GB2200871A

GB2200871A - Treating smooth surfaces

Info

Publication number: GB2200871A
Application number: GB08716561A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip Michael Zagni
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-02-13
Filing date: 1987-07-14
Publication date: 1988-08-17
Also published as: GB8716561D0

Abstract

Smooth surfaces, such as tiled floors and the enamelled surfaces of baths, are treated so as to reduce their slipperiness using an aqueous composition containing ammonium hydrogen bifluoride.

Description

METHOD AND COMPOSITION FOR TREATING SMOOTH SURFACES Field of the Invention This invention relates to a method and composition for treating smooth surfaces so as to render them less slippery.

Description of the Prior Art A number of proposals have been made for reducing the slipperiness of smooth surfaces such as tiled floors and enamel baths.

None, however, have proved wholly satisfactory and many accidents are caused by, for example, old ladies slipping when attempting to get out of the bath.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved method and composition for treating smooth surfaces so as to render them less slippery.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of treating a smooth surface which includes the application thereto of an aqueous solution of ammonium hydrogen bifluoride (NH4. HF.z The bifluoride solution may be applied to the smooth surface and then allowed to dry, application of the aqueous solution being effected by, for example, a mop, brush, squeegee or floor cleaning machine. When the surface to be cleaned is a tiled surface such as in, for example, a shopping area or a public lavatory, the concentration of the bifluoride in the aqueo\is"'sol'u"t'ion is preferably 6% by weight. A disinfectant and/or a deodorant can also be included in the composition.

When the surface to be treated is an enamelled surface, the concentration of the bifluoride is preferably 3% by weight.

The bifluoride solution has an etching action on the enamelled surface and the reduction in slipperiness which is thus obtained by treating the surface is effective for up to two years.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a composition for carrying out the method defined above, the composition comprising an aqueous solution of ammonium hydrogen bifluoride containing between 2 and 7%, for example 6%, by weight bifluoride.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments Example 1 An aqueous solution for use in treating enamel baths comprises:3% by weight ammonium hydrogen bifluoride (NH4. He2).

2% by weight pine oil (a disinfectant/deodorant).

2% by weight colorant.

This composition is applied to the bath surface using a brush, sponge or other applicator, the amount of solution which is employed being "such as to ensure that the whole of the bath surface is thoroughly wetted. The solution is then allowed to dry out. This normally takes 15 to 20 minutes though, if required, evaporation can be accelerated by blowing a stream of hot air over the surface of the bath. The bifluoride solution has an etching action on the enamel surface which thus becomes microscopically pitted. This increases the coefficient of sliding friction of the bath surface by about 80%. The risk of old ladies slipping when attempting to get into or out of the bath is thus considerably reduced. The effectiveness of the treatment operation is such that a perceptible increase in grip is noticed by a user of the bath.The treatment operation is also such that this increase in frictional resistance is maintained for up to two years after which it is desirable that a further treatment operation on the bath should be carried out.

Example 2 An aqueous solution for use in treating tiled surfaces comprises:6% by weight ammonium hydrogen bifluoride, 2% by weight of pine oil, and 2% by weight of coloring.

This liquid is applied to tiled surfaces, for example ceramic tiles, marble tiles, or similar tiles used in shopping areas, bathroom floors and public toilets. The solution is applied liberally to the surfaces to be treated using a mop, brush, sponge or floor cleaning machine. The material is then left to sit on the surface until it dries out, during which time the bifluoride solution effects an etching action on the tiled surface so as to reduce the degree of slipperiness thereof.

The length of time between successive treatment operations depends on the nature and extent of use of the tiled surface.

For a domestic bathroom, treatment should be effected approximately every six months whereas for a public toilet treatment should be effected every three months. For a shopping area with a high volume of pedestrian traffic, treatment should be effected once a month.

The preferred concentration for treating enamelled surfaces is 3% by weight and the preferred concentration for treating tiled surfaces is 6% by weight.. The concentration of bifluoride can, however, be varied depending on the particular conditions of usage between about 2% by weight and about 7% by weight.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of treating a smooth surface which includes the application thereto of an aqueous solution of ammonium hydrogen bifluoride (NH His ).

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the bifluoride solution is applied to the smooth surface and is then allowed to dry.

3. A method according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the bifluoride solution is a 6% by weight solution.

4. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the concentration of bifluoride in the aqueous solution is between 2 and 7% by weight.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the surface is an enamelled surface and the concentration of bifluoride is 3% by weight.

6. A method according to claim 3, wherein the surface is a tiled surface.

7. A composition for carrying out the method of claim 1, comprising an aqueous solution of ammonium hydrogen bifluoride containing between 2 and 7% by weight b-ifluoride.

8. A composition for carrying out the method of claim 2, comprising a 6% by weight acqueous solution of ammonium hydrogen bifluoride.

9. A composition according to claim 7 or claim 8, additionally containing a disinfectant and/or deodorant.

10. A method of treating the surface of an enamelled bath which comprises the application thereto of an aqueous solution of ammonium hydrogen bifluoride (NHJ HF2) substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Example 1.

11. A method of treating a tiled surface which comprises the application thereto of an aqueous solution of ammonium hydrogen bifluoride (NH4.HF2) substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Example 2.