propyl alcohol, propylene carbonate, 2-pyrrolidone, tetrahydrofuran, thioacetic acid, thiophene, transdichloroethylene, water, or a combination thereof; wherein the amounts of methyl formate and the second solvent sum to at least 85 weight percent.

2. The composition of claim 1, comprising, based on the total weight of the composition:1 to 90 weight percent methyl formate; and 10 to 99 weight percent 1,3-dioxolane or 2-pyrrolidone; wherein the amounts of methyl formate, 2-pyrrolidone, and 1,3-dioxolane sum to at least 85 weight percent.

3. The composition of claim 1, comprising, based on the total weight of the composition:30 to 80 weight percent methyl formate; and 20 to 70 weight percent 1,3-dioxolane; wherein the amounts of methyl formate and 1,3-dioxolane sum to at least 85 weight percent.

4. The composition of claim 1, comprising, based on the total weight of the composition:30 to 80 weight percent methyl formate; and 20 to 70 weight percent 2-pyrrolidone; wherein the amounts of methyl formate and 2-pyrrolidone sum to at least 85 weight percent.

5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is substantially free of methylenechloride.UML 2025-001-02 (103440-056PCT)6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is substantially free of N-methylpyrrolidone.

7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is substantially free of methanol.

8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is substantially free of toluene.

9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is substantially free of acetone.

10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition has a volatile organic compoundcontent of less than 50%.

11. The composition of claim 1, comprising, based on the total weight of the composition:42 to 62 weight percent methyl formate; and 30 to 50 weight percent 1,3-dioxolane; wherein the amounts of methyl formate and 1,3-dioxolane sum to at least 85 weight percent.

12. The composition of claim 1, comprising, based on the total weight of the composition:42 to 62 weight percent methyl formate; and 30 to 50 weight percent 2-pyrrolidone; wherein the amounts of methyl formate and 2-pyrrolidone sum to at least 85 weight percent.

13. The composition of claim 1, further comprising, based on the total weight of thecomposition, greater than 0 to 15 weight percent of an additive selected from the group consisting of thickeners, wetting agents, colorants, rinsing agents, evaporation inhibitors, activators, corrosion inhibitors, surfactants, and combinations thereof.

14. The composition of claim 1, comprising greater than 0 to 15 weight percent of formicacid, based on the total weight of the composition.

15. A method of removing a coating from a surface, the method comprising,contacting a composition according to claim 1 with a surface comprising a coating disposed on at least a portion of the surface; and separating at least a portion of the coating from the surface.UML 2025-001-02 (103440-056PCT)16. The method of claim 15, wherein the coating comprises more than one coating layer,wherein each coating layer can be the same or different.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the coating comprises epoxy, latex enamel paints,alkyd paints, oil-based paints, varnish, shellac, paint, lacquer, polyurethane, primers, basecoats, clearcoats, conformal coatings, 2 part epoxies, chemical agent resistant coatings (CARC), lead based paint, or a combination thereof.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the surface comprises wood, metal (e.g., aluminum,steel, and the like), ceramic, brick, stone, cement, concrete, glass, plastic, rubber, composite materials, electronics components, printed circuit boards, or a combination thereof.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the contacting is for a time of 5 minutes to 3 hours.

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