Abstract: The invention relates to a process for applying a liquid UV-curable primer sealant to natural stone tiles and related articles followed immediately by the exposure to a requisite amount of low intensity UVA-type UV radiation to partially cure the primer sealant. The partial curing, or pre-setting, of the primer sealant enables control of the ultimate depth of penetration of the primer sealer into the natural stone tiles and natural stone articles of which many examples are quite porous. Because the low level UV irradiation is instantaneous after the primer sealant application the level of primer sealant penetration into the natural stone surface is regulated. The pre-curing of the primer sealant is conducted to intentionally solidify or immobilize the sealant that has actually penetrated into the natural stone surface. The uppermost layers of the primer sealant are left in a semi-liquid or uncured state to allow for wetting and intermingling by the top sealant once it is applied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for applying a liquid UV-curable primer sealant to natural stone tiles and related articles followed immediately by the exposure to a requisite amount of low intensity UVA-type UV radiation to partially cure the primer sealant. The partial curing, or pre-setting, of the primer sealant enables control of the ultimate depth of penetration of the primer sealer into the natural stone tiles and natural stone articles of which many examples are quite porous. Because the low level UV irradiation is instantaneous after the primer sealant application the level of primer sealant penetration into the natural stone surface is regulated. The pre-curing of the primer sealant is conducted to intentionally solidify or immobilize the sealant that has actually penetrated into the natural stone surface. The uppermost layers of the primer sealant are left in a semi-liquid or uncured state to allow for wetting and intermingling by the top sealant once it is applied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for applying a liquid UV-curable primer sealant to natural stone tiles and related articles followed immediately by the exposure to a requisite amount of low intensity UVA-type UV radiation to partially cure the primer sealant. The partial curing, or pre-setting, of the primer sealant enables control of the ultimate depth of penetration of the primer sealer into the natural stone tiles and natural stone articles of which many examples are quite porous. Because the low level UV irradiation is instantaneous after the primer sealant application the level of primer sealant penetration into the natural stone surface is regulated. The pre-curing of the primer sealant is conducted to intentionally solidify or immobilize the sealant that has actually penetrated into the natural stone surface. The uppermost layers of the primer sealant are left in a semi-liquid or uncured state to allow for wetting and intermingling by the top sealant once it is applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of sealing natural stone tiles and stone articles by applying and curing by UV radiation a liquid, solventless sealant onto natural stone tiles and articles to provide permanent protection, abrasion resistance, chemical and stain resistance and resistance to mold and other biological growth stains. The UV-curable solventless sealing composition comprises an effective amount of carboxyl functional, UV-curable reagent to provide for adhesion of the cured coating to the stone article. Additionally, the method describes the application of an optional liquid primer sealant comprising a UV-curable aqueous dispersion of an acrylate-functional resin.

Abstract: Provided is a novel method for sealing natural stone. The method comprises applying a base coat comprising a synthetic polymer, drying the base coat, applying a UV-cure topcoat, volatizing organic solvents from the topcoat, and curing the UV-cure topcoat by exposure to UV light. The UV-cure topcoat used in the method comprises an acrylate oligomer, photoinitiators, and flow and wetting additives. Methods are also provided wherein the topcoat further comprises a fungal inhibitor. The described methods provide a coating with excellent adhesion, and a smoother, more uniform topcoat. Moreover, this coating system allows moisture to migrate from the back side of tile through the coatings to evaporate to the surface, a feature critical to preventing deterioration of the stone over time.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved crosslinking systems for polymeric dispersions and solutions having suitability for coatings, adhesives and use in many other applications. These systems are based upon crosslinkable polymers having a plurality of activated keto methylene groups, e.g., a beta diketone such as an acetoacetate or a keto cyano methylene functional groups and a crosslinkable component comprising an aldimine. A sufficient amount of the aldimine curing agent is used to effect reaction with the polymer containing the activated keto methylene groups and cure thereof. The improvement in the crosslinking system resides in the utilization of a monoaldimine having only one aldimine group and no other methylene reactive group as a crosslinking agent. Another improvement variation to that previously suggested comprises a redispersible polymer(s) containing activated methylene functionality and combined with the monoaldimine and the use of heterocyclic aldimine.