Aqueous metal ammine siliconate solutions, and amorphous materials

Abstract

Aqueous metal ammine siliconate solutions are the reaction products of selected metals or metal derivatives, selected mono-organosilicon materials, certain alkaline nitrogen compounds having the formula R--NH.sub.2, and water. Amorphous materials are formed when volatiles are removed from the siliconate solutions. The metal components in the resulting amorphous materials are not readily leached out by normal weathering, washing or the like. The solutions are useful in a method for treating substrates, such as wood, textiles, thread, canvas, carpeting, paper and masonry, to confer antimicrobial properties. The organosilicon component can be selected so that such treatments also confer either hydrophobic or hydrophilic properties to the substrates. The components of the solutions can be selected to enhance their ability to form continuous films of amorphous materials when used in such treatments, making the solutions useful to provide antimicrobial coatings which may be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic. Such amorphous coatings are useful for applications such as wood preservation, masonry water repellents, marine varnishes and as treating agents to give a desirable hand to fabrics. Powdered amorphous materials can be used to produce antimicrobial ointments. The solutions are useful as hardeners for water-reducible resins and emulsions, including latex paints. The solutions can also be adapted to include components which may be slowly leachable from the resulting amorphous materials which can thus serve as controlled-release binders to provide prolonged antimicrobial protection not only to the treated surfaces but also to their immediate surroundings.