Abstract: The disclosure relates to an article comprising a substrate and an antifog coating layer provided on at least one surface of the substrate. The antifog coating layer comprises a sulfonated styrenic block copolymer (SSBC) having a block A, a block B, and a block D. Block A is a polymer block resistant to sulfonation and derived from a para-substituted styrene monomer, block B is a polymer block susceptible to sulfonation and derived from a vinyl aromatic monomer, and block D is a polymer block resistant to sulfonation and derived from a conjugated diene monomer. The antifog coating layer provides long-term antifog as well as anti-microbial protection properties. The selection of a specific solvent system can modify the SSBC film morphology leading to enhanced antifog property. The antifog coating layer adheres well to targeted substrates and has abrasion resistance property.

Abstract: An erasable laminate for marking is disclosed. The laminate comprises a substrate with a marking surface, allowing a user to provide markings on the marking surface using the marking material. The marking surface comprises an outer layer containing a sulfonated block copolymer having an ion exchange capacity (IEC) of >0.5 meq/g. At least 50% of the markings can be erased from the marking surface with a wipe moist with a cleaning fluid (e.g., water, isopropyl alcohol, etc.) after wiping for less than 5 min. The laminate with erasable and reusable marking surface can be used for obtaining writing instruments, e.g., notebooks, artist easels, sketches, etc.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing a residue from a surface. The method includes steps of applying a cleaning medium to the surface containing the residue. The cleaning medium comprises up to 100 wt. % of at least a solvent. Allowing the cleaning medium to be in contact with the residue for at least 5 seconds to swell/dissolve the residue for removing the residue from the surface. At least 50 wt. % of the residue and the cleaning medium are removed from the surface by wiping the surface with a shear force. The residue contains a sulfonated polymer having an ion exchange capacity (IEC) of greater than 0.5 meq/g. The sulfonated polymer can kill >90% of microbes coming in contact with the sulfonated polymer in less than 30 min.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to laminate structures to cover or protect substrates or surfaces. The laminate structure comprises a support layer and a self-sterilizing/antimicrobial layer comprising a sulfonated polymer, capable of killing microbes within minutes and for an extended period of time. The sulfonated polymer has a sufficient degree of sulfonation to kill in less than 120 minutes at least 90% of microbes in contact with the surfaces, and for extended protection of the surfaces for at least one month. The laminate structure is particularly suitable for protecting high-touch surfaces such as door knobs, touch-screens, tables, as well as for use with facemasks, face shields, or as self-sterilizing wraps for surgical instruments and supplies. The laminates can also be used as garments or to cover/protect personnel having contagious diseases, etc., to decrease the transmission of microbes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to bio-secure equipment for protecting surfaces prone to exposure to microbes. The bio-secure equipment is for the protection of surfaces, with a coating layer comprising a sulfonated polymer, having a sufficient degree of sulfonation to kill in less than 120 minutes at least 90% of microbes in contact with the surfaces, and for extended protection of the surfaces for at least a month. The coating material is particularly suitable to provide bio-secure protection for applications including but not limited to protective facemasks, surgical instruments and supplies, garments, surfaces frequently used by members of the public that may have contagious diseases, etc., to decrease the transmission of microbes.