Fog-resistant coatings and methods of making the same

• US 20040137155A1
• Filed: 01/13/2003
• Published: 07/15/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/13/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Exxene Corp.
• Original Assignee: Exxene Corp.
• Inventors: Raglin, Benjamin W., Bernheim, Edward A.
• Application Number:
  US10/341,752
• Publication Number:
  US 20040137155A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 427/385.5
• CPC Class Codes: B05D 3/0254 After-treatment
• CPC Class Codes: B05D 5/00 Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces to obtain special surface effects, finishes or structures
• CPC Class Codes: B05D 7/02 to macromolecular substances, e.g. rubber treatment or coating of shaped articles made of macromolecular substances C08J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: C03C 17/322 Polyurethanes or polyisocyanates
• CPC Class Codes: C08G 18/10 Prepolymer processes involving reaction of isocyanates or isothiocyanates with compounds having active hydrogen in a first reaction step
• CPC Class Codes: C08G 18/283 Compounds containing ether groups, e.g. oxyalkylated monohydroxy compounds
• CPC Class Codes: C08G 18/285 Nitrogen containing compounds
• CPC Class Codes: C08G 18/2855 Lactams
• CPC Class Codes: C08G 18/2895 Compounds containing active methylene groups
• CPC Class Codes: C08G 18/42 Polycondensates having carboxylic or carbonic ester groups in the main chain
• CPC Class Codes: C08G 18/4833 Polyethers containing oxyethylene units
• CPC Class Codes: C08G 18/807 with nitrogen containing compounds
• CPC Class Codes: C08G 2290/00 Compositions for creating anti-fogging
• CPC Class Codes: C09D 175/04 Polyurethanes

Abstract

This document discloses a clear, polymeric composition that provides both abrasion resistance and non-fogging properties. The composition may be applied to plastic or glass with or without the use of a solvent carrier, or may be cast into a molded article. The fully cured composition provides a fog-free surface that repels condensation while the interior of the polymeric deposition provides a hydrophilic environment for the absorption of water vapor. This combination of properties is highly efficacious and permanent, functioning independent of any additional non-fogging additives. The current invention is composed of an isocyanate prepolymer and a water-soluble polyhydroxl polymer. An absence or surfactants or crosslinking additives/chain extenders makes the current invention innovative amongst prior art, relying totally upon the inventors'"'"' use of certain unique material combinations.

Claims

1. A composition comprising:

an isocyanate prepolymer containing two or three isocyanate groups; and

a polyol,

the composition being capable of providing a scratch-resistant, water repellent, anti-fog finish, film or shape when cured.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polyol comprises a water soluble or dispersible polyhydroxyl-functional compound.

3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the compound comprises at least one of a polyalkylene glycol, a water soluble triol, a tetrahydroxy functional, a branched ethylene oxide/propylene glycol copolymer, any block polymer thereof and combinations thereof.

4. The composition of claim 1, further comprising a catalyst.

5. The composition of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a leveling agent, mar-resistant additive and combination thereof.

6. The composition of claim 1, further comprising at least one of tertiary butyl alcohol, diacetone alcohol, isophorone, glycol ether EB(2-butoxy ethanol), and a combination thereof.

7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the isocyanate comprises at least one of a biuret, an isocyanurate of a diisocyanate, and a combination thereof.

8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the isocyanate is blocked.

9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is substantially free of surfactants.

10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is substantially free of chain extenders.

20. The method of claim 1 1, wherein the urethane is thermoformed.

11. A method of producing a substantially scratch-resistant, anti-fog finish on a substrate, the method comprising:

mixing a blocked isocyanate having two or three isocyanate groups with a polyol to form a mixture;

applying the mixture to a substrate; and

curing the mixture to form a scratch-resistant, anti-fog urethane on the substrate.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising adding a catalyst to the mixture.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising adding at least one of a leveling agent, a mar-resistant additive, and combination thereof to the mixture.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the mixture further comprises blocked isocyanates polar solvents containing primary and secondary alcohols.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the mixture further comprises a solvent chosen from an alcohol, ketone, aliphatic, aromatic, ester, glycol ether, and mixture thereof.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the mixture further comprises a solvent, and the substrate is a plastic.

17. The method as in claim 11, wherein the composition is substantially solvent free.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the mixture further comprises a solvent, and the substrate is plastic or glass.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the urethane comprises a color tint.

21. The method of claim 11, wherein the mixture is substantially free of surfactants.

22. The method of claim 11, wherein the mixture is substantially free of chain extenders.

23. A polymer composition comprising:

a blocked isocyanate prepolymer containing two or three isocyanate groups;

a water soluble or dispersible polyhydroxyl-functional compound;

the composition being capable of providing a scratch-resistant, water repellent, anti-fog finish, film or shape when cured at a temperature of about 80°

to 180°

C. for about 10 to about 60 minutes, and the composition being substantially free of chain extenders and surfactants.