COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING SUBSTRATES

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17/751 ,377, filed May 23, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure relates to compositions for forming a film and/or treating a substrate, and methods of forming films and/or treating substrates with the compositions. The compositions and methods may be particularly useful for preventing and/or reducing corrosion of metal substrates, and may have reduced or no yellowing over time.

BACKGROUND

[0003] For more than 80 years, high-performance organic coatings have been the pinnacle of global corrosion control and corrosion management. Yet despite their evolving sophistication and reformulations, these coatings have failed to adequately address the global problem of corrosion. Consequently, the cost of managing corrosion today is approximately 3.1 % of global GDP.

[0004] Excluded from this cost is the expense of restoring the world’s oil and gas infrastructure, and current global infrastructure requirements in the trillions of dollars. These dilemmas make the need to solve the problem of corrosion both apparent and immediate.

[0005] Anticorrosive and protective coatings are typically applied as primers because they function by the inter-reaction of constituents or pigments in the coating with the metal substrate. In order to improve the corrosion resistance of the metal substrate, corrosion inhibitive sacrificial components or additives are typically used. These coatings are generally classified in accordance with the mechanisms by which they protect metal against corrosion: barrier coatings, inhibitive coatings, and sacrificial coatings. Barrier Coatings are coatings that act by blocking the transport or transmission of aggressive species into the coating’s surface, such as water or gases (e.g. CO2 or SO2) in industrial atmosphere, chloride ions, or ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can penetrate a cured coating. Barrier coatings are simply relatively thick coatings (usually approximately 10-40 mils) composed of relatively moisture-resistant resins. Inhibitive coatings in contrast, attempt to avoid corrosion by reacting with the environment to provide a protective film or barrier on the metallic surface. They are typically comprised of pigments that react with the steel substrate to produce thin films that serve to passivate the metal surface. Lead-based paints are one example of these inhibitive coatings. Sacrificial coatings are coatings that rely on the principle of galvanic corrosion for the protection of metals against corrosion. The substrate is typically coated with primers containing high levels (e.g. 70-90 wt%) of metallic zinc dust pigments that form a coat-of-metal over the substrate which corrodes preferentially to steel. Additionally, since zinc is active electrochemically, it corrodes more slowly than steel allowing longer periods between coatings. This includes cathodic protective coatings.

[0006] These basic and fundamental approaches are currently the only solutions the industry has for preventing, stopping, and/or managing corrosion, despite their poor history of protection success. However, to date such protective coatings have not been sufficiently satisfactory, in particular in that they typically require application of multiple compositions, yellow over time, are not sufficiently impermeable to the elements that cause corrosion, and/or do not offer adequate adhesion to the substrate to allow the coating to be long-lasting.

[0007] Weathering and aging of paint are among many factors that contribute, in various degrees, to degradation of such coatings. Typical weathering stress factors include UV radiation, water and moisture uptake, elevated temperatures, and chemical damage from pollutants. Of course, interactions between these stresses are to be expected. For example, as the polymeric backbone of a coating is slowly broken down by UV light, the coating’s barrier properties likewise typically deteriorate.

[0008] One particular challenge is UV breakdown of constituents of known coatings. Sunlight is a major source of UV radiation on many coated metal substrates. Although its affects are usually associated with aesthetic changes such as yellowing, color change or loss, chalking, gloss reduction, and lowered distinctness of images, there are other important UV-related changes as well, such as chemical breakdown and worsened mechanical properties. Such changes can lead to, for example, embrittlement, increased hardness, increased internal stress, hydrophilicity, altered solubility, and crosslink density, and generation of polar groups at the surface, which may lead to increased surface wettability.

[0009] Epoxies, because of their strength, chemical resistance, and adhesion to substrates, are an important class of anticorrosive paint. However, because of their susceptibility (most impervious) to UV degradation, they are primarily used as primers and rely upon intermediate and/or top-coatings that contain UV-resistant binders, to complete each epoxy coating task or epoxy coating system.

[0010] Furthermore, the inclusion of various pigments in anticorrosion coating compositions can interfere with the physical and/or mechanical properties of the coating compositions.

[0011] Thus, there is a need for compositions that provide highly corrosion- resistant coatings, have good adhesion to metal substrates, have good barrier or impermeability properties, have good corrosion and/or weathering resistance, have good UV resistance (e.g. do not, or do not significantly, yellow over time with UV exposure), and/or can incorporate various pigments. Ideally, the composition(s) can provide such benefits in a one-coat process, or can be a system including a primer, together with one or more of an intermediate coat, top coat, and/or sealer. The compositions are also useful for forming films for other purposes as well.

SUMMARY

[0012] Compositions that are useful for forming films and/or treating substrates, e.g. for reducing and/or preventing corrosion of metal substrates, methods of making the compositions, films prepared from the compositions, and methods of using the films and compositions are described herein. The films and compositions have a surprising benefit in that they do not, or do not substantially, yellow over time. The films and compositions have the additional surprising benefit in that they have exceptional adhesion strength on a variety of substrates, including substrates of various types of metal. The films and compositions have the yet further surprising benefit in that they demonstrate exceptional impermeability, for example to atmospheric compounds and water.

[0013] In preferred embodiments, the disclosure relates to compositions that are useful for treating a substrate, for example for preventing and/or reducing corrosion of the substrate, e.g. a metal substrate, comprising (a) at least one cross- linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer, preferably chosen from polymers comprising vinyl ester-based (e.g. vinyl acetate) monomer units, more preferably chosen from polymers of formula (I), more preferably still chosen from poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) having an ethylene content ranging from about 60% to about 80%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 7% to about 18%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 10% to about 25%, most preferably chosen from poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) polymer having an ethylene content of about 70%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 12% to about 13%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 17% to about 18%; and (b) at least one crosslinking agent chosen from aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates, preferably chosen from aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having (i) a molecular weight ranging from about 100 g/mol to less than 800 g/mol, preferably from about 150 g/mol to about 600 g/mol, (ii) an N=C=O content ranging from greater than 15% to less than 50%, for example ranging from about 20% to about 45%, from about 20% to about 40%, from about 20% to about 35%, from about 20% to about 30%, from about 20% to about 25%, or from about 30% to about 35%, (iii) a viscosity of greater than or equal to about 15 mPa s, such as ranging from about 15 mPa s to about 1500 mPa s, from about 25 mPa s to about 1250 mPa s, from about 25 mPa s to about 500 mPa s, from about 25 mPa s to about 50 mPa s, from about 250 mPa s to about 1800 mPa s, from about 500 mPa s to about 1800 mPa s, or from about 900 mPa s to about 1500 mPa s, and/or (iv) from about 5% to about 35% of the trans-, frans-stereoisomer, from about 10% to about 50% of the cis-, c/s-stereoisomer, and from about 35% to about 65% of the cis-, frans-stereoisomer. The (a) at least one cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer preferably has a degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 10% to about 80%, more preferably ranging from about 25% to about 75%, more preferably still ranging from about 30% to about 60%, most preferably ranging from about 38% to about 55%; and/or a molecular weight ranging from about 10,000 to about 250,000 g/mol, more preferably from about 25,000 to about 200,000 g/mol. The (b) at least one crosslinking agent is preferably chosen from 4,4'-methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate), hexamethylene-1 ,6- diisocyanate, homopolymers of hexamethylene diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane- 2,4’-diisocyanate, dicyclohexyl-methane-2,2’-diisocyanate, or mixtures of two or more thereof, more preferably comprises 4,4'-methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate) and/or homopolymers of hexamethylene diisocyanate. The compositions preferably have a weight ratio of cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer to crosslinking agent ranging from about 6:1 to about 1 :6, more preferably from about 5:1 to about 1 :5, more preferably still from about 4:1 to about 1 :4; and/or a degree of crosslinking ranging from about 10% to about 80%, preferably from about 10% to about 55%, more preferably from about 25% to about 50%.

[0014] In some embodiments, the at least one cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer comprises vinyl ester-based monomer units and ethylene monomer units. For example, the vinyl ester-based monomer units may comprise vinyl acetate monomer units, and in some embodiments the vinyl ester content of the cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer ranges from about 1 mol% to about 55 mol%. In some embodiments, the cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer has a degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 10% to about 80%, or preferably from about 25% to about 75%.

[0015] In other preferred embodiments, the disclosure relates to compositions for coating a substrate, for example for preventing and/or reducing corrosion and/or yellowing of the substrate, e.g. a metal substrate, comprising (a) at least one cross- linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer, preferably chosen from polymers comprising vinyl ester-based (e.g. vinyl acetate) monomer units, more preferably chosen from polymers of formula (I), more preferably still chosen from poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) having an ethylene content ranging from about 60% to about 80%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 7% to about 18%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 10% to about 25%, most preferably chosen from poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) polymer having an ethylene content of about 70%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 12% to about 13%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 17% to about 18%; and (b) at least one crosslinking agent chosen from aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having (i) a molecular weight ranging from about 240 g/mol to about 285 g/mol, (ii) an N=C=O content ranging from about 30% to about 35%, (iii) a viscosity ranging from about 25 mPa s to about 35 mPa s, and (iv) from about 15% to about 25% of the trans-, frans-stereoisomer, from about 25% to about 35% of the cis-, c/s-stereoisomer, and from about 45% to about 55% of the cis-, transstereoisomer. Preferably, the degree of crosslinking ranges from about 10% to about 55%, more preferably from about 25% to about 50%.

[0016] In still further preferred embodiments, the disclosure relates to compositions for coating a substrate, for example for preventing and/or reducing corrosion of the substrate, e.g. a metal substrate, comprising (a) at least one cross- linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer, preferably chosen from polymers comprising vinyl ester-based (e.g. vinyl acetate) monomer units, more preferably chosen from polymers of formula (I), more preferably still chosen from poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) having an ethylene content ranging from about 60% to about 80%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 7% to about 18%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 10% to about 25%, most preferably chosen from poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) polymer having an ethylene content of about 70%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 12% to about 13%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 17% to about 18%; and (b) at least one crosslinking agent chosen from aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having (i) an N=C=O content ranging from about 20% to about 25%, and/or (ii) a viscosity ranging from about 900 mPa s to about 1500 mPa s, and/or (iii) a molecular weight ranging from about 150 g/mol to about 600 g/mol, such as from about 150 g/mol to about 500 g/mol, from about 150 g/mol to about 300 g/mol, from about 150 g/mol to about 200 g/mol, from about 250 g/mol to about 600 g/mol, from about 350 g/mol to about 600 g/mol, from about 450 g/mol to about 550 g/mol, or about 500 g/mol. Preferably, the degree of crosslinking ranges from about 10% to about 55%, more preferably from about 25% to about 50%.

[0017] In preferred embodiments, the crosslinking agent comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of 4,4'-methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate), hexamethylene- 1 ,6-diisocyanate, homopolymers of hexamethylene diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane-2,4’-diisocyanate, dicyclohexyl-methane-2,2’-diisocyanate, or mixtures of two or more thereof, and preferably comprises 4,4'-methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate) and/or homopolymers of hexamethylene diisocyanate.

[0018] In preferred embodiments, the disclosure relates to compositions for treating a substrate, for example for preventing and/or reducing corrosion and/or yellowing of the substrate, e.g. a metal substrate, comprising (a) at least one cross- linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer, preferably chosen from polymers comprising vinyl ester-based (e.g. vinyl acetate) monomer units, more preferably chosen from polymers of formula (I), more preferably still chosen from poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) having an ethylene content ranging from about 60% to about 80%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 7% to about 18%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 10% to about 25%, most preferably chosen from poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) polymer having an ethylene content of about 70%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 12% to about 13%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 17% to about 18%; and (b) at least one crosslinking agent chosen from cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having (i) a molecular weight ranging from about 150 g/mol to about 600 g/mol, (ii) an N=C=O content ranging from about 20% to about 45%, and (iii) a viscosity of greater than or equal to about 15 mPa s. Preferably, the cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer is polyethylene vinyl acetate) having an ethylene content ranging from about 60% to about 80%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 7% to about 18%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 10% to about 25%, and/or the crosslinking agent comprises 4,4'-methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate), hexamethylene-1 ,6- diisocyanate, homopolymers of hexamethylene diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane- 2,4’-diisocyanate, dicyclohexyl-methane-2,2’-diisocyanate, or mixtures of two or more thereof. Further, the weight ratio of cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer to crosslinking agent may range from about 6:1 to about 1 :6, and/or the cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer may have a degree of crosslinking ranging from about 20% to about 75%, such as from about 25% to about 50%.

[0019] In various embodiments, the disclosure relates to substrates, e.g. metal substrates, comprising (coated or treated with) the compositions according to the disclosure, and/or methods of reducing and/or preventing corrosion and/or yellowing of substrates that comprise applying compositions according to the disclosure to the substrates.

[0020] In further preferred embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods for treating a substrate comprising applying to the substrate a composition according to the disclosure, for example a composition prepared by crosslinking (a) at least one cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer, preferably chosen from polymers comprising vinyl ester-based (e.g. vinyl acetate) monomer units, more preferably chosen from polymers of formula (I), more preferably still chosen from polyethylene vinyl acetate) having an ethylene content ranging from about 60% to about 80%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 7% to about 18%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 10% to about 25%, most preferably chosen from poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) polymer having an ethylene content of about 70%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 12% to about 13%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 17% to about 18%; and (b) at least one crosslinking agent chosen from aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates, preferably chosen from aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having (i) a molecular weight ranging from about 100 g/mol to less than 800 g/mol, preferably from about 150 g/mol to about 600 g/mol, such as from about 150 g/mol to about 500 g/mol, from about 150 g/mol to about 300 g/mol, from about 150 g/mol to about 200 g/mol, from about 250 g/mol to about 600 g/mol, from about 350 g/mol to about 600 g/mol, from about 450 g/mol to about 550 g/mol, or about 500 g/mol (ii) an N=C=O content ranging from greater than 15% to less than 50%, preferably ranging from about 20% to about 45%, more preferably from about 20% to about 40%, more preferably still from about 20% to about 35%, still more preferably from about 20% to about 30%, most preferably ranging from about 20% to about 25% or ranging from about 30% to about 35%, (iii) a viscosity of greater than or equal to about 15 mPa s, such as ranging from about 15 mPa s to about 1500 mPa s, from about 25 mPa s to about 1250 mPa s, from about 25 mPa s to about 500 mPa s, from about 25 mPa s to about 50 mPa s, from about 250 mPa s to about 1800 mPa s, from about 500 mPa s to about 1800 mPa s, or from about 900 mPa s to about 1500 mPa s, and/or (iv) from about 5% to about 35% of the trans-, frans-stereoisomer, from about 10% to about 50% of the cis-, c/s-stereoisomer, and from about 35% to about 65% of the cis-, frans-stereoisomer. The (a) at least one cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer preferably has a degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 10% to about 80%, more preferably ranging from about 25% to about 75%, more preferably still ranging from about 30% to about 60%, most preferably ranging from about 38% to about 55%. The (b) at least one crosslinking agent is preferably chosen from 4,4'- methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate), hexamethylene-1 ,6-diisocyanate, homopolymers of hexamethylene diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane-2,4’-diisocyanate, dicyclohexyl- methane-2,2’-diisocyanate, or mixtures of two or more thereof. Preferably, the degree of crosslinking ranges from about 10% to about 80%, preferably from about 10% to about 55%, more preferably still from about 25% to about 50%.

[0021] For example, in preferred embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods for treating a substrate comprising applying to the substrate a composition prepared by crosslinking (a) a cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer comprising poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) having an ethylene content ranging from about 60% to about 80%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 7% to about 18%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 10% to about 25%, and (b) a crosslinking agent comprising 4,4'-methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate), wherein the cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer has a molecular weight ranging from about 25,000 to about 200,000, a degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 30% to about 60%, and a degree of crosslinking ranging from about 10% to about 55%, preferably from about 25% to about 50%, and wherein the crosslinking reaction occurs at a temperature ranging from about 20°C to about 30°C, such as from about 21 °C to about 27°C, or from about 22°C to about 26°C. The method may, for example, be a method for treating a corrodible substrate to prevent and/or inhibit corrosion thereof.

[0022] As yet a further example, in preferred embodiments the disclosure relates to methods for treating a substrate comprising applying to the substrate a composition prepared by crosslinking (a) a cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer comprising poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) having an ethylene content ranging from about 60% to about 80%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 7% to about 18%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 10% to about 25%, and (b) a crosslinking agent comprising homopolymers of hexamethylene diisocyanate, wherein the cross- linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer has a molecular weight ranging from about 25,000 to about 200,000, a degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 30% to about 60%, and a degree of crosslinking ranging from about 10% to about 55%, preferably from about 25% to about 50%, and wherein the crosslinking reaction occurs at a temperature ranging from about 20°C to about 30°C, such as from about 21 °C to about 27°C, or from about 22°C to about 26°C. The method may, for example, be a method for treating a corrodible substrate to prevent and/or inhibit corrosion thereof.

[0023] In yet further preferred embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods for reducing and/or eliminating yellowing of a substrate, comprising applying to the substrate a composition according to the disclosure, for example a composition prepared by crosslinking (a) at least one cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer, preferably chosen from polymers comprising vinyl ester-based (e.g. vinyl acetate) monomer units, more preferably chosen from polymers of formula (I), more preferably still chosen from poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) having an ethylene content ranging from about 60% to about 80%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 7% to about 18%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 10% to about 25%, most preferably chosen from poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) polymer having an ethylene content of about 70%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 12% to about 13%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 17% to about 18%; and (b) at least one crosslinking agent chosen from aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates, preferably chosen from aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having (i) a molecular weight ranging from about 100 g/mol to less than 800 g/mol, preferably from about 150 g/mol to about 600 g/mol, (ii) an N=C=O content ranging from greater than 15% to less than 50%, preferably from about 20% to about 45%, more preferably from about 20% to about 40%, more preferably still from about 20% to about 35%, still more preferably from about 20% to about 30%, most preferably ranging from about 20% to about 25% or ranging from about 30% to about 35%, (iii) a viscosity of greater than or equal to about 15 mPa s, such as ranging from about 15 mPa s to about 1500 mPa s, from about 25 mPa s to about 1250 mPa s, from about 25 mPa s to about 500 mPa s, from about 25 mPa s to about 50 mPa s, from about 250 mPa s to about 1800 mPa s, from about 500 mPa s to about 1800 mPa s, or from about 900 mPa s to about 1500 mPa s, and/or (iv) from about 5% to about 35% of the trans-, trans-stereoisomer, from about 10% to about 50% of the cis-, cis-stereoisomer, and from about 35% to about 65% of the cis-, trans-stereoisomer. The (a) at least one cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer preferably has a degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 10% to about 80%, more preferably ranging from about 25% to about 75%, more preferably still ranging from about 30% to about 60%, most preferably ranging from about 38% to about 55%. The (b) at least one crosslinking agent is preferably chosen from 4,4'- methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate), hexamethylene-1 ,6-diisocyanate, homopolymers of hexamethylene diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane-2,4’-diisocyanate, dicyclohexyl- methane-2,2’-diisocyanate, or mixtures of two or more thereof. Preferably, the degree of crosslinking ranging from about 10% to about 80%, preferably from about 10% to about 55%, more preferably from about 25% to about 50%.

[0024] For example, in preferred embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods for reducing and/or eliminating yellowing of a substrate, comprising applying to the substrate a composition prepared by crosslinking (a) a cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer comprising poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) having an ethylene content ranging from about 60% to about 80%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 7% to about 18%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 10% to about 25%, and (b) a crosslinking agent comprising 4,4'-methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate), wherein the cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer has a molecular weight ranging from about 25,000 to about 200,000, a degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 30% to about 60%, and a degree of crosslinking ranging from about 10% to about 80%, preferably from about 10% to about 55%, more preferably from about 25% to about 50%, and wherein the crosslinking reaction occurs at a temperature ranging from about 20°C to about 30°C, such as from about 21 °C to about 27°C, or from about 22°C to about 26°C.

[0025] As yet a further example, in preferred embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods for reducing and/or eliminating yellowing of a substrate, comprising applying to the substrate a composition prepared by crosslinking (a) a cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer comprising polyethylene vinyl acetate) having an ethylene content ranging from about 60% to about 80%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 7% to about 18%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 10% to about 25%, and (b) a crosslinking agent comprising homopolymers of hexamethylene diisocyanate, wherein the cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer has a molecular weight ranging from about 25,000 to about 200,000, a degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 30% to about 60%, and a degree of crosslinking ranging from about 10% to about 80%, preferably from about 10% to about 55%, more preferably from about 25% to about 50%, and wherein the crosslinking reaction occurs at a temperature ranging from about 20°C to about 30°C, such as from about 21 °C to about 27°C, or from about 22°C to about 26°C.

[0026] In particularly preferred embodiments, the disclosure relates to compositions that are useful for treating a substrate, for example for preventing and/or reducing corrosion and/or yellowing of the substrate, e.g. a metal substrate, comprising (a) at least one cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer, preferably chosen from polymers comprising vinyl ester-based (e.g. vinyl acetate) monomer units, more preferably chosen from polymers of formula (I), more preferably still chosen from poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) having an ethylene content ranging from about 60% to about 80%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 7% to about 18%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 10% to about 25%, most preferably chosen from poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) polymer having an ethylene content of about 70%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 12% to about 13%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 17% to about 18%; and (b) at least one crosslinking agent comprising homopolymers of hexamethylene diisocyanate, preferably having an N=C=O content ranging from about 20% to about 40%, more preferably from about 20% to about 30%, most preferably from about 20% to about 25%. The crosslinking agent preferably has a molecular weight less than 800 g/mol, and/or a viscosity ranging from about 500 mPa s to about 1800 mPa s, or from about 900 mPa s to about 1500 mPa s. The compositions preferably have a weight ratio of cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer to crosslinking agent ranging from about 6: 1 to about 1 :6, more preferably from about 5:1 to about 1 :5, more preferably still from about 4:1 to about 1 :4; and/or a degree of crosslinking ranging from about 10% to about 80%, preferably from about 10% to about 55%, more preferably from about 25% to about 50%. The compositions are preferably free or substantially free of aromatic isocyanate crosslinking agents.

[0027] In yet further particularly preferred embodiments, the disclosure relates to compositions that are useful for treating a substrate, for example for preventing and/or reducing corrosion and/or yellowing of the substrate, e.g. a metal substrate, comprising (a) at least one cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer, preferably chosen from polymers comprising vinyl ester-based (e.g. vinyl acetate) monomer units, more preferably chosen from polymers of formula (I), more preferably still chosen from poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) having an ethylene content ranging from about 60% to about 80%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 7% to about 18%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 10% to about 25%, most preferably chosen from poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) polymer having an ethylene content of about 70%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 12% to about 13%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 17% to about 18%; and (b) at least one crosslinking agent comprising 4,4'-methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate), preferably having an N=C=O content ranging from about 20% to about 40%, more preferably from about 25% to about 35%, most preferably from about 30% to about 35%. The crosslinking agent preferably has a molecular weight ranging from about 150 g/mol to about 600 g/mol, preferably from about 175 g/mol to about 350 g/mol, more preferably from about 200 g/mol to about 325 g/mol, more preferably still from about 225 g/mol to about 300 g/mol, even more preferably from about 240 g/mol to about 275 g/mol, most preferably from about 250 g/mol to about 270 g/mol, and/or a viscosity ranging from about 20 mPa s to about 40 mPa s, preferably from about 25 mPa s to about 35 mPa s, more preferably from about 27 mPa s to about 33 mPa s, most preferably from about 29 mPa s to about 31 mPa s. The compositions preferably have a weight ratio of cross- linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer to crosslinking agent ranging from about 6:1 to about 1 :6, more preferably from about 5:1 to about 1 :5, more preferably still from about 4:1 to about 1 :4; and/or a degree of crosslinking ranging from about 10% to about 80%, preferably from about 10% to about 55%, more preferably from about 25% to about 50%. The compositions are preferably free or substantially free of aromatic isocyanate crosslinking agents.

[0028] The disclosure further relates to films and coatings formed by the compositions described herein, substrates treated with compositions described herein, processes for treating substrates by applying compositions described herein, and processes for reducing or preventing corrosion of a substrate by applying a composition as described herein to the substrate.

[0029] In other embodiments, the disclosure relates to a cross-linked, thermoset polymer. The backbone of the system may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) that is partially hydrolyzed, which hydrolysis may unblock or liberalize hydroxyl “functional” groups that can undergo crosslinking with a diisocyanate monomer, e.g. 4,4'-methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate) and/or homopolymers of hexamethylene diisocyanate, during a coating or macro encapsulation process at a surface of a substrate. The disclosure also relates to compositions and films comprising the cross-linked, thermoset polymer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and, together with the general description given above and the description provided herein, serve to explain features of the disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a graph comparing impermeability levels imparted by compositions according to the disclosure compared to known anti-corrosion coatings.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a graph comparing adhesion levels of compositions according to the disclosure compared to known anti-corrosion coatings.

[0033] FIGS. 3A-3B show an illustration of how compositions according to the disclosure adhere to a substrate (3A), and how known anti-corrosion coatings adhere to the same substrate (3B).

[0034] FIGS. 4A-4B are photographs of films according to the disclosure and comparative films after undergoing 1000 hours of accelerated weather testing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The disclosure relates to compositions that are useful for treating substrates, which can be used for example for reducing and/or preventing corrosion, and which are prepared by crosslinking a cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer with a particular crosslinking agent. When these components are mixed, they form a cross-linked polymer that forms on the surface of a variety of substrates, providing a coating or film which has surprisingly significantly improved adhesion and impermeability properties while having the benefit of not, or not substantially, yellowing over time, compared to currently available anti-corrosion coatings.

Cross-linkable polymer(s)

[0036] According to various embodiments, the cross-linkable polymer is a hydrolysable film-forming polymer. In certain embodiments, the cross-linkable polymer has a molecular weight of less than 500,000 g/mol, such as, for example, less than 250,000, for example ranging from about 10,000 to about 250,000, or from about 25,000 to about 200,000. In other embodiments, the molecular weight ranges from about 100,000 to about 250,000, from about 150,000 to about 250,000, from about 175,000 to about 225,000, from about 285,000 to about 215,000, or from about 290,000 to about 210,000, or is about 200,000 g/mol.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the cross-linkable polymer comprises vinyl ester-based monomer units. For example, the monomers may be chosen from vinyl esters of a-monosubstituted fatty acids, vinyl esters of neoalkanoic acids and a-olefins, or mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the monomers are chosen from vinyl esters of saturated, branched monocarboxylic acids having from 1 to 20, such as from 1 to 18 or from 1 to 16, carbon atoms in the acid radical, vinyl esters of relatively long- chain, saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, vinyl esters of benzoic acid and substituted derivatives of benzoic acid, or mixtures thereof. For example, the vinyl ester-based monomers may be chosen from vinyl acetate, vinyl formate, vinyl hexanoate, vinyl benzoate, vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate, vinyl isobutyrate, vinyl pivalate, vinyl 2- ethylhexanoate, vinyl valerate, vinyl isooctanoate, vinyl nonoate, vinyl decanoate, vinyl pivalate, vinyl versatate, vinyl laurate, vinyl stearate, vinyl p-tert-butylbenzoate, or mixtures thereof. In preferred embodiments, the cross-linkable polymer includes vinyl acetate monomer units.

[0038] The vinyl ester content of the cross-linkable polymer can range up to about 60 mol%, for example from about 1 mol% to about 55 mol%, from about 2 mol% to about 50 mol%, from about 3 mol% to about 45 mol%, from about 4 mol% to about 40 mol %, or from about 5 mol % to about 35 mol%. In preferred embodiments, the vinyl ester content of the cross-linkable polymer ranges from about 10 mol% to about 30 mol%, or from about 15 mol% to about 25 mol%.

[0039] In various embodiments, the cross-linkable polymer further includes at least one monomer other than vinyl ester-based monomers, where the additional monomer(s) are chosen from styrene, methyl methacrylate, acrylic acid, and/or ethylene. In a preferred embodiment, the cross-linkable polymer includes ethylene monomer units.

[0040] In various embodiments, the content of monomers other than vinyl ester- based monomers in the cross-linkable polymer ranges from about 40 mol% to about 92 mol %, such as from about 50 mol% to about 90 mol % or from about 60 mol% to about 88 mol %.

[0041] Methods for making the polymers using the monomers described herein are well known in the art. For example, typical methods such as introducing the monomers, e.g. ethylene and vinyl acetate, into a high-pressure polymerizing vessel with a jacket, coil, and/or a reflux condenser, together with an alcoholic solvent such as methanol, can be used.

[0042] In some embodiments, the cross-linkable polymer comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a hydrolyzable, cross-linkable ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0043] Thus, in at least some embodiments, the partially hydrolyzed cross- linkable polymer comprises ethylene monomers, vinyl acetate monomers, and vinyl alcohol monomers, and is represented by general formula (I):

— (CH ₂ CHOH) _X — (CH ₂ CH ₂ ) _y — (CH ₂ CHOCOCH3)Z—

(I) wherein x, y, and z represent mol fractions of ethylene, vinyl alcohol, and vinyl acetate, respectively, where the polymer has a degree of hydrolysis as described above. In at least some embodiments, the mole ratio of the vinyl alcohol groups to the sum of vinyl alcohol groups and the vinyl acetate groups can range from about 0.1 to about 1 , such as about 0.125 to about 0.85, or about 0.15 to about 0.7.

[0044] In preferred embodiments, the cross-linkable polymer for use according to the disclosure comprises polyethylene vinyl acetate), which may contain from about 60 mol% to about 88 mol% ethylene and having from about 38% to about 55%, about 40% to about 50%, or about 44% to about 46% of the vinyl acetate groups hydrolyzed to vinyl alcohol groups to provide reaction sites for cross-linking.

[0045] Other suitable cross-linkable polymers include poly(vinyl formal) polymers, poly(vinyl butyral) polymers, alkylated cellulose (e.g., ethyl cellulose), acylated cellulose (e.g., cellulose acetate butyrate), and the like. Combinations of cross-linkable polymers may also be chosen.

[0046] In at least certain embodiments, the cross-linkable polymers have a melt index (using a 2160 gram force at 190°C, for 10 minutes) of from about 5 to about 70 or from about 15 to about 60, preferably from about 25 to about 50 or from about 35 to about 45.

[0047] In preferred embodiments, the cross-linkable polymer comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) having a melt index ranging from about 30 to about 40, such as from about 35 to about 37, and having about 40% to about 50%, such as from about 44% to about 46% of the vinyl acetate groups hydrolyzed to vinyl alcohol groups. This polymer preferably has an ethylene content ranging from about 60% to about 80%, such as from about 65% to about 75% or about 67% to about 72%, for example about 70%, a vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 7% to about 18%, such as from about 10% to about 14%, for example from about 12% to about 13%, and a vinyl acetate content ranging from about 10% to about 25%, such as from about 16% to about 20%, for example from about 17% to about 18%. For example, Elvax™ 40L Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer and/or Elvax™ 40W Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer may be chosen.

[0048] Methods for partially hydrolyzing polymers are also known. One particularly useful method is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,377,621 , the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This method provides a cross- linkable polymer with a degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 10% to about 90%, for example from about 15% to about 80%, from about 20% to about 70%, from about 25% to about 65%, from about 30% to about 60%, or from about 35% to about 55%, any of which ranges are suitable according to the disclosure. For example, the partially hydrolyzed cross-linkable polymer may, in various embodiments, have a degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 38% to about 55%, from about 40% to about 50%, or from about 44% to about 46%. In other embodiments, the partially hydrolyzed cross- linkable polymer may have a degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 25% to about 75%.

Crosslinking agent(s)

[0049] It has been surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that by crosslinking the cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer with a particular crosslinking agent, compositions according to the disclosure demonstrate superior adhesion to metal substrates as well as superior corrosion and/or weathering resistance compared to known anti-corrosion coatings, and further do not yellow over time and/or under UV light exposures, and allow the incorporation of various components such as pigments therein, thus permitting the compositions and methods to provide a one-step process for treating a substrate, e.g. for reducing or preventing corrosion of the substrate.

[0050] In particular, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having certain particular properties are used. Preferably, cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having such properties are chosen. Thus, in various embodiments, the compositions are free or substantially free of aromatic isocyanates, such as aromatic diisocyanates and/or aromatic polyisocyantes.

[0051] In preferred embodiments, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having a molecular weight less than 800 g/mol or less than about 750 g/mol, such as less than about 600 g/mol, or less than about 300 g/mol, can be used. In other embodiments, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having a molecular weight greater than about 150 g/mol, such as greater than about 200 g/mol, or greater than about 250 g/mol, can be used. In further embodiments, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having a molecular weight ranging from about 150 g/mol to about 600 g/mol, such as from about 175 g/mol to about 350 g/mol, from about 200 g/mol to about 325 g/mol, from about 225 g/mol to about 300 g/mol, from about 240 g/mol to about 275 g/mol, or from about 250 g/mol to about 270 g/mol, may be used. In still further embodiments, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having a molecular weight ranging from about 250 g/mol to about 600 g/mol, such as from about 350 g/mol to about 550 g/mol, from about 450 g/mol to about 525 g/mol, or about 500 g/mol, may be used. In some preferred embodiments, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having a molecular weight ranging from about 260 g/mol to about 265 g/mol, such as about 262 g/mol may be chosen.

[0052] In preferred embodiments, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having an N=C=O content of less than about 45% are chosen, for example ranging from about 20% to about 45%. In other embodiments, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having an N=C=O content of less than about 40% can be chosen, for example ranging from about 20% to about 40%. In still further embodiments, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having an N=C=O content of less than about 37% can be chosen, for example ranging from about 20% to about 37%, from about 25% to about 35%, from about 30% to about 34%, or from about 31 % to about 32%. In further embodiments still, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having an N=C=O content of less than about 25% can be chosen, for example ranging from about 15% to about 25%, from about 20% to about 25%, from about 21 % to about 24%, or from about 22% to about 23%. In some particular embodiments, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having an N=C=O content of greater than or equal to about 31 %, or greater than or equal to about 32%, can be chosen.

[0053] In certain embodiments, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having a viscosity of greater than or equal to about 10 mPa s or greater than or equal to about 15 mPa s, such as, for example, ranging from about 20 mPa s to about 40 mPa s, from about 22 mPa s to about 38 mPa s, from about 25 mPa s to about 35 mPa s, from about 27 mPa s to about 33 mPa s, or from about 29 mPa s to about 31 mPa s, for example about 30 mPa s, are chosen. As a further embodiment, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having a viscosity ranging from about 10 mPa s to about 40 mPa s, from about 15 mPa s to about 38 mPa s, from about 20 mPa s to about 35 mPa s, from about 25 mPa s to about 33 mPa s, or from about 27 mPa s to about 32 mPa s, may be chosen. In other embodiments, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having a viscosity ranging from about 500 mPa s to about 1800 mPa s, from about 750 mPa s to about 1800 mPa s, from about 900 mPa s to about 1500 mPa s, from about 1000 mPa s to about 1400 mPa s, or from about 1100 mPa s to about 1300 mPa s, may be chosen.

[0054] In some preferred embodiments, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having a mixture of cis- and trans- isomers is used. For example, the aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates preferably have some proportion of the trans-, frans-stereoisomer, some proportion of the cis-, c/s-stereoisomer, and/or some proportion of the cis-, frans-stereoisomer. Preferably, the aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates have some proportion of the trans-, frans-stereoisomer, some proportion of the cis-, c/s-stereoisomer, and some proportion of the cis-, transstereoisomer. By way of example, in some embodiments, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having from about 5% to about 35%, for example about 10% to about 30%, about 15% to about 25%, particularly about 18% to about 22% or about 20%, of the trans-, trans-stereoisomer may be used. In other embodiments, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having from about 10% to about 50%, for example about 15% to about 45%, about 20% to about 40%, particularly about 25% to about 35%, about 28% to about 32%, or about 30%, of the cis-, c/s-stereoisomer are used. In still further embodiments, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having from about 35% to about 65%, for example about 40% to about 60%, about 45% to about 55%, particularly about 48% to about 52% or about 50%, of the cis-, trans-stereoisomer are used. In further embodiments still, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having from about 5% to about 35%, such as about 10% to about 30%, about 15% to about 25%, particularly about 18% to about 22% or about 20%, of the trans-, frans-stereoisomer, from about 10% to about 50%, such as about 15% to about 45%, about 20% to about 40%, particularly about 25% to about 35%, about 28% to about 32%, or about 30%, of the c/s- c/s-stereoisomer, and from about 35% to about 65%, such as about 40% to about 60%, about 45% to about 55%, particularly about 48% to about 52% or about 50%, of the cis- trans-stereoisomer are chosen. In one preferred embodiment, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having from about 18% to about 22% of the trans-, trans-stereoisomer, from about 28% to about 32% of the cis-, c/s-stereoisomer, and from about 48% to about 52% of the cis-, trans-stereoisomer are chosen.

[0055] By way of non-limiting example, aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having a molecular weight ranging from about 240 g/mol to about 285 g/mol, such as about 260 g/mol to about 265 g/mol, may be chosen. In certain embodiments, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having an N=C=O content ranging from about 30% to about 35%, may be used. In certain embodiments, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having a viscosity ranging from about 25 mPa s to about 35 mPa s, such as about 29 mPa s to about 31 mPa s, may be chosen. In certain embodiments, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having from about 15% to about 25% of the trans-, trans-stereoisomer, from about 25% to about 35% of the cis-, c/s-stereoisomer, and from about 45% to about 55% of the cis-, transstereoisomer may be used.

[0056] In a further non-limiting example, cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having a molecular weight of about 260 g/mol to about 265 g/mol, for example about 262 g/mol, an N=C=O content ranging from about 31 % to about 32%, from about 18% to about 22% of the trans-, trans-stereoisomer, from about 28% to about 32% of the cis-, cis- stereoisomer, and from about 48% to about 52% of the cis-, trans-stereoisomer, and a viscosity of about 30 mPa s are chosen.

[0057] In various embodiments, the crosslinking agent may include 4,4'- methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate), hexamethylene-1 ,6-diisocyanate, homopolymers of hexamethylene diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane-2,4’-diisocyante, dicyclohexyl- methane-2,2’-diisocyante, or mixtures of any two or more thereof. In particularly preferred embodiments, the crosslinking agent comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of 4,4'-methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate) (e.g. Desmodur® W) and/or homopolymers of hexamethylene diisocyanate (e.g. Desmodur® N-3900, Desmodur® N-3600, Desmodur® N-3300, Desmodur® N-3200) (hexamethylene diisocyanate homopolymer; 1 ,6-diisocyanato-hexane homopolymer; poly(hexamethylene diisocyanate)).

[0058] In certain preferred embodiments, the crosslinking agent 4,4'- methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate) corresponding to formula (II) is used:

[0059] In various embodiments, 4,4'-methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate) having a molecular weight ranging from about 260 g/mol to about 265 g/mol, such as about 262 g/mol, is chosen. In various embodiments, 4,4'-methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate) having an N=C=O content ranging from about 31 % to about 32%, is used. In various embodiments, 4,4'-methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate) having a viscosity ranging from about 29 mPa s to about 31 mPa s, such as about 30 mPa s, is used. In various embodiments, 4,4'-methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate) having from about 18% to about 22% of the trans-, frans-stereoisomer, from about 28% to about 32% of the cis-, c/s-stereoisomer, and from about 48% to about 52% of the cis-, transstereoisomer is used.

[0060] In a particularly preferred embodiment, 4,4'-methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate) having a molecular weight ranging from about 250 g/mol to about 275 g/mol, such as from about 260 g/mol to about 265 g/mol, for example about 262 g/mol, an N=C=O content ranging from about 30% to about 35%, such as from about 31 % to about 32%, a viscosity ranging from about 25 mPa s to about 35 mPa s, such as about 30 mPa s, and from about 15% to about 25%, such as from about 18% to about 22% of the trans-, trans-stereoisomer, from about 25% to about 35%, such as from about 28% to about 32% of the cis-, c/s-stereoisomer, and from about 45% to about 55%, such as from about 48% to about 52% of the cis-, trans-stereoisomer, may be chosen. [0061] In further particularly preferred embodiments, crosslinking agents corresponding to formula (III), formula (III’), and/or formula (III”) (homopolymers of hexamethylene diisocyanate) are used:

(HI”).

[0062] Combinations of two or more aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates can also be used. In preferred embodiments, the aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanate comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of 4,4'- methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate) and/or homopolymers of hexamethylene diisocyanate. In preferred embodiments, the aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanate comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of 4,4'- methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate) having a molecular weight of about 260 g/mol to about 265 g/mol, for example about 262 g/mol, an N=C=O content ranging from about 30% to about 35%, from about 15% to about 25% of the trans-, trans-stereoisomer, from about 25% to about 35% of the cis- c/s-stereoisomer, and from about 45% to about 55% of the cis-, frans-stereoisomer, and a viscosity ranging from about 25 mPa s to about 35 mPa s. In other preferred embodiments, the aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanate comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of 4,4'- methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate) having a molecular weight of about 260 g/mol to about 265 g/mol, for example about 262 g/mol, an N=C=O content ranging from about 31 % to about 32%, from about 18% to about 22% of the trans-, frans-stereoisomer, from about 28% to about 32% of the cis-, c/s-stereoisomer, and from about 48% to about 52% of the cis-, frans-stereoisomer, and a viscosity of about 30 mPa s. In yet further preferred embodiments, the aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanate comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of homopolymers of hexamethylene diisocyanate having a molecular weight ranging from about 150 g/mol to about 600 g/mol, such as from about 150 g/mol to about 500 g/mol, from about 150 g/mol to about 300 g/mol, from about 150 g/mol to about 200 g/mol, from about 250 g/mol to about 600 g/mol, from about 350 g/mol to about 600 g/mol, from about 450 g/mol to about 550 g/mol, or about 500 g/mol, and an N=C=O content ranging from about 15% to about 25%, from about 20% to about 25%, from about 21 % to about 24%, or from about 22% to about 23%. In further preferred embodiments still, the aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanate comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of homopolymers of hexamethylene diisocyanate having an N=C=O content ranging from about 15% to about 25%, from about 20% to about 25%, from about 21 % to about 24%, or from about 22% to about 23%.

[0063] In further embodiments the disclosure relates to a crosslinked polymer. In one exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the polymer backbone may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) that is partially hydrolyzed. This hydrolysis may unblock or liberalize hydroxyl “functional” groups which may then undergo crosslinking with a crosslinking agent such as a diisocyanate monomer, e.g. 4,4'-methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate), during the coating or macro encapsulation process at a surface of a substrate, for example a metal substrate. In some embodiments, therefore, the crosslinked polymer may be a urethane crosslinked vinyl acetate polymer. The degree of hydrolysis, e.g. EVA- acetate group hydrolysis, is a parameter that may be useful to control the properties of the polymer. For example, in at least one embodiment, the hydrolysis process may be controlled so as to remove a desired number of acetate-groups and replace them with hydroxyl-groups to achieve an optimal balance of moisture barrier and connection between molecules. As a non-limiting example, a degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 25% to about 75% may be chosen.

Methods of making the compositions and films and methods of treating a substrate

[0064] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that by choosing aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates having the properties identified herein for crosslinking the partially hydrolyzed polymer, the compositions provide properties far superior to those achieved with other crosslinking agents and/or polymers, such as, for example, improved tensile strength, impact strength, split-tear strength, chemical/solvent resistance, flammability resistance, resilience, and/or weatherability. In particular, it is believed that the crosslinking agent having the properties identified herein has an optimal crosslinking rate when combined with the partially hydrolyzed polymer, in particular at the temperatures disclosed herein, which surprisingly aids the partially hydrolyzed polymer’s bonding with the molecular level of the substrate to form an impermeable surface.

[0065] To prepare the compositions, the partially hydrolyzed polymer may be dissolved in a solvent, preferably a nonpolar solvent. The solvent may be, for example, xylene, toluene, benzene, chlorobenzene, carbon tetrachloride, methylchloride, cyclohexananol, butanol, butyl acetate, methoxypropyl acetate, or the like. Toluene is a particularly useful nonpolar solvent. The ratio of polymer to solvent may range from about 1 :50 to about 5:1 , such as from about 1 :25 to about 1 :1 , from about 1 :10 to about 1 :1 , or from about 1 :5 to about 1 :1. Optionally, the solution may be heated to a temperature of greater than about 55°C, such as greater than about 65°C, greater than about 75°C, greater than about 85°C, or greater than about 90°C, as appropriate for dissolving the polymer, optionally stirred, and optionally subsequently cooled to a temperature ranging from about 20°C to about 30°C, before combining with the crosslinking agent. [0066] Preferably, the crosslinking reaction occurs at a temperature ranging from about 20°C to about 30°C, such as from about 22°C to about 26°C, or from about 23°C to about 25°C, preferably about 24°C. Typically, the period of time suitable to achieve complete or substantially complete crosslinking can range from a few minutes up to several days, e.g. from about 1 minute up to about 48 hours, from about 5 minutes to about 24 hours, from about 10 minutes to about 12 hours, or from about 15 minutes to about 2 hours.

[0067] Since properties of adhesion and strength inversely depend in part on the degree to which the polymer is crosslinked, the partially hydrolyzed polymer and crosslinking agent may be used in various ratios, depending on the degree of crosslinking of the polymer desired. In various embodiments, therefore, the degree of crosslinking may range from about 10% to about 80%, such as from about 20% to about 60%, from about 25% to about 55%, from about 30% to about 50%, from about 35% to about 45%, or from about 37% to about 43%, including all ranges and subranges thereof. In other embodiments, the degree of crosslinking may range from about 25% to about 75%. Thus, in some embodiments, the weight ratio of partially hydrolyzed polymer to crosslinking agent may range from about 6: 1 to about 1 :6, such as from about 5:1 to about 1 :5, about 4:1 to about 1 :4, about 3:1 to about 1 :3, about 2: 1 to about 1 :2, about 1.5:1 to about 1 :1.5, or about 1 :1. In other embodiments, the weight ratio of partially hydrolyzed polymer to crosslinking agent may range from about 6:1 to about 1 :1 , such as from about 5:1 to about 1 :1 , about 4:1 to about 1 :1 , about 3:1 to about 1 :1 , or about 2:1 to about 1 :1. For example, the weight ratio of partially hydrolyzed polymer to crosslinking agent may be about 6:1 , about 5.5:1 , about 5:1 , about 4.5:1 , about 4:1 , about 3.5:1 , about 3:1 , about 2.5:1 , about 2:1 , about 1.5:1 , or about 1 :1 , or may be chosen from any range using any two of the aforementioned as endpoints. Using the above, it is within the ability of the skilled person to choose amounts of partially hydrolyzed polymer and crosslinking agent to achieve the degree of crosslinking desired.

[0068] In addition, compositions according to the disclosure have advantageously been found to permit inclusion of additional components, without a reduction in beneficial properties, which is a significant advance over known anti- corrosion coating compositions. For example, the compositions can include colorants such as pigments, corrosion inhibitors, and/or other components that may be useful for application to the substrate.

[0069] The compositions may be applied to a substrate to form a film or to coat the substrate, such as a metal substrate, by any known method. Typically, compositions for preventing and/or reducing corrosion are applied to a substrate by methods such as dipping, brushing, rolling, spraying, and the like. For example, compositions according to the disclosure may be applied by spraying the compositions onto a substrate using conventional plural-component spray systems such as the Graco XM or XP lines of plural-component sprayers.

[0070] By way of non-limiting example, the following description may be useful for coating a metal substrate with a crosslinked polymer according to an embodiment of the disclosure. It is generally believed that adhesion of a coating to a metal substrate surface depends at least in part upon the disposition of environmental molecules adsorbed to the surface of the substrate, when the coating is applied thereto. These so-called “interfering molecules” may be dissolved and removed by a solvent such as toluene (which may also act as a continuous phase of the coating) used in the process, which may thereby allow the polymer to have direct access to the metal surface. Because of the lower free energy of the metal-solvent (e.g. metal- toluene) interface, the polymer (e.g. EVA) and nascent pre-polymers are believed to randomly aggregate upon the surface at the molecular level. Subsequent crosslinking yields a void-free, or substantially void-free, film on the metal substrate. This film may, therefore, be superior to traditional coatings, where interfering molecules that are trapped by the coating or even variations or defects on the surface of the metal substrate may result in voids or other defects in the film, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B.

[0071] Although compositions according to the disclosure have the advantageous benefit of being able to provide impermeable, lasting coatings with application of only one composition, it may be desired to implement methods that include application of a system of multiple compositions, which may be the same or different, according to the disclosure. For example, a method may comprise application of clear or colored composition according to the disclosure as a sole corrosion resistant treatment, or may comprise application of a primer composition according to the disclosure, followed by application of a topcoat composition according to the disclosure, and/or a sealer composition according to the disclosure, as a system of corrosion resistant treatments which do not, or do not substantially, yellow over time and/or with exposure to UV radiation.

[0072] Although compositions described herein are useful for preventing and/or reducing corrosion when applied to metal substrates, it should be understood that other uses where improved impermeability, adhesion, and/or clarity are desired are also contemplated by the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, methods of reducing or preventing yellowing of a substrate are disclosed, wherein the methods comprise treating the substrate with a composition or crosslinked polymer as described herein.

[0073] Without limitation, the methods of improving impermeability, improving adhesion, improving clarity, reducing or preventing corrosion, reducing or preventing yellowing, etc., may be achieved by compositions, films, polymers, and methods according to the disclosure, and such properties may last for a period of time of at least about 2 years, such as at least about 4 years, at least about 5 years, at least about 7 years, at least about 10 years, at least about 12 years, at least about 15 years, at least about 17 years, at least about 20 years, at least about 22 years, or at least about 25 years, such as, for example, from about 2 to about 35 years, from about 5 to about 35 years, from about 7 to about 35 years, from about 10 to about 35 years, from about 12 to about 35 years, from about 15 to about 35 years, from about 17 to about 35 years, from about 2 to about 30 years, from about 5 to about 30 years, from about 7 to about 30 years, from about 10 to about 30 years, from about 12 to about 30 years, from about 15 to about 30 years, from about 17 to about 30 years, from about 2 to about 25 years, from about 5 to about 25 years, from about 7 to about 25 years, from about 10 to about 25 years, from about 12 to about 25 years, from about 15 to about 25 years, from about 17 to about 25 years, from about 20 to about 25 years, from about 2 to about 20 years, from about 5 to about 20 years, from about 7 to about 20 years, from about 10 to about 20 years, from about 12 to about 20 years, from about 15 to about 20 years, or from about 17 to about 20 years. [0074] Having described the many embodiments of the present invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that all examples in the present disclosure, while illustrating many embodiments of the disclosure, are provided as non-limiting examples and are, therefore, not to be taken as limiting the various aspects so illustrated. It is to be understood that all definitions herein are provided for the present disclosure only.

[0075] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including” (or “comprise,” “have,” and “include”) are used in their open, non-limiting sense. The phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the compositions.

[0076] In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. The singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” “one or more,” and the like are understood to encompass the plural as well as the singular unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, and these expressions are expressly intended to include the individual components as well as mixtures/combinations thereof. Thus, where the disclosure refers to “an element selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, or mixtures thereof,” it indicates that that only one or more of A, B, C, D, or F may be included, a mixture of any two of A, B, C, D, E, or F may be included, etc.

[0077] The term “and/or” should be understood to include both the conjunctive and the disjunctive. For example, “A and/or B” means “A and B” as well as “A or B,” and expressly covers instances of either. For example, “preventing and/or reducing” corrosion includes instances of preventing corrosion and reducing corrosion, as well as instances where corrosion is reduced but not prevented, etc.

[0078] As used herein, the phrases “and mixtures thereof,” “and a mixture thereof,” “and combinations thereof,” “and a combination thereof,” “or mixtures thereof,” “or a mixture thereof,” “or combinations thereof,” and “or a combination thereof,” and the like are used interchangeably to denote that the listing of components immediately preceding the phrase, such as “A, B, C, D, or mixtures thereof” signifies that the component(s) may be chosen from A, from B, from C, from D, from A+B, from A+B+C, from A+D, from A+C+D, etc., without limitation on the variations thereof. Thus, the components may be used individually or in any combination thereof.

[0079] As used herein, “free” means that the component or property is not detectable using accepted methodologies, and “substantially” or “essentially” free means that the component or property, while detectable using accepted methodologies, is negligible. For example, a film or coating that is “free” of voids has no detectable voids, whereas a film or coating that is “substantially free” of voids may have detectable voids, but such voids would be considered negligible by a person skilled in the art.

[0080] As used herein, “prevent,” “preventing,” and the like means that the condition does not occur over an identified period of time. For example, a method of “preventing” corrosion for a period of at least five years by coating a substrate according to the disclosure means that a person skilled in the art, using accepted methodologies for evaluating corrosion, would conclude that the coated substrate did not corrode over a period of five years or more.

[0081] As used herein, “reduce,” “reducing,” and the like means that the condition occurs over an identified period of time at a lesser rate. For example, a method of “reducing” corrosion for a period of at least five years by coating a substrate according to the disclosure means that a person skilled in the art, using accepted methodologies for evaluating corrosion, would detect less corrosion of the coated substrate than that seen on a substantially identical substrate exposed to substantially identical conditions but which is either not coated or is coated but with a composition not according to the disclosure, for a period of five years or more.

[0082] Unless expressly stated otherwise, “diisocyanates” is understood to include polyisocyantes, but it should be understood that polyisocyanates may be excluded if so stated. [0083] The degree of crosslinking of the cross-linkable, partially hydrolyzed polymer or the composition should be understood to mean the degree to which the polymer is crosslinked once the crosslinking reaction takes place.

[0084] As used herein, “corrosion” is used according to its ordinary meaning, and is generally understood by those of skill in the art to refer to degradation of a substrate over a period of time, typically by chemical or electrochemical reaction with the environment in which the substrate is present.

[0085] For purposes of the present disclosure, it should be noted that to provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative expressions given herein are not qualified with the term “about.” It is understood that whether the term “about” is used explicitly or not, every quantity given herein is meant to refer to the actual given value, and it is also meant to refer to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred based on the ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and/or measurement conditions for such given value. All ranges and amounts given herein are intended to include sub-ranges and amounts using any disclosed point as an end point. Thus, a range of “1 % to 10%, such as 2% to 8%, such as 3% to 5%,” is intended to encompass ranges of “1 % to 8%,” “1 % to 5% ,” “2% to 10%,” and so on. All numbers, amounts, ranges, etc., are intended to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not expressly stated. Similarly, a range given of “about 1 % to 10%” is intended to have the term “about” modifying both the 1 % and the 10% endpoints. The term “about” is used herein to indicate a difference of up to +/- 10% from the stated number, such as +/- 9%, +/- 8%, +/- 7%, +/- 6%, +/- 5%, +/- 4%, +/- 3%, +/- 2%, or +/- 1 %. Likewise, all endpoints of ranges are understood to be individually disclosed, such that, for example, a range of 1 :2 to 2:1 is understood to disclose a ratio of both 1 :2 and 2:1. All ranges are understood to expressly include the endpoints of such ranges.

[0086] As described herein, all viscosity measurements are to be understood as being measured at about 23°C, following DIN EN ISO 3219/A.3 protocol.

[0087] The terms “film” and “coating” are used herein interchangeably, but it is to be understood that a film may stand alone and not be a coating on a substrate. The disclosure relates to both coatings on a substrate and films that are not adhered to a substrate, and the use of the terms interchangeably herein is for purposes of convenience only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of either term.

[0088] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method does not expressly recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not specifically stated that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that any particular order be inferred.

EXAMPLES

[0089] The following examples are intended to be non-limiting and explanatory in nature only.

Example 1A - Clear Composition Useful for Reducing and/or Preventing Corrosion

[0090] A composition was prepared by heating 300 mL toluene to about 86°C and dissolving 30 grams of a partially hydrolyzed poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) polymer (degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 38% to about 55%, ethylene content of about 70%, vinyl alcohol content ranging from about 12% to about 13%, vinyl acetate content ranging from about 17% to about 18%, molecular weight of about 200,000 g/mol) in toluene at a weight ratio of polymertoluene of about 1 :10 by stirring at a temperature of about 86°C for about 15 minutes. The solution was cooled to a temperature of about 24°C, and 7.5 grams of 4,4'-methylenedi(cyclohexyl isocyanate) having a molecularweight of about 262 g/mol, a viscosity of about 30 mPa s, an N=C=O content of about 31 % to about 32%, and having from about 18% to about 22% of the trans-, frans-stereoisomer, from about 28% to about 32% of the cis-, c/s-stereoisomer, and from about 48% to about 52% of the cis-, frans-stereoisomer (Desmodur® W), was added to give a weight ratio of polymercrosslinker of about 4: 1. After about 15 minutes, a highly crosslinked polymer having a degree of crosslinking of about 25% was obtained. Example 1B - Colored Compositions Useful for Reducing and/or Preventing Corrosion

[0091] The procedure of Example 1 A was repeated, but about 63 grams of one of three different pigments, royal blue, international orange, or corten brown, was added with stirring. Separately, the procedure of Example 1A was repeated but 16.5 grams of olive drab green was added with stirring to produce a composition having a green tint.

Example 1C - Zinc-Containing Primer Composition Useful for Reducing and/or Preventing Corrosion

[0092] The procedure of Example 1 A was repeated, but about 1 ,879 grams of zinc was added with stirring. The resulting zinc-rich composition had a concentration of zinc of about 82%.

Example 2A - Evaluation of Film Permeability

[0093] Films were prepared using compositions prepared according to the procedure of Example 1A (clear) or 1 B (including a colorant), with varying ratios of polymer: crosslinker for polymers having varying degrees of crosslinking. Permeability testing of the films was performed using ASTM E96-05 procedures as follows.

[0094] Test conditions were 23°C and 50% relative humidity. Each film had an exposed area of approximately 3” x 3” and the test cups were sealed with wax and contained approximately 80 grams of dessicant. Each film was tested in triplicate. Table 1A provides average results for each film. TABLE 1A - Permeability Testing

¹ 3.3 mils, 3.1 mils, 4.0 mils; ² 1.0 mils, 1.6 mils, 1.0 mils

[0095] As can be seen in Table 1 A, films produced with compositions according to the disclosure have surprisingly significant water vapor impermeability.

Example 2B - Evaluation of Film Permeability

[0096] The procedure of Example 2A was repeated, except that each film had an exposed area of approximately 7.1” x 7.1” and approximately 100 grams of dessicant was used. Each film was again tested in triplicate. Table 1 B provides average results for each film.

TABLE 1B - Permeability Testing

¹ 3.3 mils, 3.1 mils, 4.0 mils; ² 1.0 mils, 1.6 mils, 1.0 mils; ³ 2.0 mils, 2.6 mils, 3.0 mils; ⁴ 1.75 mils,

1.4 mils, 1.3 mils

[0097] The results in Table 1 B confirm the surprising water vapor impermeability results of films prepared with compositions according to the disclosure. Example 2C - Evaluation of Film Permeability

[0098] The procedure of Example 2A was repeated, except that no colorant was included, and each film had an exposed area of approximately 7.1 ” x 7.1 ” and a degree of crosslinking of about 25%. Each film was again tested in triplicate. Table 1 C provides results of the average for each film.

TABLE 1C - Permeability Testing

⁵ 1.7 mils, 2.0 mils, 2.1 mils; ⁶ 7.3 mils, 7.5 mils, 6.3 mils; ⁷ 1.1 mils, 1.5 mils, 1.5 mils; ⁸ 1.3 mils, 1.4 mils, 1.4 mils; ⁹ 1.7 mils, 1.9 mils, 1.8 mils; ¹⁰ 1.8 mils, 1.8 mils, 1.5 mils; ¹¹ 2.0 mils, 1.9 mils, 1.9 mils; ¹² 1.7 mils, 1.7 mils, 1.6 mils

[0099] The results in Table 1 C further confirm the surprising water vapor impermeability results of films prepared with compositions according to the disclosure.

[00100] Examples 2A-2C thus demonstrate the surprising and unexpected superior impermeability of films prepared from compositions according to the disclosure.

[00101] Based on the test results reported in Tables 1 A-1 C and additional testing of compositions according to the disclosure, it was found that, regardless of thickness, on average films prepared according to the disclosure show a water vapor permeability of about 1.25 x 10’ ⁷ grains/Pa s x m ² , which is a significant improvement over commercially available anti-corrosion coatings. FIG. 1 is a graph comparing the average impermeability level imparted by compositions according to the disclosure with that reported for various commercial anti-corrosion coatings.

Example 3 - Coated Substrates

[00102] A composition prepared according to the procedure of Example 1A having a degree of crosslinking of about 25% was applied to various substrates using a Meyer Rod coating system. The substrates were then subjected to various testing.

[00103] Adhesion testing was performed using ASTM D4541-09 Pull-Off Strength procedures to evaluate the adhesion strength of the composition on the surface of the substrates. Corrosion resistance was evaluated for the steel substrates using the ASTM D5894-10 Cyclic Salt/Fog/UV procedures (3 cycles, 1008 hours). Average results for these tests are summarized in Table 2.

TABLE 2 - Adhesion Strength

^: ailure of the panel

[00104] The data in Table 2 demonstrate that the adhesion strength of compositions according to the disclosure on the substrates is superior, particularly on metal substrates. [00105] Based on the test results reported in Table 2 and testing of twenty additional films according to the disclosure having thicknesses ranging from 6 mils to 8 mils on 1010 cold rolled steel in the same manner, it was found that films according to the disclosure have an average adhesion strength of about 2003 psi, which is a significant improvement over commercial anti-corrosion coatings. FIG. 2 is a graph comparing the adhesion values of various industrial anticorrosive protective urethane- coatings available in the U.S., as published by the underlying manufacturers, to this average adhesion strength of compositions according to the disclosure as measured by independent third-party testing labs.

[00106] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that this superior adhesion is due to interaction of the partially hydrolyzed polymer at the surface of the substrate, which is then crosslinked onto the substrate during the process. This is seen in FIG. 3A which shows a substrate 300 that has a composition according to the disclosure 310 applied thereto, compared to the same substrate 300 which has a traditional anti-corrosion coating 320 applied as seen in FIB. 3B.

[00107] Additionally, the data in Table 2 demonstrate that compositions according to the disclosure provide superior corrosion resistance to the steel substrates, with both substrates demonstrating no rusting (Rating 10) when evaluated per ASTM D610, and no blistering when evaluated per ASTM D714.

[00108] Example 3 thus demonstrates the surprising and unexpected superior adhesion and anti-corrosion properties imparted to substrates by compositions and methods according to the disclosure.

Example 4 - Accelerated Weathering Testing

[00109] Two films were prepared using compositions prepared according to the procedure of Example 1A, with thicknesses of 4 mils and 8 mils. Ten comparative films having thicknesses ranging from 4 mils to 10 mils were prepared according to the procedure in Example 1A with varying ratios of polymer: crosslinker in order to prepare polymers having degrees of crosslinking of either 25% or 50%, but the crosslinker was an aromatic polyisocyanate based on toluene diisocyanate (Table 4A, compositions A-C1 and A-C2).

[00110] Accelerated weathering testing of the films was performed using ASTM G 155-05a procedures as follows, for 1000 hours. The cycle consisted of 1 :42 of irradiance (xenon arc burner fitted with quartz inner filter and “Type S” borosilicate outer filter) set to 0.35 W/m ² at 340 nm, black panel set to 63°C, chamber air temperature 42°C, 50% relative humidity, followed by 0:18 of irradiance with water spray. The samples were evaluated for haze and luminance transmittance prior to the testing (To), and then every 250 hours per ASTM D 1003-07 (T250, T500, T750, T1000). The results are shown in Tables 3A-3B.

TABLE 3A - Optical Properties of Films According to the Disclosure

TABLE 3B - Optical Properties of Comparative Films

[00111] As can be seen in Table 3A, films 15 and 16 according to the disclosure maintained their clarity and did not yellow, and showed almost no variation in transmittance or haze over the course of the study. These results can be extrapolated to conclude that films prepared from compositions according to the disclosure are surprisingly expected to maintain clarity over a period of normal UV and weather exposure of at least 10, and more likely at least 20, years. In contrast, as seen in Table 3B, comparative films C1-C10 demonstrated significant yellowing as well as significant decrease in transmittance and haze over the course of the study.

[00112] Example 4 thus demonstrates that the compositions according to the disclosure provide superior results with respect to appearance over an extended period of time under expected conditions of use compared to compositions not according to the disclosure, i.e. compositions using crosslinkers other than those disclosed herein.

Example 5A - Additional Clear Compositions

[00113] The procedure of Example 1A was repeated to make three additional clear compositions according to the disclosure, but using 60 grams of the partially hydrolyzed polymer and 7.5 mL, 15 mL, or 30 mL of a composition comprising homopolymer (trimer) of hexamethylene diisocyanate (Desmodur® N-3600), to achieve degrees of crosslinking of 12.5%, 25%, and 50%, respectively. The procedure of Example 1A was also repeated to make two comparative compositions, but using 60 grams of the partially hydrolyzed polymer and 15 mL or 30 mL of a composition comprising an aromatic polyisocyanate based on toluene diisocyanate (Desmodur® L-75), to achieve degrees of crosslinking of 25% and 50%, respectively.

TABLE 4A - Additional Compositions

Example 5B - Adhesion Strength Testing

[00114] The adhesion strength of coatings formed on the surface of a metal substrate by compositions in Table 4A was tested (per ASTM D4541 -22, “Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers,” Annex A4, “Self-Aligning Adhesion Tester Type V (Test Method E)”). The coated metal surfaces (4”x6” 1010 cold rolled steel panels) were abraded gently using fine (100 grit) sandpaper and wiped clean. The fixture used (20 mm in diameter) was lightly abraded with 100 grit sandpaper prior to being attached to the coating using a two-component epoxy adhesive (Araldite 2011 ), which was cured for 24 hours under ambient conditions (73.5°F ± 3.5°F and 50% ± 5% RH). The fixture was then detached using a DeFelsko® PosiTest® AT. The results of the tests, which were performed in triplicate for each coating, are provided in Table 4B:

TABLE 4B - Adhesion Strength [00115] As seen in Table 4B, coatings A-2(a) to A-2(d) had significantly greater adhesion strength than coatings A-C1 (a) and A-C1 (b) which were identical other than the type of crosslinker. As also seen, coatings A-1 (a) to A-1 (e) had similar adhesion strength as coatings A-C1 (a) and A-C1 (b), even though coatings A-C1 (a) and A-C1 (b) had twice the degree of crosslinking as coatings A-1 (a) to A-1 (e). These results further confirm that aliphatic and cycloaliphatic isocyanate crosslinkers according to the disclosure are unexpectedly far superior to aromatic crosslinkers.

Example 5C - Accelerated Weather Testing

[00116] Optical properties of films formed from compositions in Table 4A were evaluated using accelerated weather testing over a period of 1000 hours, as follows. The Xenon Arc Exposure cycle consisted of 1 :42 of irradiance (0.35 W/m2 at 340 nm, black panel set to 63°C) followed by 0:18 of irradiance with water spray (per ASTM G155-13). Gloss Retention (per ASTM D523-14(2018)) and Haze and Luminous Transmittance (per ASTM D 1003-07, Method B) were measured every 250 hours (T250, T500, T750, T1000). The results of the tests are provided in Table 4C:

TABLE 4C - Optical Properties

[00117] As seen in Table 4C, films A-2(e), A-2(f), A-3(a), and A-3(b) demonstrate very little change in total transmittance over the course of the study. In contrast, films A-C1 (c) and A-C1 (d) demonstrate what is considered to be significant (7.2% and 7.8%, respectively) decrease in total transmittance over the course of 1000 hours. FIGS. 4A-4B, which are photographs of films A-2(e), A-2(f), A-3(a), A-3(b), A-C1 (c), and A-C1 (d) at T1000, show that the films (A-C1 (c) and A-C1 (d)) prepared from the comparative composition having an aromatic isocyanate crosslinker are noticeably more yellow and less transparent than the films (A-2(e), A-2(f), A-3(a), and A-3(b)) prepared from the composition having a cycloaliphatic isocyanate crosslinker. FIGS. 4A-4B and Table 4C therefore show that compositions having polymers of formula (I) crosslinked with cycloaliphatic isocyanate crosslinkers surprisingly and unexpectedly provide films that demonstrate significantly better clarity under typical use conditions over an extended period of time, compared to compositions using an aromatic isocyanate crosslinker. These results surprisingly indicate that films prepared from compositions according to the disclosure will maintain clarity with very little, if any, yellowing over a period of normal UV and weather exposure of up to at least 10 years, and more likely at least 20 years.

Example 5D - Permeability Testing

[00118] Permeability testing of films prepared from compositions in Table 4A was performed (per ASTM E96/E96M-10). The tests were performed in triplicate, and the average of each measurement is provided in Table 4D:

TABLE 4D - Permeability Testing

[00119] Table 4D further demonstrates that coatings and films prepared from compositions according to the disclosure have exceedingly better impermeability properties than known coatings (cf. FIG. 1 ), which difference was both surprising and unexpected.

[00120] The above examples demonstrate that compositions according to the present disclosure have surprisingly and expectedly superior benefits compared to prior anti-corrosion compositions, including significantly improved film clarity (minimal or no UV susceptibility), impermeability, and adhesion. In addition, the compositions according to the disclosure are able to incorporate pigments or colorants, or other components such as zinc, without losing such beneficial properties, which is also surprising and unexpected compared to known compositions. [00121] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the compositions and methods according to the disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the disclosure cover such modifications and variations and their equivalents.