DURABLE llv CURABLE COATINGS

Cross-Reference to R lat d Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. .Provisional Application Serial No.

61/695,347, filed August 31 , 2012 entitled "UV Curable Coating", the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety.

Field

[0002 J The present invention relates to radiation curable compositions .for use in coating substrates, and more particularly to ultraviolet curable coatings for flooring and other applications.

Background

[00031 Radiation curable coatings, such as UV curable coatings, are applied to various types of substrates to enhance their durability and finish. These radiation curable coatings are typically mixtures of .resins, incl uding oligomers and monomers that are radiat ion c urabl e after being applied to the substrate. The radiation curing polymerizes and/or cross-links the resins to produce high or low gloss coatings. Radiation curable coatings are often referred to as topcoats or wear layers and are used, for example, in a wide variety of flooring

applications, such as on linoleum, hardwood, resilient sheet, and tile floori g.

[0004] However, while these known coalings provide some protection to the substrate, the coatings are prone to wear causing the appearance of the floor to become less desirable. Therefore, it would be desirable to have a coating which, exhibits improved stain resistance, improved scull resistance, improved scratch resistance, and/or the ability to restore the floor using dry buffing maintenance.

Summary

[0005] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a UV curable coating

comprising: an acrytate component; a photoinitiator; an amine synergist; and an abrasive. [Θ006] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a UV curable coating comprising: from about 65 wt. % to about 85 wt. % of an acr iate component; from about 0.1 wt. % to about ^; 5 wt. % of a photoinitiator; from about 0. wt. % to about 5 wt. % of an. amine synergist; and rom about 1 wt. % to about 1 wt. % of an abrasive.

[0007] In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a flooring product comprising; a substrate; and a UV curable coating comprising: from about 65 wt. % to about 85 wt. % of an acrytate component; from about 0.1 wt. % to about 5 wt. % of a photoinitiator; from about 0 J wt. % to abo ut 5 wt. % of an amine synergist; and from about I wl % io about 15 wt. % of an abrasive,

[0008] Some embodiments provide methods improving the heel scuff resistance and/or scratch resistance of a flooring product comprising applying to the major surface of a

substrate, any one of the coatings described herein: and exposing the coated substrate to at least one radiation source,

10009) In some embodiments, the present invention provides a UV curable coating which has a hydrophobic surface.

[0010] Some embodiments provide methods for reducing the extent to which dirt is attracted to a surface of a flooring product coated with any one of the coatings described herein.

[0011 Other embodiments provide methods of improving the cieanabiiity of a surface of a flooring product coated with any one of the coatings described herein.

[00121 Still further embodiments provide methods of reducing the water-based staining of a flooring product coated with any one of the coatings described herein.

[0013] Some embodiments are directed to a UV ciirabie coating which includes one or more polymer matting agents/waxes, silicone acryJates, abrasives, or any combination thereof.

[0014] Some embodiments of the present invention provide compositions comprising a monomer, an oligomer, a photo initiator, a silicone acrytete, a matting wax, an additive, or a. combination of two or more thereof.

[0015] In some embodiments, the compositions are applied directly or indirectly to a substrate.

[0016j Some embodiments provide methods for restoring a surface covering by ^' application of a compositio described herein.

[0017] Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to UV ciirabie coatings which exhibit improved stain resistance, improved scuff resistance, improved scratch resistance, the ability to restore the coating using dry buffing maintenance, or any

combination thereof.

[Oil 8] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

Detailed Description [001.9] As used herein, the terra "UVA radiation" refers to UV radiation having the strongest wavelengths between 31 5-400 urn.

[0020] As used herein., the terra "UV'B radiation" refers to UV radiation, having the strongest wavelengths between 280-31 5 nra.

[O021| As used herein, the term "UVC radiation" refers to UV radiation having the strongest wavelengths between 200-280 nm.

[0022] As used herein, the terras "cure" or "curing" refer to a change in state, condition, and/or structure in a material that is usually, but not necessarily, induced by at least one variable, such as time, temperature, moisture, radiation, presence and quantity in such material of a curing catalyst or accelerator, or the like. The terms cover partial, as well as complete curing.

[0023] As used herein, the term "wt. %" refers to the weight percentage of the particular ingredient in the final coating composition.

[Θ024] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a UV curable coating comprising: an acrylate component; a photoinitiator; an amine synergist; and an abrasive. j _. 0025] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a UV curable coating comprising; from about 65 wt. % to about 85 wt. % of an acrylate component; from about 0.1 wt. % to about 5 wt. % of a photoimtiator; from about 0.1 wt. % to about 5 wt. % of an amine synergist; and front about 1 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. % of an abrasive.

[0026] Further embodiments provide coatings wherein the acrylate component comprises an acrylate selected from a polyester acrylate; an epoxy acrylate; a silicone acrylate; or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0027] Still further embod ments provide coatings comprising from about 2 wt. % to abou 3.5 wt. %, of a photoinitiator.

[0028] Other embodiments provide coatings which further comprise a lubricant In some embodiments, the coa ting further comprises from about 1 wt % to about 10 wt. % of a lubricant, in some embodiments, the lubricant is a wax lubricant In some embodiments, the wax lubricant is present in an amount of from about 2 wt, % to about 1 wt. %. In some embodiments, the wax lubricant is present in an amount of from about 5 wt % to about 9 wt. %. In some embodiments, the was. lubricant is present in an amount of from about 6 wt. % to about 8 wt. %. hi some embodiments, the wax lubricant is present in an amount of from about 7 wt. % lo about 8 wt. %. In some embodimeals, the wax lubricant is present in an amount of about 7.5 wt. %.

Ji!illf j in ^' some embodiments, the coating, comprises from about 70 wt. % to about 82 wt %, of an acrylate corapo«ent In some embodiments, the coating comprises from about 75 wl. % to 80 wt. %, of an acrylate component

[0030] Some embodiments provide coatings comprising from 2 wt. % to 3 wt. %, of an amine synergist.

[003 J } Other embodiments provide coatings that further comprise a flattening agent, in some embodiments, the coating further comprises from about 0.1 wt. % to about 3 wt. % of a flattening agent.

|0ti32 In some embodiments, the coating further comprises a surfactant In some embodimen ts, the coating further comprises from about 0.1 wt. % to about I w t. % of a surfactant.

[0033] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a flooring product comprising: a substrate; and a UV curable coating comprising: from about 65 wt. % to about 85 wt. % of an acrylate component; from about 0.1 wt. % to about 5 wt. % of a phoioimtiator. from about 0.1 wt. % to about 5 WL % of an amine synergist; and from about 1 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of an abrasive.

[0034] in some embodiments, the coating is applied to a major surface of the substrate, in some embodiments, the coating applied to a major surface of the substrate can be any one of the coatings described herein

[0035] Some embodiments of the present invent ion provide a method of improving the heel scuff resistance of a flooring product comprising applying to the major surface of a substrate, any one of the coatings described herein; and exposing the coated substrate to at least one radiation source.

j0036| Other embodiments of the present invention provide a method of improving the scratch resistance of a flooring product comprising applying to the majo surface of a substrate, any one of the coatings described herein; and exposing the coated substrate to at least one radiation source.

[0037] Ye t other embodiments provide a method, of reducing the extent to which dirt ^' s attracted to a surface of a. flooring product comprising applying to the major surface of a substrate, any one of the coatings described herein; and exposing th coated substrate to at least one radiation source.

[0038] Still further embodiments provide a method of improving the cleanab-Kty of a surface of a flooring product comprising applying to the major surface of a substrate, any one of the the coatings described herein; and exposing the coated substrate to at least one radiation source.

[0039] in some embodiments, the present invention pro v ides a method of reducing the water- based staining of a flooring product comprising applying to the major surface of a substrate, any one of the coatings described herein; and exposing the coated substrate to at least one radiation source.

)0040] Some embodiments provide a method of reducing emission of volatile organic compounds from a substrate coated with any one of the coatings described herein, comprising: applying to the major surface of the substrate, any one of the coatings described herein; and exposing the coated substrate to at least one radiation source,

[Θ04Ι j in some embodiments, the coated substrates provide a water contact angle of from about 85 degrees to about 120 degrees. In some embodiments, the coated substrates provide a surface energy of from about 6 to about 21 dyne/cm,

(0042] In some embodiments, the coating is applied to the substrate in amount sufficient to provide a wet thickness of from about 0,5 to 2 mils, in some embodiments, the coating is applied to the substrate in an amount sufficient to provide a wet thickness of about 1 mil. In some embodiments, the coated substrate is exposed to a plurality of radiation sources, in some embodiments, the coated substrate is exposed to art infrared radiation, source, in some embodiments, the coated substrate is exposed to an ultraviolet radiation source, la some embodiments, the ultraviolet radiation source is selected from UVA radiation source; a UVB radiation source; atlVC radiation source; and combination of two or more thereof,

[0043] In some embodiments, the acryiate component comprises an aery late resin such as EC6360 polyester aery late, EM 2204 tricyclodecane dimethanol diacry!ate, BC6154B-80, EC 1 151-80, EC6142H-80, and EC6145-100 all available from Eternal; Acti!ane 579 and Actilane 505 available from AkzoNobel; Roskydal TP LS 21 10, Roskydal UA VP LS 2266, Roskydal IJA VP LS 23S0, Roskydal UA VP LS 238! (XD042709), Roskydal IjA XP 2416, Desmolux U200, Desmolux U 500 acryiate, Desmolux U680H, Desmoiux XP24 1 ,

Desmolux XP2S 13 unsaturated aliphatic urethane acryiate, Desmolux XP 2738 unsaturated aliphatic aliophanate, Desmolux P175D, Roskydal UA TP LS 2258, Roskydal UA TP LS 2265, and Roskydal OA XP 2430 ail available from Bayer; CD 40 eylofiexane dimethanol diacrylate, CD420, CD61 1 , CN965, CN 66 A80, C 966 175, CN98I , CN99I , CN2920, CN2282, CN985B88, CN2003B, , 2-EHA, , CM 307 hydrophobic acrylate ester, CN 308 hydrophobic acrylate ester, hydrophobic acrylate ester, CN 989 aliphatic urethane acrylate oligomer, CN 9007alip ^' hatic urethane acrylate, C 9009 aliphatic arethane acrylate, CN 90 Π aliphatic urethane acrylate, CN 9014 hydrophobic urethaae acrylate, SR 339 2- phenoxyethyi acrylate, SR 531 cyclic tritnethylolpropaae formal acrylate, SR 540

eth:oxylated(4) bisphenoi A dimeth acrylate, SR 3010, SR 9035, SR833S tricyclodecane dimethano ^' l dimethacrylate, SR531 2-phenoxyethyI acrylate, SR 351 , SR 306, SR395, SR 238, SR399, SR324, SR257, SR-502, SR203 ail available from Sartomer; Disperbyk 2008 acrylic block copolymer from BYK Cbemie; Ebecryl 230, Ebecryl 270, Ebecryl 4830, Ebecryi 4833, Ebecrvt 4883, Ebecryi 8402, Ebecryl 8405, Ebecryl 841 1 , Ebecryl 8807, and Ebecryl 809, Ebecry 1 1 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate , dipropy!ene glycol diacrylate (DPGDA), neopentyl glyco propoxylate (2) diacrylate (NPG(PO)2DA), trimemylolpropane ethoxy triacrylate (TMP.EGA), isobornyl acrylate (IBOA), Ebecryl 1 14, and Ebecryl 38 i all available from Cytee; and Polyfox 3305, Polyfox 3320, and Po!yfox 3510, all available from Omnova and AR-25 polyester acrylate. AR-25 may be formed according to the procedure of Example 7 of U.S. Patent No. 5,891 ,582, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0044] is some embodiments, the coatings of the present invention include a photoinitialor, which absorbs only in the OV range of the electromagnetic spectrum. As such, the photoinitiator absorbs radiation at wavelengths lying outside, or shorter than., the visible light spectrum, generally less than about 420 nm. The photoinitiator responds to such UV radiation to initiate and induce curing of the curable resin component.

JOMSj Pholoinitiators that may be employed include any photoinitiator known in the art and which is activated by ultraviolet radiation. The photoinitiator is usually, but not necessarily, a free radical photoinitiator. Suitable free radical pholoinitiators include unitriolecitlar (Norrish Type I and Type 11), bimolecular (Type 11), and bioniolecuiar photosensitization (energy transfer and charge transfer). Exemplary free radical photoinitiaiors that may be employed include, but are not. limited to, diphenyl .ketone, l.-hydroxycyclohex l phenyl ketone, phenyl bis (2.4,6-trimethyl benzoyl)phosphine oxide, Esacure ΚΤΌ-46 (a mixture of phosphine oxide, Esacure KIP I SO and Esacure TZT), 2,4,6-uimethyibenzoyldiphenyi phosphine oxide, isopropy llhioxanthone, .1 -cWoro-4-propoxy hioxantliojfte ₅ S^-dietfiyithioxanihone, 2~ chlofothioxanthone, camphorqoinone, 2-ethyi anthraquinone, as well as irgacure 1700,

Irgacure 2020, irgacure 2959, irgacure 500, irgacure 651, irgacure 754, Irgacure 907, irgacure 184 i-hydro-xyclohexyl phenyl ketone ail available from BASF. Oilier

photoiniiiators that may be employed include Speedcure BP and Speedcure 84 all available from Lampson.

100 6) In some embodiments, the phoioiiiitiaior may be a benxophenone (such as, but not limited to, diphenyl ketone) or substituted benzophenone, such as, for example, an alpha- hydroxykeione. One particularly suitable alpha-hydroxyketone is l-hydroxy-eyclohexyl~ phenyl-ketone, Photomiiiators may be present in the coating compositions, for example, in an amount from about 1 wt. % to about 15 wt. % by weight in the final composition:

optionally in an amount from about 2 wt, % to about 6 wt. %.

[00471 Abrasives may be present in the coaling compositions. Abrasives that may be employed include, but are not limited to: aluminum oxide, fiuorite, apatite, feldspar, nepheline syenite, glass, quartz, ceramic, silicon nitride, silicon carbide (carborundum), tungsten carbide, titanium carbide, topaz, corundum/ sapphire (A½0¾}, diamond, and combinations thereof. A non-limiting example of an abrasive that may be employed is PWA30 alumina from Fujimi. In some embodiments, abrasives are present in the coating compositions, for example, in an amount from about .1 wt. % to about 20 wt % by weight in the final composition. Optionally, abrasives are present in an amount from about 1 % to about 10 wt. %. further optionally, abrasives are present, in an amount from about I wt. % to about 6 wt. ¾.

[Θ048] flattening agents may be present in the coaling compositions. Flattening agents that may be used re usually inorganic, typically silica, although organic flattening agents or a combination of inorganic and organic materials may be used as flattening agents. Examples of such flattening agents include but are not limited to Gasil UV70C silica from ineos Silicas. ACEMATT H 125, ACEMATT H 400, ACEMATT HK440, ACEMATT HK450,

ACEMATT H 460, ACEMATT OK I 2, ACEMATT ^' OK 500, ACEMATT O 520, ACEMATT O 607, ACEMATT TS I OO, ACEMATT 3200, ACEMATT 3300 all available from. Evo k; PP-620XXF, Po!yfiuo 150, Propyimatte 3.1 all available from Micropowders; Ceraflour 14, Ceraflour 913 all available from BYK; Gasil ultravioletJOC, Gasil HP280, Gasil HP 860, Gasil HP 870, Gasil II 37, Gasil ultraviolet 55C all available from .PQ

Corpora don,

(0949] Where plurality of flattening agents is employed, the flattening agents may differ by chemistry (i.e., composition), particle size, particle size distribution, surface treatment, surface area and/or porosity,

[0050] Suitable amine synergists include., but are not limited to, 2-ethylhexyl-4- dimethylamino benzoate, ethyl 4-(dimethylaraiae) benzoate, -methyi dietba»olamtne, 2- dirnethylarnitio ethylbenzoate, and butoxyethyI-4-dimet iyJamino benzoate, as well as C 373, CN383, CN384, CN386 and CN 37.1 , all available from Sartomer; Ebecry P104, Ebecry PI 15, Ebecry 7100 all available from Cytec; and Roskydal UA XP 2299 available from Bayer.

(0051] Generally, UV curable compositions for use as protective coatings on substrates, such as flooring may be created as either a solvent base or aterborne formulations that include a resin and a photoinitiator,

[0052] The compositions also may include one or more surfactants. Surfactants that may e employed include, but are not limited to, BYK 3530, BYK 3532, BYK 3533 and BYK 3534 from BYK Chemie.

(00531 In some embodiments, the present invention relates to ultraviolet. (UV) curable, coating compositions. Exemplary compositions of the present invention core by exposure to UV light to form a coating for flooring, such as, bu no limited to, linoleum, hardwood, resilient sheet, and tile flooring. These flooring products demonstrate, inter alia, improved stain resistance, improved scuff resistance, impro ved scratch resistance, and/or the ability to restore the floor using dry buffing maintenance.

(0054] In. some embodiments, the present invention provides coatings comprising a curable resin, a photoinitiator, a matting agent/wax, an abrasive, and a dispersing agent. In some embodiments, the coatings further comprise an antimicrobial agent. In some embodiments, the curable resin comprises an acrylate component,

[Θ055] The curable resin includes both a monomer and oligomer. T he use of monomers reduces the viscosity of the coating prior to curing. This facilitates the manufacturing and coating process. In some embodiments, the coatings comprise an. acrylate,. a. tricyclodecane imethanol diaery!ate, a cyclic trimethylolpropane triacrylate, 2-phenoxythy! acrylate, a silicone acrylate or a combination of two or more thereof. In. some embodiments, the coatings comprise a polyester acryiate, an itreihatie acryiate, an epoxy acryiate, a silicone acryiate, a hydrophobic urethane acryiate, an aliphatic silicone acryiate, a hydrophobic acryiate ester, an amine synergist or a combination of two or more thereof.

}Θ§56| Curable resins are present in the coating compositions, for example, in an amount from about 60% io about 90% by weight in the final composition. Desirably, curable resin are present in an amount from about 75 wt % to about 85 wt %. Monomers are present in the coating compositions, for example, in an. amount from about 5 wt. % to about 70 wt. %. Desirably, monomers are present in an amount from about 30 wt % to about 45 wt, %, Oligomers are present in the coating compositions, for example. In an amount from about 5 wt. % to about 70 wt. %. Desirably, oligomers are present in an amount from about 35 wt. % to about 45 wt. %.

(00571 in some embodimenis.. at least a portion of the acryiate component comprises one or more silicone acrylates. Some embodiments provide coatings wherein the silicone acryiate is present in the coating composition, for example, in an amount from about 1 wt. % to about 30 wt. %. In some embodiments,, a silicone acryiate is present in an amount from about 2 wt % to about 1 wt. %. In some embodiments, a silicone acryiate is present in an amount from about 3 wt. % to about 7 wt. %.

j0§58| Some embodiments provide coatings comprising an acryiate component comprising a silicone acryiate in the amount of from about 2 wt, % to about 10 wt. %; and a lubricant in an amount of from about 2 wt. % to about 10 wt. %. Some embodiments provide coatings comprising an acryiate component comprising a silicone acryiate in the amount of from about 3 wt. % to about 7 wt. %; and a lubricant in an amount of from about 5 wt. % to about 9 wt. %. Some embodiments provide coatings comprising an acryiate component comprising a silicone acryiate in the amount of from about 3 wt. % to about 7 wt. %; and a lubricant in an amount of from about 6 wt. % to about 8 wt, %.

J0059I The exemplary compositions of the present invention may include at least one polymer matting agent. When the composition Is cured, the polymer matting agent is a solid which is provided in the coating to provide flooring polishing characteristics, ϊη some embodiments, the polymer matting agent allows the floor to be dry buffed to restore the floor to its ini tial appearance. This allows the floor io be polished without the need for additional chemicals or polishes to be added. [Θ060] Suitable polymer matting agents include, but are not limited to:

po!ytetTailuoroei ylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, modified polyethylene, wax polymers, hydrocarbon, biodegradable polymer based on renewable resources, natural waxes (such as, but not limited to, caraauba wax, montan wax, paraffin wax) and combinations thereof. |0661] In some embodiments, the terms 'lubricants'' and "polymer matting agents" are used interchangeably.

{6062) in some embodiments, a silica matting agent may be included, for example, in an amount from about 0 wi. % to about 15 wt, %. Desirably, silica matting agents are present in an amount from about 1 wt. % to about 6 wt. %.

(0063] The exemplary compositions of the present invention may also include at least one dispersing agent. The dispersing agents include, but are not limited to: acrylic block copolymers and combinations thereof.

[0064] Dispersing agents may be present in the coaling compositions, for example, in an amount from about 0.1 wt. % to about 1 wt. %. Desirably, dispersing agents are present in an amount from about 0.1 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %.

[0065} The exemplary compositions of the present in vention may also include an amine synergist An amine synergist may be present in the coating compositions, for example, in an amount from about 1 wt. % to about 1 5 wt, %. Desirably, an amine synergist is present in an amount fr m about 2 wt. % to about 6 wi %, optionaliy in the amount of about 2,5 wt. %.

[0666] The exemplary compositions of the present invention may optionally include wetting agents. Examples of suitable wetting agent include, but are not limited to: silicones or silicons-free surfactants, fluorocarbon surfactants and the combination thereof. Wetting agents are present in the coating compositions, for example, in an amount from about 0% to about 5 wt. %. Desirably, wetting agents are present in an amount from about 0 wt. % to about 1 wt. ¾.

(0667] The exemplary compositions of the present invention may optionally include an antimicrobial agent. When present, the antimicrobial agent may be present in the coating compositions, for example, in an amount from about 0 wt. % to about 3 wt %. Desirably, antimicrobial agents are present in an amount from about 0.1 wt. % to about 1 wt. %.

j _. 6068] In accordance with, the present invention, the IJV curable compositions may be applied to a surface of flooring, such as, but not limited to linoleum, hardwood, resilient sheet, and tile flooring to form a coating thereon. Upon exposure to U ^' V fight, the to compositions of the present invention cure to a coating that imparts improved slain resistance, improved scuff resistance, improved scratch resistance, and/or the ability to restore the .floor using dry buffing maintenance.

(0069 Without being bound by theory, it is believed that in some embodiments, the combination of a silicone aery late and a polymer matting agent contributes to the improved stain resistance demonstrated by the coatings of the present invention, in some embodiments, the coating forms a hydrophobic surface which resists water based stains, captures less dirt and is easily cleaned or maintained using dr boiling.

jOOTwj in some embodiments, the coatings of the present invention provide a reduction in VOC emissions from a substrate coated therewith, in some embodiments, the substrate is a celiulosic substrate, in some embodiments, the siibstrais is a wood plank, in some embodiments, the substrate is selected from linoleum, hardwood, resilient sheet, and tile. In. some embodiments, the substrate is vinyl tile.

[0071 ) The invention will be described in greater detail by way of specific examples. The following examples are offered for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the invention in any manner. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize a variety of

noncriticai parameters which can be changed or modified to yield essentially the same results.

Examples

Example I

(0072] Described in Table 1 (below) are five (5) exemplary coatings of the present invention. These coatings were prepared by conventional means, readily understood by those skilled in the art.

Table i

i Trimeth lolpropaRe Triacrylate 5.16 5. OH 4.83 5.08 I 4.29 j 2-Pheiiox iiiyS Aery late 6,63 6.54 6.21 6.54 I 5.51

Silicone Acry!ate — 6,90 3.63 1 6,13

Amine Synergist 3.68 3.63 2.45 2,47 2. ! 8

1 Surfactant 2,50 2.4? 0.66 0.66 1 0.59

1 Dipheny 1 ketone 0.67 0.66 2.55 2.57 I 2.26

1 i -Hydroxy-c clohexyl phenyl

1 ketone 2.61 2,57 0.64 0,64 0.57

[ Was. lubricant 0.65 0.64 7.44 7.50 6.6 1

1 Silica 0.44 1.3 Ϊ 2,65 1.97 1 2,35

!i Aluminum Oxide 7.61) 7.50 3.97 3,99 I 14.15

1 Acrylic Block-copolymer 0.22 0.65 0.33 0.30 1 0.82

Example 2

|0(>73 Coatings of the present invention are evaluated against acrylate coatings which do not contain the combination of elements provided by embodiments of the present invention for their ability to resist heel scuff Specifically, the coalings are applied to a substrate and are evaluated according to ease of scuffing and the ease with which a scuff is removed . The data described in Table 2 (below) demonstrates that the coatings of the present invention (i-V) provide an acceptable level of heel scuff resistance while comparati v e acrylate coatings which do not contain the inventive combination of ingredients (Ci-CV) do not. "P" represents an acceptable level of heel scuff resistance, while "F" represents an unacceptable- level of heel scuff resistance. In addition, it is worth noting thai th comparative acrylate coatings were .much easier to scuff than the coatings of the present invention..

Table 2

Example 3

|Mi74| Coatings of the present invention are evaluated against acrylate coatings which, do not contain the combination of elements provided by embodiments of the present invention fo their ability to resist abrasion. Specifically, the coatings are applied to a substrate and each coaled substrate is exposed to 320 grit sandpaper in a Byk Gardner Abrasion Tester for thirty (30) cycles. Gloss measurements are taken prior to and after the 30 cycles are completed. Pre-exposure and post-exposure gloss readings are compared and a percentage gloss retention is calculated.

10075] The data described in Table 3 (below ) demonstrates that the coatings of the present invention (i-V) provide an accep table level of abrasion/scratch resistance while comparative acrylate coatings which do not contain die inventi ve combination, of ingredients (CI-CV) do not.

Table 3

Example 4

j0O76] Coatings of the present invention are evaluated against acrylate coatings vvhicli do not contain the combination of elements provided by embodiments of the present invention to compare the hydrophobia ^" ly of a substrate coated, therewith. Specifically, the coatings are applied to a substrate and the water contact angle and surface energy of the coated surfaces are measured. The data described in Table 4 (below) demonstrates that the coatings of the present invention (IIMV) provide a greaier water contact angle and lower surface energy than the comparative acrylate coatings which do not contain the inventive combination of ingredients (CI-CV). The increased water contact angle and the reduced surface energy demonstrated by exemplary coatings of the present invention resul t in a coated surface that provides reduced dirt attraction, improved c!eanabi!ity and. minimized water-based staining.

Table 4

Example 5

10077] An exemplary coating of the present invention (V) is evaluated (ASTM D6007-02 (2008)) against an acry late coating which does not contain the combination of elements provided by embodiments of the present invention (CVl) for volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Both coating are applied, to a thickness of about 2 mils and cured with a UV ^' A 1.103 J/esrf - UVC 0.171 j/cm ^* . The data described in. Table 5 (below) demonstrates that coatings of the present invention provide a greater tha five-fold reduction in VOC emissions from a wood substrate coated therewith.

Table 5

Example 6

[0078] An exemplary coating of the present invention (V) is evaluated in a FLEC test against an aery late coating which does not contain the combination of elements provided by embodiments of the present invention (CVII) for total volatile organic compound (TVOC) emissions after twenty-eight (28) days. Both coatings are applied to a thickness of about 2 mm. The data described in Table 6 (below) demonstrates tha t coatings of the present invention provide a greater than three-fold reduction in TVOC emissions from a resiiie i sheet coated therewith.

Table 6

jO0?9j It. is intended that any patents, patent applications or printed publications, including books, mentioned in this patent document be hereby incorporated by .reference in their entirety.

[0080} As those skilled in the art will appreciate, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein, without departing from the spirit of the invention, it is intended that all such variations fail within the scope of the invention.

