The Dow Chemical Company

Richard M Krajewski

Robert E Erickson

Hydrophobic materials deposited on the surface of a substrate having a primer release coating of a water-insoluble, water-swellable polymer can easily be removed from the substrate upon exposure of the water-swellable polymer to an aqueous liquid. For example, paint applied to the surface of a steel panel precoated with a lightly cross-linked polyacrylate can easily be removed upon the immersion of the panel in water.

Method for removing paint from a substrate

A disposable composite comprising an absorbent, swellable film such as a lightly cross-linked polyacrylate, having on its two major surfaces a hydrophobic coating such as polyvinylidene chloride, is useful as a liner or packaging for disposable articles such as sanitary napkins. The hydrophobic coating protects the coated surfaces of the absorbent, swellable film from moisture, thereby maintaining the composite's integrity during use. Upon the composite's immersion in an aqueous fluid, the exposure of any uncoated film to water causes the composite to disintegrate, providing for easy flushability.

Disposable composite insensitive to surface moisture but disintegratable

Water swellable aerated films and laminates, made from solutions of carboxylic polyelectrolytes, together with methods for their preparation, are disclosed. The films and laminates are cured and/or crosslinked with a polyfunctional or difunctional crosslinking agent that is reactive with carboxylate groups by heating and/or removing substantially all of the water and/or alcohol from the precursor composition. The solutions are mechanically aerated prior to the curing step. The absorbent articles have a rapid water absorbency rate and are useful as components in diapers, tampons, dressings and the like.

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St. Louis, MO, United States of America

Richard M Krajewski