Abstract:
The present invention discloses a novel composition and process for restoring the polymeric top coat applied to automobiles. Modern automobiles have a clear high gloss top coat applied to the painted surfaces. These top coats have a tendency to pit either because of environmental factors like acid rain, or impact with objects such as stones thrown from the road. The compositions and process described provide an efficient cost effective method to restore the pitted surface of the top coat.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION: 
     (1) Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates to a novel composition and process for restoring the polymeric top coat applied to painted surfaces, most importantly on automobiles. Top coat is also referred to as clear coat by some manufacturers. 
     (2) Description of the Arts and Practices The appearance of the painted surface of automobiles is a critical factor in determining of a vehicles value. Consequently, the preservation of the appearance of the painted surface is an important factor in retaining resale value or in making the initial sale. Painted surfaces have a tendency to oxidize and dull with time and become unattractive. This degradation of the appearance of the painted surface has been accelerated in areas of the country were environmental factors such as acid rain are prevalent. The acidity is corrosive to the painted surface and causes pits. These pits are local areas in which the clear coat&#39;s film continuity have been disrupted or etched. These spots can be quite unsightly and impact in a negative manner on the value of the automobile. Even new automobiles can experience a degradation of the painted surface It is not uncommon for a car to remain on the lot for several months and experience degradation. 
     One method of restoring the appearance the painted surface are known U.S. Pat. No. 4,600,436 discloses a typical wax formulation. While the intent of the wax is to provide a hydrophobic coating to the surface of the auto, it does little to alter the structure of either the paint or the top coat. 
     Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,345 to teaches that abrasives can be added to polish formulations to increase the effectiveness of the polish. While the abrasive is effective on those painted surfaces were no top coat is applied, they cause damage to the top coat and their use is to be avoided on top coated autos. The abrasive physically removes the upper layers of the paint and exposes a lower layer which has not been degraded to the same extent. The polish also leaves a temporary gloss to the painted surface. 
     In recent years there has been an increasing trend to apply an automotive top coat formulations to painted automotive surfaces. This gives a durable gloss to the auto. This polymeric coating provides good appearance but is also subject to chemical as well as physical degradation. The environmental conditions of acid rain and physical trauma to the polymer surface causes the formation of pits. These pits are even harder to treat than the untreated painted surface. The reason for this is that once the top coats surface is disrupted, it must be sanded and removed and then uniformly reapplied. This sanding and reapplication of the top coat is very labor intensive and consequently very costly. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION: 
     The present invention discloses a novel composition and process for restoring the top coat applied to automobiles. Modern automobiles have a clear high gloss top coat applied to the painted surfaces These top coats have a tendency to pit either because of environmental factors like acid rain, or impact with objects such as stones thrown from the road. The compositions and process described provide an efficient cost effective method to restore the pitted surface of the top coat. 
     OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
     It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a composition for the treatment of painted surfaces to which have been applied a top coat. The process involves a polymerization reaction of a silanic hydrogen containing silicone polymer on the surface of the painted surface. The polymerization fills the pitted surface making a clear elastomeric surface which restores the appearance of the top coat. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a process for restoring a painted surface to which has been applied a polymeric top coat. 
     It is still further and object to provide a polymeric coating to the painted surface which is resistant to chemical as well as physical degradation. The restorative process results in a more durable coating than the top coat as applied. 
     Still other objects and advantages will readily present themselves to one skilled in the art upon reference to the following specification and claims. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     According to the invention it had been discovered that a stable polymeric composition can be prepared which is suitable for restoring the top coat applied to painted surfaces. The compositions of the present invention contain p (a) a silanic hydrogen containing silicone polymer conforming to the following structure; ##STR1## wherein; 
     R 1  is selected from lower alkyl having one to eight carbon atoms and phenyl; 
     q is an integer from 1 to 1,000; 
     r and s are independently integers from 0 to 1,000; 
     Me is methyl; 
     (b) an organic solvent selected from mineral spirits, kerosene, d limonene and 1,1,1 trichloroethane; and optionally 
     (c) a catalyst containing tin, zirconium and titanium. 
     The percentage of silanic hydrogen containing polymer may range from 90% to 2% but typically is 40 to 60%. 
     The percentage of solvent may range from 10% to 98% but typically is 60 to 40%. 
     The percentage of catalyst may range from 0% to 10% but typically is 1 to 5%. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the silanic hydrogen containing silicone polymer contains an R1 moiety which is octyl (C8H17) or phenyl. These moieties make the resulting polymer more hydrophobic and consequently more resistant to harsh chemicals. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the silanic hydrogen containing silicone polymer contains has a viscosity of below 1,000 csp. Such a polymer has a molecular weight below 2,000 MWU and is small enough to penetrate the matrix of the polymeric top coat and once the solvent evaporates polymerize. This polymerization of the silicone which prior to polymerization penetrates the top coat, results in an interlocked polymer matrix were the silicone and top coat overlap. This results in a uniform coat and a durable finish at the overlap point between the silicone and top coat matrix. It will be understood that the event which initiates the polymerization is the evaporation of solvent. 
     In still another preferred embodiment a catalyst is added to the composition. Once the solvent evaporates, the catalyst will influence the speed of polymerization and the degree of cross link density. High cross link density is desirable for increased durability of the silicone polymer film. Speed of reactivity is desirable for decreasing the time needed to treat each car. 
     The compositions of the present invention can be applied with a cloth, a brush or a spray applicator. The surface should be clean and dry before application. Once applied the compositions should be allowed a period of 30 minutes to 3 hours to polymerized. 
     Raw Material Examples 
     The silanic hydrogen containing silicone compounds are available commercially from Siltech Inc. Norcross Ga and are selected from; 
     
         ______________________________________ ##STR2##Reactant # q      s          r     R.sup.1______________________________________1          50     50         0     --2          90     10         0     --3          10     90         0     --4          99      1         10    Phenyl5           1     99         100   Octyl6          50     150        10    Phenyl7          150    50         0     --8          100     0         0     --9          100     1         100   Phenyl10         25     25         25    Octyl11          5      5         5     Ethyl12         10      0         10    Octyl13         100    250        10    Phenyl______________________________________ 
    
     Preparation of Compositions 
     The compositions of the current invention are prepared by adding the specified amount of the specified silicone compound to the specified amount of the specified solvent under good agitation. The specified amount of the specified catalyst is then added where indicated. 
     EXAMPLE 14 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent      CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams   Type/Grams______________________________________1      100.0 Grams             Mineral Spirits                          Isopropanol Titinate             100.0 Grams  2.0 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 15 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent      CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams   Type/Grams______________________________________2      50.0 Grams Mineral Spirits                          Isopropyl Titinate             100.0 Grams  2.0 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 16 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent      CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams   Type/Grams______________________________________3      100 Grams  Mineral Spirits                          Isopropyl Titinate             100.0 Grams  2.0 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 17 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent      CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams   Type/Grams______________________________________4      200 Grams  Mineral Spirits                          Isopropyl Titinate             100.0 Grams  2.0 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 18 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent      CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams   Type/Grams______________________________________5      100 Grams  Mineral Spirits                          Isopropyl Titinate             100.0 Grams  2.0 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 19 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent      CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams   Type/Grams______________________________________6      100 Grams  Mineral Spirits                          Isopropyl Titinate             100.0 Grams  2.0 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 20 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent         CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams      Type/Grams______________________________________7      50.0 Grams Mineral Spirits Tin Oxalate             100.0 Grams     2.0 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 21 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent         CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams      Type/Grams______________________________________8      75.0 Grams Mineral Spirits Tin Oxalate             100.0 Grams     2.0 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 22 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent         CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams      Type/Grams______________________________________9      150.0 Grams             Mineral Spirits Tin Oxalate             100.0 Grams     2.0 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 23 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent         CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams      Type/Grams______________________________________10     200.0 Grams             Mineral Spirits Tin Oxalate             100.0 Grams     2.0 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 24 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent         CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams      Type/Grams______________________________________11     900.0 Grams             Mineral Spirits Tin Oxalate             100.0 Grams     2.0 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 25 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent         CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams      Type/Grams______________________________________12     100.0 Grams             Mineral Spirits Tin Oxalate             100.0 Grams     2.0 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 26 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent      CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams   Type/Grams______________________________________13     100.0 Grams             Mineral Spirits                          Isopropyl Titinate             100.0 Grams  2.0 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 27 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent         CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams      Type/Grams______________________________________1      100.0 Grams             1,1,1 Trichloroethane                             None             100.0 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 28 
     
         ______________________________________Silanic Hydro-gen Compound       Solvent      CatalystExample  /Grams   Type/Grams   Type/Grams______________________________________2      100.0    1,1,1 Trichloro-                        Zirconium Acetate  Grams    ethane       1.0 Gram           100.0 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 29 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent      CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams   Type/Grams______________________________________3      100.0 Grams             d limonene   Zirconium Acetate             100.0 Grams  1.0 Gram______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 30 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent      CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams   Type/Grams______________________________________4      100.0 Grams             d limonene   Zirconium Acetate             100.0 Grams  1.0 Gram______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 31 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent      CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams   Type/Grams______________________________________5      100.0 Grams             d limonene   Zirconium Acetate             100.0 Grams  0.5 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 32 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent      CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams   Type/Grams______________________________________6      100.0 Grams             Kerosene     Zirconium Acetate             100.0 Grams  0.5 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 33 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent      CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams   Type/Grams______________________________________7      100.0 Grams             Kerosene     Zirconium Acetate             100.0 Grams  #______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 34 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent      CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams   Type/Grams______________________________________8      100.0 Grams             Kerosene     Zirconium Acetate             100.0 Grams  0.5 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 35 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent      CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams   Type/Grams______________________________________9      100.0 Grams             Kerosene     Zirconium Acetate             100.0 Grams  0.5 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 36 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent      CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams   Type/Grams______________________________________10     100.0 Grams             d limonene   Zirconium Acetate             100.0 Grams  0.5 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 37 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent      CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams   Type/Grams______________________________________11     100.0 Grams             Kerosene     Zirconium Acetate             100.0 Grams  1.0 Gram______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 38 
     
         ______________________________________SilanicHydrogen Compound         Solvent      CatalystExample  /Grams     Type/Grams   Type/Grams______________________________________12     100.0 Grams             Kerosene     Zirconium Acetate             100.0 Grams  1.0 Gram______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 39 
     
         ______________________________________Silanic Hydro-gen Compound       Solvent       CatalystExample  /Grams   Type/Grams    Type/Grams______________________________________13     100.0    1,1,1, Tricholoro-                         Zirconium Acetate  Grams    ethane        0.5 Grams           100.0 Grams______________________________________ 
    
     Evaluation Procedure 
     A 1988 Buick was chosen for evaluation. The paint was black and a clear top coat had been applied. The hood had several areas which exhibited pitting. The hood was washed with nonionic detergent and water and allowed to dry. The hood was divided into 12 sections with masking tape. All of the hood with the exception of the square being treated were covered. The following materials were sprayed onto specific squares and allowed to dry undisturbed. 
     The appearance was rated on a scale of 0-5. A rating of 0 meant no change in appearance, a rating of 5 indicated a &#34;new finish look&#34;. 
     
         ______________________________________Composition Example Number                Rating______________________________________None                 014                   517                   418                   421                   422                   425                   427                   530                   535                   539                   4______________________________________ 
    
     As can be seen by the above data the compositions of the present invention restore the appearance of the pitted top coat. 
     The test hood was left outdoors exposed to environmental conditions for one month and re-evaluated for appearance. The following table outlines the results of that evaluation; 
     
         ______________________________________Composition Example Number                Rating______________________________________None                 014                   417                   418                   321                   422                   325                   327                   430                   535                   439                   3______________________________________