| abstract |
Residual pressure-sensitive adhesive is removed from surfaces by applying a composition containing a swelling agent for the adhesive and a detackifying agent for the adhesive to the residual material, allowing the composition to remain in contact with the adhesive long enough to swell and detackify the adhesive, and then removing the adhesive, e.g. by rubbing, scraping or scouring with a cleaning tool. The remover compositions contain a swelling agent for the adhesive and a chemical detackifying agent selected from polyvalent metal-containing compounds or basic amines. The remover may also include a minor quantity of an organic acid, and/or a thickener for the remover composition such as a fumed silica or an organic resin. |