NZ616835B2 - Improved polymeric composition for cement based substructures - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a composition composed of an aqueous mixture of at least one first copolymer comprising mer units derived from vinylidene halide and mer units derived from C1-C2 alkyl acrylate, said mer units derived from C1-C2 alkyl acrylate being present in from 5 to 40 weight percent of the first copolymer; and at least one second copolymer comprising mer units derived from vinylidene halide and mer units derived from C4-C5 alkyl acrylate, said mer units derived from C4-C5 alkyl acrylate being present in from 3 to 40 weight percent of the second copolymer, wherein said first copolymer and said second copolymer are in a weight ratio of 90:10 to 10: 90; the first and second copolymers together form from 10 to 50 weight percent of the aqueous mixture; and the aqueous mixture has a pH of 1.5 to 3.5. the first copolymer; and at least one second copolymer comprising mer units derived from vinylidene halide and mer units derived from C4-C5 alkyl acrylate, said mer units derived from C4-C5 alkyl acrylate being present in from 3 to 40 weight percent of the second copolymer, wherein said first copolymer and said second copolymer are in a weight ratio of 90:10 to 10: 90; the first and second copolymers together form from 10 to 50 weight percent of the aqueous mixture; and the aqueous mixture has a pH of 1.5 to 3.5.

Description

IMPROVED POLYMERIC COMPOSITION FOR CEMENT BASED SUBSTRUCTURES BACKROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to polymeric compositions formed from a mixture of prescribed copolymers in certain defined ratios and the use of said composition to e enhanced cement based building structures. The subject composition provides a water vapor barrier coating for cement based structures and an enhanced adhesion agent for materials applied thereto. Further, the composition, when applied to green (uncured) cement based structures, causes ant cured structures to have enhanced strength and integrity.

Cement compositions and materials, such as concrete, cement block and the like, are common materials used in the construction industry. The term “concrete” and “cement” are each used herein and in the appended claims to refer to materials and structures formed of cement based compositions. The present invention is described by use of concrete building structures, such as slabs and the like, used as building flooring and wall structures although it is ed that other forms of cement based compositions be included in the t invention.

When concrete is poured, there is a period of time ed to attain initial solidification of the concrete mixture. Afier l setting, the concrete cures over an ed period of time during which hydration of the te and aluminate ents develop and the excess water of the initial mix is lost. It is only after this extended period that the concrete has developed its full strength. In order for the concrete to properly cure and achieve its designed strength, the rate of water loss must be kept low.

Such concrete is termed “green” structures while they are in their l formation and in the partially cured state. Thus, it is well known that concrete structures contain and expel water for extended periods of time after initial formation.

When a concrete structure is formed directly nt to the ground or when grading of the surrounding terrain is complete, the structure in contact with ground material is continuously feed water from the ground by hydrostatic pressure. This is especially true when the concrete forms a level or below grade-level flooring of a building or a below grade-level wall. In the case of a wall structure, the outside of the wall that is adjacent to the terrain is ly coated with a composition or structural forming membrane which inhibits the penetration of water into the wall material.

Similarly, flooring slabs are normally poured over a bed of gravel and a plastic membrane to inhibit penetration of water into the slab formation. In both instances, the membranes are known to be less than completely effective due, in part, to imperfections in the membrane, ections generated during formation and pouring of the concrete, during backfill of the terrain against the wall structure, and from deterioration of the membrane over time. Thus, te structures have a tendency to take up water and expel the water through its free surface over extended periods of time.

When the concrete structure remains as formed and has an uncovered free surface, the water that escapes from the structure may be of a ently small rate and in a form (e.g. water vapor) to be unnoticeable and inconsequential. However, when the concrete ure is intended to act as a ucture to be covered by additional material to form a d structure, the additional material tends to trap the moisture. It has been previously suggested to coat concrete surfaces with various paints, including those based on an acrylate polymer in attempts to form water barrier coating. Such coatings lly exhibit poor adhesion and tend to spall from the concrete structure. These adverse effects cause deterioration of the applied ng material as well as the bonding agent used to adhere finishing materials to the te substructure. Further, the trapped moisture may cause mold and other undesired ions to occur.

It is highly desired to be able to apply a sealer /coating composition capable of inhibiting moisture vapor emission from te structures, to have high adhesion to concrete structures and to enhance the adhesion of a concrete substructure to finishing materials commonly used in ng industry. It is also highly desired to have a composition having the above properties that can be d to green concrete substructures as well as fully cured concrete substructures to, y, enhance job scheduling and completion. It is further desirable to t evaporation of water during initial curing of freshly formed concrete structures to allow hydration to occur slowly during curing and thereby produce a resultant structure having high strength and integrity. [0006a]Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an ion that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. [0006b]It is an object of the present invention to me or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE ION [0006c]According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a composition composed of an aqueous mixture of at least one first copolymer comprising mer units derived from vinylidene halide and mer units derived from C1-C2 alkyl acrylate, said mer units derived from C1-C2 alkyl acrylate being present in from 5 to 40 weight t of the first copolymer; and at least one second copolymer comprising mer units derived from vinylidene halide and mer units derived from C4-C5 alkyl acrylate, said mer units derived from C4-C5 alkyl acrylate being present in from 3 to 40 weight percent of the second copolymer, wherein said first copolymer and said second copolymer are in a weight ratio of 90:10 to 10: 90; the first and second copolymers together form from 10 to 50 weight percent of the aqueous mixture; and the aqueous mixture has a pH of 1.5 to 3.5. [0006d]According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of inhibiting re vapor emission from the surface of a concrete structure and enhancing interfacial adhesion between the concrete surface and a covering thereon comprising applying to the concrete surface an aqueous e of at least one first copolymer comprising mer units derived from vinylidene halide and mer units derived from C1-C2 alkyl acrylate, said mer units d from C1-C2 alkyl acrylate being present in from 5 to 40 weight percent of the first copolymer; and at least one second copolymer comprising mer units derived from vinylidene halide and mer units derived from C4-C5 alkyl acrylate, said mer units derived from C4-C5 alkyl te being present in from 3 to 40 weight percent of the second copolymer, wherein said first copolymer and said second copolymer are in a weight ratio of 90:10 to 10: 90; the first and second copolymers together form from 10 to 50 weight percent of the aqueous mixture; and the aqueous mixture has a pH of 1.5 to 3.5; said aqueous e substantially uniformly applied to the surface to bute a coating having from 0.4 to 4 kg of mer mixture per 14 m2 of free surface of the concrete structure. [0006e]According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of inhibiting loss of water from an uncured or lly cured concrete structure sing applying to the concrete surface an aqueous mixture of at least one first copolymer comprising mer units derived from vinylidene halide and mer units derived from C1-C2 alkyl acrylate, said mer units derived from C1-C2 alkyl acrylate being present in from 5 to 40 weight percent of the first copolymer; and at least one second copolymer comprising mer units derived from vinylidene halide and mer units derived from C4-C5 alkyl acrylate, said mer units derived from C4-C5 alkyl acrylate being present in from 3 to 40 weight percent of the second mer, wherein said first copolymer and said second mer are in a weight ratio of 90:10 to 10: 90; the first and second copolymers together form from 10 to 50 weight percent of the aqueous mixture; and the aqueous e has a pH of 1.5 to 3.5; said aqueous mixture substantially uniformly applied to the surface to bute a coating having from 0.4 to 4 kg of copolymer mixture per 14 m2 of free surface of the concrete structure. [0006f]Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

The present invention is directed to a composition capable of inhibiting moisture vapor emission from concrete structures and enhancing adhesion of a finish material to the concrete structure comprising an s mixture of a first copolymer of vinylidene halide and a C1-C2 alkyl acrylate with a second copolymer of vinylidene halide and a C4-C5 alkyl acrylate and to the method of g a moisture barrier/adhesion promoter coating on concrete comprising ng from 2.8 to 5.6 liters (0.75 to 1.5 gallons) of an aqueous r having from 10 to 50 weight percent of the mixture of copolymers stated above per 14 m2 (150 square feet) of the free surface of a concrete structure. The concrete ure unexpectedly exhibits enhanced low water vapor emission, enhanced adhesion of finished material applied thereto and inhibit spalling of the applied coating composition from the concrete surface. r, it has been unexpectedly found that the composition of the present invention can be applied to surfaces of uncured or partially cured concrete structures to cause reduced evaporation of the water there from and, thus, results in formation of a structure of superior structural strength and integrity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It has been unexpectedly found that a mixture of two ct copolymers, when combined together and applied to concrete formations in prescribed amounts, forms a g e of ng to the concrete formation surface, providing a moisture vapor on barrier and acting as an acial adhesion enhancer between the concrete surface and adhesive bonding agents of finish coverings.

It has also been unexpectedly found that the mixture of copolymers, when applied as an aqueous composition to the surface of uncured or partially cured concrete structures, provides a means of causing the resultant cured structure to have enhanced strength and integrity. To reduce water evaporation during the curing process, one conventionally applies ts and/or repeated application of water to the surface of the structure while curing. Besides such applications being labor intensive and costly, the application of blankets to d surfaces may mar the formed structural surface and repeated application of water may reduce the th of the resultant structure at and adjacent to its surface. These undesired properties are thus ated by a single application of an aqueous sion of the present mixture of first and second copolymers described herein below.

It has also been unexpectedly found that the present mixture provides a coating that exhibits high adhesion as well as wear and abrasion strength (tested under ASTM 10) to concrete surfaces, even those that have been steel troweled to provide an ultra-smooth surface. This enon is may be due to the ability of the mixture to become incorporated into portion of the concrete adjacent to the treated WO 50967 surface. Aqueous dispersions of prior art polymers, when applied to concrete surfaces, cause the surface layer of the structure to have reduced strength and adhesion properties and, therefore, it is prescribed that such surface layer be mechanically removed before conventional application of a finish floor covering. y, it has been found that the present mixture causes the surface of the concrete ure to have a substantially neutral pH of lower than about 8. This provides a surface that is substantially inert to finishing materials applied thereto.

The mixture is formed of a first copolymer formed from vinylidene halide and a C1-C2 alkyl acrylate, preferably from vinylidene de and methyl acrylate monomers. The formed copolymer has resultant C1-C2 alkyl acrylate mer units in from 5 to 40, preferably from 5 to 20 and most preferably from 5 to 15 percent by weight of the copolymer. The remainder of the first copolymer is composed of vinylidene halide mer units. The copolymer may also contain minor amounts (less than or equal to the weight percentage of the acrylate mer units) of mer units derived from other ethylenically rated rs capable of copolymerizing with the required monomers taught above such as, for example, olefins as ethylene, ene and the like; acrylonitrile and the like. The first copolymer is conventionally formed by free radical polymerization and is commercially available.

The mixture must further have a second copolymer which is formed from a vinylidene halide and a C4-C5 alkyl acrylate, preferably from dene chloride and butyl te, monomers. The formed copolymer has resultant C4-C5 alkyl acrylate mer units in from 3 to 40, preferably from 3 to 15, and most preferably from 3 to 10 percent by weight of the copolymer. The remainder of the second copolymer is composed of vinylidene halide mer units. The copolymer may also contain minor amounts (less than or equal to the weight percentage of the te mer units) of mer units derived from other ethylenically unsaturated monomers capable of copolymerizing with the required monomers taught above such as, for e, olefins as ethylene, propylene and the like; 2012/000231 acrylonitrile and the like. The r is conventionally formed by free radical polymerization and is commercially available.

The first and second copolymers forming the desired mixture should be present in a weight ratio of from 90:10 to 10:90, preferably from about 80:20 to 10:90 and more preferably from 75:25 to 20:80. In all instances, both the first and second copolymers described above must be present to e the enhanced properties which are the achieved goals of the present invention. When the mixture is formed of first and second copolymer in weight ratios of from 90: 10 to 60:40(with from 80:20 to 70:30 being preferred and about 75:25 forming the most preferred e within this range), i.e. having high t of C1-C2 alkyl acrylate/vinylidene halide copolymer, the mixture is preferably applied as a dispersion having low concentration of from about 10 to 30 weightpercent of the mixture of copolymers. It is preferable to have such dispersions applied as low , multiple applications separated by drying s of from 0.5 to 1.5 hours between applications. When the mixture is formed of first and second mer in weight ratios having lower concentration of C1-C2 alkyl acrylate/vinylidene halide copolymer, i.e. 50:50 to 10:90 (preferably from 40:60 to 25:75 and most preferably from 30:70 to 35:65), it is preferable to apply the subject mixture as a high solid concentration dispersion having from 25 to 50 weight percent of the mixture of copolymers. In this ment, a single, high dosage application of the dispersion is normally sufficient, although multiple applications may be used. The ability to be applied in a single application is highly desired as the labor and the time for application, taking account of the interim drying times when multiple applications are used, are zed. The high concentration dispersion can be applied as a relatively thick coating and provides, when dried, a pliable, abrasion resistant coating ting extremely high adhesion and moisture barrier properties with respect to the concrete substrate.

The mixture of the first and second copolymers within the above 2012/000231 ratio range have been unexpectedly found to achieve the desired combination of properties of ing high reduction in moisture vapor on from the free (treated) surface of the concrete formation, that is, the exposed e, forming a layer of concrete structure adjacent to the exposed surface which is impregnated with the polymer e, forming a film on the free surface of the concrete structure which has a high bond strength with the concrete surface, does not exhibit deterioration in the form of cracking and the like so that it maintains its moisture barrier properties over time; and at the same time provides good interfacial bonding ties between the concrete surface and the adhesive coat used for bonding conventional surface finish material thereto. The subject ition is capable of readily forming a moisture barrier coating on concrete surfaces which provide a means of enhancing the use life of finished materials applied thereto, including those that are applied by adhesives (e.g. thin set cement, polyurethanes, epoxy systems and the like), or directly n (e.g. floating floor coatings and the like).

The two copolymers, either tely or as a prior ed mixture, are mixed with water to provide an aqueous dispersion having from 10 to 50 weight percent of the combined copolymer. As stated above, the dispersion has preferably from 10 to , with from 15 to 30 and from 20 to 30 weight percent of the combined copolymer when the mixture is ed of a high content of the C1-C2 alkyl acrylate/vinylidene halide mer while the applied dispersion preferably has a high solid content of from to 50, preferably from 30 to 40 weight percent solids of mixtures having lower content of the C1-C2 alkyl acrylate/vinylidene halide mer.

Normally, the resultant dispersion of the polymers in water is achieved by high shear mixing with the resultant mixture consisting of small particles of the copolymers in particle size of from about 50 to about 250 nm. Conventional emulsifiers and dispersants may be used to aid in forming a uniform composition. The resultant dispersions should be acidic with a pH of from about 1.5 to 3.5, preferably a pH of from about 2 to 3 with from 2.2 to 2.7 being most preferred. The pH can be adjusted to the desired range by additions of small amounts of mineral acid, as needed. The aqueous dispersion may contain small amounts (normally less than about 5 weight percent) ofUV stabilizers, dispersants, fiers, izers and/or colorants (optionally added to aid in ng complete application coverage).

Aqueous dispersions of each of the first and of the second copolymer may be shipped in trated form, mixed together, and further d with water at blending facilities using tional , such as high shear mixers. r, aqueous dispersions of the mixture of first and second copolymer may be shipped in concentrated form to the job site and mixed with fresh water to reduce the concentration to the appropriate range for the mode of application and the resultant coating described herein above. The dispersion, applied as a single or as multiple coats, should be sufficient to form a moisture barrier/adhesion promoter coating on the targeted concrete substructure.

The aqueous dispersion having the subject copolymer mixture can be readily applied to the concrete surface by spray, brush, high nap paint , with the aid of a squeegee or the like to provide a thin, substantially uniform coating of the dispersion onto the concrete surface. The dispersion, as solids, should be applied to provide from about 0.9 to 9 pounds (0.4 to 4 kg) of the solids of the mixture of copolymers per 14 m2 (150 square feet) to the free surface of a te structure upon evaporation of the water media. When the copolymer mixture has a high content of C1-C2 alkyl acrylate/vinylidene halide copolymer, the mixture is preferably applied as a low concentration dispersions having from about 10 to 30 weight percent of the mixture of copolymers. The dispersion should ably be applied in multiple coats to result in a coating having from 1.9 to about 5 pounds (0.8 to 2.3 kg), preferably from 2.5 to 3 pounds (1.1 to 1.4 kg) of solid mixture per 14 m2 (150 fiz) of free surface of the concrete structure. In such applications it is preferred to apply the mixed copolymer dispersion in at least two applications when over 2 pounds (0.9 kg) of solids are applied to form the coating, with a 0.5 to 1.5 hour drying time between coats. The coats are best applied by a first coat application in one direction with a second coat application in a direction that is erse to the first coat application direction. When the copolymer mixture has a low content of C1-C2 alkyl acrylate/vinylidene halide copolymer, the mixture is preferably d as a high concentration dispersions having from about 25 to 50 weight percent of the mixture of copolymers. Such dispersions may preferably be applied in a single application to result in a coating having from 4 to about 9 pounds (1.8 to 4 kg), preferably from 5.5 to 9 pounds (2.5 to 4 kg) of solid mixture per 14 m2 (150 ftz) of free surface of the concrete structure. The resultant coating is thus applied in one application which is both time and labor saving yet es a tough, flexible finished coating.

Dispersions of the copolymer mixture can be applied to green as well as substantially fully cured concrete formations to achieve the desired ties. Usually the dispersion can be d at any time afier 12 hours (and as short a time as 3 hours) from the formation of the structure. Further, the dispersion, even when used with low amounts of solid content, dries within six, most times within four, hours of application.

The drying time for the applied dispersion has been found not to be dependent on the ambient conditions of the environment of the slab being treated. The dispersion has been found to dry to the desired barrier coating and barrier concrete surface layer ndent of the degree of cure of the te substrate to which it is applied. Thus, this allows for installation of finish material within short periods and does not hinder the progress of building schedules. The formula has been applied to green concrete with an epoxy applied four hours later. It has been unexpectedly found to completely ate out gassing that almost always is known to cause blistering and pin holing of epoxy when used on new concrete.

The application of the present mixture to uncured or partially cured te structures es a means for allowing the concrete to cure in a desired slow manner to produce a ure of enhanced strength and integrity without the use of application of a covering, such as a tarp, or repeat water spray applications to the structure which are the conventional, though labor intensive, manners used to reduce water evaporation. The single application of aqueous sions of the above described mixtures of copolymers, especially those formed with first and second copolymers in weight ratios of 50:50 to 10:90, and more preferably from 35:65 to 10:90, as a means of inhibiting water evaporation during the initial curing of green concrete ures, achieves the desired results without the undesired laborious application of tarps or water to the structure’s free surface. Further, application of the present mixture of copolymers substantially eliminates any potential of marring the e by covering it with tarps and the like or by ng the strength of the surface layer of the concrete by water spray application. Instead, it has been found that the es of copolymers described herein becomes adsorbed (or absorbed) in and becomes an integral part of the layer of the green concrete structure adjacent to the treated surface. It has been found by observation and copic ation that the ation of the above described mixture of copolymers does not remain on the surface but, instead, readily penetrates (For normal application, the mixture ates to depths ranging from about 15 to 25 mils, such as an average of about 18 mils, below the surface) into the structure adjacent to the d surface causing the resultant structure to achieve a structure free of blemishes and having enhanced integrity and strength.

It has been found that when the presently prescribed mixtures of copolymers are d as substantially uniform coating to concrete surfaces in the amounts stated above, one attains a film which inhibits water vapor emission (MVER) or Moisture Vapor Emission Rate according to ASTM 1869 to less than 3 pounds and most often to less than 2.5 pounds per 1000 ft2 per 24 hours (Generally referred to in pounds).ASTM F710 specifically notes that concrete is suitably dry when the re vapor emission rate does not exceed three (3) lbs. of water per 1000 square feet per 24 hours when tested in accordance with the test method ofASTM F1869. The three pound point is used as a recognized benchmark by manufacturers of floor covering, adhesive and resinous coating products as it is known not to cause adverse effects due to moisture.

At the same time, the formed coating of the present invention exhibits high adhesion to the concrete surface, can be readily applied to green as well as fully cured concrete structures and provides good compatibility and adhesion with a wide range of adhesives used in the ry when applying finished surfaces.

The materials that are desirable to act as finishing coverings include flooring products, such as, for e, solid wood planking, wood laminates, polymeric laminates eum and the like products), vinyl/VCT, rubber, epoxy flooring systems, various tile flooring, ing and self-leveling cement underlayment and wear surfaces.

These materials are conventionally applied to a concrete slab by applying an adhesive composition suitable for the particular flooring product. Applications are conventionally done with notched trowel to apply a prescribed and even amount of adhesive for the adhesion of the finish ng. The present mixture has been unexpectedly found to be compatible and have high adhesion properties with respect to a wide variety of adhesives, such as acrylic latex, transitional pressure ive adhesives, polyurethanes and the like conventionally used for bonding the finished covering material to the concrete sub-floor structure.

The following es are given for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be a tion on the ion described herein or on the claims appended hereto. All parts and percentages given in the description, examples and appended claims are by weight unless otherwise stipulated. Further all ranges or numbers provided herein shall be deemed to specifically disclose all subset ranges within each given range.

EXAMPLE I A series of 12” round concrete slabs were cast using cially obtained bags of dry concrete mix (Ready-Mix) which were mixed with clean water using instructions applicable to the 4,000 psi bag mixture. The uniform concrete mixture was then poured into molds formed of 3.5” high steel frame over a rubber base. This was performed by applying three lifts, each being ed and compacted then smooth trowel finished.

Within 48 hours, the frame was removed and sample slab cured for 28 days. A 100% solids epoxy (3 coats) was then d to the 3.5” side and 2” perimeter of the top and bottom leaving a 9.75” diameter exposed concrete area on the center of the top and bottom of the sample slab. This was allowed to cure for 7 days. The s were then coated with a sufficient amount of an aqueous mixture having 22 wt. percent solids of a mixture of first copolymer having 10 wt. % methyl acrylate and 90 wt. % vinylidene chloride and a second copolymer having 5 wt % butyl acrylate, 5 wt % acrylonitrile and 90 wt. % vinylidene chloride to provide a solid coating at the rate of 2.8 pounds per 14 m2 per coat with two coats 1 hour apart. The aqueous composition had a pH of 2. After 4 hours, the samples were placed into the test tus to start water vapor increase to desired amounts.

Aqueous dispersions having 22 wt. % solids of a 90:10 mixture of vinylidene chloride/methyl acrylate copolymer with vinylidene chloride/butyl acrylate copolymer was applied over the surface of three slab samples 12 hours after initial casting to represent application over “green” concrete slab. An additional three slabs were coated days after g to represent fully cured te. The dispersion easily spread using a one-quarter inch nap paint roller with two coats applied at the rate of 14 m2 per gallon total for the two coats. In all cases the gs were found to be dry to the, touch in less than 0.5 hours after application.

The moisture ng ability (of the subject mixed copolymer coating was determined by measuring the moisture vapor emission rate (MVER) for each sample according to the procedures ofASTM F 1869 before ation of the coating and 28 days after application of the coating. The results given in Table 1 are the average for each set of three samples. The apparatus used provided simulation of high moisture vapor pressure on the samples. The treated samples showed high r ability and good retained adhesion between concrete and barrier coating.

In addition, a 50 mm diameter dolly had epoxy applied and was placed on the copolymer coated concrete samples. Adhesion pull test were conducted according to ASTM D7234. The results are given in Table 1 herein below.

The above test procedure was repeated using gs formed from dispersions of varying ratios of the two copolymers. The coatings formed with mixtures ning both copolymers med well for both MVER and adhesion. The coatings applied easily and yielded a surface showing no deterioration over time. The results are given in Table 1 below.

EXAMPLE II For comparative purposes, the tests described in Example I above, were conducted using each of the copolymers separately. The s of these tests are reported in Table 11 below. The results show that r copolymer, when used alone, formed a coating having the desired properties achieved with the present described eof copolymers. Coatings ofVC /methyl acrylate exhibited substantially no adhesive. properties with respect to the concrete to which it was applied. Further, the resultant VC /methyl acrylate coatings were brittle and shattered under light impact forces. Thus, coatings of VC/methyl acrylate would not produce a suitable coating to impart moisture blocking and adhesion properties presently achieved by the present invention. Further, the s show that VC/butyl acrylate copolymer, when used alone, formed a coating having poor moisture blocking properties (test values above 3.0 are unacceptable); the cured g exhibited micro-cracks hout and the coating permeated less than 4 mils into the cement substructure surface. 2012/000231 TABLE 1 VC/Methyl Acrylate VC/Butyl Acrylate (wt. %) Moisture Blocking (lb—S) Adhesion Pull Test (lb—s) Dgy Time to Touch (hr! RH at 50%) Observations Spreads and cover evenly covers evenly and easily; and easily; m adsorbs into mm mm deteriorati deteriorati ' ‘ deteriorati deteriorati of covering flexible on of on of on of on of over time coating afier covering ng ' covering covering cure; no over time over time over time over time deterioration TABLE II VC/Methyl Acrylate VC/Butyl Moisture Blocking glbsl Adhesion Pull Test glbs) Observations Formed brittle coating; Formed coating having micro- shattered under low cracks throughout; weight impact high PERMS Example III wqueous dispersion having 40 wt. % solids of a 30:70 mixture of vinylidene chloride/methyl acrylate copolymer with dene chloride/butyl acrylate copolymer was tested for abrasion resistance according to the test method defined under ASTM D4060-10 (“Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of c Coating by Taber Abraser”) and for acid/alkali resistance according to the test method ofASTM C1315- 11.Four test panels of 13x9x0.5 inch (330x229x13mm) formed of white cement mortar were ated in accordance with ASTM D1734-07 entitled ard Practice for Making Cementitious Panels for Testing gs”. The panels were steel trowel finished and two of the panels were coated by spraying the s dispersion of 30:70 mixture thereon to give a 12.7 ml coating per 0.85112 0.26m2. The coatings were applied to the panels under moist conditions approximately three hours after placing the fresh mortar. All four panels were left to cure at 73 +/—2o F (23 +/-3°C) and RH of 50 +/-2%.

After two days of curing, 4x4 inch (17x17 mm) coupons were cut from the panels for Taber and acid/alkali tests.

The results of triplicate samples are given in Tables III and IV below.

WO 50967 TABLE III Taber Abrasion Test Coated s M M M E E M cycle cycle cycle E“:mm- m a -—---———m - -------E Taber Abrasion Test Uncoated Control Samples M M M M Wear 2_5 & Z§ m9 index cycle cycle cycle cycle 25 gm--——-——-ma Table IV Alkali/Acid Test ---M Control Coated --MNo discoloration No blistering, no pinholes No discoloration Alkali No discoloration No blistering, no pinholes No discoloration

Claims (19)

I Claim:

1. A composition composed of an aqueous e of at least one first copolymer comprising mer units derived from vinylidene halide and mer units derived from C1-C2 alkyl te, said mer units d from C1-C2 alkyl acrylate being present in from 5 to 40 weight percent of the first copolymer; and at least one second mer comprising mer units derived from vinylidene halide and mer units derived from C4-C5 alkyl acrylate, said mer units derived from C4-C5 alkyl acrylate being present in from 3 to 40 weight t of the second copolymer, wherein said first copolymer and said second copolymer are in a weight ratio of 90: 10 to 10: 90; the first and second copolymers together form from 10 to 50 weight percent of the aqueous mixture; and the aqueous mixture has a pH of 1.5 to 3.5.

2. The composition of Claim 1 wherein the first copolymer comprises from 5 to 15 weight t of mer units derived from a C1-C2 alkyl te and the second copolymer comprises from 3 to 10 weight percent of mer units derived from C4-C5 alkyl acrylate.

3. The composition of Claim 1 or 2 wherein the first copolymer comprises a first copolymer comprising mer units of methyl acrylate and vinylidene chloride; and the second copolymer comprises mer units of butyl acrylate and vinylidene chloride.

4. The composition of Claim 1 or 2 wherein the first and second copolymers are in a weight ratio of 90:10 to 60:40 and the first and second copolymers together comprise from 10 to 30 weight percent of the aqueous mixture.

5. The composition of Claim 1 or 2 wherein the first and second copolymers are in a weight ratio of 50:50 to 10:90 and the first and second copolymers together comprise from 25 to 50 weight t of the aqueous mixture.

6. The composition of Claim 5 wherein the first and second copolymers are in a weight ratio of from 30:70 to 35:65.

7. A method of inhibiting re vapor emission from the surface of a concrete structure and enhancing acial adhesion between the concrete e and a covering thereon comprising applying to the concrete e an s mixture of at least one first copolymer comprising mer units derived from vinylidene halide and mer units derived from C1-C2 alkyl acrylate, said mer units derived from C1-C2 alkyl acrylate being present in from 5 to 40 weight percent of the first copolymer; and at least one second copolymer comprising mer units derived from vinylidene halide and mer units derived from C4-C5 alkyl acrylate, said mer units derived from C4-C5 alkyl te being present in from 3 to 40 weight percent of the second copolymer, wherein said first copolymer and said second copolymer are in a weight ratio of 90:10 to 10: 90; the first and second copolymers together form from 10 to 50 weight percent of the aqueous mixture; and the aqueous mixture has a pH of 1.5 to 3.5; said aqueous mixture substantially uniformly applied to the e to distribute a coating having from 0.4 to 4 kg of copolymer mixture per 14 m2 of free surface of the concrete structure.

8. The method of Claim 7 wherein the first mer comprises from 5 to 15 weight percent of mer units derived from a C1-C2 alkyl acrylate and the second copolymer comprises from 3 to 10 weight percent ofmer units derived from C4-C5 alkyl acrylate.

9. The method of Claim 7 or 8 wherein the first copolymer comprises a copolymer of methyl acrylate and vinylidene chloride; and the second copolymer comprises a copolymer of butyl acrylate and dene chloride.

10. The method of Claim 7 or 8 wherein the first and second copolymers are in a weight ratio of 90:10 to 60:40 and the first and second copolymers together comprise from 10 to 30 weight t of the aqueous mixture; said s mixture is substantially uniformly applied to the surface to distribute from 0.4 to 2.3 kg of mer mixture per 14 m2 of free surface of the concrete structure.

11. The method of Claim 10 wherein the aqueous mixture is applied by le applications.

12. The method of Claim 7 or 8 wherein the first and second copolymers are in a weight ratio of 50:50 to 10:90 and the first and second copolymers together comprise from 25 to 50 weight percent of the aqueous mixture; said aqueous mixture is substantially unifome applied to the surface to distribute from 1.8 to 4 kg of copolymer mixture per 14 m2 of free surface of the concrete structure.

13. The method of Claim 12 wherein the first and second copolymers are in a weight ratio of from 30:70 to 35:65 and the aqueous mixture is applied in a single application.

14. A method of inhibiting loss of water from an uncured or partially cured concrete structure comprising ng to the concrete surface an aqueous e of at least one first copolymer comprising mer units derived from vinylidene halide and mer units d from C1-C2 alkyl acrylate, said mer units derived from C1-C2 alkyl acrylate being present in from 5 to 40 weight percent of the first copolymer; and at least one second copolymer sing mer units derived from vinylidene halide and mer units derived from C4-C5 alkyl acrylate, said mer units derived from C4-C5 alkyl acrylate being t in from 3 to 40 weight percent of the second copolymer, wherein said first copolymer and said second copolymer are in a weight ratio of 90:10 to 10: 90; the first and second copolymers together form from 10 to 50 weight percent of the aqueous mixture; and the s mixture has a pH of 1.5 to 3.5; said aqueous mixture substantially uniformly applied to the surface to distribute a coating having from 0.4 to 4 kg of copolymer e per 14 m2 of free surface of the concrete structure.

15. The method of Claim 14 wherein the first copolymer and second copolymer are in a weight ratio of 50:50 to 10:90.

16. The method of Claim 14 wherein the first copolymer and second copolymer are in a weight ratio of 35:65 to 10:90 and the first copolymer comprises mer units derived from methyl acrylate and vinylidene chloride; and the second copolymer comprises mer units derived from butyl acrylate and vinylidene chloride.

17. A composition according to claim 1, substantially as herein described with nce to any one of the embodiments of the composition illustrated in the accompanying examples, but excluding comparative examples.

18. A method according to claim 7 substantially as herein bed with reference to any one of the embodiments of the method illustrated in the accompanying examples, but excluding comparative examples.

19. A method of according to claim 14, ntially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the method illustrated in the accompanying examples, but excluding comparative examples.