The ultimate in paint protection systems

Nixon January 14, 1992

Abstract

A liquid composition for protecting a positively charged surface, the composition comprising: negatively charged polytetrafluoroethylene (ptfe) polymer resin particles and at least one member of the group consisting of methyltrimethoxysilane and an amino functional polysiloxane; whereby the negatively charged polytetrafluoroethylene molecules fuse to the surface upon exposure to ambient temperatures above about 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Inventors: Nixon; Charles R.
Appl. No.: 311150
Filed: February 14, 1989

References Cited [Referenced By]

U.S. Patent Documents

Other References

Dow Corning, "A Guide to Dow Corning.RTM. Silicones for Polish Formulators", Form No. 22-637A-79, 1979.
Dow Corning, "Information About Polish Ingredients", Form No. 22-240A-78, 1978.
Dow Corning, Material Safety Data Sheet for "Dow Corning.RTM. 531 Fluid", May 15, 1987.
Dow Corning, Material Safety Data Sheet for "Dow Corning.RTM. 536 Fluid", Mar. 26, 1990.

Primary Examiner: Lawrence; Evan
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Volpe & Koenig

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to sealants for metal or painted surfaces, including the gel coat on fiberglass, to protect the surfaces from corrosion and other damaging environmental effects. The present invention is particularly useful as a paint sealant for automobiles, airplanes or boats. Unprotected painted surfaces and unpainted metal surfaces are damaged by exposure to the environment by the action of ultra-violet and infra-red rays of the sun, acid rain, salt, insects and other harmful elements.

In the Past: There have been numerous products developed for protecting painted surfaces, such as waxes, activated silicone polyethylene polymers and, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,284,668, tetrafluoroethylene polymers. In that process a paint sealant composition in the form of a tetrafluoroethylene monomer and an abrasive compound are applied to the painted surface. The surface is then buffed so that the buffing action in conjunction with the abrasive compound produces sufficient heat to polymerize the tetrafluoroethylene monomer, thereby creating a protective layer of polymer over the painted surface.

It has been found in practice that the utilization of the abrasive and buffing action requires substantial skill by the applicator, and that improper application of the composition results in damage to the paint or removal of the paint from the surface. Furthermore, a three-step process is involved, namely cleaning the surface, applying the tetrafluoroethylene monomer, and eventually applying a protective coating.

In the Present: SUMMARY OF OUR INVENTION U.S. Pat. No. 5,081,171

The present invention (PPS) is directed towards novel protective compositions and a method of applying same to a painted surface, including gel coats of fiberglass surfaces, or unpainted metal surface. The protective composition comprises negatively charged polytetrafluoroethylene (hereinafter "PTFE") polymer resin particles, preferably in an aqueous dispersion in the form of a hydrophobic colloid with resin particles of about 0.05 to about 0.5 microns or larger in size.

Before application of the protective composition, the painted or metal surface is positively charged, preferably with a novel cleaning composition which removes any trapped sediments and insolvents from the pores in the paint or metal surface and which leaves the surface positively charged by virtue of using a cationic surfactant containing electropositive ions. (Step 1)

The molecules of PTFE resin, which are negatively charged, i.e. containing negative ions, are pulled down into the pores in the surface of the paint or metal in view of the electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged molecules and the positively charged surface. As the treated surface is allowed to cure in a warm environment, the PTFE resin molecules elongate, causing them to physically interlock themselves to each other and fuse into the paint or metal surface. (Step 2)

The PTFE is inert to most harmful elements except halogen fluorene. In particular the action of ultra-violet and infra-red rays, photolysis, acidic and alkaline chemicals are resisted by the PTFE protective coating. The present invention therefore provides durability and resistance to the damaging effect of environmental elements, in combination with a very simple method of application.

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