Abstract: A novel method and process for applying a tailor-made polymer film system a metal surface for the purpose of immobilizing and decontaminating hazardous chemicals from the said surface using a polymer that will take up the undesirable materials by solution, absorption adsorbtion and hold such undesirable materials in solid suspension with subsequent stripping of the polymeric material.

Abstract: Decontamination of a beach or soil area that has hydrocarbon contamination including removing hydrocarbon contaminated sand or soil from an area; mixing the contaminated soil or sand with cement and water; and forming concrete from the mix.

Abstract: A formable, weldable, removable protective coating composition for use on metals, said coating comprising a combination of a base-neutralized acid-funtional copolymer and a wax lubricant, and further comprising a removability enhancing means such as phosphoric acid as an additive to the coating composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for stripping, from the surface of a support, a layer of paint which has been formed and hardened thereon, characterized by the requirement of a phase of pre-treating said support before the formation on the latter of the layer of paint to be stripped, said treatment consisting in applying on the support a covering product, selected among the following products: a pre-treatment vinyl resin paint, a polyurethane resin paint. It is also an object of the invention to provide products and compositions to be used in said process.

Abstract: A substantially nonthixotropic composition capable of minimizing the amount of airborne asbestos particles released during removal of asbestos from a structural unit and encapsulating the removed asbestos to permanently prevent the release of airborne asbestos particles. The composition includes (i) a major proportion of water, (ii) a nonionic-surfactant-stabilized latex, such as a latex of styrene butyl rubber, having a viscosity of less than about 300 cps and a maximum particle size of less than about 0.4 microns, (iii) sufficient nonionic surfactant to reduce the surface tension of the composition to less than about 40 dynes per cm, and (iv) a cationic surfactant. Optionally, the composition may further include a defoamant, a corrosion inhibitor, a pH buffering agent, a freezing point depressant and/or a dye.

Abstract: Paint stripping compositions and a method of removing paint and the like from a substrate is disclosed. More particularly, a stripping composition comprised of a polymeric resin, a water insoluble organic plasticizer, and a water miscible organic solvent, is provided for use in penetrating, softening, loosening and lifting the paint from a painted substrate while laminating with the paint. The lamination process is expedited by inclusion of steam heat and removal of the resultant laminate is accomplished by peeling, or more preferred, by blasting with pressurized steam or water.

Abstract: A method of enchancing the cleanability and facilitating the removal of algae and other microorganisms from surfaces prone to biofouling by immobilizing on said surfaces and bonding thereto a coating of organosilanes, forming on the coated surfaces a layer of dead cells of the algae and other microorganisms, utilizing the layer of dead cells and inherent release characteristics of silicone surface as a release medium to facilitate removal of succeeding layers of algae and other microorganisms that accumulate thereon, and cleaning the surfaces by dislodging the accumulated layers from the release medium layer.

Abstract: A composition which can be applied to old asbestos before it is removed from old plant, apparatus of buildings is provided. The composition, which is in the form of a concentrate to be diluted with water, consists of:(a) from 1 to 20% by weight of a C.sub.12 to C.sub.20 secondary alcohol alkoxylate having a molecular weight in the range 500 to 700.(b) from 0.1 to 20% by weight of a polyoxyethylene-oxypropylene block copolymer having an average molecular weight in the range 1800 to 2000 and an ethylene oxide content of between 8 and 12% by weight.(c) from 10 to 60% by weight of a random polyoxyethylene oxypropylene glycol ether having an average molecular weight in the range 1500 to 3500 and an ethylene oxide content of between 40 and 75% by weight.(d) the balance, if required, being water.

Abstract: A process for facilitating the removal of undesired contamination from a surface, comprising the steps:(a) applying a solution containing a polysaccharide and a solvent therefor onto said surface before it is subjected to contamination, said polysaccharide being capable of forming a redissolvable or swelling solid film upon drying;(b) allowing the applied solution to dry to form a solid film on said surface;(c) treating the coated surface with a liquid capable of redissolving the film or providing for swelling thereof; and(d) removing the undesired contamination by removing the dissolved or swelled surface layer of the film.

Abstract: A paint peeling composition contains as effective components thereof 17 to 25 weight percent of polyvinylalcohol or 2 to 12 weight percent of an acrylic resin or polyvinyl acetate and a subsstance which when heated is in the form of minute shells enclosing a gas or vapor, the shells being thermally expandable without rupturing.

Abstract: A novel method is provided for removing lint, hair, and other particulate matter from fabric articles such as clothing, upholstery, or draperies. A sprayable aerosol adhesive composition is applied to flexible sheet material, such as a paper towel, so as to splatter the surface of the sheet with tacky adherent globules of a tackified or plasticized resin without forming a continuous coating on the surface. The sprayed surface of the sheet is ready within 60 seconds for contacting with the fabric from which the particulate matter is to be removed.

Abstract: Wallpaper is removed by contacting the wallpaper with a liquid composition which permeates the paper and softens the adhesive which holds the wallpaper to a wall. A vapor barrier is applied to the liquid contacted wallpaper which prevents evaporation of the liquid and maintains continuous contact between the liquid and the wallpaper until the adhesive is softened, after which the wallpaper is stripped away from the wall surface. An article of manufacture for protecting one embodiment of this method includes a vapor barrier sheet having open-celled interstices on one side thereof and a dry composition carried in the interstices. The dry composition forms a gel when contacted with a paper-permeating, adhesive-softening liquid.

Abstract: Short-chain alkane sulfonic acids containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof as sole acid component of cleaning preparations and/or disinfectants, optionally together with other inorganic or organic acids, particularly for use in the food-processing industry.

Abstract: Asbestos containing materials which have become friable and thus hazardous to health can be rendered non-friable by treatment with a lipophilic material, such as a triglyceride oil having non-polar or slightly polar characteristics. The method of the invention is particularly applicable to the treatment of asbestos-containing roofs which are friable and which, without treatment, would be required to be removed using the stringent, expensive protocol which is specified under the Federal Asbestos Abatement Guidelines for removal of friable asbestos roofs.

Abstract: A cleaning system of the apparatus utilizing the effect of surface tension forces (4) and phase changes between a liquid and gas. In one embodiment the surface (21) to be cleaned is submerged within a vessel (30), the pressure within the vessel being increased. A rapid depressurization of the vessel causes a plurality of bubbles (12) to form around undesired particulate matter (13) on the surface (14) of the article to be cleaned, the bubbles rising to the surface of the liquid (27) within the chamber, thereby cleaning the article. A second embodiment utilizes a cleaning fluid (52) which is applied to the surface of the article (49) to be cleaned. The fluid being subsequently frozen on the surface, thereby reducing the adhesion force between the surface of the article and undesired particulate matter. The surface of the article (49) is subsequently heated, and the undesired particulate matter is removed through the medium of the cleaning fluid (52).

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of removing asbestos or other fibrous material from structures, such as the lagging on pipes, by injecting into the material a treatment liquid which includes a gelling agent and which sets to form a gel of which the fibrous material comprises an integral part, thereby allowing the material to be removed without generating hazardous fibrous dust.

Abstract: A method for stripping cured paint from a surface using a stripper composition containing a caustic alkali and a film forming liquid coating which is sprayed on the stripper composition to form a film on the surface of the stripper composition, the liquid coating containing a volatile thinner and a parafin formulation or a liquid vinyl-solvent, the coating being separable from the stripper composition to allow for removal of the composition and softened paint by scrapping or washing with a high pressure water wash. A further method is to mix a solvent free liquid vinyl coating with a stripper composition and an additive to form a homogeneous mixture that can be sprayed onto the cured paint and removed by peeling to remove the softened paint.

Abstract: A paint peeling composition contains as effective components (1) a water-insoluble high polymer compound such as unreamelamine resin, chloroprene latex, EVA latex, or polystyrene; and (2) a substance containing as an effective component thereof, a component capable of forming a group of minute bubbles in an applied coating per se, e.g., a foamed or unfoamed hollow matter, or a chemical system capable of reacting to form a gaseous foam.

Abstract: A substantially nonthixotropic composition capable of minimizing the amount of airborne asbestos particles released during removal of asbestos from a structural unit and encapsulating the removed asbestos to permanently prevent the release of airborne asbestos particles. The composition includes (i) a major proportion of water, (ii) a nonionic-surfactant-stabilized latex, such as a latex of styrene butyl rubber, having a viscosity of less than about 300 cps and a maximum particle size of less than about 0.4 microns, (iii) sufficient nonionic surfactant to reduce the surface tension of the composition to less than about 40 dynes per cm, and (iv) a cationic surfactant. Optionally, the composition may further include a defoamant, a corrosion inhibitor, a pH buffering agent, a freezing point depressant and/or a dye.

Abstract: A method of masking the threaded portion of a threaded fastener part to prevent adhesion of coatings comprising the steps of applying a film of a heat activated foaming polymeric material to the threaded portion of a threaded part prior to exposing the threads to a coating and heating the foaming material subsequent to the application of a coating thereto. The foaming material comprises a plastisol, preferably including a vinyl compound, which most preferably is polyvinyl chloride. The foaming material further comprises a blowing agent, preferably azodicarbonamide.

Abstract: A paint peeling composition containing as effective components thereof 17 to 25 weight parts of polyvinylalcohol and a substance capable of forming a group of minute bubbles. And, a paint peeling method wherein the paint peeling composition is applied to an object not to be painted and then is dried to form a coating thereon and after paint is adhered to the coating the adhered paint is exposed to a liquid prepared by water-diluting a paint re-adherence preventing composition containing as an effective component thereof polyvinylalcohol and prepared by being heated up to a predetermined temperature, thereby to peel off the adhered paint.

Abstract: A method for removing organic and inorganic deposits from hydrophilic (contact) lenses and minimizing shape deformation thereof, comprising immersing the lenses in an aqueous solution of water and a hypertonic, substantially nontoxic cryoscopic modifying agent, reducing the temperature of the solution to between 0.degree. C. and -4.degree. C., thereby causing the solution to freeze and expand and causing the lens structure to contract, and causing the liquid volume to exceed the lens hydrogel volume and expelling deposits in the lens and on the lens surface.

Abstract: A rust converting composition comprises ascorbic acid, lignin sulfonate, and a water insoluble polymer, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, and optionally a thickener. The invention further provides a method for removing rust from rusted metal surfaces by applying the composition, allowing the composition to remain on the rusted metal surface until substantially all of the rust is converted to a water soluble form, and removing the composition from the metal surface by washing with water.

Abstract: Organic material, particularly organic material floating on a water surface, can be encapsulated by reacting, in the presence of the organic material, (A) a functionalized liquid polymer containing anhydride functional groups which groups are derived from an alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid anhydride and (B) an alkoxylated fatty monoamine or polyamine having from 1.5 to 15 moles of alkoxylate per mole of fatty amine. The functionalized polymer (A) may be, for example, maleinized polybutadiene and the alkoxylated fatty amine may be, for example, N,N.sup.1, N.sup.1 -tris (2-hydroxypropyl)-N-oleyl-1,3-diaminopropane. Preferably, the alkoxylated fatty amine is derived from a fatty amine having an iodine value of at least 65. The method may also be used to encapsulate a solid contaminated with organic material e.g. oil drilling cuttings.

Abstract: A fiber-containing, peelable, solvent-based coating remover that may be applied to a wide variety of coatings and substrates, which can be easily removed by peeling, and which can cling to the underside of a horizontal substrate or to a vertical overhead substrate substantially without dripping.

Abstract: A method for reducing the amount of particles which become airborne during either or both the dismantling and moving of structures wherein a foam is sprayed on the structures prior to either or both the dismantling and moving of such structures.

Abstract: A crystal clear paint spray booth barrier coating comprising an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol is disclosed. The polyvinyl alcohol may include a foam depressor for spray application of said coating. Fluorocarbon and non-ionic surfactants are disclosed for providing a smooth coating surface and improving the transparency of said coating. A polyacrylate thickener may be included to facilitate applying the coating to vertical surfaces. Methylparaben is disclosed for preventing the formation of mold on said coating and improving shelf life of the coating. The method disclosed includes mixing an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol, at least one surfactant and a foam depressor, applying said mixture to the surfaces of the paint spray booth to be protected and equipment located in the paint spray booth, and allowing the coating to dry to a crystal clear coating. Methods of removing the coating include peeling the coating off as a film and water washing the coating.

Abstract: A composition consisting essentially of surfactants, non-metal-crosslinked polymers, alkaline-reacting complexing agents, and a water-soluble organic solvent is suitable for preserving and cleaning hard surfaces, particularly floors. It is used in highly dilute form and leaves behind a hard, but readily redissolvable transparent protective film.

Abstract: A debilitant composition of water and a homopolymer of ethylene oxide having a molecular weight of from about 100,000 to about 5,000,000 and having a repeating monomeric unit with a molecular weight of 44 is applied to a body of previously installed asbestos insulation in sufficient quantity to thoroughly wet at least the exposed portion thereof. Thereafter, the pre-wet body is mechanically debrided.

Abstract: Asbestos-containing materials can be removed from their substrate by (1) applying a composition containing a cellulosic polymer such as hydroxypropyl cellulose to said asbestos-containing material; (2) allowing the cellulosic polymer containing composition time to penetrate and wet the asbestos-containing material; and (3) removing the resulting wet asbestos-containing material by use of mechanical forces.

Abstract: Aqueous liquid carpet and upholstery shampoo compositions are provided which comprise a glycoside surfactant, a normally solid, water soluble or water dispersible polymer component and water. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the surfactant ingredient employed consists essentially of one or more glycoside surfactants and utilizes a polymer-containing shampoo modifier system of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,203,859.The indicated compositions are utilized in the cleaning of soiled carpet or upholstery by applying said composition to the soiled carpeting or upholstery; permitting same to dry and harden thereon and thereafter removing at least a portion of the resulting soil-containing polymer residue by vacuuming.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using the same are disclosed, the compositions being effective for the removal of paints, stains, varnishes, resins, grease, wood pitch, urea and phenolic resins, creosote, and also as a wood restorative. The compositions consist essentially of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, ethylene glycol, glycerol, and xanthan gum and/or corn starch. Enhanced effectiveness of the compositions is obtained in some cases by further application of a weakly acidic oxalic acid solution. The compositions are applied to the surface having the coating desired to be removed by brushing, spraying, and the like, allowed to stand for a time, then either wiped off or washed off with water, except in the case of creosote removal, where the composition is allowed to dry and then removed by conventional methods.

Abstract: Alkaline paint stripper compositions contain either a fibrous material or a combination of a xanthan gum and hectorite clay so as to provide a peelable skin over a painted surface.

Abstract: A method and composition for providing, in situ, a polymeric membrane for isolating hazardous materials within an area such as, for example, an asbestos removal job site. The polymer is applied in liquid form to surfaces which are to be protected. Upon cure, a seamless bladder-like membrane is formed which isolates the work area and prevents the spread of airborne, or water-carried particulate. The membrane can then be peeled from the surface and compacted for disposal.

Abstract: A process for cleaning a metal, plastic or wood surface on which there is a residue resulting from contact with a cured resin which comprises applying to said surface a solution of a copolymer of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone and maleic acid, drying said solution of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone and maleic acid to form a film, and separating said film from the metal surface.

Abstract: A marble and brick surface restoring composition comprising a mixture of trisodium phosphate, talc and sugar, which is prepared by dissolving the trisodium phosphate in boiling water to which is added the talc and sugar to form a paste. The paste is applied to the surface to be restored by a suitable applicator such as a brush or trowel; the coated surface is covered with a thin plastic sheet and the coating is allowed to set. The composition is removed from the restored surface by a squeegee and the surface is rinsed with water or steam.When restoring detailed surfaces, such as headstones, cheese cloth is first wrapped around the surface and the paste is sprayed thereon to form a poultice which is covered with a thin plastic sheet. After setting, the poultice is peeled from the surface and the restored surface is rinsed with water or steam.

Abstract: A rust conversion composition comprises the reaction product of a polyhydroxybenzoic acid and a alkane polyol, in admixture with a film forming polymer, and water. The composition is applied to rusted, iron-containing surface, and allowed to dry to form a hard, moisture and corrosion resistant film. Alternatively, the film may be removed to produce an iron-containing surface free of rust.

Abstract: Particulate contaminant is removed from surfaces by applying a coating of an aqueous solution of copolymer of maleic acid and monomer. The particulate contaminant becomes incorporated into the coating during drying and the coating detaches itself from the surface without the necessity of peeling or otherwise mechanically removing the contaminant laden coating.

Abstract: A solid, pulverulent composition for destroying pathogen activity and absorbing liquid when placed in contact with blood spills consists essentially of a chlorine source capable of yielding hypochlorous acid in contact with water, such as calcium hypochlorite, and diatomaceous earth. The composition includes sufficient of the chlorine source to provide an available chlorine level in the composition of at least 5,000 ppm and, preferably, 5,000 to 65,000 ppm.

Abstract: Spreadable thixotropic coating composition suitable for rust removal and containing polyvinylpyrrolidone, water and a thixotropic agent which is either xanthan gum or water-soluble crosslinked interpolymer of maleic anhydride, monovinyl alkyl ether and crosslinking agent. The composition has a pH between about 1.5 and 7.0 is applied to rusty metal surfaces and allowed to dry. During drying the rust becomes incorporated into the coating which is then easily removed.

Abstract: A paint spray booth masking composition comprising:______________________________________ Ingredients % by weight ______________________________________ Water 30-50 Polyvinylpyrrolidone 2-30 Saccharide 16-60 Water-soluble surfactant 0.07-0.13 Preservative 0.05-0.

Abstract: A metal oxide composition containing a water soluble polymer, erythorbic acid, a surfactant, a buffer, ascorbic acid (optional), and citric acid (optional). The novel composition may be used according to at least two novel methods. The composition may be sprinkled as a powder onto a wetted, oxidized surface, and then rinsed off, or it may be dissolved in water and the metal surface exposed to the resulting solution.

Abstract: A method for reducing the amount of particles which become airborne during either or both the dismantling and moving of structures wherein a foam is sprayed on the structures prior to either or both the dismantling and moving of such structures.

Abstract: Rust is removed from metal surfaces by applying a coating of an aqueous solution of copolymer of maleic acid and monomer. The rust becomes incorporated into the coating during drying and the coating detaches itself from the metal surface without the necessity of peeling or otherwise mechanically removing the rust laden coating.

Abstract: A physico-chemical cleaning process for the inner walls of a reactor which serves to maintain these walls in a state close to their main initial characteristics necessitated by a fluorination reaction, said characteristics being degraded by the deposition of a parasitic phase during the reaction, said initial characteristics being maintained by the use of a protective agent belonging to the group constituted by at least one of the reagents, a product resulting from the reaction, a product foreign to the reaction, but compatible with the substances of the main reaction or by the reaction of a third substance with at least one of the reaction substances or a mixture thereof, forming a renewable protective film on the said walls. The protective agent can be deposited by condensation on the walls before, during or after the main reaction, and then vaporized. The protective agent can be in liquid form, and trickling along the walls.

Abstract: Rust is removed from metal surfaces by applying a coating of an aqueous solution of a copolymer of maleic acid and monomer of the formula CH.sub.2 .dbd.CHR wherein R represents H, CH.sub.3, OR.sup.1 or OCOR.sup.1 and R.sup.1 represents CH.sub.3 or CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3. The rust becomes incorporated into the coating during drying and the coating detaches itself from the metal surface for easy removal.

Abstract: An alkaline liquid composition is disclosed which is useful for restoring grout. The composition consists essentially of an aqueous dispersion of a film-forming polymeric resin, a compatible surfactant, a basic alkali metal salt, sodium hypochlorite, pigment, and an amount of zinc oxide effective to set the composition when it is coated onto and absorbed by the porous grout.

Abstract: Alkaline paint stripper compositions contain either a fibrous material or a combination of a xanthan gum and hectorite clay so as to provide a pellable skin over a painted surface.

Abstract: A method for forming a three-dimensional network containing encapsulated organic material comprises reacting a functionalized polymer and a complementary functional cross-linking agent in the presence of the organic material. The method may be used for recovering oil spilled on sea or land, for treating organic wastes or preventing leakage of oil from tanks or pipelines.

Abstract: A cryogenic liquid is used to directly or indirectly cool solid or liquid contaminants adhering to apparatus surfaces to effect a change in the physical characteristics of the contaminants and thereby render them more susceptible to removal operations.