WO2016077698A1

WO2016077698A1 - Anti-fog and/or anti-frost composition

Info

Publication number: WO2016077698A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/060583
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kulbir Singh; Michael MCALDUFF; D. Gerrard Marangoni; Scott Theodore NEWMAN; Robert Lawrence Newman
Original assignee: Cross Research And Development, Inc.
Priority date: 2014-11-13
Filing date: 2015-11-13
Publication date: 2016-05-19

Abstract

An anti-fog and/or anti-frost composition is disclosed for coating plastic or glass surfaces having an anionic sulfate surfactant; and a nonionic surfactant. In one embodiment, the anionic sulfate surfactant has the structure: C_nH_2n+1(CH₂CH₂O)_xSO₃ ^-R⁺, where x has a value from 0 to 10, n has a value from 8 to 20, and R⁺ is Na⁺, K⁺, NH₄ ⁺, 0.5Mg⁺⁺ or (CH₂CH₂OH)₃NH⁺. The nonionic surfactant can be alkylphenyl polyether alcohol surfactant. A method is also disclosed for making an anti-fog and/or anti-frost composition. The method includes mixing an anionic sulfate surfactant with a nonionic surfactant in a mixing tank.

Description

ANTI-FOG AND/OR ANTI-FROST COMPOSITION

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[ 000 1 ] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Nos.

62/079,207, filed November 13, 2014, and 62/118,780, filed February 20, 2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[ 0002 ] Eye protection, such as goggles and sunglasses, frost over and freeze up in low temperatures.

[ 0003 ] When eye protection frosts and freezes up, the user has two choices, put oneself in danger by not being able to see clearly, or take off one's eye protection leaving one susceptible to damaging one's eyes and face.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[ 0004 ] There is no known product on the market that successfully keeps eye protection from freezing and frosting up. The following present invention product was developed in an effort to keep eye protection, such as goggles and sunglasses, from frosting over and freezing up in low temperatures. As a result of this development, hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, along with construction workers that work in cold temperatures can have clear safe vision.

[ 0005 ] According to the invention, an anti-fog and/or anti-frost composition designed for coating a variety of plastic and/or glass surfaces is described. In one embodiment, the anionic surface active agent selected should have excellent wetting action with respect the material being coated; a second and/or third surface active agent or surfactant, different than the first mentioned surface active agent, is admixed therewith and is an alkylphenyl polyether alcohol surfactant, alkyl poly(oxyethylene) ether nonionic surfactant.

[ 000 6 ] The surfactants are admixed in a gel-type composition and are dispensed from a small tube or other appropriate application vehicle.

[ 0007 ] Preferably, the second or the third surfactant are incorporated into the solution formed, along with separate means to maintain the surface active agent and the alkylphenyl polyether alcohol in a gel-type matrix that can be readily applied to the surface for which the anti-fogging capability is desired, without adversely affecting or scratching the lenses and without changing the power of the lenses, as for example when the rubbing action of the finger or a cloth is used to apply the solution and rub it against the lens.

[ 0008 ] Preferably, the surface active agent first mentioned has the following formula:

C„H2n₊i(CH2CH₂0)xS03R⁺ where x has a value from 0 to 10, n has a value from 8 to 20, and R⁺ is Na⁺, K⁺, NH₄ ⁺, 0.5Mg⁺⁺, or (CH₂CH₂OH)₃NH⁺.

[ 0009 ] The use of the alkylphenyl polyether alcohol surfactant is found to greatly enhance the adhesion of the gel type matrix to the lens material.

[ 0010 ] In a further aspect, a third surfactant is used in a small amount to further enhance the adhesion and the wetting ability of the surface.

[ 0011 ] In certain cases, an additional surfactant (a cationic surfactant) may be added to perform the function of a preservative in the mixture; the amount of the cationic preservative that can be mixed with the anionic surfactants must not affect the optical clarity of the film (i.e., it must not adversely interact with any anionic surfactant) and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[ 0012 ] This product or composition is preferably in the form of a gel or liquid.

[ 0013 ] The active agents are sodium laureth sulfate and ethoxylated alcohols in one example. These wetting agents actively keep the eye protection from freezing, working successfully in temperatures as low at -20°C.

[ 0014 ] Another embodiment of this invention is contemplated wherein the active agents are ethoxylated alcohols and a high molecular weight, neutralized homo- and copolymer of acrylic acid crosslinked with a polyalkenyl polyether or an acrylate based polymer (neutralized poly(acrylic acid)). This is also in the form of a gel; the gel system thus formed when applied to eye protection or some other type of lens material, actively keeps the eye protection from freezing, working successfully in temperatures as low at - 30°C.

[ 0015 ] In general, according to one aspect, the invention features, an anti-fog and/or anti-frost composition for coating plastic or glass surfaces has an anionic sulfate surfactant; and a nonionic surfactant. In one embodiment the anionic sulfate surfactant has the structure: C_nH2n+i(CH2CH₂0)xS0₃ ^"R⁺, where x has a value from 0 to 10, n has a value from 8 to 20, and R⁺ is Na⁺, K⁺, NH₄ ⁺, 0.5Mg⁺⁺ or (CH₂CH₂OH)3NH⁺.The nonionic surfactant is alkylphenyl polyether alcohol surfactant.

[ 0016 ] In another embodiment, this product is also in the form of a gel. The active agents are ethoxylated alcohols and a high molecular weight, neutralized homo- and copolymer of acrylic acid crosslinked with a polyalkenyl polyether or an acrylate based polymer (neutralized poly(acrylic acid)). The gel system thus formed when applied to eye protection or some other type of lens material, actively keeps the eye protection from freezing, working successfully in temperatures as low at -30°C.

[ 0017 ] This formulation is a mixture of octylphenol ethoxylate, preferably Triton X 100 surfactant (0.75-10% by weight), neutralized poly(acrylic acid) polymer or the copolymer of acrylic acid crosslinked with a polyalkenyl polyether (0.5-1.5 %) and water (to 100%). Triton X-100 (Ci₄H₂₂0(C₂H₄0)_n) is a nonionic surfactant that has a hydrophilic polyethylene oxide chain (on average it has 9.5 ethylene oxide units) and an aromatic hydrocarbon lipophilic or hydrophobic group. The hydrocarbon group is a 4-(l, 1,3,3- tetramethylbutyl)-phenyl group. Triton X-100 is trademark of The Dow Chemical Company and the product is available from the company.

[ 0018 ] In general, according to another aspect, the invention features a method for making an anti-fog and/or anti-frost composition. The method includes mixing an anionic sulfate surfactant with a nonionic surfactant in a mixing tank. The mixing tank is warmed up to 40 degrees C to create a mixed solution. Octylphenol ethoxylate is added to the mixed solution.

[ 0019 ] In general, according to another aspect, the invention features a method for making an anti-fog and/or anti-frost composition. The method includes mixing the neutralized poly(acrylic acid) polymer or the copolymer of acrylic acid crosslinked with a polyalkenyl polyether (0.5-1.5 %) and water (to 100%) with the octylphenol ethoxylate nonionic surfactant in a mixing tank.

[ 0020 ] The above and other features of the invention including various novel details of construction and combinations of parts, and other advantages, will now be more particularly described. It will be understood that the particular method and device embodying the invention are shown by way of illustration and not as a limitation of the invention. The principles and features of this invention may be employed in various and numerous embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[ 002 1 ] The preferred formulation of the novel anti-fogging composition cleaning solution of this invention utilizes a surface active agent which is preferably anionic, at least one nonionic surfactant, and possibly a preserving cationic surfactant that can form a stable gel-type mixture when mixed. The preferred anionic surface active agent used in conjunction with the alkylphenyl polyether alcohol surfactant and/or the alkyl

poly(oxyethylene) ether, is selected due to its ability to wet the surface of the lens material in question. In the preferred embodiment, this is preferably an anionic sulfate conforming to the following general structure:

C„ H2n₊i(CH2CH₂0)xS03-R⁺

where x has a value from 0 to 10, n has a value from 8 to 20, and R⁺ is Na⁺, K⁺, NH₄ ⁺, 0.5Mg⁺⁺ or (CH₂CH₂OH)₃NH⁺.

[ 0022 ] Examples of such detergents include: sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium cetyl sulfate, sodium octyl sulfate, sodium tridecyl sulfate, sodium oleyl sulfate, sodium tridecyl ether sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate and magnesium lauryl sulfate.

[ 0023 ] Preferably, the alkylphenyl polyether alcohol surfactants have the formula:

C„ H₂n₊iC6H₄(CH2CH₂0)xOH where n has a value has a value 3 to 12, more preferably from 8 to 10, and most preferably 8 and 9; x has a value from 3 to 12, but preferably 9 and 10. Preferred surfactants include octylphenol, polyethoxy ethanol and specific alkylphenyl polyether alcohols in accordance with the above formula where x=3, 5, 7-10 and 12. Triton trademark products from The Dow Chemical Company are preferred for use in the combinations of this invention.

[ 0024 ] The third nonionic surfactant has the formula:

where n has a value from 4 to 16, more preferably from 8-12, and most preferably from 10- 12; x has a value from 6 to 24, but preferably 12-18. Preferred surfactants include tridecyl alcohol ethoxylates and specific alkylpolyether alcohols in accordance with the above formula where x has a value of 12, 14, 16, and 18. Rhodia trademark products (e.g., Rhodia RHODASURF^® surfactants) are preferred for use in the combinations of this invention. [ 0025 ] Formulation

[ 002 6 ] In the preferred embodiment, the formulation is a mixture of octylphenol ethoxylate, preferably Triton X 100 (1-20% by weight), and sodium lauryl ether sulfate, preferably one with 3 moles of octylphenol ethoxylate (20-80% by weight), Fatty Alcohol (0.1-0.36% by weight), sodium chloride (0.01-0.025% by weight), sodium sulfate (0.08- 0.15%) by weight), and water (1-10% by weight).

[ 0027 ] In place of Triton X- 100, related chemicals could be used such as those in the group of surfactants called octylphenol ethoxylates, which in turn belong to a category called nonionic surfactants.

[ 002 8 ] In place of, sodium laureth sulfate, other anionic surfactants could be used in other embodiments.

[ 002 9 ] The octylphenol ethoxylate functions as a wetting agent and anionic surfactant is acting as thicker and cleansing agent.

[ 0030 ] Mixing Methodology

[ 0031 ] Weigh and pour required amount of all ingredients except octylphenol ethoxylate into mixing tank and warm up to 40 degree. To this warm and well mixed solution, add required amount of octylphenol ethoxylate and continue gentle stirring (60- 120 rpm) for 2 hours or else let the octylphenol ethoxylate to self-diffuse over a lengthy time period (15-24hrs). 40°C temperature is not needed for later step.

[ 0032 ] Quality test:

[ 0033 ] Final formulation is a clear gel at room temperature.

[ 0034 ] In other embodiments, the above ingredients can be used in water and alcohol mixture or in water and glycol mixture. Following percentages of these materials is not expected to have any effect on our existing formulation.

[ 0035 ] Alcohol (isopropanol or methanol or ethanol, 0.1 -3% by weight), and glycol (0- 0.01%) by weight) and preservative.

[ 0036 ] This product is also in the form of a gel. The active agents are ethoxylated alcohols and high molecular weight, neutralized homo- and copolymers of acrylic acid crosslinked with a polyalkenyl polyether or acrylate based polymers (neutralized poly(acrylic acids)). The gel system thus formed when applied to eye protection or some other type of lens material, actively keeps the eye protection from freezing, working successfully in temperatures as low at -30°C.

[ 0037 ] This formulation is a mixture of octylphenol ethoxylate, preferably Triton X 100 (0.75-10% by weight), neutralized poly(acrylic acid) polymer (0.5-1.5 %) and water (to 100%).

[ 0038 ] Mixing Methodology

[ 0039 ] Weigh and pour required amount of all ingredients except octylphenol ethoxylate into mixing tank and warm up to 40°C. To this warm and well mixed solution, add required amount of neutralizing agent (potassium hydroxide) and stir. The solution changes in appearance from cloudy to clear upon addition of the neutralizing agent. To this clear solution, octylphenol ethoxylate is added - clear gel formation is almost immediate upon surfactant addition. At this point, the formulation is ready to use.

[ 0040 ] Quality test:

[ 004 1 ] Final formulation is a clear gel at room temperature.

[ 0042 ] Modifications to formulation can include all the above ingredients in water and alcohol mixture or in water and glycol mixture. Following percentages of these materials is not expected to have any effect on our existing formulation: Alcohol (isopropanol or methanol or ethanol, 0.1-3% by weight), and glycol (0-0.01% by weight) and preservative.

[ 0043 ] In examples, viscosities may be measured for the developed anti-fog gels using an OFITE Model 900 viscometer. Viscosities are measured using a built in program on the Model 900 viscometer for the measurement of the rheo logical parameter of drilling fluids:

[ 0044 ] Plastic Viscosity (PV) = 25 - 100

[ 0045 ] Yield Point (YP) = 85 - 160

[ 004 6 ] 10 sec gel = 20-40

[ 0047 ] 10 min gel = 20-40

[ 004 8 ] It was determined that the gels having preferred properties in the application tests were in the middle of the above listed ranges.

[ 004 9 ] In examples, nonylphenol ethoxylate surfactants were used and it was determined that a number of the Triton X series of surfactants (and their analogs) can be effective. There are other ethoxylated anionic sulfate or sulfonates (similar to Steols) that can also work. It comes down to the ability to squeeze the surfactants out of the tube which is based on the viscosity.

[ 0050 ] In other examples, Carbopols® rheology modifiers, which are available from Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc. of Cleveland Ohio, were used to create samples that exhibited anti-fog qualities (all in the range of 0.2-0.4 wt%):

941, 940, 934, Ultrez 10, EZ-4, EZ-3

[ 0051 ] In other examples, Carbopols modifiers were used to create samples that exhibited anti-fog qualities (all in the range of 0.2-0.4 wt%):

In gereral, based on testing, it was determined that the best combinations for low temperature are represented by the Carbopol rheology modifiers and the nonionic surfactant. For higher temperature anti-fog product, the anionic surfactant/nonionic surfactant combination appears to work best. This can be due to the ability to form microdomains or nanodomains that can effectively trap water and prevent the water from crystallizing or forming droplets.

[ 0052 ] Below is a list of sports that would use this developed product with eye protection devices: skiing (downhill, Nordic), snowboarding, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, field hockey, triathlons, swimming, scuba diving, hiking, cycling, motocross,

snowmobiling and snowshoeing.

[ 0053 ] Below is a list of other areas of interest that may use this developed product with eye protection devices: Construction, highway and road work, utility, warehouse and distribution, emergency response (including EMT's, fire and police) and ballistic (shooters, hunters).

[ 0054 ] Other consumer uses of the developed product can include mirrors and glass windshields.

[ 0055 ] While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An anti-fog and/or anti-frost composition for coating plastic and/or glass surfaces, comprising:

an anionic sulfate surfactant; and

a nonionic surfactant.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the anionic sulfate surfactant has the

following structure:

C„H2n₊i(CH2CH₂0)xS03R⁺

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the anionic sulfate surfactant is a detergent selected from the group consisting of sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium cetyl sulfate, sodium octyl sulfate, sodium tridecyl sulfate, sodium oleyl sulfate, sodium tridecyl ether sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, and magnesium lauryl sulfate.

4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the anionic sulfate surfactant has the

properties of being able to wet the plastic or glass surfaces.

5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the nonionic surfactant is alkylphenyl

polyether alcohol surfactant.

6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the alkylphenyl polyether alcohol surfactant has the following structure:

C„H2n₊iC6H₄(CH2CH₂0)xOH

where n has a value from 3 to 12 and x has a value from 3 to 12.

7. The composition of claim 1, further comprising a third nonionic surfactant for enhancing adhesion and wetting of the plastic or glass surfaces.

8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the third surfactant has the following structure:

where n has a value from 4 to 16 and x has a value from 6 to 24.

9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the anionic sulfate surfactant and nonionic surfactant together form a gel or a liquid.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the octylphenol ethoxylate is added by stirring the octylphenol ethoxylate with the mixed solution at 60-120 rpm for 2 hours.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the octylphenol ethoxylate is added by the

octylphenol ethoxylate self-diffusing with the mixed solution for 15-24 hours.

12. A method of using an anti-fog and/or anti-frost composition, comprising:

providing the anti-fog and/or anti-frost composition having an anionic sulfate surfactant and a nonionic surfactant;

dispensing the composition from an application vehicle; and

applying the composition to a surface of a plastic or glass material.

13. An anti-fog and/or anti-frost composition for coating plastic and/or glass surfaces, comprising:

ethoxylated alcohol (s);

high molecular weight, neutralized homo- and copolymers of acrylic acid crosslinked with a polyalkenyl polyether or an acrylate based polymer (neutralized poly(acrylic acid)).

14. The composition of claim 13, wherein the nonionic surfactant is a

poly(oxyethylene) alkyl phenyl ether having the following structure:

C„H2n₊iC6H4(CH2CH₂0)xOH

where n has a value from 3 to 12 and x has a value from 3 to 12.

15. The composition of claim 13 where the high molecular weight, neutralized homo- and copolymers of acrylic acid crosslinked with a polyalkenyl polyether are rheology modifier polymers or an acrylate based polymer (neutralized poly(acrylic acid)).

16. A method of making an anti-fog and/or anti-frost composition, comprising:

preparing a solution of the high molecular weight, neutralized homo- and copolymer of acrylic acid crosslinked with a polyalkenyl polyether or an acrylate based polymer (neutralized poly(acrylic acid)) and adding octylphenol ethoxylate until a clear gel is formed.

17. A method of using an anti-fog and/or anti- frost composition, comprising:

ethoxylated alcohols mixed with high molecular weight, neutralized homo- and copolymers of acrylic acid crosslinked with a polyalkenyl polyether or an acrylate based polymer (neutralized poly(acrylic acid));

dispensing the composition from an application vehicle; and

applying the composition to a surface of a plastic or glass material;

the anti-fog and/or anti-frost composition is a gel-type matrix form that when applied to eye protection or some other type of lens material, actively keeps the eye protection from freezing.