Anti-icing formulations

Details Anti-icing formulations Anti-icing formulations

2000-09-14

2004-08-10

Boyer, Charles (Department: 1751)

Compositions

Frost-preventing, ice-thawing, thermostatic, thermophoric,...

C252S073000, C116S013000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06773622

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to anti-icing formulations; and, more specifically, to anti-icing and de-icing formulations produced from alcohol/polyol-based aqueous fluids, thickened by the combination of an acrylic emulsion and a water-swellable layered clay mineral. Optional formulations include the addition of a surfactant combination comprised of a first surfactant with an hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (“HLB”) ≦3, coupled with a second surfactant with an HLB 19, and include the further optional addition of a water-activated polymer and other components. A second basic formulation describes a polyol-based aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol with optional thickeners.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The problem of ice formation on surfaces is well known, and is addressed extensively in the prior art. There is still a need, however, for deicing/anti-icing compositions which offer enhanced resistance to rain wash-off. Furthermore, there exists a need for effective deicing/anti-icing compositions which may be applied using simple light-duty hand-held sprayers.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a first form of anti-icing compositions which are easily removable from surfaces to which they are applied, and contain no polyvinyl alcohol, and to provide a second form that will set-up to form a rubber-like gel within several hours after mixing.
It is another object of the present invention to provide anti-icing compositions principally comprising an aqueous solution of monohydroxy and/or polyhydroxy alcohols, thickened with a combination of an acrylic emulsion polymer and a water-swellable, colloid-forming clay mineral.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide anti-icing compositions compatible with optional ingredients such as polyols, surfactants, pH-modifiers, friction-reducing agents, corrosion inhibiting agents, anti-oxidants, UV inhibitors, biocides, dyes, foam control agents, odor-modification agents, stabilizers, and the like.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anti-icing compositions that utilize non-toxic chemicals as freezing point depressants.
It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide anti-icing compositions having viscosity that may be adjusted for application of the composition through a variety of means.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides substantial improvement to the art for a variety of applications. Formulations are described for compositions which may be applied using light-duty sprayers, yet still allow for higher viscosities, and, thereby, greater resistance to rain wash-off, than analogous prior-art formulations. Formulations are also described which provide enhanced resistance to water incursion. Formulations are further described for compositions providing such an extreme level of resistance to wash-off that they are only suitable for applications where easy removal of the composition is not an issue.
Accordingly, anti-icing compositions are disclosed comprising an aqueous solution of monohydroxy and/or polyhydroxy alcohols, thickened with a combination of an acrylic emulsion polymer and a water-swellable, colloid-forming clay mineral. Optional additions include glycerine, and added surfactant combinations comprised of a first surfactant with an hydrophilic/lipophilic balance ≦3 coupled with a second surfactant with an HLB 19. An example of such surfactant combination is a block copolymer of ethylene-oxide and propylene-oxide.
Further optional additions may include Teflon powder, graphite, pH-modifiers, corrosion inhibiting agents, anti-oxidants, UV inhibitors, biocides, dyes, foam control agents, odor-modification agents, stabilizers, and the like. Advantageously, the preferred formulations of the present invention utilize non-toxic chemicals as freezing point depressants.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4508635 (1985-04-01), Clarke
patent: 4954279 (1990-09-01), Ma et al.
patent: 5389276 (1995-02-01), Coffey et al.
patent: 5772912 (1998-06-01), Lockyer et al.
patent: 5863973 (1999-01-01), Carder et al.

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