KR20110138214A - Compositions and methods for restoring plastic covers and lenses - Google Patents

Abstract

Plastic restoration kits and methods that effectively add light transmission and optical transparency to plastic light covers or other plastic surfaces, such as automotive glass or corrective optical lenses. The kits and methods restore plastic surfaces damaged by scratches and / or UV induced oxidation. The kits and methods utilize a UV protective coating layer that forms a polishing and varnish composition with particles selected to polish and polish the plastic surface and a rigid UV protective coating layer. The polishing and / or gloss composition comprises agglomerated abrasive particles dispersed in a liquid or gel carrier, which are agglomerated abrasive particles that gradually become smaller in size when exposed to oxygen and mechanical pressure during the polishing or gloss process.

Description

Composition and restoration method for plastic cover and lens restoration {COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR RESTORING PLASTIC COVERS AND LENSES}

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for removing scratches and oxidative damage of plastic covers and lenses. In particular, the present invention is directed to restoring transparency and luster to plastic headlight covers, optical lenses, and other plastic surfaces and to prevent future damage due to scratches and oxidation.

Plastic materials have been widely replacing glass as optically transparent covers for automotive headlights. A typical plastic headlight cover consists of a molded polycarbonate plastic formed into aerodynamic shape that fits the profile of the front of the vehicle.

Plastics are superior to glass in many ways. Plastics are similar in transparency but lighter than glass, more flexible and can absorb smaller impacts and are less shattered to larger impacts. In addition, plastics can be easily molded into a variety of aerodynamic shapes that are more suitable for modern automotive designs.

However, plastics have a number of disadvantages. For example, it is susceptible to scratches and UV-induced oxidative damage. And plastic headlight covers are typically well coated with a coating layer to protect against scratches and UV damage, but such coatings do not provide 100% protection over time. Road particles and other hard, coarse materials, for example, can penetrate the protective coating layer and cause scratches to degrade the optical cleavage of the plastic. In addition to physically degrading the optical properties of the cover, scratches create numerous other paths that can damage plastics. For example, scratches that penetrate the protective coating layer (scratches from cleaning and cleaning surfaces) allow chemicals from the exhaust gases and acid rain to access the plastic substrate.

Scratch through the UV coating layer also allows UV radiation and / or oxygen to access the plastic substrate, causing oxidative damage to the plastic. In addition, the heat of the cover caused by the high intensity headlights expands and contracts the scratches, allowing more UV radiation and / or oxygen to access the plastic substrate. Over time, if this process is left unchecked, the plastic headlight cover can become nearly opaque, reducing lumen or light output. This naturally causes safety issues due to reduced headlight strength and effectiveness.

Replacing headlight covers that are very damaged due to scratches and / or oxidation may be one alternative for vehicle owners. However, replacing plastic covers is costly for many consumers. For example, the typical cost of replacing a headlight cover can cost £ 200 to £ 500 per headlight, in addition to installation costs.

Products for the purpose of restoring the plastic headlight cover can be used. However, most of these products use coarse cleaners or processes, cheap waxes, and other metal polishes for other purposes. These products can be very harmful for soft plastic lenses. Whatever the benefit from these products, they are often short-lived, as if an uncoated lens is quickly damaged when exposed to environmental forces.

One example of a product that has been used to remove scratches from plastic is the so-called Micro-Mesh ^™ . The other is Permatex with sandpaper. Micro-Mesh ^™ systems use a series of rubber-backed sanding cloths with different sized grit to remove scratches from plastic. The first step uses a sanding cloth having 2,400 gauge grit. The next step is to use a sanding cloth that has been upgraded to finer steps up to 12,000 gauge grit. In addition to using a rubber sanding block, a small amount of antistatic cream is applied after polishing is completed.

However, Micro-Mesh ^TM The system has many disadvantages. Micro-Mesh ^TM One of the drawbacks of using the system is that a large amount of plastic is washed away with sand to remove even small scratches. In other words, it is necessary to remove sufficient plastic surface to at least equalize the scratch depth. In addition, a fairly large area of plastic must be removed so as not to cause optical warping of the plastic in the peripheral area where scratches are removed. In order to avoid optical distortions, the user requires a high level of skill and patience, which requires a lot of training. In addition, repeated scratch removal using this system will greatly reduce the thickness of the plastic and destroy the desired protective properties. Micro-Mesh ^TM Another disadvantage of the sanding system is that it takes a lot of time to do each series of sanding for each type of grit. Another disadvantage of the Micro-Mesh ^™ sanding system is that intensive sanding removes the protective UV coating layer from the plastic with scratches.

Another product is to use varnishes such as acrylic spar varnish to fill the plastic headlight cover and cover the scratches. These products are easy to use and fast, but are not ultimately plastic restorations. Varnish coatings only cover scratches and oxidation and do not repair the damage the plastic is experiencing. Varnishes and paints generally do not adhere well to plastic and varnishes tend to fall off in a short period of time. In addition, if the refractive index of the varnish coating layer is not similar to that of the plastic underneath, each filled in scratch will act as a microlens to scatter light from the headlights. The headlights will look better after varnish coating, but in fact the varnish will not restore the optical properties of the cover.

The present invention includes novel compositions and methods for restoring transparency and light transmission of plastic surfaces damaged by scratch and UV induced oxidation. It has been found that defects or scratches on the plastic surface can be removed when applying the plastic surface regeneration composition described herein. The composition may comprise, for example, one or more polishing compositions for removing scratches and oxidation from the plastic surface, one or more lustering compositions for softening the polished plastic surface and restoring light, and restoring UV protection to the plastic. It may include one or more compositions for. Restoration of the plastic surface according to the invention provides long lasting transparency, light transmission and UV protective finish.

The polishing composition may range from about 50 microns to about 400 microns, preferably from about 60 microns to about 300 microns, more preferably from about 70 microns to about 200 microns, most preferably from about 75 microns to about 150 microns. An abrasive material having an initial grit size. Medium grit polishing compositions preferably have an initial grit size of about 50-100 microns, preferably 60-90 microns, and heavy grit polishing compositions preferably 80-200 microns, Preferably it has an initial grit size in the range of 100-150 microns. The abrasive material is dispersed in a carrier suitable for use in preparing the polishing composition. According to one embodiment, the abrasive material in the polishing composition, when exposed to mechanical pressure and oxygen during the polishing process, has a smaller size particle (eg about 10-50 microns, preferably 15-45 microns, more preferably 20-40 microns, most preferably 25-35 microns). Prior to use, the polishing composition is advantageously prepared and stored in a substantially oxygen free (eg inert nitrogen) environment.

The gloss composition comprises an abrasive material having an initial grit size of about 10 microns to about 60 microns, preferably 15 microns to about 50 microns, more preferably 20 microns to 45 microns, and most preferably 25 microns to 40 microns. . The light abrasive gloss composition has an initial grit size in the range of about 20 to 60 microns, preferably about 25 to 55 microns. The finish gloss composition has an initial grit size of about 10-50 microns, preferably 15-40 microns. The abrasive material is dispersed in a carrier suitable for use in preparing the fine polishing composition. According to one embodiment, the abrasive material has a smaller size particle (eg, about 1-20 microns, preferably about 2-15 microns, more preferably 2.5, when exposed to mechanical pressure and oxygen during the gloss restoration process). 10 microns, most preferably about 3-8 microns). Prior to use, the gloss composition is advantageously prepared and stored in a substantially oxygen free (eg inert nitrogen) environment.

The abrasive materials of the polishing and polishing compositions are dispersed in suitable liquid or gel carriers for the production of polishing materials known in the art. For example, the carrier includes water and / or solvents such as organic solvents, thickeners, emulsifiers, colorants and the like.

In one embodiment, the abrasive particles in the polishing and / or gloss composition have an initial particle size when stored in a substantially anoxic environment but gradually decrease in fine particle size when exposed to oxygen and mechanical pressure during the polishing and / or polishing process. It is in the form of agglomerates that gradually break down into smaller particles. The aggregates break up into smaller particles having a fine particle size of less than about 75% of the initial particle size. Preferably, the aggregate is broken up into particles having a fine particle size of about 50% of the initial particle size, preferably about 33% of the initial particle size and most preferably 20% of the initial particle size.

The UV protective composition comprises a UV protective material dispersed in a carrier, wherein the carrier effectively anneals or melts the UV protective composition to the plastic surface when the composition is applied to the plastic surface by buffing. Solvents to make them suitable. The result is a UV protective coating layer cured on the plastic surface that is optically transparent and smooth. The UV protective coating layer may optionally include a polymerizable material to help bond the coating layer to the plastic surface produced. It is contemplated that the polishing and gloss composition may assist in manufacturing the plastic surface to accommodate the UV protective coating layer and form a stronger bond with the UV protective coating layer.

The polishing and gloss compositions of the present invention can be applied in the same way as conventional polishing compositions, but the results are much better than conventional compositions. Apparatus for applying the polishing and gloss composition of the present invention can be, for example, rotary, orbital, cordless drill, or vibration polishing machines, or glass fiber impregnated open cell polyurethane buffing pads. hand-held buffing or polishing machines such as polyurethane buffing pads. For lighter scratches it is advantageous to apply the composition by hand using an open cell polyurethane buffing pad or soft cotton cloth. The compositions of the present invention are compatible with existing polishing systems currently in use but result in better and lasting lifetime.

Nearly most buffing cloths, including the aforementioned open-cell polyurethane materials or cotton pads, are cooperative with the compositions of the present invention. Fleece wool, linen, stiff polyurethane, glass wool, and most other natural and synthetic materials work well. The buffing pad or cloth must be durable enough to withstand the mechanical forces of the buffing process and, depending on its strength, is difficult to work with and the construction material must not be hard enough to scratch or heat the plastic surface to burn or melt. There is this.

According to one embodiment, the present invention includes a kit for restoring light transmission and transparency to scratched and / or oxidized plastic surfaces. The kit comprises at least one polishing composition for removing scratches, oxidative damage and damaged UV protective coating layers from the plastic surface; At least one gloss composition that restores gloss and optical transparency to a subsequent plastic surface after use of the polishing composition; And at least one UV protective composition applied to the plastic surface subsequent to use of the gloss composition. The kit may comprise one or more cleaning cloths and / or compositions, and polishing or buffing pads or cloths (eg, meshes impregnated with glass fibers) used to remove residues of the polishing and varnish compositions prior to application of the UV protective composition. Other buffing pads composed of open cell polyurethane).

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method of restoring light transmission and transparency to scratched and / or oxidized plastic surfaces. The method is designed to enable a professional to restore any plastic surface, including, but not limited to, plastic headlight covers, other automotive plastic light covers, plastic sunglasses lenses, and plastic correction eyeglass lenses.

The method of one embodiment according to the present invention comprises the steps of: (1) applying an abrasive composition to a buffing pad or cloth to polish and remove scratches and oxidative damage from the plastic surface using the polishing composition and a buffing pad or cloth, (2 ) Applying a gloss composition to the same or different buffing pads or cloths and restoring gloss and optical transparency to the headlights using the gloss composition and the buffing pads or cloths, (3) removing residues of the polishing and glossing compositions Cleaning the plastic surface, and (4) applying the UV protective composition to the plastic surface. In one embodiment, the opening-cell polyurethane buffing pad is impregnated with glass fibers.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention will be understood by the embodiments of the invention which become more fully apparent or will be described later in accordance with the following description and the appended claims.

 Restoration of the plastic surface according to the invention provides long lasting transparency, light transmission and UV protective finish.

The compositions and methods according to the invention can easily restore transparency and light transmission to plastic surfaces without the loss of large amounts of plastic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS To make the above and other advantages and features of the present invention clearer, more detailed description of the present invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. These drawings are only illustrative of exemplary embodiments of the invention and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. The invention will be further described in detail and in detail using the following figures:
1 shows a profilometric scan of a plastic headlight cover showing intact but scratched areas, areas restored according to the present invention; And
2 is a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to compositions and methods configured to restore transparency and light transmission to a plastic headlight cover. In particular, the present invention includes novel compositions and methods for restoring transparency and light transmission of surfaces damaged by scratch and UV induced oxidation. It has been found that bonding or scratching of the plastic surface can be removed by applying the plastic restorative composition described herein. Such compositions include, for example, compositions for removing scratches and oxidation of plastic surfaces, as well as compositions for applying polishing, gloss and UV protective coatings to plastic surfaces. The compositions and methods disclosed herein utilize abrasives and polishes to restore damaged plastic surfaces. The compositions and methods disclosed herein include compositions for applying the UV protective coating layer again. Restoration of the plastic surface according to the present invention provides long lasting transparency, light transmission and finish.

As used herein, the term “plastic headlight cover” refers to a molded plastic headlight cover that covers the primary light in recent model cars. These plastic headlight covers are typically made of polycarbonate and are commonplace today because they are generally more durable than glass and plastic can be easily molded into a variety of aerodynamic forms that seamlessly fit into the car's front end seamlessly. have.

However, it will be appreciated by anyone that there are many plastic surfaces that can be restored according to the compositions and methods described herein. The methods and kits disclosed herein are configured to allow a user to efficiently restore any plastic surface damaged by scratches and / or UV induced oxidation.

1 shows a profilometric scan of an exemplary plastic surface showing intact but scratched areas, restored areas according to one embodiment of the invention. Profilometry is a technique by which probes scan across a surface to detect irregularities in the surface. The x-axis of a typical profilometry scan represents the linear distance traveled by the probe across the surface, as shown in FIG. 1. Here, the x-axis of FIG. 1 represents data collected by the probe across a linear distance of about 10,000 microns, or about 1 cm. The y-axis of a profilometric scan typically records the magnitude of irregularity detected as the probe moves across the surface linearly. In this case, the irregularities of the surface are scratches in the plastic.

In order to produce the surface of the plastic headlight cover shown in FIG. 1, a portion was masked and then restored to tape to preserve the undamaged surface while the other area was scratched. The unmasked area was entirely scratched with coarse sandpaper (80 grit) to mimic the scratch and UV damage that occurs over time on a typical plastic headlight cover. Some of the scratched surfaces were masked off to preserve examples of damaged surfaces. Damaged areas that were not masked were then restored using the systems and methods disclosed herein.

The scan shown in FIG. 1 shows these undamaged areas 10, damaged areas 12, and restored areas 14. The undamaged region 10, which ranges from about 0 microns to about 1000 microns in the x-axis, exhibits a substantially flat surface, shown in dashed lines, at Y = 0 microns. In contrast, the damaged area 12 in the x-axis ranging from about 1,000 microns to about 7,500 microns exhibits a wavy profile that exhibits many deep scratches. In contrast, the reconstructed region 14, which ranges from about 7,000 microns to about 10,000 in the x-axis, is reconstructed in accordance with the present invention. The restored area 14 has a substantially more regular profile than the damaged area 12. Although the surface of the restored area 14 is not perfect, it is much better than the scratch level observed in the scratched area 12.

Comparing the restored area 14 and the undamaged area 10 in FIG. 1, everyone knows that the restoration process tends to remove only about 30 microns of plastic surface thickness, or about one third of about 1 mm. Can be. This is a very small amount of material considering that a typical headlight cover is several mm thick. The plastic surface is restored by removing small amounts of material in accordance with the present invention, since the composition of the present invention can remove scratches and / or oxidation of the plastic surface without causing additional scratches that must be gradually removed by fine abrasives. to be. It can also be seen that the compositions of the present invention reform through larger scratches so that deep v-shaped cuts can be reshaped into shallow u-shaped depressions.

The polishing and gloss compositions of the present invention can be used in the same way as any other polishing composition, but the results are superior to any of the conventional compounds previously used. Existing preferred methods used to remove scratches on plastic headlight covers and other plastic surfaces are conventional, such as rotary, orbital or vibration polishing machines, for example using open cell polyurethane buffing pads impregnated with fiberglass. The application of the polishing compounds using portable buffing or polishing machine means. For lighter scratches it may be desirable to apply the compounds manually using an open cell polyurethane buffing pad or soft cotton cloth. Finally, the compositions of the present invention are compatible with existing polishing systems currently used but give better results.

It should be understood that almost any buffing cloth, including the aforementioned open cell polyurethane materials and cotton pads, will cooperate with the compounds of the present invention. Fleece wool, linen, stiff polyurethane, glass wool, and most other natural and synthetic materials work well. The buffing pads or cloths must be durable enough to withstand the mechanical forces of the buffing process and, depending on their strength, are difficult to work with and the material of construction must not be hard enough to scratch or heat the plastic surface to burn or melt. There is a limit.

II . For plastic surface restoration Kit  example

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a kit for restoring optical transparency and light transmission to plastic surfaces damaged by scratch and / or UV induced oxidation. The kit includes at least one polishing composition formulated to readily remove scratching and oxidation of the plastic surface, optionally at least one gloss composition for finishing the plastic surface, and at least one UV protective composition.

The polishing composition has an initial grit in the range of about 50 microns to about 400 microns, preferably about 60 microns to about 300 microns, more preferably about 70 microns to about 200 microns, and most preferably about 75 microns to about 150 microns. Abrasives having a size. The polishing abrasive can be "heavy grit" or "medium grit". Heavy grit polishing abrasives have an initial grit size of about 80-200 microns, preferably about 100-150 microns. Medium grit polishing abrasives have an initial grit size of about 50-100 microns, preferably 60-90 microns.

The polishing abrasive is advantageously dispersed in liquid and gel carriers suitable for use in preparing the polishing composition. Carrier examples can include water and / or solvents such as organic solvents, thickeners, emulsifiers, colorants and the like.

In one embodiment, the abrasive material includes abrasive particles that gradually break down into smaller particles when exposed to oxygen and mechanical pressure during polishing. According to one embodiment, the polishing abrasive is about 10-50 microns, preferably 15-45 microns, more preferably 20-40 microns, most preferably about 25 when exposed to mechanical pressure and oxygen during the polishing process. Break down to a particle size of ˜35 microns. Prior to use, the polishing composition is advantageously prepared and stored in an oxygen free environment (eg inert nitrogen).

It will of course be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this phenomenon provides a polishing composition that becomes progressively finer during use. This is an advantageous advantage given that typical polishing techniques involve the use of a progressively finer series of abrasives to remove the scratches left by previous abrasives. In view of the fact that the polishing composition comprises many polishing steps in a single step, due to the fact that the abrasive particles become progressively finer as the polishing process continues, the polishing composition of the present invention has various polishing compositions in order to obtain the final polished surface. It is advantageously formulated to avoid having to use.

The kit includes at least one gloss composition formulated to easily restore optical transparency and light transmission to the plastic surface after use of the polishing composition. The gloss composition has an initial grit in the range of about 10 microns to about 60 microns, preferably about 15 microns to about 50 microns, more preferably about 20 microns to about 45 microns, and most preferably about 25 microns to about 40 microns. Abrasive material having a size. The bright abrasive may be a "light grit" or "fine grit". The light grit polishing abrasive has an initial grit size of about 20-60 microns, preferably about 25-55 microns. Fine grit polishing abrasives have an initial grit size of about 10-50 microns, preferably 15-40 microns.

The bright abrasive is advantageously dispersed in a suitable liquid or gel carrier which is used when preparing the polishing and / or finishing composition. Carriers may include, for example, solvents, water and / or solvents such as organic solvents, thickeners, emulsifiers, colorants and the like.

In one embodiment, the gloss composition comprises abrasive particles that gradually break down into smaller size particles when exposed to mechanical pressure and oxygen during the polishing process. According to one embodiment, when exposed to mechanical pressure and oxygen during the polishing process, about 1-20 microns, preferably about 2-15 microns, more preferably 2.5-10 microns and most preferably about 3-8 With a particle size of micron the polished abrasive is broken. Prior to use, the gloss composition is advantageously prepared and stored in an oxygen free environment (eg inert nitrogen).

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that with this phenomenon, it is possible to provide a gloss composition which becomes progressively finer during use. This is very advantageous given that the finishing technique typically involves using a series of increasingly finer abrasives to remove the scratches left by the previous abrasive. Formulated to avoid having to use different varnish compositions to obtain the final gloss surface, in that the abrasive particles must include many gloss stages in a single step due to the fact that they gradually become finer as the polishing process continues. It is advantageous.

According to one embodiment the abrasive particles in the polishing and / or gloss composition have an initial particle size when stored in substantially an oxygen free environment but a finer particle size when exposed to oxygen and mechanical pressure during the polishing and / or polishing process. It is in the form of aggregates that gradually break down into smaller particles. The aggregates are advantageously broken into smaller particles having a fine particle size of less than about 75% of the initial particle size. Preferably the agglomerates are broken into particles having a fine particle size of less than about 50% of the initial particle size, preferably 33% of the initial particle size and most preferably 20% of the initial particle size.

The kit comprises at least one composition for applying a polishing and polishing composition followed by application of a UV protective coating to the plastic surface. Unfortunately, the plastic surface restoration process using the kit described above typically removes a factory applied UV protective coating layer from the plastic surface. The surface without a protective coating will quickly deteriorate by scratch and UV induced oxidation. The UV protective composition comprises a UV protective material dispersed in a carrier, which carrier advantageously comprises a solvent that allows the UV protective composition to anneal or melt effectively into the plastic surface during the buffing process. This results in a hard UV protective coating layer formed on the plastic surface that is optically transparent and smooth. The UV protective coating layer optionally comprises a polymerizable material to assist in bonding the coating layer to the plastic surface produced. The polishing and gloss composition receives the UV protective coating layer and creates a stronger bond with the UV protective coating layer by activating the surface to create a bonding site where the protective composition can form physical and chemical bonds to the plastic surface. It can assist in manufacturing the plastic surface to form.

In the past, high optical quality transparent protective coatings for UV protection have been obtained on plastic substrates by spin and dip coating, followed by baking. The UV coating composition of the present invention can be applied at low temperatures (T <130 ° F), which can be obtained by chemically dispersing the UV protective coating layer in a solvent carrier, the solvent carrier being the Similarly annealing to the headlight lens. It can be seen that the solids in the coating layer are made of crystalline and UV protective nanoparticles that are aggregated into larger particles by a polymerizable material. This causes deposition of UV protective particles to form a thick monolayer (> 400 nm). The transparency is high in the visible range, T = 87%, the polishing resistance complies with DIN 58-196-G10, and the hardness according to ASTM D 3363-92a is 1H. This application process allows the antiglare coating layer to have an adjustable gloss of 60 to 80 GU and an optical resolution of> 8 lines / mm.

The kit may include at least one buffing pad or buffing cloth for applying a polishing and polishing composition to the plastic surface. The buffing pad or buffing cloth can be used by hand or attached to a drill or mechanical polisher. In one embodiment, the buffing pad or buffing cloth is impregnated with glass fibers to increase the action of the polishing and polishing compound. The glass fibers penetrate or “reach” into deep scratches, causing deep scratches to reform into shallow u-shaped depressions in the v-shaped grooves, thereby increasing the action of polishing and polishing compounds. It can be seen that.

By reshaping the surface, the glass fibers allow some scratches to be recovered without having to remove the plastic layer from the plastic surface that is equal to the depth of the deepest scratch.

III . Examples of Plastic Surface Restoration Methods

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method of restoring light transmission and transparency to scratched and / or oxidized plastic surfaces. The method is adapted for the expert to essentially repair any plastic surface. Examples of plastic surfaces that can be restored in accordance with the present invention include plastic headlight covers, other plastic automotive light covers, and plastic spectacle lenses including sunglasses and plastic correction lenses.

An exemplary method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: (1) applying a polishing composition to a buffing pad or cloth using a polishing composition and a buffing pad or cloth to polish and remove scratches and oxidative damage on the plastic surface; (2) applying a gloss composition to the same or different buffing pads or cloths and using the gloss composition and the buffing pads or cloths to restore the gloss and optical transparency to the headlights; (3) cleaning the plastic surface to remove residues of the polishing and gloss composition; And (4) applying a UV protective composition to the plastic surface. In one embodiment, the open cell polyurethane buffing pad is impregnated with glass fibers.

2 shows a flow chart 20 for one embodiment of a method of restoring a plastic surface damaged by scratch and / or UV induced oxidation. The flue chart 20 starts at 22 and ends at 40. In one embodiment, the method includes applying 24 a polishing composition to an open cell polyurethane buffing pad. The polishing composition and buffing pad are used to polish and remove scratches and oxidative damage at the plastic surface (26). In one embodiment, the open cell polyurethane buffing pad may be impregnated with glass fibers. It can be seen that the polishing composition and glass fibers can penetrate or reach larger scratches on the plastic surface and rebuild the scratch into u-shaped depressions in deep v-type grooves. This is a characteristic of a polishing system that allows for the removal of larger scratches without having to remove the plastic layer equivalent to the depth of the deepest scratches.

The buffing pad and the polishing composition can be used to polish and remove stretch and oxidative damage from the plastic surface by attaching the buffing pad to a conventional portable polishing or buffing machine. As an alternative, the buffing pad can polish and remove scratches and oxidative damage from the plastic surface manually with the first abrasive composition. The plastic surface is rinsed as needed to wash away dirt and / or plastic residue and to give a luster between the plastic surface and the buffing pad and polishing composition.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that this phenomenon results in a polishing composition that becomes progressively finer during use. This is a very advantageous advantage given that the polishing technique typically involves using a series of increasingly finer abrasives to remove the scratches left by the previous abrasive. The polishing composition of the present invention is characterized in that the polishing composition comprises many polishing steps in a single step, thanks to the abrasive particles which become progressively finer as the polishing process continues, so that the polishing composition can be polished in various ways to obtain the final polished surface. It is advantageous to be formulated such that the compositions do not have to be used.

In one embodiment, the method includes applying 30 a gloss composition to an open cell polyurethane buffing pad. The gloss composition and buffing pad are used to restore the lumonious output and luster to the plastic surface (32). The buffing pad and gloss composition can be used to restore gloss on the plastic surface by attaching the buffing pad to a conventional cordless drill or air and electric portable polishing or buffing machine. Alternatively, the buffing pad can be manually used with a gloss composition to restore gloss to the plastic surface. The plastic surface may be rinsed as needed 34 to wash away dirt and / or plastic residue and to luster between the plastic surface and the buffing pad and gloss composition.

Those skilled in the art will naturally appreciate that this phenomenon provides a glossy composition that becomes progressively finer during use. This is very advantageous considering that the typical gloss technique involves using a series of increasingly finer abrasives to remove the scratches left by the previous abrasive. The gloss composition of the present invention uses various varieties of gloss compositions to obtain the final gloss surface, in that the gloss composition comprises many gloss steps in a single step, thanks to the fact that the abrasive particles are gradually finer as the gloss process continues. It is advantageously formulated to be unused.

In one embodiment, the method includes the step 36 of cleaning the plastic surface to remove residue from polishing and gloss restoration steps. Cleaning can be completed using spray water or a damp cloth. In general, the cleaning step should be performed with care to avoid causing scratches on the plastic surface again. In addition, the cleaning step must be performed with great care to remove all residues in the polishing and gloss restoration steps before applying the UV protective coating layer.

In one embodiment, the method includes applying 38 a UV protective composition to the plastic surface. Typically, factory applied UV protective coatings are removed during polishing and restoration of gloss on plastic surfaces. If a new UV protective coating is not applied, the plastic surface will quickly deteriorate due to exposure to the device and lose its restoration advantages.

In one embodiment, the UV protective composition comprises at least one solvent that allows the coating layer to anneal to the plastic surface; At least one polymer or polymerizable compound that allows to form a hard and clean coating layer on the plastic surface, and at least one UV protective compound that protects the plastic surface from future UV-induced damage.

In one embodiment, the solvent in the UV protective composition comprises at least one ether compound. In another embodiment, the solvent is an alcohol. When the ether is the main solvent, the ether compound preferably consists of about 1% to about 20% of the UV protective composition on a weight / weight basis. More preferably, the ether compound consists of about 5% to about 15% and most preferably 8-12%. When the alcohol is the main solvent, the alcohol preferably consists of about 70 to about 98% of the UV protective composition on a weight / weight basis. More preferably, the alcohol consists of about 80% to about 95% of the UV protective composition. Most preferably the alcohol consists of about 87% to about 93%. Ether compounds include, for example, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether and ethylene glycol monobutyl ether. Alcohols include, for example, isopropyl alcohol. The solvent may also consist of a mixture of alcohol and ether compounds without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In one embodiment, the polymer or polymerizable compound capable of forming a hard and clean coating layer on the plastic surface comprises at least one acrylic-urethane hybrid polymer dispersion. Acrylic-urethane hybrid polymer dispersions include, for example, Hybridur 570 ^™ and Hybridur 580 ^™ , which are commercially available from Air Products and Chemical, Inc. Hybridur 570 ^™ and Hybridur 580 ^™ can be used alone or in combination. Preferably the Hybridur 570 ^™ constitutes about 40% to about 65% of the UV protective composition on a weight / weight basis. More preferably Hybridur 570 ^™ constitutes about 45% to about 60% of the UV protective composition on a weight / weight basis. Most preferably Hybridur 570 ^™ constitutes about 50% to about 55% of the UV protective composition on a weight / weight basis. Preferably, the Hybridur 580 ^™ constitutes about 10% to about 35% of the UV protective composition on a weight / weight basis. More preferably Hybridur 580 ^™ constitutes about 15% to about 30% of the UV protective composition on a weight / weight basis. Most preferably Hybridur 580 ^™ constitutes about 20% to about 25% of the UV protective composition on a weight / weight basis.

In yet another embodiment, the polymer or polymerizable material to form a hard and clean coating layer on the plastic surface comprises at least one acrylic polymer. An example of an acrylic polymer is Elvacite 2776 ^™ (Lucite International). Preferably Elvacite 2776 ^™ comprises from about 0.5% to about 10% of the UV protective composition on a weight / weight basis. More preferably Elvacite 2776 ^™ constitutes about 1% to about 8% of the UV protective composition by weight / weight. Most preferably Elvacite 2776 ^™ constitutes from about 2% to about 5% of the UV protective composition on a weight / weight basis.

The UV protective coating layer comprises at least one UV protective compound to protect the plastic surface from UV induced damage. UV protection compounds are, for example, hindered amine compounds such as Tinuvin 384 ^™ and Tinuvin 292 ^™ (from Ciba), benzophenone, benzotriazole, hydroxyphenyltriazine and hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole. Preferably the UV protective compound or compounds constitute from about 0.01% to about 1% of the UV protective coating layer on a weight / weight basis. More preferably, the UV protective compound or compounds constitute from about 0.05% to about 0.5% of the UV protective coating layer on a weight / weight basis. Most preferably the UV protective compound or compounds constitute from about 0.1% to about 0.3% of the UV protective coating layer on a weight / weight basis.

Additional components that may be included in the UV protective composition include wetting agents that improve the uniformity of the coating layer when applied to the plastic surface, plasticizers that increase the durability of the coating layer, and air bubbles in the UV protective coating layer. Antifoaming agents that interfere with their formation. For example, the wetting agent is ^{BYK-345 TM, BYK-346} TM, BYK-347 TM, BYK-348 TM, BYK-349 TM, polyether modified siloxane, and sodium dioctyl like (BYK Chemie, Inc., Inc.) Sulfosuccinate (Cytec). Plasticizers include, for example, citric acid derivatives such as triethyl citrate, acetyl triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, acetyl tributyl citrate and tri- (2-ethylhexa) -citrate. For example, antifoams include the Surfynol ^™ (Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.) series.

Examples of Specific Formulations

In the following specific examples of the compositions and methods according to the invention are disclosed.

Example  One

According to the invention a medium abrasive polishing composition was prepared in the following formulation.

% W / W Hard abrasive material 30.0 Propylene glycol 5.0 Carboxymethyl Cellulose 1.0 Ethylene Oxide / Propylene Oxide Block Copolymer 2.5 Fragrance 98164 0.2 1- (3-chloroallyl) -3,5,7-triaza-1-azonia adamantane chloride
(1- (3-chloroallyl) -3,5-7-Triaza-1-azonia adamantane chloride) 0.2

Fully deionized water was added to bring the total volume to 100% (w / w).

The composition was prepared, packaged and stored in a substantially oxygen free environment. For example, dry material was added to the mixer. The dry material and the mixer were exposed in vacuo so that essentially all of the oxygen evaporated from the dry ingredients. An inert gas such as nitrogen was added behind the mixing apparatus, the liquid component was added and the composition mixed. The composition was packaged continuously in a substantially oxygen free environment.

As the composition is prepared and packaged in anoxic conditions, the abrasive particles aggregate into larger particles. Since oxygen deficiency alters the surface charge properties of the abrasive particles, it is assumed that such agglomeration occurs substantially in an oxygen free environment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such agglomeration is gradually reversed when abrasive particles are exposed to oxygen and mechanical pressure during the polishing process.

The formulation exhibited a creamy viscous lotion concentration and was creamy in color. It is to be understood that, in this and other embodiments, coconut aromas have been added for aesthetic purposes, which can be omitted or replaced without altering the efficacy of the polishing composition. This formulation has a wide variety of uses for removing scratches from plastic surfaces. This is a preferred composition for the initial treatment of polishing and removing scratch and oxidative damage from the plastic headlight cover.

Heavy to medium abrasive formulations according to this embodiment may include plastic windows, plastic or acrylic furniture, plastic shields of masks, light bars of police cars, ski trams or gondola, the front of advertising signs, and It may also be useful for initial treatment in repairing and repairing plastic materials such as many other applications.

While the formulations described above are presently preferred formulations, it should be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. In this embodiment, the hard polishing material may comprise a mixture of kaolinitic quartz, silicon dioxide and calcined alumina. The particle size of the polishing material ranges from about 50 microns to about 400 microns. The total abrasive component is about 23%, the wider range of abrasive component is in the range of about 15% to about 35%, more preferably in the range of about 20% to about 30%. The content ratios of the remaining ingredients in formulating heavy to medium abrasive formulations of the type described in this example can be prepared by varying them to the extent necessary to maintain their function.

Example  2

The light abrasive gloss composition according to the present invention was prepared in the following formulation.

% W / W Hard abrasive material 30.0 Propylene glycol 5.0 Carboxymethyl Cellulose 1.0 Ethylene Oxide / Propylene Oxide Block Copolymer 2.5  Fragrance 98164 0.2 1- (3-chloroallyl) -3,5,7-triaza-1-azonia adamantane chloride
(1- (3-chloroallyl) -3,5-7-Triaza-1-azonia adamantane chloride) 0.2

Sufficient deionized water was added to a total volume of 100% (w / w), to prepare a viscous creamy liquid with a concentration similar to lotion. It is to be understood that, in this and other embodiments, coconut aromas have been added for aesthetic purposes, which can be omitted or replaced without altering the efficacy of the polishing composition.

The composition is manufactured, packaged and stored in a substantially oxygen free environment. Dry material is added to the mixer, for example. The dry material and the mixer are exposed in vacuo so that essentially all of the oxygen is evaporated from the dry ingredients. An inert gas such as nitrogen is added behind the mixing apparatus, the liquid component is added and the composition is mixed. The composition is packaged continuously in a substantially oxygen free environment.

It can be seen that as the composition is prepared and packaged in anoxic conditions, the abrasive particles aggregate into larger particles. It is assumed that this agglomeration occurs substantially in an oxygen free environment because oxygen deficiency alters the surface charge properties of the abrasive particles. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this aggregation gradually reverses when abrasive particles are exposed to oxygen and mechanical pressure during the polishing process.

The light abrasive formulations have a variety of uses, but are particularly preferred as a gloss treatment of plastics primarily treated with the polishing composition of Example 1. It is preferably used for plastic windows, plastic or acrylic furniture, plastic shields of masks, light bars of police cars, ski trams or gondola, fronts of advertising signs, and many other applications. Do. It is also useful for buffing or removing small scratches, hazing and discoloration of other plastics, and especially for removing scratches from spectacle lenses (sunglasses and / or correction lenses).

While the formulations described above have been presented as presently preferred formulations, it should be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. In this embodiment, the hard polishing material may comprise a mixture of kaolinitic quartz, silicon dioxide and calcined alumina. The particle size of the polishing material is in the range of about 1 micron to 50 microns. The total abrasive component is about 23%, the wider range of abrasive component is in the range of about 15% to about 35%, more preferably in the range of about 20% to about 30%. It is to be understood that the content ratios of the remaining constituents in formulating the light abrasive formulations of the type described in this example can be prepared by varying the amounts necessary to maintain their function.

Example  3

The heavy abrasive polishing composition according to the present invention was prepared in the following formulation.

ingredient Brand Name / Supplier % W / W Magnesium Aluminum Silicate (5% Dispersion) Van gel / rt vanderbilt 30.0 Propylene glycol Plovylene Glycol 5.0 Carboxymethyl Cellulose CMC7H or CMC
9M31XF / Aqualon-Hercules 1.0 Aluminum silicate Kaopolite / Kaopolite Co. 18.0 Melt silicates (8.8 microns average) Siltex 44 / Kaopolite Co. 3.0 Boehmite alumina (60 microns average) Catapal D / Sasol (formerly Vista) 2.0 Ethylene Oxide / Propylene Oxide Block Copolymer Tergitol 15-S-7 / Dow 2.5 Fragrance 98764 Fragrance 98764 / Noville 0.2 1- (3-chloroallyl) -3,5,7-triaza-1-azonia adamantane chloride
(1- (3-chloroallyl) -3,5-7-Triaza-1-azonia adamantane chloride) Dowicil 75 0.2 Deionized water  to 100

The heavy formulations are useful for quickly removing scratches from most of the plastic materials listed in Example 1, although not used with compact discs. The medium formulation described in Example 1 and / or the light formulation described in Example 2 can be used to complete the repair after initial treatment with the heavy formulation.

Example 4

Medium abrasive polishing compositions according to the present invention were prepared in the following formulations:

ingredient Brand Name / Supplier % W / W Magnesium Aluminum Silicate (5% Dispersion) Van gel / rt vanderbilt 30.0 Propylene glycol Plovylene Glycol 5.0 Carboxymethyl Cellulose CMC7H or CMC
9M31XF / Aqualon-Hercules 1.0 Aluminum silicate Kaopolite / Kaopolite Co. 8.0 Celite Diatomaceous Silica Super Floss or Snow Floww / Celite 7.0 Boehmite alumina (60 microns average) Catapal D / Sasol (formerly Vista) 8.0 Ethylene Oxide / Propylene Oxide Block Copolymer Tergitol 15-S-7 / Dow 2.5 Fragrance 98764 Fragrance 98764 / Noville 0.2 1- (3-chloroallyl) -3,5,7-triaza-1-azonia adamantane chloride Dowicil 75 0.2 Deionized water  to 100

The formulation is suitable for a variety of uses such as those described in Example 1. Boehmite aluminum has the advantage of being relatively soft. This will break into smaller pieces during use, which will help to repair small scratches that increase during the repair process.

Example  5

Fine polishing varnish compositions according to the invention were prepared in the following formulations:

ingredient Brand Name / Supplier % W / W Magnesium Aluminum Silicate (5% Dispersion) Van gel / rt vanderbilt 30.0 Propylene glycol Plovylene Glycol 5.0 Carboxymethyl Cellulose CMC7H or CMC
9M31XF / Aqualon-Hercules 1.0 Aluminum silicate Kaopolite / Kaopolite Co. 23.0 Ethylene Oxide / Propylene Oxide Block Copolymer Tergitol 15-S-7 / Dow 2.5 Fragrance 98764 Fragrance 98764 / Noville 0.2 1- (3-chloroallyl) -3,5,7-triaza-1-azonia adamantane chloride Dowicil 75 0.2 Deionized water  to 100

The fine abrasive formulation is similar to Example 2 but with a finer abrasive. As in Example 2, the gloss composition has a variety of uses, but is particularly preferred as a final treatment agent for plastic surfaces primarily treated with the compositions of Examples 1 and / or 3.

Example  6

The light abrasive polishing composition has the following formulation:

ingredient Brand Name / Supplier % W / W Magnesium Aluminum Silicate (5% Dispersion) Van gel / rt vanderbilt 30.0 Propylene glycol Plovylene Glycol 5.0 Carboxymethyl Cellulose CMC7H or CMC
9M31XF / Aqualon-Hercules 1.0 Aluminum silicate Kaopolite / Kaopolite Co. 11.5 Zirconia (2-4 microns average) 11.5 Ethylene Oxide / Propylene Oxide Block Copolymer Tergitol 15-S-7 / Dow 2.5 Fragrance 98764 Fragrance 98764 / Noville 0.2 1- (3-chloroallyl) -3,5,7-triaza-1-azonia adamantane chloride Dowicil 75 0.2 Deionized water  to 100

This embodiment includes zirconia (zirconium oxide) as an abrasive. This is a hard material that must be used carefully.

Example  7

UV protective coatings were prepared according to the invention in the following formulations:

Ingredient Description Brand name % W / W Dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether Arcosolve DPnB 9.8 Polyether modified polydimethylsiloxane BYK-346 0.5 Light stabilizer Tinuvin 384 0.7 Light stabilizer Tinuvin 292 0.4 Urethane hybrid polymer Hybridur 570 Polymer Dispersion 51.5 Urethane hybrid polymer Hybridur 580 polymer Dispersion 22.1 Antifoam Surfynol DF-58 0.2 Water, DI Water, DI 14.9  100.0 total

The coating composition appeared to be a uniform flowable liquid. The light UV protective coating layer has various uses, but its use is particularly preferred as a coating layer for restoring the UV protective coating layer on the plastic surface treated with one or more compositions of Examples 1-6. It is preferably used for plastic headlight covers, plastic windows, plastic or acrylic furniture, plastic shields of masks, light bars of police cars, ski chariots or gondola, fronts of advertising signs and many other applications. It would also be useful to apply UV protective coatings to other plastics, in particular spectacle lenses (eg, sun glasses and / or correction lenses).

While the formulation described above has been presented as being preferred, it should be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. In formulating UV protective coating layer formulations of the type described in this example, the content ratio of the remaining constituents can be prepared by varying the amount necessary to maintain their function.

Example  8

UV protective coatings were prepared according to the invention in the following formulations:

ingredient Brand Name / Supplier % W / W Isopropyl Alcohol Suitable supplier 88.85 Acrylic polymer Elvacite 2776 / Lucite International 3.0 Sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, 75% Aerosol OT-75 / Cytec 0.05 Triethyl citrate Citroflex 2 / Morflex 0.3 Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether Dowanol EB / Dow 7.0 Light stabilizer Tinuvin 384 / Ciba 0.5 Light stabilizer Tinuvin 292 / Ciba 0.3  100.0 total

The coating composition appeared as a uniform flowable liquid and dried for about 30 minutes to obtain a hard, transparent surface.

Example  9

UV protective coatings were prepared according to the invention in the following formulations:

ingredient Brand Name / Supplier % W / W Isopropyl Alcohol Suitable supplier 90.95 Acrylic polymer Elvacite 2776 / Lucite International 3.0 Sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, 75% Aerosol OT-75 / Cytec 0.05 Dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether Arcosolve DPnB / Arco 5.0 Light stabilizer Tinuvin 384 / Ciba 0.5 Light stabilizer Tinuvin 292 / Ciba 0.3 Antifoam Surfynol DF-58 / Air Products 0.2  100.0 total

The coating composition appeared as a uniform flowable liquid and dried for about 30 minutes to obtain a hard, transparent surface.

The present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or features of the invention. The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting. The scope of the invention is therefore defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims (20)

At least one polishing composition having a polishing abrasive having a grit size ranging from about 50 microns to about 400 microns dispersed in a liquid or gel carrier;
At least one gloss composition having a lustering abrasive having a grit size in the range of about 10 microns to 60 microns dispersed in a liquid or gel carrier; And
And at least one UV protective composition for applying a UV protective coating layer to a plastic surface treated using the polishing and polishing composition.
A kit for restoring optical transparency and light transmission to plastic surfaces damaged by scratches and / or UV induced oxidation. The method of claim 1,
Wherein the polishing abrasive has a grit size of about 60 microns to about 300 microns and the polished abrasive has a grit size of about 15 microns to about 50 microns. The method of claim 1,
Wherein the polishing abrasive has a grit size of about 70 microns to about 200 microns and the polished abrasive has a grit size of about 20 microns to about 45 microns. The method of claim 1,
Wherein the polishing abrasive has a grit size of about 75 microns to about 150 microns and the polished abrasive has a grit size of about 25 microns to about 40 microns. The method of claim 1,
The polishing abrasive comprises aggregates that break down into smaller particles having a grit size of about 10 microns to about 50 microns when exposed to oxygen and mechanical pressure during polishing,
And agglomerates that break down into smaller particles having a grit size of about 1 micron to about 20 microns when the polished abrasive is exposed to oxygen and mechanical pressure during polishing. The method of claim 1,
The polishing abrasive comprises aggregates that break down into smaller particles having a grit size of about 15 microns to about 45 microns when exposed to oxygen and mechanical pressure during polishing,
And agglomerates that break down into smaller particles having a grit size of about 2 microns to about 15 microns when the polished abrasive is exposed to oxygen and mechanical pressure during polishing. The method of claim 1,
The polishing abrasive comprises aggregates that break down into smaller particles having a grit size of about 20 microns to about 40 microns when exposed to oxygen and mechanical pressure during polishing,
And agglomerates that break down into smaller particles having a grit size of about 2.5 microns to about 10 microns when the polished abrasive is exposed to oxygen and mechanical pressure during polishing. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising at least one buffing pad or buffing cloth for applying a polishing and / or gloss composition to the plastic surface,
Wherein the at least one buffing pad or buffing cloth is impregnated with glass fibers to further increase the polishing efficacy of the polishing composition and / or the gloss efficacy of the glossy composition. The method of claim 1,
The UV protective composition is a UV protective material; Polymerizable materials; And at least one solvent that causes the UV protective coating layer to anneal to the plastic surface when the UV protective composition is buffed to the plastic surface. 10. The method of claim 9,
And an acrylic-urethane dispersion wherein the polymerizable material is polymerized after application to form a rigid protective coating layer on the plastic surface. Polishing the plastic surface with a polishing composition applied to the plastic surface using at least one buffing pad or buffing cloth;
Polishing the plastic surface with a gloss composition applied to the plastic surface using at least one buffing pad or buffing cloth; And
Applying a UV protective coating to the plastic surface after polishing and polishing the plastic surface,
The polishing composition comprises a polishing abrasive having a grit size of about 50 microns to about 400 microns,
The gloss composition comprises a gloss abrasive having a grit size of about 10 microns to about 60 microns,
At least one solvent for causing the UV protective coating layer to anneal the UV protective coating layer to the plastic surface; At least one UV protective material protecting the plastic surface from UV induced damage; And at least one polymerizable material which polymerizes after application to form a rigid protective coating on the plastic surface.
A method of restoring optical transparency and light transmission to plastic surfaces damaged by scratch and / or UV induced oxidation. The method of claim 11,
Said buffing pad or buffing cloth is impregnated with glass fibers to increase polishing and / or gloss. The method of claim 11,
And the plastic surface comprises an automotive plastic light cover, a plastic sun glass lens or a plastic correcting spectacle lens. Consists of abrasive particles dispersed in a liquid or gel carrier; The abrasive particles have an initial particle size when stored in a substantially anoxic environment and gradually break into smaller particles having a final particle size substantially smaller than the initial particle size when exposed to oxygen and mechanical pressure during polishing. At least one abrasive composition, wherein the initial particle size and the final particle size comprise an aggregate selected such that the polishing composition can readily remove scratches and oxidation from the plastic surface; And
At least one UV protective composition for applying a UV protective coating to a plastic surface treated using the polishing and varnish composition,
A kit for restoring optical transparency and light transmission on plastic surfaces damaged by scratches and / or UV-induced oxidation. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the aggregate is formulated to break into smaller particles having a final particle size of less than about 75% of the initial particle size. The method of claim 14,
And the aggregate is formulated to break into smaller particles having a final particle size of less than about 50% of the initial particle size. The method of claim 14,
And the aggregates are formulated to break into smaller particles having a final particle size of less than about 33% of the initial particle size. The method of claim 14,
And the aggregate is formulated to break into smaller particles having a final particle size of less than about 20% of the initial particle size. Polishing with at least one abrasive composition composed of abrasive particles dispersed in a liquid or gel carrier; And
Applying a UV protective composition to the polished plastic surface to form a rigid UV protective coating layer annealed to the plastic surface,
The abrasive particles have an initial particle size when stored in a substantially anoxic environment and gradually break down into smaller particles having a final particle size that is substantially less than the initial particle size when exposed to oxygen and mechanical pressure during the polishing process. Losing aggregates initially, wherein the initial and final particle sizes are selected such that the polishing composition can easily remove scratches and oxidation from the plastic surface.
A method of restoring optical transparency and light transmission to plastic surfaces damaged by scratches and / or UV induced oxidation. 20. The method of claim 19,
And the plastic surface comprises an automotive plastic light cover, a plastic sunglasses lens or a plastic correction eyeglass lens.

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