A water based self-polishing sealing composition as a protective coating for floors, metal parts and the like, utilizes a film forming polymeric coating agent and a hydrocarbon solvent having a solubility parameter from about 7.8 to 9.8 emulsified with a compatible surfactant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to a sealing composition for various substrates, 
including floors or metallic surfaces. In particular, it relates to an 
improved self-polishing sealer for floors, which provides better adhesion 
for later-applied water-based floor finishes. 
Sealing compositions have been widely utilized and are normally applied 
over substrates to prepare them for final finishes. Commercially available 
sealers for floors, metal parts and other substrates have several major 
limitations. For example, resilient floors, which have not been thoroughly 
cleaned or which have been maintained with buffable waxes, tend to build 
up hydrophobic residues of oily or waxy hydrocarbons. Further, a 
protective hydrophobic or mill finish coating is often applied to new 
flooring. Flooring, which has been maintained or prepared to contain a 
hydrophobic coating or residue, resists application of water-based waxes, 
sealers or protective coating, due to a lack of adhesive sites. 
Metal parts are often coated with waxy or oily release agents to expedite 
processing in mold-forming machines. A rust retardant must be able to 
penetrate the release agent to adhere to and seal the part. Machine parts 
having a lubricating layer require a protective paint finish, 
periodically. Conventional water-based paints do not adhere to oily 
lubricated surfaces. Tile floors contain minute pores which have a 
tendency to collect waxes and other residues. These waxes and residues 
form a seal on the tile and prevent the tile beneath from being wetted by 
water-based finishes. 
In each of the problem areas illustrated above, a sealing composition is 
required which can penetrate the oily or waxy residues to provide 
anchoring or adhesion sites for a water-based finish, such as a floor 
polish, paint, wax or protective coat. 
Previously, substrates with accumulated hydrophobic residues were treated 
with hydrocarbon-solvent-based sealers. However, such organic 
solvent-based sealers have been criticized as environmentally undesirable, 
as unduly expensive and wasteful of petroleum feedstocks and as 
detrimental to work-place safety. Such organic solvent based sealers are 
not self-polishing and require buffing. Water-based coating compositions 
are preferred, since they meet previous objections and can be formulated 
to be self-polishing. Unfortunately, prior, water-based compositions do 
not provide sufficient adhesion to substrates previously treated with 
oil-based buffable finishes. 
It is most desirable for many applications that the sealing composition dry 
to a glossy film (dry-bright) without the need for time-consuming and 
expensive buffing steps. It has, therefore, long been desired to provide a 
self-polishing sealing composition for substrates having pores filled with 
hydrophobic residues, which will provide enhanced adhesive sites for a 
later applied water-based finish. 
In columns 7 and 8 of U.S. Pat. No. 2,862,899 there is disclosed an 
emulsion polish optionally employing a hydrocarbon solvent. The solvent 
functions to disperse or dissolve the active wax and 
polytrifluorochloroethylene ingredients. The polish does not dry bright 
and normally requires buffing to achieve a glossy finish. Minor amounts of 
resin, below 10% by weight, are optionally employed as a diluent for the 
wax. 
A water-based coating composition containing a hydrocarbon is disclosed, in 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,086,871, as useful for plugging pores in chrome plate. The 
composition must be buffed to provide gloss and does not contain 
film-forming polymers. U.S. Pat. No. 2,993,800 describes compositions 
useful as sizings for paper, which employ solvents to dissolve wax for 
ease in handling. U.S. Pat. No. 3,393,078 discloses a water based emulsion 
polish containing a volatile hydrocarbon and a wax. This composition does 
not dry bright, but is buffed after application. No film-forming polymeric 
coating agents are present. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is an object of this invention to provide a storage stable, 
self-polishing aqueous sealing composition for a substrate subject to 
accumulation of hydrophobic residues. 
It is another object of this invention to provide a sealing composition 
adapted to penetrate hydrophobic residues in substrates and increase the 
adhesion of the substrate to later applied finishes. 
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a stable, self 
polishing, aqueous sealer to improve the adhesion of water-based floor 
finishes to floor surfaces having waxy residues accumulated in pores. 
Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following 
detailed description. 
The above and other objects are met in a storage stable, self-polishing, 
sealing composition for a substrate, which is subject to accumulation of 
hydrophobic organic residues, wherein the residues reduce the adhesion of 
the substrate to finishing compositions. The sealing composition comprises 
an aqueous vehicle which contains a self-polishing film-forming polymeric 
coating agent and an emulsified hydrocarbon solvent. The solvent has a 
solubility parameter from about 7.8 to 9.8. Sufficient amounts of solvent 
are employed to penetrate the accumulated hydrophobic organic residues and 
to increase the adhesion of the substrate to finishing compositions. 
As employed herein, the term "self-polishing film-forming polymeric coating 
agent" refers to polymer systems which can be stored for prolonged 
periods, are substantially free from gelling and changes in viscosity, or 
phase separation and which dry from an aqueous carrier to a glossy finish. 
As employed herein; the term "solubility parameter" or ".delta." refers to 
ability to solubilize or the solvent power of a solvent. 
In the present compositions, hydrophobic hydrocarbon solvents are employed 
to aid in penetrating and achieving a partial dissolution of the waxy, 
oily residues in the substrate to improve the adhesion of the sealer. It 
is postulated that the hydrocarbon solvent attacks the accumulated residue 
and removes portions thereof, so water based finishing compositions can be 
successfully applied. Previously, hydrocarbon solvents were incorporated 
in aqueous, wax-polish emulsions in amounts sufficient to disperse or 
dissolve the wax as a water-out emulsion. Additional hydrocarbon solvent, 
beyond the minimum quantity required to disperse the wax, was unneeded and 
undesirable, since the excess solvent could float to the surface of the 
emulsion and pose various difficulties. 
It has now been found that excess hydrocarbon solvents, beyond that needed 
to disperse any wax therein, can be incorporated into an aqueous sealer 
composition providing that a proper selection of solvent and emulsifier 
are made, taking into account the solubility parameter of the solvent and 
the HLB (hydrophile-lipophile balance) of the emulsifier (or surfactant). 
Solubility parameter is a term known to the art and is discussed in detail 
in the Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 2nd Ed. 
Supplement, at pages 889-910 (1971). Solubility parameter has been defined 
as the square root of the energy of vaporization per cubic centimeter of a 
solvent. Thus .delta.=(.DELTA.Ev)/(V).sup.1/2 ; where .DELTA.E.sub.v is 
energy of vaporization and V is molar volume. Solubility parameter is also 
expressed as .delta..sup.2 =.delta..sub.D 2+.delta..sub.P 2+.delta..sub.H 
2, where .delta..sub.D is the dispersion component of the solubility 
parameter; .delta..sub.P is the polar component of the solubility 
parameter and .delta..sub.H is the hydrogen bonding component of the 
solubility parameter. Such parameters are available for a large number of 
solvents, as set forth in Table 1 on pages 892-896 of the Kirk-Othmer text 
reference, which reference is incorporated herein for pages 889-910. 
The concept of `HLB` is well known to those with ordinary skill in the art 
and is set forth in particular, in Clues To Surfactant Selection Offered 
By The HLB System by W. C. Griffin, Official Digest, June 1956, which is 
expressly incorporated herein. For the present composition, an 
oil-in-water emulsion, the solubility parameter of the solvent should be 
about 7.8 to about 9.8 and the HLB of the surfactant (or emulsifier) 
should be from about 12.5 to about 15.5. Mixtures of solvents and 
surfactants within the relationship expressed above are also employed. 
Stable, self-polishing sealers for coating floors subjected to heavy 
traffic or maintained with buffable wax polishes are provided which 
include an aqueous emulsion polymer floor coating composition having 
dispersed therein a hydrocarbon solvent having a solubility parameter from 
about 7.8 to 9.8 and a nonionic surfactant to emulsify the solvent, having 
an HLB between about 12.5 and 15.5. The floor coating composition can 
either be in emulsion, alkalisoluble or solution, form. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
In general, the sealing compositions of the invention have a non-volatiles 
content from about 7% to 25% by weight of the total composition and, 
preferably, from about 12-25% by weight of the composition. At lower 
ranges of non-volatiles, the gloss characteristics of the applied film and 
the durability of the film, including the black heel mark resistance of 
the film, are somewhat reduced. At the higher range of solids, the 
converse is obtained, since greater film thickness, is obtained. 
In addition to the sealing compositions containing from about 7 to 25% 
non-volatiles, the present composition may also be prepared in a 
concentrated form containing up to about 30-40% solids. Such concentrated 
compositions are diluted during use, either by mixing the concentrate with 
water or upon application thereof with a wet mop or applicator. 
The coating compositions of the present invention can be applied by hand. 
For this and other purposes including stability, the pH of the sealing 
composition is adjusted from about 6 to 10.5 to limit or reduce any 
adverse dermal or other reactions. For the preferred emulsion floor 
coating compositions of the invention, the pH is between about 7.5 and 
about 9.6 and, most preferably, about 9.2. 
The self-polishing, stable, film-forming agents are preferably emulsion 
floor coating compositions, alkalisoluble floor coating compositions or 
solution floor coating compositions. Typical emulsion floor coating 
compositions which may be suitable are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 
3,308,078, which is incorporated herein by reference. Typical 
alkalisoluble floor coating compositions which may be suitable are found 
in U.S. Pat. No. 3,320,196, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
Typical solution floor coatings which may be suitable are disclosed in 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,013,607, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
The sealer compositions of the present invention employ a self-polishing 
film-forming polymer and an emulsified hydrocarbon solvent. In the 
preferred floor sealing compositions, the film-forming polymer will 
include an emulsion polymer and an alkali-soluble resin. An emulsifying 
surfactant is present to disperse the hydrocarbon solvent. Other materials 
typically present in such floor coating compositions include leveling 
agents, plasticizers, emulsifiable waxes, alkanolic-film enhancers, pH 
modifiers (as ammonia), film modifiers, perfumes and the like. 
The emulsion polymers employed in the emulsion polymer floor coatings are 
the conventional polyligand emulsion polymers having a minimum film 
forming temperature (MFT) of less than about 80.degree. C. and formed from 
0-20% of an acrylic acid (AA), or methacrylic acid (MAA) monomer 
(acid-containing monomer) and from 80% to 100% of at least two ligand-free 
polymerizable monomers selected from acrylate or methacrylate derivatives 
and vinyl-aryl or vinylalkaryl monomers, as set forth generally in U.S. 
Pat. No. 3,308,078. Typical acrylates, methacrylates and vinyl aryl or 
alkaryl monomers are styrene(S), .alpha.-methylstyrene (AMS), vinyl 
toluene (VT), methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethyl methacrylate (EMA), ethyl 
acrylate (EA), butyl acrylate (BA), 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA), and the 
like. The emulsion polymers employed preferably have a glass transition 
temperature (Tg) between about -15.degree. C. and +75.degree. C. For most 
applications it is preferred that the Tg is from -15.degree. C. to 
+25.degree. C. The acid-containing monomer is included if some alkali 
strippability is desired for the sealing composition. 
Preferred emulsion polymers are formed from the following monomers in 
amounts expressed in parts by weight. 
(A) 30 methyl methacrylate/60 butyl acrylate/10 methacrylic acid 
(B) 65 styrene/30 butyl acrylate/5 methacrylic acid 
(C) 55 styrene/40 ethyl acrylate/5 methacrylic acid 
(D) 58 styrene/30 ethyl acrylate/12 methacrylic acid 
(E) 49 methyl methacrylate/44 butyl acrylate/7 methacrylic acid 
The Tg of (A) is -3.degree. C. The Tg of (B) is 39.degree. C. The Tg of (C) 
is 43.degree. C. The Tg of (D) is 63.degree. C. The Tg of (E) is 
17.degree. C. 
A particularly preferred emulsion polymer is formed from the following 
monomers: (F) 38-49 parts methyl methacrylate/48-52 parts butyl 
acrylate/5-9 parts methacrylic acid. The Tg of (F) is generally from about 
4.degree.-17.degree. C. 
The preferred emulsion polymers generally possess a weight average 
molecular weight over about 100,000. 
In general, the emulsion polymers are employed in the sealing compositions 
in amounts from 0 to 99% by weight of solids, usually from 20 to 90% by 
weight of solids and, preferably, from 50 to 80% by weight of solids. All 
solids weights are based on the total weight of solids of the composition. 
Conventional alkali soluble resins having a weight average molecular weight 
from about 500 to 10,000 and preferably from 1000 to 5000 are also 
employed as film-formers. These can include condensation type resins 
having an acid number from about 120 to about 220, addition type resins 
having an acid number from about 140 to about 300 and mixtures thereof. 
The addition type resins are formed from a vinyl aryl or vinyl alkaryl 
monomer and acrylic acid or methacrylic acid or maleic acid monomer. Other 
unsaturated acid monomers can be employed, such as crotonic acid, fumaric 
acid, and itaconic acid. Typical preferred alkali soluble resins are 
formed from the following monomers: styrene/acrylic acid; styrene/maleic 
acid, alpha methyl styrene/styrene/butyl acrylate/acrylic acid and methyl 
methacrylate/methacrylic acid. 
The addition type alkali soluble resins are often employed as a 
conventional resin cut, which is an aqueous solution of the resin with an 
alkaline substance having a fugitive cation (such as ammonium hydroxide). 
If desired, other commercially available alkali soluble resins can be 
employed, such as rosin/maleic anhydride adducts which are condensed with 
polyols, and the like. 
The particular alkali soluble resin and level of addition to the sealer 
composition are selected based upon the appropriate balance of gloss, 
leveling and adhesion desired. In general, the alkali soluble resin is 
employed in amounts from 0 to 92% by weight of solids, more preferably 
from 0 to 40% by weight of solids, and when employed as a resin cut in an 
emulsion floor sealing composition, from about 10 to 15% by weight of 
solids. 
A preferred alkali soluble resin is formed from 67% styrene and 33% acrylic 
acid, said resin having a weight average molecular weight from about 6500 
to 9500 and an acid number of 170 to 200. 
The alkali soluble resin can be employed without an emulsion polymer to 
form a solution coating sealer composition. It can also be employed with 
an emulsion polymer in varying proportions to provide an alkali soluble or 
emulsion type sealing composition. In an alkali soluble system, from about 
30 to 50% by weight of solids of alkali soluble resin is employed with 
about 20 to 60% by weight of solids of emulsion polymer. 
The preferred emulsion polymer system utilizes from about 50 to 80% by 
weight of solids of an emulsion polymer and 10 to 20% by weight of solids 
of an alkali soluble resin. 
The hydrocarbon solvent is a weakly-hydrogenbonded solvent having a 
solubility parameter, .delta., between about 7.8 and 9.8. Solvents which 
function as adhesion promoters in the present invention include certain 
aromatic hydrocarbons, paraffinic hydrocarbons, halohydrocarbons, ketones 
and esters. Examples of such hydrocarbon solvents include toluene 
(.delta.=8.9), naphtha (.delta.=7.8), dipentene (.delta.=8.5), 
trichloroethane (.delta.=9.6) methyl isobutylketone (.delta.=8.4), 
ethylacetate (.delta.=9.1), carbitol acetate (.delta.=8.5), 2-ethyl 
hexanol (.delta.=9.8) and the like. 
The non-aromatic solvents can sometimes be incompatable with resilient 
floor materials. However, such solvents are effective for use with coated 
metal parts and machinery. 
Aromatic hydrocarbon solvents are preferred for floor sealing compositions 
of the invention. An especially preferred solvent is xylene, which has a 
.delta. of 8.8. 
Hydrocarbon solvents are normally employed in amounts from about 0.1 to 20% 
by weight of the aqueous sealing composition, although greater or lesser 
amounts can be employed in certain cases. Preferably the solvents are 
utilized in amounts from about 1 to 15% by weight of the composition and, 
for best results, from about 3% to 5% by weight of solvent is employed. 
An extremely desirable ingredient in the present sealing compositions is a 
surfactant. Preferably anionic or nonionic surfactants are employed, which 
serve to; enhance the dispersability of the hydrocarbon solvent, increase 
the storage stability of the composition, reduce the tendency of the 
composition to foam or bubble on application, and allow even film 
formation of the composition upon application (leveling). 
To emulsify the solvent, preferably a nonionic surfactant is employed, 
although anionic surfactants may sometimes be utilized for this purpose. 
Preferred nonionic surfactants are the ethylene oxide and/or propylene 
oxide derivatives of alkyl phenols, aliphatic acids, aliphatic alcohols, 
glycols, glycol ethers, alkaryl esters and vegetable oils. The surfactants 
should have a hydrophiliclipophilic balance (HLB) between about 12.5 and 
15.5, preferably between 13.5 and 14.5. 
Especially suitable nonionic surfactants include the fatty acid esters of 
sorbitol copolymerized with at least about 20 moles of ethylene oxide, 
such as polyoxyethylene (20 moles) sorbitan monooleate (HLB 15.0). 
Mixtures of such sorbitan derivatives with the partial esters of fatty 
acids (such as lauric, stearic, palmitic, oleic) condensed with hexitol 
anhydrides derived from sorbitol, are also preferred. 
An especially preferred nonionic surfactant is an ethylene oxide modified 
alkyl phenol and particularly, nonyl phenol modified with 12 moles of 
ethylene oxide having an HLB of 14.1. 
The nonionic surfactant is generally employed in amounts from about 0.05 to 
8% by weight of solids. 
It has been found that fatty acids can act as a leveling aid and can assist 
in emulsifying the hydrocarbon solvent. In general, typical fatty acids 
include the C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 saturated or unsaturated fatty acids of 
animal or vegetable origin. Fatty acids synthesized from petroleum 
feedstocks, are also employed. The preferred fatty acid is a so-called 
tall oil fatty acid (TOFA), which is a mixture of rosin acids, fatty acids 
and other material obtained by the acid treatment of the alkaline liquors 
derived from the digesting of pine wood. The tall oil fatty acids contain 
about 35-40% rosin acids and 50-60% fatty acids. Other saturated fatty 
acids include lauric, palmitic and stearic acids. Unsaturated fatty acids 
include oleic acid. 
Usually the fatty acids are employed in amounts from 0-10% by weight of 
solids, preferably from about 2 to 5% by weight of solids. 
Where the sealing compositions of the invention are to be employed as 
sealer-polishes or in other high gloss formulations exposed to foot 
traffic, as floor coatings, it is preferable to incorporate a wax to 
improve the wear properties of the composition. The waxes or mixtures of 
waxes which may be used include waxes of a vegetable, animal, petroleum 
derived, and/or mineral, origin. Typical waxes include carnauba wax, 
candelilla wax oxidized Fischer-Tropsch wax, microcrystalline wax, 
lanolin; bayberry wax, palm kernal wax, mutton tallow wax, emulsifiable 
polyethylene wax, polyethylene copolymers, emulsifiable petroleum derived 
waxes, montan wax derivatives, emulsifiable polypropylene wax and the 
like. 
A preferred wax is an oxidized polyethylene wax. 
The waxes are employed in amounts from 0 to 30% by weight of solids, and 
preferably from 2 to 5% by weight of solids. 
The compositions may contain from about 0 to about 20% by weight 
plasticizers wherever necessary to provide a film of suitable hardness and 
appearance. It has been found that most hard resins can be plasticized to 
improve their film forming properties. Such resins often have a Tg from 
25.degree. C. to 75.degree. C. Since the purpose of the plasticizer is to 
impart film forming properties to the coating composition and since it is 
not always necessary to impart flexibility to the resin composition when 
it is inherently tough and flexible, a fugitive or semi-fugitive 
plasticizer may sometimes be employed rather than a permanent plasticizer. 
Mixtures of fugitive and permanent plasticizers may also be employed. 
Examples of essentially permanent plasticizers that are suitable include 
benzyl butyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, triphenyl 
phosphate, 2-ethylhexyl benzyl phthalate, butyl cyclohexyl phthalate, 
mixed benzoic acid and fatty oil acid esters of pentaerythritol, 
poly(propylene adipate) dibenzoate, diethylene glycol dibenzoate, 
tetrabutylthiodi-succinate, butyl phthalyl butyl glycolate, triethyl 
citrate, acetyl triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, acetyl tributyl 
citrate, dibenzyl sebacate, tricresyl phosphate, toluene ethyl 
sulfonamide, the di-2-ethylhexyl ester of hexamethylene glycol 
diphthalate, di-(methylcyclohexyl)-phthalate and tributyl phosphate. 
Examples of fugitive plasticizers include the monoethyl or monomethyl ether 
of diethylene glycol, isophorone, benzyl alcohol, and 3-methoxybutanol-1. 
The particular amount of plasticizer employed is chosen in accordance with 
the demand for compatability and film flexability. 
A particularly preferred plasticizer, which also serves as a leveling 
agent, is tributoxyethyl phosphate. 
For most purposes from about 5-10% by weight of solids of plasticizer is 
employed. Lesser amounts may be utilized where polymers having low glass 
transition temperatures, predominate. 
In order to enhance the characteristics of a film formed from the instant 
sealing composition, from 0-10% by weight of a polyhydroxy polyether, a 
lower alkanol or high-boiling glycol can be employed. These organic 
solvents aid in extending the drying time of the coating composition. 
Also, more importantly they aid in coalescing the polymer and wax 
particles to provide a more uniform film, as well as imparting increased 
gloss and leveling characteristics to the composition. Typical polyethers 
include mono- and dialkyl ethers of diethylene glycol and their 
derivatives, also known as Carbitols. Typical glycols are ethylene glycol, 
polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, etc., while 
the alkanols include isopropanol, butanol, etc. A particularly preferred 
polyether is diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, also identified herein as 
Carbitol. The polyethers can be used alone or combined with the alkanols 
or polyhydric alcohols, such as ethylene glycol. 
For the purposes of this invention from about 0-7% by weight of composition 
of the polyether is employed. 
In addition to the leveling function imparted by the plasticizer and 
surfactants, the composition of the invention may include from 0-1% by 
weight of solids of a leveling agent, such as the fluorochemical leveling 
agents disclosed, inter alia, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,937,098 and U.S. Pat. No. 
3,163,547. 
Aqueous ammonia is present in the compositions of the invention in a 
concentration sufficient to provide a pH of from about 6 to 10.5 Ammonia 
may be provided in the coating composition in the form of concentrated 
ammonium hydroxide. A portion or all of the ammonium hydroxide may be 
replaced with sodium or potassium hydroxide or an organic amine. However, 
such replacement is usually accompanied by a decrease in the water 
resistance (spotting resistance) of the product. 
In general, typical floor sealing compositions of the invention comprise by 
total weight of composition from: 12-70% water; 25-40% emulsion floor 
polish polymer; 3-20% alkali soluble resin; 0.01 to 20%, preferably 1-15%, 
most preferably, 3-5%, hydrocarbon solvent; 0-18% and preferably, 1-3% wax 
emulsion; 0.05-0.75% nononic surfactant; 0.2-1% fatty acid; 0.2-1% 
ammonia; 0.5-3% plasticizer; 0.01-1% fluorochemical leveling agent and 
0-1% polyether alcohol. 
If desired formaldehyde or other antimicrobial agents may be employed in 
conventional amounts (0.1%) to prevent undesired haze or odors from 
developing in the compositions upon prolonged storage and to otherwise 
ensure biological stability. 
The compositions of the invention may also be used for impregnating and 
sealing the pores of textiles, leather, paper or other porous or fibrous 
materials. They may also be applied to plastic sheets such as cellophane, 
polyethylene, polyethylene glycol terephthalate, saran and the like. They 
may also be applied to rigid surfaces, including metals, such as steel, 
aluminum, copper, tin, wrought iron and painted surfaces such as auto 
bodies. The compositions can also be applied to wood, stone, brick, glass, 
cement, asbestos shingles or siding, terrazzo, and concrete surfaces, such 
as floors and the like. The compositions are particularly preferred for 
sealing and polishing floors and plastic tiles, such as linoleum, asphalt, 
vinyl and vinyl-asbestos. 
In general, the ingredients of the present compositions may be admixed in 
the order desired. 
Where a wax is employed in the coating compositions, it is usually added to 
the composition in the form of an emulsion. Typical wax emulsions contain 
approximately 20 to 40% by weight solids and are formed by dispersing the 
wax in water by means of a suitable dispersing agent. Suitable agents 
include sodium salts of higher fatty acid sulfates, the higher fatty acid 
salts, ethylene oxide modified alkyl phenols and other conventional 
dispersing agents. 
The hydrocarbon solvent is usually premixed with the nonionic surfactant 
and added to the charge as a solvent-surfactant homogeneous dispersion, 
under agitation. 
The compositions of the invention can be applied to surfaces in a 
conventional fashion. In a preferred embodiment, as in a floor sealing 
composition; the composition is applied as follows. The floor is cleaned 
with a commercially available hard surface stripper-cleaner. After a 
thorough rinsing, the floor is allowed to dry. Next, a preferred 
formulation for use as a self-polishing floor sealer is applied by a 
suitable mopping, swabbing or dipping procedure. The film is allowed to 
dry. The sealed substrate can be recoated with a conventional emulsion 
floor finish to obtain maximum scuff resistance and durability. 
A preferred composition adapted for use as a self-polishing floor sealer is 
set forth below. For each component percent by weight of total solids, 
parts solids, and percent by weight of composition, is provided. 
______________________________________ 
PREATION EXAMPLE I 
Components % Solids Solids % Composition 
______________________________________ 
Emulsion polymer 
41MMA/52BA/7MAA 
35% solids solution 
71.50 11.44 32.69 
Alkali soluble resin 
67S/33AA 
20% solids solution 
15.00 2.40 12.00 
Xylene 3.00 
Nonyl phenol 
condensed/12 moles 
ethylene oxide 0.94 0.15 0.15 
Oxidized polyethylene 
wax emulsion 
20% solids 3.00 0.48 1.92 
Tall oil fatty acids 
2.50 0.40 0.40 
Tributoxyethyl 
phosphate plasticizer 
7.00 1.12 1.12 
Ammonia 
(28% solution) 0.40 
Diethylene glycol 
monoethyl ether 0.30 
Fluorochemical 
leveling agent 0.06 0.01 0.04 
Water 47.98 
100.00 16.00 100.00 
______________________________________ 
The composition was prepared by the procedure set forth hereinafter. This 
preparation procedure is illustrative for the various sealing systems 
which can be formulated in accordance with the present invention. 
To prepare the inventive formulation, the water, fluorochemical leveling 
agent and ammonia were admixed. Under agitation, the tall oil fatty acid 
was added to form an intermediate mix. In a separate container xylene and 
the nonionic surfactant were mixed until the surfactant was completely 
dissolved in the xylene. Next, under agitation, the xylene-surfactant 
blend was added to the intermediate mix and the resulting mixture was 
agitated to form a uniform blend. Next the emulsion polymer (Tg=5.degree. 
C.) and alkali soluble resin were sequentially added to the uniform blend. 
Finally, the plasticizer and wax emulsion were added thereto under 
agitation and the resulting composition, filtered. The non-volatiles were 
16%. The pH was about 9.2. 
The composition was tested on a floor maintained with buffable wax 
polishes. The gloss of the composition was at least comparable to 
conventional water based finishes. The adhesion and spread was superior to 
conventional water based floor sealers. 
The sealing compositions can also be applied to the numerous substrates as 
set forth hereinbefore, by various methods including application with a 
rag, mop, brush, non-woven cloth and by spraying and/or dipping.

The following examples are provided to further illustrate the present 
invention and are not limitive of scope. All temperatures are in degrees 
centigrade and all parts and percentages are by weight. 
EXAMPLE I 
In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the present invention a 
self-polishing, emulsion polymer sealing composition was prepared. The 
composition of the sealer was as follows with ingredients present in 
percent by weight of composition: 
______________________________________ 
Polymer* 45.4 
Xylene 2.0 
Nonylphenol + 12 moles 
0.1 
ethylene oxide 
Fatty acid 0.4 
flurocarbon leveling 
1.0 
agent (1% solids) 
Diethylene glycol 0.3 
monomethyl ether 
Water 50.8 
100.0 
______________________________________ 
*35% emulsion polymer of 38 MMA/52BA/5MAA having a Tg of 40.degree. C. 
To prepare the composition, the water, DGME, fatty acid and fluorocarbon 
leveling agent were admixed, sequentially. The xylene and surfactant were 
premixed and added to the aqueous solution with agitation. The mix was 
stirred for 5 minutes and filtered. A stable, self-polishing sealer is 
obtained. 
The sealer is applied to a vinyl floor, previously maintained with a 
buffable floor finish. After two, four and 24 hours, a piece of Scotch 
brand cellophane tape is applied across the finish and peeled off 
thereafter. The tape and floor are examined to determine if the film has 
been removed. The adhesion of the sealer film after 2, 4 and 24 hours was 
satisfactory and the tack after 2 hours was satisfactory. The sealer 
finish exhibits a high degree of gloss, and levels acceptably. 
The sealing composition contained 99.3% of emulsion polymer solids. No 
alkali soluble resin, wax emulsion or plasticizer were present in this 
formulation. 
EXAMPLE II 
To illustrate the scope of emulsion polymers useful in the present 
invention five sealing compositions were prepared substantially as set 
forth in Preparation Example I with the exception that the following 
emulsion polymers were substituted in place of the emulsion polymer 
employed therein: 
______________________________________ 
II-A 65S/30BA/5MAA; Tg 39.degree. C.; 35% nonvolatiles - 26.8 
parts 
II-B 55S/40EA/5MAA; Tg 43.degree. C.; 35% nonvolatiles - 26.8 
parts 
II-C 58S/30EA/12MAA; Tg 63.degree. C. - 23.4 parts 
II-D 48 MMA/47EHA/5MAA; Tg (-) 14.degree. C.; 25 parts 
II-E 53 MMA/42EHA/5MAA; Tg (-) 6.degree. C.; 25 parts 
______________________________________ 
Tack, adhesion, gloss and leveling properties of the applied sealing film 
were satisfactory. 
EXAMPLE III 
To demonstrate the effectiveness of a sealing composition formed from an 
alkali soluble floor coating, the following composition was prepared in 
accordance with Example I and tested: 
______________________________________ 
% of Composition 
______________________________________ 
Emulsion polymer* 14.3 
Alkali soluble resin** 
56.5 
Xylene 3.0 
Nonylphenol + 12EO 0.1 
Tall oil fatty acids 
0.4 
Tributoxyethyl phosphate 
1.1 
Wax emulsion*** 1.7 
28% ammonium hydroxide 
0.4 
Carbitol 0.3 
Fluorocarbon leveling agent 
1.0 
Water 21.2 
100.0 
______________________________________ 
*49 MMA/44BA/7MAA; 35% nonvolatiles; Tg: 17.degree. C. 
**67S/33AA; 11.3% resin solution 
***20% solids, oxidized polyethylene emulsion 
Adhesion and tack were superior to the sealer of Preparation Example I. 
EXAMPLE IV 
In order to demonstrate the utility of a sealer composition employing a 
solution floor coating polymer system, the following composition was 
prepared according to Example I and tested: 
______________________________________ 
% of Composition 
______________________________________ 
Alkali soluble resin cut 
73.70 
(67S/33AA) (20% nonvolatiles) 
Xylene 3.00 
Nonylphenol + 12EO 0.15 
Plasticizer (Dibutyl phthalate) 
1.10 
Leveling agent 1.00 
Carbitol 0.30 
Water 20.75 
100.00 
______________________________________ 
The alkali resin solids were 92% of the total nonvolatiles. The adhesion 
and tack of the sealer are satisfactory, when applied to a floor 
maintained with a buffable wax. 
EXAMPLE V 
In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the various hydrocarbon 
solvents employed in the present invention, eight sealer compositions were 
prepared similar to that in Preparation Example I. The following solvents 
were substituted for xylene at a 10% level of addition: methyl 
isobutylketone, ethyl acetate, carbitol acetate, 2-ethylhexanol, toluene, 
naphtha, dipentene and trichloroethane. The adhesion and tack of such 
compositions, when applied to a floor, were almost as good as the 
xylenecontaining composition. 
EXAMPLE VI 
In order to illustrate the levels of addition of hydrocarbon solvents 
employed in the present invention, two sealing compositions similar to 
that illustrated in Preparation Example I were prepared, wherein 0.1% by 
weight of toluene and 20% by weight of xylene, respectively, were employed 
in place of xylene at the 3% level of addition. Similar results were 
obtained with regard to adhesion and tack. 
In order to show the levels of addition of nonionic surfactants useful in 
the compositions of the invention, two floor sealing compositions similar 
to that illustrated in Preparation Example I were prepared employing 0.05% 
by weight of solids of nonionic surfactant and 8% by weight of solids of 
nonionic surfactant in place of 0.9% employed therein. Similar results 
were obtained regarding adhesion and tack. 
COMATIVE EXAMPLE I 
To demonstrate the results obtained when a sealing composition is prepared 
without emulsified xylene, two compositions were prepared, each 
containing: 
______________________________________ 
% of Composition 
______________________________________ 
Emulsion polymer*; 62.5 
Alkali soluble resin**; 
8.0 
28% ammonium hydroxide; 
0.5 
Wax emulsion***; 2.0 
Tributoxyethyl phosphate; 
1.1 
Tall Oil fatty acids; 
0.8 
Fluorocarbon leveling agent; and 
1.0 
Water 24.1 
100.0 
______________________________________ 
*4.1 mixture of 43 MMA/52BA/5MA; 35% nonvolatiles; Tg: 4.degree. C. and 
65S/20EA/15MAA; 35% nonvolatiles; Tg: 80.degree. C. 
**67S/33AA; 20% nonvolatiles. 
***polyethylene wax emulsion; 40% nonvolatiles. 
The first composition did not contain an emulsified xylene, while the 
second composition contained 5% by weight of xylene, emulsified with 0.3% 
by weight of nonylphenol+12EO. 
The second composition exhibited superior spread and better adhesion, when 
applied to heavily used vinyl floor tiles. A third composition was 
prepared employing xylene which was not emulsified with a surfactant. The 
results also showed that emulsified xylene sealer exhibits better spread 
than the nonemulsified xylene sealer. 
The previous examples are illustrative only. Other variations and 
embodiments will be apparent to those with ordinary skill in this art. The 
invention is not to be limited except as set forth in the following claims 
.