Abstract: Chemicals spilled on porous surfaces may be removed therefrom by applying to the spill site a poultice in the form of a slurry or paste of finely divided particulate material dispersed in a volatile solvent in which the spilled chemical substance is soluble, allowing the solvent to be absorbed into the porous substrate. The poultice is then allowed to dry, thereby effecting a wicking action causing extraction of the chemical substance from the substrate into the poultice.

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: Rust is removed from metal surfaces by applying a coating of an aqueous solution of vinylpyrrolidone/maleic acid copolymer. The rust becomes incorporated into the coating during drying and the coating detaches itself from the metal surface for easy removal.

Abstract: Hulls of fibreglass boats often become stained above and below the waterline after a period in the water. The present invention provides a method of cleaning fibreglass which comprises applying to a fibreglass surface a composition comprising an aqueous solution of phosphoric or oxalic acid and letting the solution dry on the fibreglass surface. It has been found that the method of the present invention is a quick and effective way of cleaning fibreglass.

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.

Abstract: Vinyl decals are removed from a painted surface by contacting the decal with a composition consisting essentially of ethylene glycol monobutyl ether and one or more of the following aromatic solvents: toluene, xylene and aromatic naphtha. The composition may optionally contain ethylene glycol monoethyl ether or a thickener. The composition remains in contact with the decal for a time sufficient to loosen the decal from the surface and then the decal is physically pulled from the surface.

Abstract: A process for the treating of zircon to remove a coating which contains iron from the surface of individual grains to make them move amenable to electrostatic and magnetic separation, wherein the method comprises coating the zircon grains with a strong basic reagent, calcining the coated grains and treating the calcined grains to remove the calcined impurities.

Abstract: Grill and oven cleaners having reduced alkalinity are prepared using an alkanolamine, an acid, a nonionic or anionic surfactant, a short chain glycol or glycol ether, and a polyol polyether thickening agent. The thixotropic composition is contacted with soiled grill or oven surfaces and the treated surfaces are heated. The resulting reaction loosens the soil to enable it to be safely wiped and rinsed away.

Abstract: Paint is removed from a painted surface by applying to the surface a solution containing an alkali metal hydroxide and a polyacrylate thickening agent having a viscosity which decreases above a predetermined transition pH. The initial pH of the composition is adjusted to just above the transition pH by including a sufficient amount of the hydroxide in the composition so that the composition is readily spreadable. As the pH of the composition falls during use its viscosity increases; thereby becoming more firmly attached to the surface; permitting the composition to remain in contact with the surface for a sufficient time to destroy the adhesion of the paint to the surface.The thickening agent is a cross-linked carboxylated copolymer of acrylic acid and methacrylate.

Abstract: Water-resistant articles such as automobile surfaces are protected against soiling from asphalt undercoating, paint overspray and the like, by applying a pre-coat film of polymer that is readily flushed off with water after the soiling exposure is terminated. Pre-coat is preferably applied from aqueous dispersion and has sufficient levelling agent content to keep it from separating into droplets when applied on a heavily waxed surface. Fluorinated surfactants, by themselves or mixed with silicone surfactants, are effective levelling agents. Alginate and half-acid half-amide 3-dimethylaminopropylamine-reacted ethylene-maleic anhydride polymers are very good film-formers, although others can be used. The film-formers are preferably heavily plasticized with glycerine or other water-soluble plasticizer.

Abstract: A two component stripping composition useful for removing a friable material, one of said parts comprising an aqueous silicate solution comprising a water soluble metal silicate such as potassium silicate or a mixture of potassium silicate and sodium silicate and a cationic or nonionic surfactant and the other part comprising an acrylic polymer dispersion component comprising an acrylic polymer latex and a reagent that reacts with alkali metal silicate. The two parts are mixed to provide a blended composition ready for application having a solids content between 5 and 30 weight percent. The stripping composition is particularly useful for wet removal of friable asbestos-containing materials.

Abstract: Electrical apparatus including an enclosure, an electrode disposed within the enclosure, and supports for insulatably supporting the electrode within the enclosure has a permanently sticky adhesive material which is disposed on the interior surface of the outer enclosure. A high-vapor-pressure sublimable material is disposed on the permanently sticky adhesive material, with the sublimable material capable of subliming away in the presence of a vacuum. The presence of the sublimable material enables the apparatus to be non-sticky during assembly and handling operations, while being rendered sticky upon commissioning of the apparatus.

Abstract: Vinyl decals are removed from a painted surface without damaging the painted surface by contacting the decal with a composition consisting essentially of one or more of the following aromatic solvents: toluene, xylene and aromatic naphtha; and methyl ethyl ketone or a mixture of glycol ethers. The composition may optionally contain a thickener. The composition remains in contact with the decal for a time sufficient to loosen the decal from the surface and then the decal is physically pulled from the surface.

Abstract: Device for stabilizing the texture of a plastic substance, notably animal excrements, in which said substance is coated in the plastic state with a fast-acting and non-toxic setting material forming a rigid foam of the polyurethane type from two separate constituents including a catalyst, said device being constituted by a container including two individual compartments for holding said two constituents, and a flow means for mixing said two constituents in situ, said flow means being integral or adaptable as a plug to said container and having two closable nozzles the inlets of which are respectively arranged in line with each of said two compartments, the respective capacities of said two compartments corresponding mutually in order to provide a coating which is suitable as to volume and speed of formation of said setting material.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a new improved paint repellent composition and method of using same such as, for example, a coating in a spray booth. In particular, the present paint repellent composition includes a mixture of hydrocarbon oils, sodium chloride, sugar, aluminum silicate, sand and acetic acid and when applied to a substrate effectively repels paint.

Abstract: A method of cleaning metal surfaces, particularly irregularly shaped metal surfaces such as exist on a ship, wherein a thick aqueous solution of a water soluble polymer, preferably polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and a chelating agent, is applied to a rusty metal surface as a thick paste, which gradually hardens into an encapsulating film during cleaning. After cleaning is complete, the film and the corrosion products are easily peeled from the clean surface and can be disposed of as solid waste.

Abstract: Hulls of fibreglass boats often become stained above and below the waterline after a period in the water.The present invention provides a method of cleaning fibreglass which comprises applying to a fibreglass surface a composition comprising an aqueous solution of phosphoric or oxalic acid. It has been found that the method of the present invention is a quick and effective way of cleaning fibreglass.

Abstract: A composition containing organic compounds for plasticizing resins, an emulsifying agent, a thickening and suspending agent and possibly an inert filler and/or water, is applied to an emulsion-painted wallpaper surface and left for several hours to allow the compounds to act on the binder resins in the paint coating. The resulting cohesive, plasticized paint film may then be removed by scoring and removing strips of the film and adhering wallpaper, starting from the score mark, any remaining paint and underlying paper being removed by scraping after possible application of water.

Abstract: A composition for cleaning printed circuit boards contains 92 to 95 weight percent 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane, 5 to 7 weight percent methanol and 0.05 to 1 weight percent methyl acetate.

Abstract: A cleaning process for a silicon surface, especially a p-type silicon surface. The surface is exposed to HF/H.sub.2 O fumes, thereby obtaining a hexafluosilicic acid film on the surface. The exposed surface is then treated with a water-based, oxidizing, non-silicon-etchant cleaning agent. There is no intermediate rinse between the latter two steps.

Abstract: Silicon wafers are cleaned by first immersing them in a film forming solution which reacts with the dirty wafers to form a film on the wafers and then immersing the wafers in a film stripping solution which removes the film. For silicon wafers both the film forming solution and the film stripping solution may be formed from separate aqueous source solutions comprising 49% HF by weight and 70% HNO.sub.3 by weight, respectively. The film forming solution comprises 99.1% to 99.5% by volume the HF solution and 0.5% to 0.9% by volume the HNO.sub.3 solution. A small quantity of a wetting agent may be present in this solution. The stripping solution comprises 95% to 99% by volume of the HNO.sub.3 solution and 5% to 1% by volume of the HF solution. When utilized at room temperature the film forming solution forms a film on the wafers and the stripping solution removes the film with a minimum of attack on the silicon of the main wafer body.

Abstract: A method for protecting painted and other surfaces from being permanently marked by graffiti and particularly markings of flexible tip permanent marking pens comprising coating the surface with a removable composition consisting essentially of from 10 to 35% by weight of a polymer having a monomer content of from 25-70% by weight of a hard monomer, 15-50% by weight of a soft monomer, and 15-30% by weight of an acid monomer, the polymer having been solubilized with sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or mixtures thereof, from 0-15% of a potassium or sodium salt of a maleic anhydride adduct with a mixed alpha olefin having chain lengths of more than 30 carbon atoms, from 0 to 2% of a coalescing solvent selected from the group consisting of diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ethyl and mixtures thereof; from 0 to 3% of defoamers, leveling agents, and mixtures thereof; and 90 to 45% by weight water, the composition having an MFT of less than 30.degree. C. and a pH of from 7.0 to 10.

Abstract: A method for removing a reflective decal from a vehicle's body surface, especially a baked enamel surface as would be found on a truck or an automobile. The method includes the steps of contacting the decal, for a period of time sufficient to loosen the decal from the surface, with a composition consisting essentially of methylene chloride, a lower alkyl alcohol, a lower aliphatic symmetric or unsymmetric ketone, methyl cellulose and polyethylene glycol, and separating the loosened decal from the surface with a high pressure stream of liquid.

Abstract: A tacky or sticky coating is provided on selected surface areas inside compressed gas-insulated systems to trap conducting and semiconducting particles which, if allowed to remain free, can promote breakdown between metallic parts or electrodes maintained at different potentials, or which may initiate tracking and flashover along insulating surfaces. The initially hard, dry coating is comprised of a binder component and an active component. The binder component is chemically inert to both the insulating gas within the apparatus and a solvent vapor, while the active component is capable of interacting with the solvent vapor to become tacky. The insulating coating, after exposure to the solvent vapor, becomes tacky on the surface to thereon entrap contamination particles, but the addition of the binder component prevents the coating from sagging but instead maintains its spatial position on the selected surface areas.

Abstract: To remove fluid and/or particulate debris from a pipeline, a Bingham plastic fluid plug is passed through a pipeline and the fluid and/or debris are collected by the plug. The plug is pushed through the pipeline with a scraper which in turn may be pushed by liquid or gas pressure. Where the fluid to be removed is water, the Bingham plastic fluid plug employed preferably is a composition of water and a xanthan gum, and the gum may be cross-linked with a multivalent metal. Where the fluid to be removed is a hydrocarbon, the Bingham plastic fluid plug employed preferably is a composition of a mineral oil and an organo-modified smectite, and may also include a particulate filler such as powdered coal.

Abstract: As a modifier for carpet shampoos and the like, an aqueous composition containing a polymer component comprising an aqueous dispersion of an acrylic polymer, polyvalent metal ions, ammonia or a volatile amine to solubilize the copolymer, and optionally CO.sub.3 .dbd., HCO.sub.3.sup.-- or an anion of an amino acid. The acrylic polymer is a low molecular weight copolymer of 20-60 parts butyl acrylate, 0-25 parts styrene, 0-15 parts methyl methacrylate, and 40-60 parts of at least one of methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, and itaconic acid. Preferably the polymer contains at least about 5 parts of styrene, the styrene:butyl acrylate ratio being no more than 1:1. The pka of the polymer component is less than about 6.7 and the number average molecular weight of the polymer is about 2500-100,000. The viscosity in centipoises at 25% solids of polymer in water at 35.degree. C. and containing at least two equivalents of ammonium cation and at least 0.

Abstract: Hydrophobic materials deposited on the surface of a substrate having a primer release coating of a water-insoluble, water-swellable polymer can easily be removed from the substrate upon exposure of the water-swellable polymer to an aqueous liquid. For example, paint applied to the surface of a steel panel precoated with a lightly cross-linked polyacrylate can easily be removed upon the immersion of the panel in water.

Abstract: Dust and grease are removed from the surface of a phonograph record by applying to the surface a liquid composition containing polyvinyl alcohol and a solvent. Specifically, the composition includes polyvinyl alcohol, ethanol, distilled water, and triethylene glycol. The applied composition forms a self supporting film upon drying. Thereafter, the film is stripped from the surface.

Abstract: This invention is a method for forming a protective, strippable, elastomeric film on a highly reflective surface. The method is especially well suited for protecting diamond-machined metallic mirrors, which are susceptible not only to abrasion and mechanical damage but also to contamination and corrosion by various fluids. In a typical use of the invention, a diamond-machined copper mirror surface is coated uniformly with a solution comprising a completely polymerized and completely cured thermoplastic urethane elastomer dissolved in tetrahydrofuran. The applied coating is evaporated to dryness, forming a tough, adherent, impermeable, and transparent film which encapsulates dust and other particulates on the surface. The film may be left in place for many months. When desired, the film may be stripped intact, removing the entrapped particulates and leaving no residue on the mirror surface.

Abstract: A thixotropic oven cleaning composition, suitable for use in a pump spray, comprising water, 1 to 7% of an alkali selected from sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide, a first thickener, a surfactant, a humectant, an organic solvent and a second thickener comprising a thixotropic emulsion of a copolymer of acrylic acid and ethylene, upon shaking, liquefies so that it can be pump sprayed onto soiled oven surfaces. The composition resolidifies upon contacting the oven surfaces and is removed therefrom after reacting with the soil.

Abstract: Container-stable alkaline cleaning compositions and processes are provided which are effective for cleaning carpets, upholstery and the like, and for imparting water and oil repellency and stain resistance thereto. One such composition comprises in an aqueous medium: detergent, water-dispersible carboxyl-containing material which forms water-insoluble zinc or zirconium salts, a water-dispersible zinc or zirconium coordination complex, a Lewis base, and a fluorochemical compound containing a fluoroaliphatic group and having acid functionality and being capable of imparting water- and oil-repellency to a substrate.

Abstract: Organic coatings or deposits are removed from a surface, such as an oven surface, by applying to the coating an aqueous composition containing a primary or secondary amine neutralized with an amount of carbon dioxide in the composition sufficient to cause the composition to have a pH of 10 or less, subjecting the applied composition to conditions whereby partial pressure of carbon dioxide acting on the composition is less than the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the composition at the temperature of use, and thereafter mechanically removing the coating. The composition may optionally contain a water-soluble organic solvent or a thickening agent.

Abstract: Method for renewal of grout utilizing a composition comprising a surfactant a pigment and a water-soluble or water-dispersible organic binding agent and a method for renewing grout.

Abstract: Alkaline cleaning compositions are prepared by combining water, alkali metal hydroxide and certain surfactants which composition forms a gel when applied to a hot surface. These compositions are applied as a liquid to a hot surface to emulsify grease thereon. The surface is then allowed to cool sufficiently to cause the gelled composition thereon to revert to liquid form thereby facilitating its removal from the surface.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously cleaning and rendering building materials hydrophobic which comprises applying to the surface of the building material a solution of a hydrophobic agent having admixed therewith a filler having a surface area of at least 50 mg.sup.2 /g and after evaporation of the solvent, removing the filler residue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning carpet. The pile of the carpet is first lifted, opened and agitated by stiff rotating brushes and beater bars, separating the foreign matter therein from the pile and bringing the matter to the surface of the carpet. The carpet is then vacuumed removing the separated matter therefrom. A film of cleaning agent is then sprayed through a hand-held wand over the carpet encapsulating the carpet fibers. The wand communicates with a portable pressurized supply of cleaning agent. After a short setting, the carpet is scrubbed with counter-rotating or rotary brushes. The agent is then allowed to dry and the residue removed with a vacuum.

Abstract: A substantially surfactant-free composition consists essentially of a water-soluble phosphate and a water-insoluble alumina having a particle size less than 3 microns. An aqueous mixture of the phosphate and alumina is useful for cleaning carpets and imparting a soil repellent finish thereto.

Abstract: Compositions for tile and grout cleaning and renewal of grout comprising an aqueous dispersion of a sequestering agent, a surfactant, a pigment and a water-soluble or water-dispersible organic binding agent and a method for simultaneously cleaning and renewing tile and grout.

Abstract: A sodium-handling apparatus is disassembled and repaired by (1) contacting an inert gas with the sodium-contacting surfaces within the apparatus after discharge of sodium from the apparatus, thereby solidifying the deposited sodium, (2) flushing the inert gas with a reacting gas capable of reacting with sodium, capable of being dissolved in sodium and capable of forming a weak alkali therein, thereby forming a solid film of a neutral salt on surfaces of the deposited sodium by reaction of sodium with the reacting gas, (3) discharging the reacting gas from the apparatus, (4) disassembling and repairing the apparatus in the atmosphere, and then (5) continuing operation of the apparatus while the solid film is being retained on the surfaces of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing contaminant particles from an enclosure containing a rotating magnetic disk by using the air flow created by rotation of the disk. A tacky substance is provided at a point of maximum centrifugal force within the enclosure so that contaminant particles are permanently captured. Means can be provided for refreshing the tacky substance.

Abstract: Residual pressure-sensitive adhesive is removed from surfaces by applying a composition containing a swelling agent for the adhesive and a detackifying agent for the adhesive to the residual material, allowing the composition to remain in contact with the adhesive long enough to swell and detackify the adhesive, and then removing the adhesive, e.g. by rubbing, scraping or scouring with a cleaning tool. The remover compositions contain a swelling agent for the adhesive and a chemical detackifying agent selected from polyvalent metal-containing compounds or basic amines. The remover may also include a minor quantity of an organic acid, and/or a thickener for the remover composition such as a fumed silica or an organic resin.

Abstract: Aqueous cleaning compositions having a minimum film-forming temperature of at least 30.degree. C. and comprising a polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least 35.degree. C. and a metal salt, form a tacky film after being applied to a soiled substrate. Soil adheres to the tacky film which, as a result of the drying of said composition, fractures to form a removable residue. Soil is removed from the substrate together with the residue. This method requires no scrubbing when cleaning soiled substrates with said aqueous cleaning compositions.

Abstract: The photoreceptor cleaning composition is provided which includes a lower alcohol, ultrapure water and a surfactant, 3,5-dimethyl-1-hexyn-3-ol. This cleaning solution is 100% volatile, water-clear, and is found to contain no solids or colloidal matter, in addition to being contaminant- and particulate-free, it is found to leave no detectable residue even if not fully wiped off in a cleaning operation. The most significant property of this photoreceptor cleaning solution is its ability to retard crystallization of the photoreceptor, which has been found to be a major problem with many known photoreceptor cleaning solutions.

Abstract: A coherent silver image which is bonded to the grained surface of an aluminum lithographic plate having an aluminum oxide layer thereon is transformed into a hydrophilic non-image area by contacting the silver image with a viscous composition comprising an aqueous nitric acid solution of sufficient concentration to rapidly effect the removal of the silver image and thereby expose the aluminum oxide under this image and wherein the viscous composition has a viscosity of at least about 500 centipoises. The preferred viscous composition is a thixotropic composition consisting essentially of (1) an aqueous solution of nitric acid present in an amount between about 35% and 70% by volume based upon the total volume of nitric acid solution, and (2) finely divided inert metal oxide capable of imparting thixotropic properties to the solution.

Abstract: Constant boiling admixtures are formed with 1,2-dichloro-1-fluoroethane, acetone, and methanol and applied to painted surfaces to remove paint therefrom.

Abstract: A film removing composition consisting essentially of at least one halogenated hydrocarbon solvent as a major solvent and a pressure-sensitive adhesive component such as synthetic resins, and mixtures of natural rubber or synthetic rubbers and tackifiers.When the film removing composition is applied to a paint film to be removed, and a paper or cloth is put on the film removing composition and then peeled off, the paint film can be removed together with the paper or cloth.

Abstract: surfaces of polyvinylchloride reactors are cleaned using a solvent gel composition. The solvent gel composition comprises: (a) solvent, (b) gelling agent, and (c), in some cases, a neutralizing agent. Suitable solvents include N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, and N-propyl-2-pyrrolidone. Suitable gelling agents include carboxy polymethylene polymer and hydroxyethyl cellulose. A suitable neutralizing agent is di-2-ethylhexylamine. The composition is applied to the reactor surfaces by conventional means, such as a brush. The composition is left on the reactor surface for at least one-half hour. It is then removed from the reactor surface for at least one-half hour. It is then removed from the reactor surface using a scraper (preferably non-metallic). If necessary, the entire process may be repeated to completely remove the deposits. In some cases it may be desirable to then apply the solvent per se in order to remove any film or polymer which may remain.