Patent Description:
Disclosed herein is a method of removing polymeric material comprising heteroatoms from a surface as defined in claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are as defined in the dependent claims.

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various illustrative embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Disclosed herein is a method of removing polymeric material comprising heteroatoms from a surface comprising contacting the surface with a composition comprising a keto-carboxylic acid ester that is safe and has low toxicity. Employing a keto-carboxylic acid ester provides a composition for the removal of polymeric materials containing heteroatoms that does not contain substances known to be harmful to the environment or humans. Disclosed compositions are non-flammable and are not considered volatile organic compounds (VOC). Nevertheless, the compositions act effectively in removing polymers containing heteroatoms as fast or faster than current alternatives based on toxic, sensitizing and often volatile chemicals. Inks, paints, coatings and glues are polymeric materials containing one or more heteroatoms that are designed to adhere to surfaces and either protect them from external influences like weather, UV radiation, water and chemicals or provide decorative elements or other advantages. In order for these materials to effectively function, they themselves have to adhere strongly to the surfaces and resistant these influences or provide the decorative element without alteration for the envisioned lifetime.

Commonly utilized compositions for removing materials comprising polymers containing heteroatoms such as coatings, adhesives or inks are harmful and are generally not safe for use in industrial or home environments. The content of these compositions often contains substances such as mineral spirits, dichloromethane, d-limonene, N-methylpyrollidone, methanol and other substances making the resulting compositions volatile, flammable, toxic, sensitizing or carcinogenic. Many product labels or safety data sheets (SDS) of currently utilized compositions specify the use of extensive personal protective equipment when applying and working with the product. This extensive personal protective equipment relates to face shields due to eye irritant substances in the composition or devices for respiratory protection to prevent inhalation of the substances. Users, especially users in a home and household environment, are not aware or trained in the use of personal protective equipment or do not have access to it. This puts them at harm when using the widely accessible current products. It is the intention of the present invention to provide a composition to remove a polymeric material containing heteroatoms such as coatings, adhesives or inks where the use of extensive personal protective equipment in not required.

While other compositions are known to be less harmful than the ones described in the paragraph above, these often have long wait times between applying the composition and removing a polymeric material containing heteroatoms. It is the further intention of the inventors to disclose a safe, low toxicity composition for removing a polymeric material containing heteroatoms, that exhibits the same or lower wait times between applying the safe, low toxicity composition for removing a polymeric material containing heteroatoms as the incumbents which employ methanol, dichloromethane or d-limonene.

Disclosed herein are safe, low toxicity, nonflammable compositions for removing a polymeric material containing heteroatoms, excluding the use of substances considered highly volatile, toxic, sensitizing or considered to cause cancer. The compositions have been shown to be particularly advantageous in comparison to commonly utilized polymer removal compositions because of the speed at which the polymers are dissolved and removed as well as the inherent safety of the compositions.

In some embodiments, disclosed compositions can also include optional components selected surfactants, co-solvents, emollients, chelating agents, preservatives, oxidants, processing aids, thickeners or combination thereof.

The compositions can be useful for the safe, low toxicity removal of polymeric materials containing heteroatoms, especially inks, paint, coatings and glues, from surfaces such as wood, metal, concrete, plasterboard, masonry, plastics and many more.

According to the invention, the composition includes the keto-carboxylic acid ester which is the compound of formula II, which is butyl levulinate. <CHM>
Butyl levulinate has been demonstrated as safe. <CIT> includes a table showing data from toxicity studies.

Butyl levulinate can be synthesized by esterification of the keto-carboxylic acid with the corresponding alcohol. Keto-carboxylic acids can be obtained from natural resources (see for example <CIT>, and <CIT>) or can be synthesized from petrochemical resources (see for example, <CIT> and <CIT>).

Disclosed compositions also include one or more low molecular weight, oxygenated solvents. The inclusion of the one or more low molecular weight, oxygenated solvents may improve the ability of the composition to remove polymeric materials while significantly reducing the time necessary to dissolve or lift the polymers from the surface. Inclusion of at least one low molecular weight solvent can also enhance the compatibility of the composition with surfaces such as engineered thermoplastics and elastomers.

A low molecular weight solvent is one that has a molecular weight of not greater than <NUM>/mol. In some embodiments useful solvents can include those that have an atomic weight due to oxygen of at least <NUM>% with respect to the entire molecule, in some embodiments, useful solvents can have an atomic weight due to oxygen of at least <NUM>% with respect to the entire molecule, or in some embodiments useful solvents can have an atomic weight due to oxygen of at least <NUM>% with respect to the entire molecule. In some embodiments useful solvents include one oxygen atom.

Illustrative specific examples of low molecular weight oxygen containing solvents that can be utilized include alcohols such as ethanol, ethylene glycol, <NUM>-propanol, <NUM>,<NUM>-propanediol, <NUM>,<NUM>-propanol, propylene glycol, <NUM>,<NUM>-butanediol, <NUM>,<NUM>-butanediol, and glycerol; and glycol ethers such as methyl-propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol; water; or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the oxygen containing solvent includes ethanol, <NUM>-propanol, water, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the oxygen containing solvent is water. In some embodiments the oxygen containing solvent is a mixture of two or more oxygen containing solvents.

In some embodiments, disclosed compositions can include not less than <NUM>% by weight of at least one low molecular weight oxygen containing solvent with respect to the total weight of the composition, or not less than <NUM>% by weight of at least one low molecular weight oxygen containing solvent with respect to the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, disclosed compositions can include not greater than <NUM>% by weight of at least one low molecular weight oxygen containing solvent with respect to the total weight of the composition, or not greater than <NUM>% by weight of at least one low molecular weight oxygen containing solvent with respect to the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, disclosed compositions that include from <NUM>% by weight to <NUM>% by weight based on the total weight of the composition can be useful for removing polymeric materials containing heteroatoms from surfaces such as wood, masonry, concrete, leather, glass or stone, for example.

Disclosed compositions can also include one or more optional components. Illustrative optional components that can be included in disclosed compositions can include, for example surfactants, co-solvents, emollients, chelating agents, preservatives, oxidants, processing aids, thickeners, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, a combination of surfactants is chosen to enable a stable emulsion, (e.g., a micro- or a nano-emulsion) of the keto-carboxylic acid ester in the low molecular weight oxygen containing solvent.

In some embodiments, one or more co-solvents can also optionally be included in disclosed compositions. Illustrative co-solvents include one or more of the following: <NUM>,<NUM>'-Dimethyldiethylene glycol, <NUM>,<NUM>-Hexanediol, <NUM>,<NUM>-Dioxolan-<NUM>-one, <NUM>-ethyl-<NUM>-(<NUM>-Methoxy-<NUM>-methylethoxy)-<NUM>-propanol, <NUM>-Dodecanol, <NUM>-Methoxy-<NUM>-propanol, <NUM>-Propoxy-<NUM>-propanol, <NUM>-Undecanol, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-Dioxolane-<NUM>-methanol, <NUM>-Methyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-pentanediol, <NUM>-Methoxybutyl acetate, <NUM>-Methyl-<NUM>-methoxybutanol, <NUM>-Hydroxymethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxolan-<NUM>-one, C10-<NUM> Alcohols, C9-<NUM> Alcohols, <NUM>-hydroxy-Butanoic acid ethyl ester, Butyl-<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-methylbuyrate, Butyl-<NUM>-hydroxybutanoate, Castor oil, Coconut alcohol, Dibutyl sebacate, Dimethyl adipate, Dimethyl ethylsuccinate, Dimethyl glutarate, Dimethyl succinate, Dipropylene glycol, Dipropylene glycol methyl ether, Dipropylene glycol propyl ether, Ethyl lactate , Ethyl-<NUM>-ethoxy propionate, Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl, Glycerol, Glycerol octanoate decanoate, Isopropyl <NUM>-hydroxybutyrate, Isopropyl myristate, Methyl laurate, Methyl oleate, <NUM>-methyl-Pentanedioic acid <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyl ester, Pentylene glycol, <NUM> (or <NUM>)-<NUM>-methoxymethyl ethoxy Propanol acetate, Propyl acetate, Propylene carbonate, Propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, Propylene glycol n-butyl ether, Tetraethylene glycol, Tripropylene glycol, Tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, White mineral oil, petroleum. In some embodiments, one or more co-solvents can be utilized in combination with one or more surfactants.

In some embodiments, disclosed compositions can also optionally include one or more chelating agents. Chelating agents can be advantageously included in disclosed compositions that are supplied to a consumer in the form of a concentrate that will be diluted with water before use. In such instances, a chelating agent can account for the use of different water qualities, e.g., different amounts and identities of ions contained in the water. Ions, especially divalent ions in the water can affect the solubility and micelle properties of a final composition for the removal of a polymeric material containing heteroatoms. Chelating agents that target the divalent ions contained in water can buffer this effect and provide consistent properties to final compositions for use.

Illustrative specific chelating agents that can be useful in disclosed compositions can include one or more of: Sodium salt of N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)- Alanine (<NUM>:<NUM>), tetrasodium salt of N-(<NUM>,<NUM>-dicarboxyethyl)-Aspartic acid, <NUM>-methylene-Butanedioic acid polymer with <NUM>-propenoic acid and sodium <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-[(<NUM>-oxo-<NUM>-propen-<NUM>-yl)amino]-<NUM>-propanesulfonate, , sodium salt of carboxymethyl ether Cellulose, anhydrous Citric acid, D-Gluconic acid, calcium salt (<NUM>:<NUM>) of D-glycero-D-gulo-Heptonicacid, monosodium salt of D-glycero-D-gulo-Heptonicacid, Dipotassium hydrogen citrate, L-Lactic acid, Monosodium D-glucoheptonate, N,N'-Ethylenediamine disuccinic acid, anhydrous Potassium citrate, Potassium citrate monohydrate, anhydrous Sodium citrate, Sodium citrate dehydrate, Sodium ethylene diamine disuccinate, Sodium glucarate, Sodium gluconate, Starch, carboxymethyl ether, Tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxylatomethyl)-L-glutamate.

Disclosed compositions can optionally include one or more thickeners. Optional thickeners can be used to form relatively viscous compositions. Such compositions may be useful for application of the composition to mostly vertical surfaces so it does not run off. Illustrative specific thickeners that can optionally be included in disclosed compositions can include, for example one or more of: polymer of <NUM>,<NUM>-Furandione with <NUM>-propene, sodium salt of polymer of <NUM>,<NUM>-Furandione with <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethylpentene, ammonium salt of polymer of <NUM>,<NUM>-Furandione with ethenylbenzene, ammonium salt of <NUM>,<NUM>-Furandione telomer with ethenylbenzene and (<NUM>-methylethyl)benzene, sodium salt of <NUM>,<NUM>-Furandione telomer with ethenylbenzene and (<NUM>-methylethyl)benzene, <NUM>-Butenedioic acid (2Z) polymer with <NUM>-propenoic acid, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid butyl ester, polymer with butyl <NUM>-propenoate and methyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid butyl ester, polymer with ethenylbenzene, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid butyl ester, polymer with methyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid dodecyl ester polymer with hexadecyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate octadecyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate and tetradecyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid methyl ester polymer with ethenylbenzene and <NUM>-propenoic acid, sodium salt of <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid polymer with <NUM>-propenoic acid, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid polymer with butyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate butyl <NUM>-propenoate ethenylbenzene and methyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid polymer with butyl <NUM>-propenoate, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid polymer with butyl <NUM>-propenoate and ethenylbenzene, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid polymer with butyl <NUM>-propenoate and methyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid polymer with butyl <NUM>-propenoate (<NUM>-methylethenyl)benzene and methyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid polymer with butyl <NUM>-propenoate ethene ethenylbenzene ethyl <NUM>-propenoate and methyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid polymer with butyl <NUM>-propenoate ethenylbenzene and methyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate, calcium salt of <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid polymer with butyl <NUM>-propenoate ethenylbenzene and methyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid polymer with butyl <NUM>-propenoate ethenylbenzene ethyl <NUM>-propenoate and methyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid polymer with butyl <NUM>-propenoate ethenylbenzene methyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate and <NUM>-propenenitrile, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid polymer with ethenylbenzene, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid polymer with ethenylbenzene and methyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid polymer with ethenylbenzene ethyl <NUM>-propenoate methyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate and <NUM>,<NUM>-propanediol mono(<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate), <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid polymer with ethyl <NUM>-propenoate, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid polymer with methyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-Propenoic acid polymers with Et acrylate and polyethylene glycol methacrylate C16-<NUM>-alkyl ethers methacrylic acid polymer, <NUM>-Propenoic acid homopolymer, sodium salt of <NUM>-Propenoic acid homopolymer, sodium salt <NUM>-Propenoic acid polymer with <NUM>,<NUM>-furandione, potassium salt (<NUM>:<NUM>) of <NUM>-Propenoic acid polymer with <NUM>-propenamide, sodium salt <NUM>-Propenoic acid telomer with sodium hydrogen sulfite, <NUM>-Propenoic acid telomer with sodium sulfite (<NUM>:<NUM>), sodium salt of Aspartic acid homopolymer, sodium salt (<NUM>:<NUM>) of hydroxy-Benzenesulfonic acid, polymer with formaldehyde and <NUM>,<NUM>'-sulfonylbis[phenol], sodium salt of <NUM>-methylene-Butanedioic acid polymer with <NUM>-propenoic acid, <NUM>-oxo-Butanoic acid-<NUM>-[(<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-oxo-<NUM>-propen-<NUM>-yl)oxy]ethyl ester polymer with butyl <NUM>-propenoate, <NUM>-ethylhexyl <NUM>-propenoate, methyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoic acid and <NUM>-propen-<NUM>-yl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propenoate, oxidized Ethene homopolymer, Ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer, Glycerol poly(oxyethylene) ether, Guar gum, <NUM>-hydroxypropyl ether, <NUM>-hydroxy-Octadecanoic acid polymer with alpha-hydro-omega-hydroxypoly(oxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-ethanediyl), <NUM>-methyl-Oxirane polymer with oxirane ether with <NUM>,<NUM>-propanediol (<NUM>:<NUM>), Polybutene, Polyethylene glycol, Polymaleic acid, Polymethacrylic acid, Polypropylene, Polyvinyl alcohol, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Sodium ligninsulfonate, Sodium polyaspartate, Sodium polymethacrylate, Sodium polymethacrylate, chloride of <NUM>-carboxyethyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-oxo-<NUM>-[[<NUM>-(trimethylammonio)propyl]amino]propyl ether Starch, sodium salt of Syrups and hydrolyzed starch polymers with acrylic acid and maleic anhydride initiated with hydrogen peroxide- and peroxydisulfuric acid ([(HO)S(O)<NUM>]2O2), Vinyl acetate vinyl alcohol polymer.

Disclosed compositions can optionally include one or more emollients. Inclusion of emollient(s) may be useful in obtaining desired viscosity properties. Illustrative specific emollients can include one or more of the following: <NUM>-Docosanol, <NUM>-Eicosanol, <NUM>-Octadecanol, Astrocaryum murumuru seed butter, Borago officinalis seed oil, Camellia kissi seed oil, Cetyl acetate, Cocoa butter, Cuburbita pepo seed oil, Dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, Fats and Glyceridic oils, sesame, C16-<NUM> and C18-unsatd. mono-Glycerides, C8-<NUM> and C18-unsatd. Glycerides, coco mono- and di- ethoxylated Glycerides, coco mono- and di- ethoxylated propoxylated Glycerides, Glyceryl dioleate, Isoamyl laurate, Isopropyl palmitate, Oenothera biennis (evening primrose) oil, palm kernel Oil, wheat Oils, Orbignya oleifera seed oil, Squalane, Sunflower oil.

In some embodiments, disclosed compositions can include both one or emollients and one or more thickeners. Such compositions can be advantageous as they provide compositions having desired viscosities.

Disclosed compositions can also optionally include one or more processing aids. Processing aids can be useful in affecting desired viscosities, emulsion stability, abrasive characters, or combination thereof. Illustrative specific processing aids can include one or more of: Acetic acid, Adipic acid, alpha-Methylglucoside, Ascorbic acid, Bentonite, Betaine, Calcium acetate, Calcium carbonate, Calcium carbonate hexahydrate, Calcium chloride hexahydrate, Calcium chloride hydrate (unspecified), anhydrous Calcium chloride, Calcium chloride dehydrate, Calcium citrate, Calcium citrate tetrahydrate, Calcium formate, Calcium hydroxide, Calcium hydroxide hydrate, Calcium magnesium acetate, Calcium silicate, Calcium silicate hydrate, Canola oil, Carrageenan, Castor oil, hydrogenated, Cellulose, <NUM>-hydroxypropyl methyl ether Cellulose, Cellulose regenerated, Ceramic materials and wares, chemicals, Coconut oil, Corn gluten protein, Corn oil, Corn sugar syrup, D-Glucose, Dextrin, Disodium disilicate, DL-Lactic acid, Formic acid, Fumaric acid, Glass fibers, Gluconolactone, Glycine, Guar gum, Hectorite, Hydroxyethyl cellulose, Hydroxypropylcellulose, sodium salt of Inulin carboxymethyl ether, Kaolin, Kaolin calcined, Lanolin oil, Limestone, Magnesium acetate, Magnesium acetate tetrahydrate, Magnesium carbonate, Magnesium carbonate hydrate, Magnesium chloride anhydrous, Magnesium chloride hexahydrate, Magnesium hydroxide, Magnesium hydroxide carbonate, Magnesium oxide, Magnesium sulfate monohydrate, Magnesium sulfate, anhydrous, Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, Malic acid, Maltodextrin, Methanesulfonic acid, Methyl cellulose, Molasses blackstrap, Nepheline syenite, Olive oil, Palm oil, PEG-<NUM> methyl glucose trioleate, Perlite, Polyglycerol, Potassium acetate, Potassium acetate hydrate, Potassium bicarbonate, Potassium carbonate sesquihydrate, Potassium carbonate anhydrous, Potassium chloride, Potassium hydroxide, Potassium hydroxide monohydrate, Potassium lactate, Potassium silicate, Potassium sulfate, Potassium tartrate, Pumice, <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-Silanamine hydrolysis products with silica, Silica, Silica gel, Silicic acid disodium salt pentahydrate, Silicon carbide, Smectite-group minerals, Sodium acetate, Sodium acetate hydrate, Sodium acetate trihydrate, Sodium bicarbonate, Sodium bisulfate, Sodium bisulfate monohydrate, Sodium carbonate anhydrous, Sodium carbonate monohydrate, Sodium chloride, Sodium dihydrogen citrate, Sodium formate, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium lactate, Sodium lactate, Sodium magnesium silicate, Sodium metasilicate, Sodium propionate, Sodium sesquicarbonate, Sodium silicate, Sodium starch, glycolate, Sodium sulfate, Sodium sulfite, Sodium thiosulfate, Sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate, Sorbitol, Soybean oil, Starch, <NUM>-hydroxypropyl ether Starch, Sucrose, Sulfamic acid, Sulfurous acid monosodium salt, Tartaric acid, Taurine, Titanium (IV) oxide, Triglycerol, Urea methanesulfonate (<NUM>:<NUM>), Vinegar, Jojoba Waxes and Waxy substances, Xanthan gum, Zeolites, Zeolites NaA.

Disclosed compositions can be in any useful form. Illustrative specific useful forms can include liquids (e.g., a ready to use formulation or a concentrate), pastes, or an aerosol for example. Compositions can also be impregnated into a substrate, e.g., a wipe.

Disclosed compositions are useful for the removal of polymeric materials containing one or more heteroatoms. Polymeric materials containing heteroatoms include for example polyurethanes, epoxy resins, vinyl based resins, acrylic acid based resins such as vinyl acetate resins its polymers and co-polymers, polyesters and copolymers, polyamindes acrylic resins, amino resins, cyanoacrylates, polyethers, polycarbonates, alkyd resins, natural polymers such as mastic, rosins, natural resins such as pine tree sap, natural rubber, shellac. These polymers are used in combination with pigments and other components to make materials comprising polymers containing heteroatoms such as coatings such as paints, finishes, varnishes, and inks, adhesives, sealants or used as such in molds, calendared coatings, coextruded coatings, spunbond textile coatings, thermoformed coatings and other processing equipment to make a variety of products. Once the lifetime of these polymers has passed, these polymers need to be removed from the surfaces. Removal of a polymeric material containing heteroatoms can be useful in a variety of applications such paint stripping and removal and cleaning surfaces of inks, paints, coatings, adhesives, resins, or varnishes.

In some embodiments, disclosed compositions can be useful for removal of graffiti from a surface. Graffiti often includes paint, ink, mastic, adhesive, or combinations thereof.

Surfaces form which polymeric materials can be removed can include, for example glass, stone, ceramic, porcelain, concrete, masonry, wood and wood derived composites and products, leather, metals, and polymeric surfaces such as polyolefins, engineering thermoplastics and engineering thermoplastic composites, elastomers, natural and polyolefin based textiles.

Disclosed herein are methods of using compositions to remove polymeric materials from a surface. Such methods include steps of contacting the composition with the surface and removing the composition from the surface. In some embodiments, the composition can be removed from the surface by wiping the composition and at least some portion of the polymeric material from the surface. In some embodiments, there can be a delay between the steps of contacting the composition with the surface and removing the composition from the surface. In some embodiments where acrylic paint is being removed, the composition can remain on the surface at least <NUM> minutes or at least <NUM> minutes. In some embodiments where oil based paint is being removed, the composition can remain on the surface at least <NUM> minutes or at least <NUM> minutes, or <NUM> to <NUM> minutes for example. In some embodiments where permanent marker is being removed from a whiteboard for example, the composition does not need to remain on the surface for more than <NUM> seconds, or not more than <NUM> seconds. In some embodiments where acrylic adhesive is being removed, the composition can remain on the surface for <NUM> minute. In some embodiments where silicone adhesive is being removed, the composition can remain on the surface at least <NUM> minute or not less than <NUM> minutes. The step of removing the composition from the surface can be accomplished using any method of wiping, e.g., wiping with a wipe such as a paper towel, etc.; wiping with a sponge; etc. In some embodiments, a composition can be impregnated into a substrate (e. g, a wipe, etc.); and in some such instances, contacting the surface can include placing the impregnated substrate over the polymeric material to be removed so that the composition impregnated into the substrate can contact the polymeric material on the surface.

Example articles and techniques according to the disclosure provide will be illustrated by the following examples.

A stock solution was prepared by mixing <NUM> of Butyl Levulinate and <NUM> of the surfactant Biosoft N-<NUM> (Stepan Company). <NUM> of water was added under vigorous stirring resulting in a milky mixture. <NUM> of the stock solution was transferred into a second container and <NUM> Dipropyleneglycol (Dowanol) was added resulting in a clear solution.

<NUM> of the stock solution of example <NUM> was transferred to a second container and n-butyl-propyleneglycol ether (Dowanol PNB) was added in <NUM> increments. Spontaneous phase separation occurred after the addition of <NUM>. Adding higher amounts up to <NUM> did not result in a stable solution.

A whiteboard cleaning formulation was prepared by mixing <NUM> butyl levulinate and <NUM> of the surfactant Biosoft N-<NUM> (Stepan Company). The butyllevulinate surfactant solution was diluted with <NUM> water yielding a slightly milky emulsion. <NUM> of isopropanol was added yielding a clear solution. A new whiteboard (UBrands purchased at Target) was subjected to writing with.

The inks on the whiteboard were allowed to sit for <NUM> weeks, simulating a difficult cleaning task on the whiteboard. The whiteboard was treated with the following whiteboard cleaners: the composition of Example <NUM>, Expo Whiteboard CARETM, Sustainable Earth™ Whiteboard cleaner as follows: the liquid of <NUM> pumps of a cleaner was sprayed on a defined section of the whiteboard. The cleaner was allowed to sit for <NUM> seconds. The whiteboard was wiped once with a clean regular kitchen use paper towel.

The composition of Example <NUM> provided a clean surface with the first wipe erasing all marks and restoring the surface completely. Both Expo Whiteboard CARE™ and Sustainable Earth™ Whiteboard cleaner were effective in removing the dry erase markers but both did not remove the permanent marker while the composition of Example <NUM> did remove the permanent marker completely.

<FIG> shows the whiteboard before cleaning. <FIG> shows the same whiteboard as in <FIG> after cleaning with the composition of Example <NUM>, Expo Whiteboard CARE™, Sustainable Earth™ Whiteboard cleaner. Only the composition of Example <NUM> was effective in cleaning the permanent marker.

An adhesive removal composition was prepared by adding <NUM> of the Stock Solution of Example <NUM> to <NUM> of water under vigorous stirring. The solution was applied to an adhesive that had been left behind after pulling off an adhesive tape that had been on a plastic-coated table surface (melamine formaldehyde coating). The composition was left on the adhesive for <NUM> seconds and then wiped with a few swipes of a paper towel for regular kitchen use. The table surface was not harmed and the adhesive was removed.

A <NUM> by <NUM> (<NUM> inch by <NUM> inch) plywood panel was sanded with a 180grit sandpaper. The sanding dust was removed and the panel was painted with a water based primer (ZINSSER®, Rust-oleum Corporation, Vernon Hills IL). After <NUM> hours of drying time, the primer was sanded with 180grit sandpaper and wiped with a cloth wetted with isopropyl alcohol.

A layer of blue exterior oil paint (Rust-oleum Corporation, Vernon Hills, IL) was applied, allowed to dry for 24hours before sanding with 180grit sandpaper and wiping with a cloth wetted with isopropyl alcohol. A layer of white exterior/interior latex paint (Rust-oleum Corporation, Vernon Hills, IL) was applied, allowed to dry for <NUM> hours before sanding with 180grit sandpaper and wiping with a cloth wetted with isopropyl alcohol. A layer of red exterior/interior latex paint (Rust-oleum Corporation, Vernon Hills, IL) was applied, allowed to dry for <NUM> hours before sanding with 180grit sandpaper and wiping with a cloth wetted with isopropyl alcohol. A layer of yellow exterior oil paint (Rust-oleum Corporation, Vernon Hills, IL) was applied, allowed to dry for <NUM> hours before sanding with 180grit sandpaper and wiping with a cloth wetted with isopropyl alcohol.

The panel was allowed to dry for <NUM> hours upon which it was cured for <NUM> days at <NUM> in an incubator.

A <NUM> (<NUM> inch) inner diameter gasket was glued to the Paint coupons as described in example <NUM> with superglue to hold any liquid paint stripper formulation contained within the ring.

The following paint stripper formulation was prepared:.

<NUM> of the paint stripper formulation was applied to the gaskets and covered with a watch glass to prevent evaporation. After <NUM> minutes the paint stripper formulation was removed with a pipette and the paint was scraped with a wooden scraper. <NUM>% of the yellow oil paint was removed and the red latex paint was in the process of dissolving (<FIG>, <NUM> minutes). The paint stripper formulation was re-applied and after another <NUM> minutes the scraping procedure was repeated. <NUM>% of the yellow and <NUM>% of the red and white paint layers were removed (<FIG>, <NUM> minutes). The paint stripper formula was re-applied and after another <NUM> minutes the scraping procedure was repeated. <NUM>% of the yellow, red and white paint layers as well as <NUM>% of the blue paint layers were removed (<FIG>, <NUM> minutes).

The paint stripper showed effectiveness on <NUM> layers of mixed paint within <NUM> minutes.

A <NUM> (<NUM> inch) inner diameter gasket was glued to a coupon as described in example <NUM> with superglue to hold any liquid paint stripper formulation contained within the ring.

The following comparative paint remover formulation was prepared:.

<NUM> of the comparative paint stripper formulation was applied into the gasket and covered with a watch glass to prevent evaporation. After <NUM> minutes the paint stripper formulation was removed with a pipette and the paint was scraped with a wooden scraper. No change was visible (<FIG>, <NUM> minutes). The comparative paint stripper formulation was re-applied and after another <NUM> minutes the scraping procedure was repeated. No change was visible (<FIG>, <NUM> minutes). The comparative paint stripper formulation was re-applied and after another <NUM> minutes the scraping procedure was repeated No change was visible (<FIG>, <NUM> minutes).

The comparative paint stripper formulation showed no effectiveness even after <NUM> minutes.

The following paint remover formulation was prepared:.

<NUM> of Comparative paint stripper formulation B was applied into the gasket and covered with a watch glass to prevent evaporation. After <NUM> minutes the paint stripper formulation was removed with a pipette and the paint was scraped with a wooden scraper. No change was visible after the <NUM> minutes exposure. The paint stripper formula was re-applied and after another <NUM> minutes the scraping procedure was repeated. No change was visible after a total of <NUM> minutes exposure. The paint stripper formula was re-applied and after another <NUM> minutes the scraping procedure was repeated No change was visible after a total of <NUM> minutes exposure.

Claim 1:
A method of removing polymeric material comprising heteroatoms from a surface the method comprising:
contacting the surface with a composition, the composition comprising:
a compound according to formula (II)
<CHM>
and
at least one oxygen containing solvent having a molecular weight of not greater than <NUM>/mol; and
wiping the composition and at least some portion of the polymer from the surface.