DE9011506U1 - Agent for cleaning and regenerating soiled surfaces and fibre structures - Google Patents

Description

e 2 · D-8000 Munich 80

Bernd Neumann, Master Painter GmbH
Crusiusstrasse 14
1000 Berlin-19

Agent for cleaning and regenerating contaminated
Surface and fibre structures

The invention relates to a means for cleaning and regenerating soiled surface and fiber structures and the like, in particular a means for cleaning surfaces that are superficially soiled and smeared with paints, varnishes and impregnations, which consist, for example, of ceramic, glass, metal, wood, rubber, stone, plastic, leather, suede, artificial leather and others and can have a varnish, glazing or other surface finish. The latter is not attacked according to the invention.

A bad habit that has become increasingly widespread in recent times is the smearing and painting of house walls, doors, cars, monuments, sculptures, fountain surrounds, glass walls, floor tiles, street coverings, floor coverings such as carpets, etc. with more or less tin-producing signs, pictures, symbols and the like. As far as these

When depictions are of artistic content, they are generally referred to as graffiti. Unfortunately, such depictions do not always find the right place and surface. In large cities in particular, the authors like to look for opportunities on the exterior paintwork of trains, suburban trains, telephone booths, mailboxes, tiles, and also on interior surfaces. Wood panels, plastic panels, window panes and the stone and concrete side walls of tunnels, etc. Bridges are also often affected objects. The use of spray paints and spray varnishes also affects uneven surfaces. Particularly decorative reliefs and sculptures made of granite and marble are popular targets. Because of the good quality of the paints and varnishes and the possibility of repeated applications, removing such smears is often associated with considerable problems. Today it is generally still very expensive and time-consuming.

Attempts have already been made to remove unwanted dirt and graffiti using chemical agents such as trichloroethylene (Tri), turpentine, paint strippers, nitro thinners, ammonia strippers and other technical paint and varnish removers. Unfortunately, these agents usually attack the surface layer of the surfaces to be preserved, create dull and matte surfaces and can, under certain circumstances, even destroy the entire surface of an exterior paint job.

When there is dirt on stone such as marble, granite or sandstone, it is sometimes cleaned mechanically, e.g. by wet sandblasting. Unfortunately, this also leads to damage to the surface and also creates a mist of particles which can pose an acute risk to the people working on it because they can enter the lungs.

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Paint and varnish smears are particularly problematic when they have been produced with nitro lacquers or bronze colours (silver or gold bronze). A similar problem arises with paint and varnish

£ Paint stains on textile surfaces such as mats, tiles,

• Carpets, rugs, but also on clothing.

g The invention is based on the object of providing a Mifitel

P , which can be used to clean contaminated surfaces such as the ones

r-~.- can be cleaned effectively ^and quickly, even when thick layers are present, without damaging the surface. The agent should be completely or largely biodegradable and even small quantities should be sufficient to completely remove contamination, so that only small residues are left which can be easily disposed of. If waste water (washing water) is produced, it should also be possible to dispose of it using simple means.

For this purpose, the invention proposes the means according to claim 1 with preferred embodiments according to claims 2 to 20.

w surprisingly it was found that a combination of
Fatty acids, oils and hydrocarbon-based solvents,
if necessary together with fine grinding agents and with the addition of ionic or non-ionic dispersants, excellent for removing smears on the above-described
or other substrates, whereby these contaminants are gently removed and the surface is regenerated in such a way that it looks like new and polished when
smooth surfaces are affected, rough surfaces are
cleaned and regenerated just as thoroughly, without the
Parts of the substrate may be torn out or removed.

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The fatty acid component is generally a fatty acid with 2 to about 22 carbon atoms and preferably comprises the group of lower aliphatic fatty acids with 2 to 6 carbon atoms, in particular acetic acid, propionic acid as monocarboxylic acids, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid and adipic acid as dicarboxylic acids and citric acid as tricarboxylic acids, and the group of higher fatty acids with about 12 to 18 carbon atoms, such as myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid and others. The fatty acid component preferably has at least two different fatty acids, one of these fatty acids being selected from one of the above-mentioned groups. A particularly proven pair is acetic acid and stearic acid, as well as citric acid and palmitic acid. Combinations with oleic acid are also advantageous. The fatty acid component can be present entirely or partially as a soap, especially when the agent is alkaline. This means that the fatty acid component simultaneously or additionally performs the function of a wetting and emulsifying agent. The soap content - based on the total amount of the fatty acid component - is advantageously in the range of about 10 - 30 wt.%. The alkali metals, ammonium and ammonium ions can be considered as soap cations .

The oil component of the agent according to the invention is generally formed by natural and/or synthetic ester oils, although other oils such as hydrocarbon oils can also be used. Preferred ester oils are, for example, the alkyl esters of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids such as diethyl oxalate, dimethyl malonate, dihexyl adipate, and natural vegetable oils such as linseed oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil. Smaller amounts of essential oils simultaneously give the agent a deliberately desired scent. The oil component content is determined by the oil/fatty acid component molar ratio, which is preferably in the range of about 0.2:1 to 2:1 and best in the range of about 0.2:1 to 2:1.

reih is from about &ogr;,75:1 to 1.25:1. An approximate 1:1 molar ratio has additional advantages.

The third essential component of the agent according to the invention is a hydrocarbon-based solvent. It can be a single substance, but solvent mixtures are preferred. Suitable hydrocarbons are aliphatic hydrocarbons, with particular preference being given to gasolines (C6 to C10 hydrocarbons), white spirit, petroleum ether, cyclohexane, decalin, methylcyclohexane, methylcyclohexane and terpene hydrocarbons. Aromatic hydrocarbons are less desirable. The proportion of hydrocarbon solvent is determined by considerations such as the viscosity of the agent to be handled, the current application concentration, non-flammability, dissolving power and the like. Just 20-40 % (weight) of the composition consisting of components (a), (b) and (c) is sufficient to impart the properties to the agent. Solvents based on white spirit have proven particularly effective. Instead of the terpene hydrocarbons, turpentine oil substitute is expediently compounded.

In the agent concentrates of the invention, the proportion of hydrocarbons is usually less than 25%, preferably less than 15% by weight, but the agents can generally be diluted in water and give homogeneous mixtures, usually with a milky consistency, which can be diluted with water as desired without showing instability or settling behavior when standing. The pH of the agent consisting of the three essential components can be slightly alkaline (pH 7.5-9.o), neutral or slightly acidic (pH 4.5 to 6.o). The acidic pH is conveniently adjusted using an organic acid such as acetic acid. When making the agent alkaline, the usual alkalizing agents such as sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium or potassium bicarbonate, ammonia or alkaline ammonium compounds can be added; ammonium compounds are preferred.

Preferably, the cleaning agent according to the invention additionally contains a grease-dissolving compound such as dipentene or low-boiling halogenated hydrocarbons, e.g. trichloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride, perchloroethylene, methylene chloride. However, fluorochlorocarbon liquids should be avoided. In the case of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons, it has surprisingly been shown that their amount within the composition according to the invention can be very small and yet a rapid cleaning effect can occur. Apparently, the interaction of the grease-dissolving component (hereinafter also referred to as oleophile) with the oil component and fatty acid component leads to synergies with regard to the cleaning effect on applied paint and varnish stains. The weight ratio of oleophile to oil component can therefore be relatively low and is preferably about 5:1 to 0.5:1, preferably about 2:1 to 0.8:1. Preferred oleophiles are dipentene and methylene chloride. The weight ratio of oleophile to fatty acid component is preferably about 0.8:1 to 10:1, with the narrower range of about 1:1 to 2.5:1 being preferred. The proportion of oil in the total amount of the organic liquid is generally less than 35% by weight, preferably less than 20% by weight. Amounts in the range of about 5-12% by weight of the total amount of the organic phase are completely sufficient.

It is advantageous if the solvent portion of the cleaning agent according to the invention additionally contains an alcoholic cosolvent component. These preferably include the lower alkanols with 2 to 4 carbon atoms such as ethanol and propanol, the diols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, tetramethylene glycol and higher polyalkylene glycols (provided they exist in pure form as liquids at 25°C) and polyols such as glycerine. The cosolvent simultaneously acts as a solubilizer with respect to the water phase and the components dissolved therein and stabilizes the mixture of substances which are not miscible with one another. In general, the alcohol-based cosolvent is contained in a proportion of up to 50% of the hydrocarbon component.

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The finished cleaning mixture preferably also contains an extender from the group of polysaccharides, which exhibits pronounced hydrophilicity. Starch and cellulose derivatives are suitable for this, but also alginates. The preferred weight ratio of polysaccharide to alcoholic cosolvent is about 0.1:1 to 0.75:1 and the weight ratio of polysaccharide to fatty acid component is preferably about 0.1:1 to 1.5:1. Pregelatinized starch and methylcellulose are particularly preferred.

To ensure good dispersibility and homogenizability, the agent according to the invention usually contains one or more surfactants, which by definition include dispersants and emulsifiers. These can be anionic surfactants such as soaps and alkylbenzenesulfonates (e.g. dodecylbenzenesulfonate, alkylnaphthalenesulfonate) or alkanesulfonates, or they can be made up of cationic surfactants such as benzalkonium chloride, ammonium salts such as trimethylethylammonium chloride, amine salts and pyridinium salts. Nonionic surfactants such as alkylphenyl polyglycols are also possible. Ionenes are preferred. The rosin derivatives from the series (e.g. sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan monooleate) also offer advantages in certain situations. The amount of surfactant is usually 0.1 to 20% and preferably 1 to 5% of the composition of the cleaning agent concentrate (i.e. before dilution with water). Calcium-active or anion-active polymers can also be used.

The agent according to the invention also expediently contains an abrasive in the form of finely dispersed abrasive particles, preferably with an average particle diameter of about 0.5 to 500 .um. Suitable abrasives are sand, kaolin, clay, magnesia, diatomaceous earth, calcareous tufa, pumice, quartz, gypsum and the like. The presence of the abrasive supports the simultaneous cleaning and regeneration of the substrate surfaces. Additives of waxes and/or silicone oils have

also have a regeneration-supporting effect as they have a hydrophobic effect.

The agent usually contains other additives which are conventional in themselves, such as protective colloids (eg polyvinyl alcohol), colorants, fragrances, preservatives, stabilizers, skin protection agents, matting agents such as TiO ₂ and antioxidants. The incorporation of these is familiar to the person skilled in the art.

_^ When preparing the agent, you can start from a total mixture. Since some of the individual components are not miscible with each other, it is recommended to first compound the oil-soluble components to form an oil phase and then mix them with the aqueous phase in which the water-soluble or hydrophilic substances and the surfactant(s) are mixed together, and stir to create a homogeneous mixture. It is advisable to also incorporate surfactant(s) into the oil phase. The finished cleaning agent concentrate usually contains less than 50% by weight and preferably less than 20% by weight of water, but can be diluted as required with water or water-containing systems such as soapy water.

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It is not necessary to prepare the entire composition into a single mixture before application. In many cases, the process can be carried out in two steps, whereby a solution (Mr. 1) composed of components (a), (b) and (β) is first prepared and applied to soak and dissolve the paint coating. After a short exposure time, a mixture is then applied which is tailored to the problem in accordance with the final composition, i.e. in addition to the three-way combination of U), (b) and (O), it also contains the other additional components if necessary.

The procedure to be used to clean dirty substrate surfaces does not require any particularly harsh measures, since the dissolving and dispersing power of the agent according to the invention is extremely high. A gentle application with a cloth or brush is sufficient; after the agent has been allowed to act for a while, the application and the detached paint are wiped off with a cloth or sponge. Alternatively, it can also be washed off with water or soapy water. An advantage of the method according to the invention is that only a very small amount of liquid and agent needs to be used.

_, and therefore the residue remains limited to small quantities.

- The residue, which is picked up with a cloth or sponge, can be dipped in water and washed out. It is noticeable that this washing water remains practically without settling and can therefore be transported relatively easily. In the case of uneven and heavily profiled surfaces or surfaces with relief shapes, it is best to rub it in lightly with a brush or brush in order to reach the recesses and then wash it off with water; the washing water must be disposed of.

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Example

A Daimler truck that was heavily smeared with various spray paints and partly with silver bronze on the plastic coating and on the glass panes was wetted on the soiled areas with a first solution (solution 1) and then with a second solution (solution 2). After a certain amount of time for the solvent to take effect, the truck transporter that had been prepared in this way went through a car wash under the usual conditions. After leaving the car wash, the truck was completely cleaned. The outside surfaces were clean and the locomotive bodywork showed a saving effect.

Solution 1 was an aqueous suspension with a fatty acid component, an oil component and a finely dispersed abrasive as well as a small proportion (less than 5%) of an oleophilic solvent. The mixture formed a thin, milky emulsion due to a cationic surfactant and was excellent at wetting the dry paint residues on the car parts. In addition to water, solution 1 also contained hydrocarbon solvents, both aliphatic hydrocarbons such as mineral spirits and cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons based on terpenes. Methylene chloride was included as an oleophilic solvent.

Solution 2 consisted of a cellulose derivative dissolved in a mixture of ethanol, water, acetic acid and methylene chloride in such a ratio that the proportion of the cellulose derivative was about 1-2% (by weight) and the proportion of the oleophilic solvent was about 5 to 20% of the cellulose index. Solution 2 also contained a proportion of solution 1 (ratio of about 1:1). Solution I was made alkaline. Solution 2 reacted slightly acidic (pH 5-6).

Claims (1)

N 949 AU Protection claims 1. Agent for cleaning and regenerating soiled surface and fiber structures with an aqueous composition of v;l;. (a.) at least one fatty acid component (b) at least one oil component, preferably plant-based, (c) at least one hydrocarbon-based solvent and (d) optionally a finely dispersed abrasive
and, if necessary, additives for pH regulation, deodorization, preservation and/or dispersing and emulsifying aids. 2. Agent according to claim 1, characterized in that it also contains a low-boiling halogenated hydrocarbon in a minor amount. 3. Agent according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it contains a polysaccharide derivative as a further component. 4. Agent according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that an alcoholic component from the group of monoalcohols, glycols and fluffy polyols with 2 to about 20 carbon atoms is additionally contained. 5. Agent according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized &mdash; 2 ~ aliphatic* contains monocarboxylic acid and/or dicarboxylic acid. 6. Agent according to claim 5, characterized in that the fatty acid is selected from the group: acetic acid, propionic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid and citric acid. J. uia u, uauun.ii characterized in that the fatty acid component contains at least two different fatty acids, one of these fatty acids being a lower aliphatic carboxylic acid having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and the other being selected from the group of higher fatty acids having about 12 to 20 carbon atoms. 8. Agent according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the oil component is selected from the group of vegetable oils and ester oils. 9. Agent according to claim 8, characterized in that al a Kll/nmnnnanKe t.ei nHI SaIoäI nriav Rana/ti ent-.halhen 1 at. 10. Agent according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a mixture of medium-boiling hydrocarbons and terpene hydrocarbons is contained as solvent. 11. Agent according to one of claims 1 to 1o, characterized in that the abrasive particles used are powder particles of aluminum oxide, pumice, diatomaceous earth, sand, quartz, clay or gypsum, preferably with a particle size in the range of 0.5 up to 5oo _/ um are included. ; 12. Agent according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it contains an alkalizing agent. 13· Agent according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it contains an anionic dispersant. 14. Agent according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a cationic dispersant is included. 15. Agent according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it contains ethanol as alcoholic component. 16. Agent according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it contains a polysaccharide derivative from the group consisting of starch and cellulose derivatives. 17. Agent according to claim 16, characterized in that methylcellulose is contained as cellulose derivative. 18. Agent according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the molar ratio of oil component to fatty acid component is set to a range of about 0.2:1 to 2:1 and preferably to a range of 0.75:1 to 1.25:1. 19. Agent according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the weight ratio of the oil component to the oleophilic liquid such as the low-boiling halogenated hydrocarbon is set to a range of about 0.2:1 to 1:1 and the weight ratio of the fatty acid component to the oleophilic liquid such as the low-boiling halogenated hydrocarbon is set to a range of about 0.1:1 to 1.25:1. 20. Agent according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that it has a polysaccharide content which corresponds to a weight ratio of polysaccharide/alcoholic component of about 0.1:1 to 0.75:1, and it preferably has a weight ratio of polysaccharide/fatty acid component in the range of about 0.1:1 to 1.5:1. ■ II