Patent Application
20240246859
The present invention is directed to a dispersion-based ready-to-use grout that improves existing ready-to-use grouts and meets performance requirements of an epoxy grout.
Various types of grouts exist in today's market for a wide variety of applications. A common usage of grouts is in the construction industry, and in particular, for use in joining tile, masonry and other types of building materials, as well as for filling joints and voids between such materials.
Grouts exist in different forms including, for instance, cement-based grouts and/or polymer modified cement-based grouts, two-part polymer grouts (e.g., epoxy grouts), and one-part polymer grouts (i.e., ready-to-use). Each of these types of grouts has its advantages and disadvantages. The performance of each of these grouts is determined by several International Standards (ISO/EN Standards) & Domestic Standards (ANSI).
Epoxy grouts or epoxy resin grouts have far superior performance as compared to cement or ready-to-use grouts. Epoxy-based grouts (e.g., epoxy resin grouts) are examples of two-part polymer grout systems, as well as three-part grout compositions or systems, that all require mixing prior to use thereof. These mixing steps can be labor intensive, time consuming, and generate problems in the laid grout (e.g., by inadequate or improper mixing). While such epoxy-based grouts are often hard and resistant to chemicals and stains, drawbacks thereof include the multiple parts of such systems, their mixing requirements and the problems associated therewith. Additionally, epoxy-based grouts may have health concerns as they are sometimes associated with sensitization and allergic responses, and are often more expensive as compared to the alternative grout materials.
As an alternative to epoxy-based grouts, currently available grouts also include premixed and/or one-part grout compositions. Since they come ready-to-use in a pre-mixed state, these types of grouts are often easier to use than cementitious epoxy-based grouts and/or two-part or three-part grout systems. One of the biggest advantages of such premixed grouts is that they do not need to be mixed with other constituent(s) prior to use thereof, which aids in their ease of use.
Currently available premixed grouts are also relatively safe and do not generate dust. Ready-to-use grout products are the most preferred technology for modern consumers in the construction markets. However, several limitations exist with the currently available ready-to-use grout products including, for instance, their insufficient or lack of durability as compared to the durability of epoxy-based grouts (e.g., the durability of epoxy resin grouts). Currently available ready-to-use grouts also do not have sufficient water resistance as compared to that of the epoxy-based grouts and cement-based grouts, thereby limiting their use and applications.
In view of the foregoing, there continues to be a need for new and improved ready-to-use grouts having superior chemical and physical properties (e.g., durability, water resistance, etc.) as compared to currently available ready-to-use epoxy-based grouts, for which the present invention provides a solution thereto.
Bearing in mind the problems and deficiencies of the prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide premixed, ready-to-use dispersion-based compositions.
Another object of the present invention is to provide premixed, ready-to-use dispersion-based compositions formulated for use as grouts and adhesives that require no additional water.
It is another object of the present invention to provide premixed ready-to-use dispersion-based grouts and adhesives that are easy to use in installation procedures.
A further object of the invention is to provide ready to use premixed ready-to-use dispersion-based grouts and adhesives that require minimal preparation prior to use thereof.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide ready to use premixed ready-to-use dispersion-based grouts and adhesives having reduced hazardous health risks.
Another object of the present invention is to provide premixed ready-to-use dispersion-based grouts and adhesives that are cost efficient and provide strong, durable dried products.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.
The above and other objects, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are achieved in the present invention which is directed to grout in a ready-to-use grout formulation. The grout formulation includes a first water-based dispersion binder material, optionally a second water-based dispersion binder material, a preservative, and one or more freeze thaw stabilizers. The grout formulation also includes a defoamer, one or more rheological modifiers, and one or more filler materials. The grout formulation is formulated as a one-part formulation requiring no mixing prior to use.
In one or more embodiments the first water-based dispersion binder material may be a water-based acrylic polymer dispersion binder material, and the second water-based dispersion binder material may be a water-based acrylate copolymer dispersion binder material. The water-based acrylic polymer dispersion binder material may be a styrene acrylic polymer material, and the water-based acrylate copolymer dispersion binder material may be a styrene-acrylate copolymer dispersion material. In certain embodiments the styrene acrylic polymer material may be present in an amount ranging from 15 wt. % to 22 wt. %, while the styrene-acrylate copolymer dispersion material may be present in an amount up to 5 wt. %, wherein the amounts are based on a total weight of the grout formulation. The one or more filler materials may be one or more sand materials present in the grout formulation in a total amount ranging from 70 wt. % to 90 wt. %, wherein the total amount is based on the total weight of the grout formulation.
The grout formulations of the invention may further include one or more cross-linkers, one or more adhesion promoters, and an anti-microbial material. The preservative may be an in-can stabilizer.
In other embodiments, the invention is directed to ready-to-use grout formulations that include a water-based acrylic polymer dispersion binder material, optionally a water-based acrylate copolymer dispersion binder material, a preservative, an anti-microbial material, one or more freeze thaw stabilizers, a defoamer, one or more adhesion promoters, one or more rheological modifiers, and one or more filler materials. These ready-to-use grout formulations are each one-part formulations that require no mixing prior to use thereof. The water-based acrylic polymer dispersion binder material may be a styrene acrylic polymer material, and the water-based acrylate copolymer dispersion binder material may be a styrene-acrylate copolymer dispersion material.
In one or more embodiments the water-based acrylic polymer dispersion binder material may be present in an amount ranging from 15 wt. % to 22 wt. %. The water-based acrylate copolymer dispersion binder material may be present in an amount up to 5 wt. %. The preservative may be present in an amount ranging from 0.02 wt. % to 0.05 wt. %. The anti-microbial material may be present in an amount ranging from 0.01 wt. % to 0.025 wt. %. The one or more freeze thaw stabilizers may be present in an amount up to 0.8 wt. %. The defoamer may be present in an amount up to 0.5 wt. %. The one or more rheological modifiers may be present in an amount up to 2.0 wt. %. The one or more filler materials may be present in an amount ranging from 70 wt. % to 90 wt. %. The ready-to-use grout formulations may further include glass fiber as a reinforcement material, one or more alkaline cross-linkers, as well as one or more adhesion promoters present in an amount up to 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the grout formulation. Each of the foregoing amounts are based on a total weight of the ready-to-use grout formulation.
In embodiments of the invention the water-based acrylic polymer dispersion binder material may have a solids content ranging from 45% to 60% solids, a specific gravity ranging from about 0.95 g/cm3 to 1.10 g/cm3, and a pH ranging from about 6-9. The water-based acrylate copolymer dispersion binder material may be a styrene-acrylate copolymer dispersion having a solids content ranging from 45% to 60% solids.
In the invention, the preservative may be a blend of hexahydro-1,3,5-tris (2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine and 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, or it may be a material having 20% METHYL-3(2H)-ISOTHIAZOLONE as an active ingredient. The anti-microbial material may be 2-n-butyl-benzo[d]isothiazol-3-one or a material having Diiodomethyl-ptolylsulfone is an active ingredient. The one or more freeze thaw stabilizers may be a hydrophobic glycol ether, a hydrophilic glycol ether, or even combinations thereof. The one or more freeze thaw stabilizers may be a slow-evaporating, hydrophobic glycol ether solvent. The one or more freeze thaw stabilizers may be a dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether. The one or more freeze thaw stabilizers may be a surfactant of polyethylene glycol tert-octylphenyl ether. The defoamer may be a siloxane-based defoamer. The rheological modifiers may be hydroxyethylcellulose, a micro-fiber filler, hydrophobic fumed silica, aluminum oxide, or calcium carbonate. The one or more filler materials may be one or more sand materials having a particle size ranging from 60-1000 micrometers. These sand materials may be uncolored silica-based sand, colored silica-based sand, or both uncolored and colored silica-based sand. The one or more adhesion promoters may be polyurethane dispersions, acrylic-urethane hybrid dispersions, epoxy functional silane or silane dispersions.
In accordance with one or more embodiments, the ingredients within the grout formulations of the invention may be present in the following amounts: the water-based acrylic polymer dispersion binder material may be present in an amount ranging from 17.0 wt. % to 21.5 wt. %, the water-based acrylate copolymer dispersion binder material may be present in an amount above 0 wt. % to 1.10 wt. %, the preservative may be present in an amount ranging from 0.01 wt. % to 0.035 wt. %, the anti-microbial material may be present in an amount ranging from 0.01 wt. % to 0.025 wt. %, the one or more freeze thaw stabilizers may be present in an amount ranging from 0.100 wt. % to 0.40 wt. %, the defoamer may be present in an amount ranging from 0.088 wt. % to 0.2 wt. %, the one or more rheological modifiers may be present in an amount ranging from 0.440 wt. % to 2.0 wt. %, and the one or more filler materials may be present in an amount ranging from 74 wt. % to 85 wt. %. These amounts are all based on the total weight of the grout formulation. The grout formulations may further include one or more alkaline cross-linkers present in a total amount ranging from 0.60 wt. % to 2.10 wt. %, and one or more silane-based adhesion promoters present in total amount ranging from 0.30 wt. % to 1.1 wt. %.
In other aspects, the invention is also directed to grout products formulated by the ready-to-use grout formulations discussed herein above and below, as well as methods of formulating the ready-to-use grout formulations discussed herein above and below.
The features of the invention believed to be novel and the elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The figures are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. The invention itself, however, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
In describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention, reference will be made herein to
The embodiments of the present invention can comprise, consist of, and consist essentially of the features and/or steps described herein, as well as any of the additional or optional ingredients, components, steps, or limitations described herein or would otherwise be appreciated by one of skills in the art. It is to be understood that all concentrations disclosed herein are by weight percent (wt. %.) based on a total weight of the composition unless otherwise indicated.
The present invention refers to a unique, dispersion-based ready-to-use grout that meets performance requirements of an epoxy grout. The term “ready-to-use” (“RTU”) refers to a grout formulation that is a one-part formulation that requires no mixing prior to use thereof, which may be referred to herein as a “RTU” grout.
In accordance with the various embodiments, the present invention is directed to ready-to-use grouts and grout products, and their methods and use thereof, that have properties and perform like that of an epoxy grout performance, i.e. compressive strength ≥3500 psi, 14-day shear bonding strength ≥1000 psi and 14 day thermal shock bonding strength ≥500 psi, and all of these properties are tested based ANSI 118.3. In referring to the grouts/adhesives of the invention being premixed and ready-to-use, it should be understood that no additional water needs to be added to the compositions of the invention prior to use thereof. The grouts and grout products of the invention are suited for use with tile and in tiling applications. The present various ready-to-use grouts/grout products provide superior chemical resistance; stain resistance and higher performance to submerged water applications. The testing for physical performance has been confirmed and validated by ANSI 118.3.
In accordance with invention, the instant premixed ready-to-use dispersion-based grouts and adhesives include one or more water-based dispersion binder materials. In one or more embodiments, the ready-to-use formulations of the invention for use as grouts and adhesives includes a combination of dispersion binder materials. For instance, certain formulations may include two or more dispersion binder materials in combination with one another. Dispersion-based binder materials suitable for use in accordance with the invention include, but are not limited to, one or more synthetic latex binder materials. In one or more preferred embodiments, the premixed ready-to-use dispersion-based formulations of the invention include at least a first dispersion binder material and a second dispersion binder material. These first and second dispersion binders may be water-based emulsion polymers or copolymers materials.
A first water-based dispersion binder material may include an acrylic polymer dispersion. Suitable acrylic polymer dispersions for use in the invention include a styrene acrylic (SA) polymer material, such as, those having a higher amount of soft monomer (e.g., butyl acrylate) as compared to known styrene butadiene (SB) polymers. In one or more embodiments, suitable acrylic polymer dispersions for use in the invention have properties including, but not limited to, a solids content ranging from about 45% to 60% solids with the remainder being water, a specific gravity ranging from about 0.95 g/cm3 to 1.10 g/cm3, a pH ranging from about 6-9, a viscosity <1000 cps, and a glass transition temperature (Tg) ranging from about −40° C. to 100° C.
In one or more preferred embodiments, the first water-based emulsion dispersion binder material may comprise a modified styrene acrylic latex. The modified styrene acrylic latex may be in the RTU grout formulations of the invention in an amount ranging from about 15 wt. % to about 22 wt. % (based on a total weight of the RTU formulation). A preferred modified styrene acrylic latex may have properties including a solids content of about 45.5% with the remainder being water, a density measured at 20° C. of about 1.04 g/cm3, a pH of about 8.2, a viscosity <600 cps, and a Tg of about 39° C. The acrylic polymer dispersions provide the instant RTU formulations with improved adhesive strength, toughness, flexibility, water impermeability, stability (e.g., compounding stability, in-can stability, etc.), chemical resistance (e.g., chemical, acid, organic solvents, water, stain, abrasion and oil resistance), durability, control of setting speed, and the like.
The second water-based dispersion binder material may include an acrylate copolymer dispersion. Suitable acrylate copolymer dispersions include, but are not limited to, copolymers of styrene and acrylic, such as, a styrene-acrylate copolymer dispersion. The styrene-acrylate copolymer dispersions may be present in the RTU grout formulations of the invention in an amount ranging from about 0 wt. % to about 5 wt. % (based on a total weight of the RTU formulation), and have a solids content ranging from about 45% to 60% solids with the remainder being water. A preferred copolymer dispersion is a modified styrene-acrylate latex having properties including a solids content of about 45.0% with the remainder being water, a density measured at 20° C. of about 1.04 g/cm3, a pH of about 6.0, a viscosity <200 cps, and a Tg of about 97° C. The modified styrene-acrylate latex provides the instant RTU formulations with improved adhesive strength, hardness, compressive strength, shear bonding strength, and chemical resistance.
The premixed ready-to-use dispersion-based formulations of the invention for use as grouts and adhesives also includes one or more freeze thaw stabilizers and/or co-solvents. These freeze thaw stabilizers and/or co-solvents may include, but are not limited to, a hydrophobic glycol ether, a hydrophilic glycol ether, or the like, and combinations thereof. The hydrophobic glycol ether may include slow-evaporating, hydrophobic glycol ether solvent that is suitable in water-borne latex systems. In one or more embodiments a suitable hydrophobic glycol ether solvent is a dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether having the chemical formula C4H90[CH2CH(CH3)O]2H. A suitable hydrophilic glycol ether may include a surfactant of polyethylene glycol tert-octylphenyl ether. Both the hydrophobic glycol ether and the hydrophilic glycol ether may each be present in the instant RTU grout formulations in amounts ranging from about 0 wt. % to about 0.4 wt. % (based on a total weight of the RTU formulation).
The RTU grout and adhesive formulations of the invention also include a preservative (i.e., an in-can preservative, in-can stabilizer, etc.) and a dry surface anti-microbial material. The preservative may comprise a blend of hexahydro-1,3,5-tris (2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine and 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, or alternatively a material having 20% METHYL-3(2H)-ISOTHIAZOLONE as the active ingredient. The preservative may be present in the RTU grout formulations in amounts ranging from about 0.02 wt. % to about 0.05 wt. % (based on a total weight of the RTU formulation). The anti-microbial material may comprise 2-n-butyl-benzo[d]isothiazol-3-one, or alternatively a material having Diiodomethyl-ptolylsulfone is the active ingredient. The anti-microbial material may be present in amounts ranging from about 0.01 wt. % to about 0.025 wt. %.
The various RTU grout and adhesive formulations also include one or more rheological modifiers present in amounts ranging from about 0 wt. % to about 2.0 wt. % (based on a total weight of the RTU formulation). The rheological modifiers may include hydroxyethylcellulose (preferably, from about 0 wt. % to about 0.25 wt. %), a micro-fiber filler, hydrophobic fumed silica, aluminum oxide, calcium carbonate, and the like. For instance, a cellulose fiber comprising 81.75%+/−4.5% (cellulose) and 18.25%+/−4.5% (kaolin clay) may be provided in the instant RTU grout formulations. In addition to the rheological modifiers, the present formulations may also include a reinforcement materials, such as glass fiber, in an amount ranging from about 0 wt. % to about 1 wt. % (based on a total weight of the RTU formulation).
Adhesion promoters may also be included within the present RTU grout and adhesive formulations. One or more adhesion promoter may be included within the various formulations of the invention, each in amounts ranging from about 0 wt. % to about 5 wt. % (based on a total weight of the RTU formulation). Suitable adhesion promoters for use in the invention include, but are not limited to, polyurethane dispersions, acrylic-urethane hybrid dispersions, epoxy functional silane, and the like. For instance, in one or more preferred embodiments epoxy functional silane adhesion promoters may include an epoxy functional silane, such as, gamma-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, an epoxysilane oligomer containing gamma-glycidoxy and trimethoxy functions, 3-Glycidoxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane, and the like.
The premixed ready-to-use dispersion-based formulations of the invention may also include one or more hydrophobe materials, a cross-linker, defoamer, as well as one or more filler materials. The hydrophobe materials may each be present in amounts ranging from about 0 wt. % to about 5 wt. % (based on a total weight of the RTU formulation), and may include a silicone dispersion, a wax dispersion, and the like. The cross-linker may be an alkaline cross-linker present in an amount ranging from about 0 wt. % to about 2 wt. % (based on a total weight of the RTU formulation). Suitable cross-linkers for use in the invention may include, for instance, an alkaline cross-linker comprising 59-61% Zinc Oxide, 37.5-39.5% water, 0-2% sodium polynaphthalenesulfonate, 0-2% dispersant/suspension additive(s), and the like. The defoamer may be present in amounts ranging from about 0 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. % (based on a total weight of the RTU formulation), and may include a siloxane-based defoamer, such as, an organo-modified silicone-based defoamer. The remainder of the RTU formulations of the invention include one or more filler materials. In one or more preferred embodiments, the filler materials comprise one or more sand or colored silica sand fillers. For instance, the filler may be uncolored and/or colored silica-based sand, such as, silica fume sand having a particle size of about 60-1000 micrometer. These one or more filler materials may be present in the RTU formulation in amounts ranging from about 70 wt. % to about 90 wt. % (based on a total weight of the RTU formulation).
The various materials that may be provided within the premixed RTU dispersion-based grout and adhesive formulations, and thereby the resultant grouts/adhesives, of the invention are detailed below in Table 1. It should be appreciated that various combinations of the materials described herein may be used in combination with each other to formulate the dispersion-based RTU grouts/adhesives of the invention. It should also be appreciated that these formulations render the grout/adhesive material of the invention as well as the resultant grout/adhesive layer after deposition and curing.
Referring to Table 1 below, and the examples of the invention that follow, the premixed RTU dispersion-based formulations of the invention at least include a first dispersion binder, a second dispersion binder, a preservative, anti-microbial material, one or more freeze thaw stabilizers/co-solvent(s), a defoamer, one or more rheological modifiers, and one or more filler materials. Certain embodiments of the invention further include cross-linker(s) and adhesion promoter(s). Preferably the first and second dispersion binders comprise first and second water-based dispersion binder materials.
The various ready-to-use grout formulations of the present invention are described in Table 1 below:
It has been found that the ready-to-use dispersion-based formulations of the invention, for use as grouts and adhesives, and thereby the resultant grout and/or adhesive products, advantageously meet performance requirements of a reactive resin (i.e., an epoxy grout) as measured in accordance with ANSI 118.3 standards. It is further beneficial that the formulations of the invention perform as a reactive resin while being a ready-to-use composition that does not require mixing as they are premixed water-based formulations. The instant RTU grout/adhesive formulations are also low in VOCs, do not have any potential health risks to the user/applicator, and potentially no skin sensitization. The various RTU grout/adhesive formulations of the invention may be used in both interior and exterior applications, as well as be exposed to water and be installed for submerged applications. It has further been found that the RTU grout/adhesive formulations provide resultant grout/adhesive products that have superior stain resistance and chemical resistance, as compared to currently available RTU grouts.
While not meant to be limiting, for ease of understanding the invention, various exemplary RTU dispersion-based grout/adhesive formulations of the invention are described in connection with Table 2A to Table 2B. Exemplary formulations are detailed in Tables “A”, while comparative test results are detailed in Tables “B”.
While the present invention has been particularly described, in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.
This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 17/254,610 filed Jun. 28, 2019, which is a 371 filing of international patent application no. PCT/US2019/039864 filed Jan. 28, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/692,006 filed Jun. 29, 2018.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62692006 | Jun 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17254610 | Dec 2020 | US |
| Child | 18623807 | US |
