Thomas C Mayfield

US Patent:

56704690, Sep 23, 1997

Filed:

Jan 6, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/369548

Inventors:

Michael L. Dingus - Austin TX
Walter P. Zoch - Austin TX
Thomas R. Mayfield - Austin TX
Alan Bray - Austin TX
Rock A. Rushing - Austin TX

Assignee:

Texas Research Institute - Austin TX

International Classification:

C09K 1106
G01N 3100
C11D 100

US Classification:

510274

Abstract:

Improved compositions containing a visible coloring agent, such as a pigment or dye, together with a polymer or hydroxylated aliphate alcohol, and an active ingredient defined as a surfactant, a therapeutic agent or biocide, are disclosed. The detectable agent is readily visible under normal white light, and provides a technique for monitoring disturbed and undisturbed areas on a surface. Such is useful in the described methods for cleaning and/or decontaminating a surface, such as in the decontamination of equipment and clothing used during hazardous spill response. The compositions are adherent to a variety of different materials, including Teflon. RTM. This makes the preparations particularly useful in the cleaning and decontamination of non-flat and curved surfaces, such as on protective garments. The compositions in particular embodiments include a visually detectable coloring agent (such as a colored pigment), a surfactant (such as ethoxylate alcohol), an emulsifier (such as carboxymethyl cellulose), an extender (such as PEG), and a solvent (such as d-limonene). These compositions may also include water or other suitable diluent.