WO2014188442A2

WO2014188442A2 - A method of using silicone-based compositions as release agents for molding of fiber-reinforced plastic composites

Info

Publication number: WO2014188442A2
Application number: PCT/IN2014/000215
Authority: WO
Inventors: Milind BHABHE; Humen PHUKAN; Om DHANDE
Original assignee: Dow Corning India Private Limited
Priority date: 2013-05-15
Filing date: 2014-04-07
Publication date: 2014-11-27
Also published as: WO2014188442A3

Abstract

A silicone-based composition and a method of forming a fiber-reinforced composite is described that uses the silicone-based composition as a release agent. The method comprises providing a mold; coating the surface of the mold with one or more layers of a silicone-based composition; filling the mold with a resin and fiber reinforcement; allowing the resin and fiber reinforcement to at least partially cure to form a molded FRP composite; removing the molded FRP composite from the mold; and optionally, repeating the previous steps. The silicone-based composition comprises a combination of a silicone emulsion, a wetting agent, and optionally additional water as a diluent.

Description

A METHOD OF USING SILICONE-BASED COMPOSITIONS AS RELEASE AGENTS FOR MOLDING OF FIBER-REINFORCED PLASTIC COMPOSITES

FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to fiber-reinforced plastic composites. More specifically, this disclosure relates to the use of silicone-based compositions as release agents during the molding of fiber-reinforced plastic composites.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. [0003] A fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composite is the generic term used to describe a family of composites made from a polymer matrix that is reinforced with fibers of a different composition. These fibers are conventionally composed of fiberglass and carbon, aramid, among others, while the polymer matrix is typically composed of epoxy, unsaturated polyester, such as a vinyl ester, or a different thermoset resin.

[0004] A release agent applied to the internal surface of a mold during the preparation of an FRP composite plays a very important role in releasing the molded article from the mold without applying any excessive mechanical force. The release agent also provides smoothness and shine to the surface of the molded articles. Conventional release agents used in the molding of FRP composites include mineral oils, a combination of wax and polyvinyl alcohols (PVA) and silicone oils.

[0005] Conventional release agents, generally suffer from one or more of the following limitations: ability to be used only once (e.g., a single release); time consuming application to the mold; excessive build up on the surface of the mold over period of time; frequent cleaning of mold; the necessity to post-finish the molded article; a reduced mold life; and an increased labor cost. In addition, when conventional silicone oils are used, the desired level of spreading is not typically achieved.

SUMMARY

[0006] In overcoming the enumerated drawbacks and other limitations of the related art, the present invention provides a silicone-based composition and a method of forming a fiber-reinforced plastic composite that uses the silicone-based composition as a release agent. The method generally comprises providing a mold; coating the surface of the mold with one or more layers of a silicone-based composition as a release agent; filling the mold with a resin and fiber reinforcement; allowing the resin and fiber reinforcement to at least partially cure to form a molded FRP composite; removing the molded FRP composite from the mold; and optionally, repeating the previous steps. The method may further comprise the step of mechanically or chemically cleaning the surface of the mold.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the silicone-based composition comprises a silicone emulsion and a wetting agent. The silicone composition may further comprise from 1 part to 10 parts water as a diluent to every 1 part of the silicone emulsion and wetting agent present. The silicone-based composition exhibits an equilibrium surface tension between 20 dynes/cm to 23 dynes/cm. [0008] The silicone-based composition is applied to the surface of the mold as one or more coating layers, each of the coating layers is allowed to at least partially dry. The silicone-based composition is applied to the surface of the mold as two coating layers. The coating layers are applied using a spray, brush, or swab (e.g., using a cotton swab, etc.) technique.

[0009] According to another aspect of the silicone emulsion is a dispersion of a high molecular weight polydialkylsiloxane, polydiarylsiloxane, polyalkyarylsiloxane, or a mixture thereof in water; the siloxane polymer present in an amount within the range of 20 wt.% to 80 wt.% based on the overall weight of the silicone emulsion. The silicone emulsion is a dispersion of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in water; optionally, the PDMS may include some carboxyl, amino, or hydroxyl functionality. The silicone emulsion further comprises at least one additional additive, the additional additive being selected from a dispersant and a preservative.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the silicone wetting agent is a mixture of 10 wt.% to 30 wt.% of polyethylene oxide monoallyl ether and 90 wt.% to 70 wt.% hydroxyl terminated, ethoxylated 3-(3-hyroxypropyl)- heptamethyltrisiloxane based on the overall weight of the silicone wetting agent. The wetting agent being present in an amount ranging from 0.01 wt.% to 1.0 wt.% based on the silicone-based composition.

[0011] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the mold is prepared using a mixture of wax and polyvinyl alcohol. The resin used to fill the mold is an unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) and the fiber reinforcement is fiberglass. The resin and fiber reinforcement mixture are allowed to cure at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature. The fiber-reinforced plastic composite molded according to the method described herein is easily removed from the mold and exhibits a surface that is substantially free of any fish eye defects.

[0012] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a method for preparing a molded FRP composite according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2A is a pictorial representation of a mold exhibiting a simple cup design;

[0016] Figure 2B is a pictorial representation of a FRP molded cup formed using the mold of Figure 2A;

[0017] Figure 3 is a pictorial representation of a resin filled into a mold coated with a silicone-based composition using a brush technique;

[0018] Figures 4(A & B) is a pictorial representation of wooden door patterns used for the preparation of molds from which FRP door modules are molded according to the teachings of the present disclosure; and [0019] Figures 5 is a pictorial representation of a FRP composite molded according to the method of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure or its application or uses. It should be understood that throughout the description, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0021] The present invention generally relates to silicone-based compositions and the use of these silicone-based compositions as release agents during the molding of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composites. The FRP composites made and used according to the teachings contained herein are described throughout the present disclosure in conjunction with a door module composite design in order to more fully illustrate the concept. The incorporation and use of the silicone-based compositions in conjunction with other types of fiber-reinforced composite designs is contemplated to be within the scope of the disclosure.

[0022] The silicone-based compositions prepared and used according to the teachings of the present disclosure generally are water-based release compositions that comprise a mixture of a silicone emulsion and a silicone wetting agent. These silicone-based compositions provide for a non-flammable, solvent-free mold release as a single component system; good spreading or wetting of the mold's surface; easy release of the FRP composite with few or no defects; very little to no residue build-up on the surface of the mold, which reduces or eliminates the need to perform post- molding finishing operations (e.g., cleaning of the mold, etc.); improvement in the surface finish of the molded FRP composites; increased mold life-time; and a reduction in overall manufacturing cost (e.g., less labor intensive).

[0023] The silicone emulsion is a dispersion of a high molecular weight polydialkylsiloxane, polydiarylsiloxane, polyalkylarysiloxane, or a mixture thereof in water. Alternatively, the alkyl functionality is a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, or a butyl group, while the aryl functionality is a benzyl group, a phenyl group, or a naphthyl group. Optionally, the siloxane polymer may be carboxyl-, amino-, or hydroxy-terminated or comprise hydroxyl functionality along the polymeric backbone or carboxyl or amino functionality on the pendent side of the siloxane polymer.

[0024] The silicone emulsion may further comprise one or more dispersants; alternatively, anionic dispersants. Several specific examples of such dispersants, include without limitation, triethanolamine dodecylbenzene sulfonate (CAS No. 27323- 41-7), triethanolamine sulfate (CAS No. 20261-61-4), or mixtures thereof. The resulting acidity or alkalinity exhibited by the silicone emulsion is between a pH of about 6 to about 8.

[0025] The amount of siloxane polymer dispersed in water may be within the range of about 20 wt.% to about 80 wt.% of the overall weight of the silicone emulsion; alternatively, greater than 30 wt.% and less than about 70 wt.%; alternatively, greater than 40 wt.% and less than 60 wt.%; or alternatively, between about 45 wt.% and 55 wt.% of the overall weight of the silicone emulsion. The amount of the dispersants that are present in the silicone emulsion may vary between about 1 wt.% to about 14 wt.% relative to the overall weight of the silicone emulsion; alternatively between about 4 wt.% to about 12 wt.%. The resulting internal phase viscosity exhibited by the silicone emulsion is on the order of about 40 mm²/s or greater; alternatively, up to less than about 1 ,000,000 mm²/s.

[0026] When desirable, the emulsion may also comprise one or more other additives, including but not limited to preservatives. Several specific examples of such preservatives include, but are not limited to methylchloroisothiosolinane (CAS No. 26172-55-4), methylisothiosolinane (CAS No. 2682-20-4), and mixtures thereof. When present, the amount of preservative in the silicone emulsion is less than about 1 wt.% based on the weight of silicone emulsion; alternatively, less than about 0.5 wt.%; and alternatively, less than about 0.1 wt.% based on the weight of the silicone emulsion.

[0027] The silicone wetting agent acts as an adjuvant capable of changing or modifying the performance of the silicone emulsion. The silicone wetting agent is capable of reducing the surface tension of the silicone emulsion even when present at concentrations as low as about 0.01 wt.% based on the weight of the overall silicone- based composition. Alternatively the silicone wetting agent may be incorporated into the silicone-based composition up to about 1.0 wt.% based on the weight of the silicone-based composition. The resulting equilibrium surface tension exhibited by the silicone-based composition is on the order of about 20 dynes/cm to about 23 dynes/cm with the corresponding dynamic surface tension ranging between about 23 dynes/cm to about 54 dynes/cm. The silicone wetting agent exhibits stability when added to aqueous formulations having a pH in the range of about 6-8; alternatively, about 7. [0028] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the silicone wetting agent comprises a mixture of polyethylene oxide monoallyl ether (CAS No. 27274-31- 3) in an amount ranging from about 10 wt.% to about 30 wt.% based on the weight of the silicone wetting agent and hydroxyl terminated, ethoxylated 3-(3-hyroxypropyl)- heptamethyltrisiloxane (CAS No. 67674-67-3) in an amount ranging from about 90 wt.% to about 70 wt.% based on the weight of the silicone wetting agent. When desirable, a diluent, such as polyethylene glycol, may also be present in the silicone wetting agent in an amount less than about 10 wt.%; alternatively, less than about 9 wt.% based on the weight of the silicone wetting agent.

[0029] The silicone emulsion and wetting agent are combined to form the silicone composition either as a "neat" mixture without the incorporation of any additional diluent. Optionally, water may be used as an additional diluent in the silicone composition. Water may be added in an amount ranging from about 1 part to about 10 parts for every 1 part of the silicone emulsion and wetting agent combination used; alternatively, 4 parts of water is used for every 1 part of the silicone emulsion and wetting agent combination.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present disclosure a method 1 for preparing a molded FRP composite is provided. Referring to Figure 1 , this method 1 includes providing a mold having a predetermined shape 5; coating the surface of the mold with at least one layer of the silicone composition described above as a release agent 10; filling the mold with a resin and fiber reinforcement 15; allowing the resin and fiber reinforcement to at least partially cure to form a molded FRP composite 20; removing the molded FRP composite from the mold 25; and optionally, repeating the previous steps 27.

[0031] Referring now to Figures 2A and 2B, the predetermined shape of the mold 30 is determined according to the desired shape for the FRP molded article or composite 35. Each mold 30 represents a negative image 40 of desired FRP molded composite 35. The small FRP cup mold 30 (Figure 2A) is prepared using a mixture of wax and polyvinyl alcohol or any other material known to one skilled in the art. This mold 30 is then used to prepare FRP molded composites 35 (Figure 2B) using any materials desired for or necessitated by the selected application. For example, the FRP molded composites may comprise for example, without limitation a mixture of an unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) and fiberglass reinforcement.

[0032] The application of at least one coating layer of the silicone-based composition to the surface of the mold as a release agent may be accomplished by any means known to one skilled in the art, including without limitation, spraying, brushing, and swabbing to name a few. The swabbing technique refers to without limitation the application of the coating layer via the use of cotton swab. Alternatively, two coating layers of the silicone-based composition are applied; alternatively, up to four coating layers are applied to the surface of the mold. After application each coating layer is allowed to at least partially dry. One skilled in the art will understand that the "dry" time will vary depending upon the number of layers applied and the thickness associated therewith. Alternatively, the coating layers are allowed to dry for about 0.5 to 3 hours, alternatively, for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The layers allow for uniform spreading and application of the silicone-based composition across the surface of the mold. The application of one or more coating layers to the surface of the mold provides wetting properties that allow easy removal of the FRP composite from the mold without causing surface defects. Easy removal of the FRP composite is defined as one skilled in the art being capable of manually peeling the FRP composite from the mold; alternatively, separating the FRP composite from the mold upon physically tapping the mold from the opposite side.

[0033] Referring now to Figure 3, the mold 30 of Figure 2A is shown with filled with resin 50 and whose surface is coated with at least one layer of silicone-based composition. The wetting agent in the silicone-based composition provides adequate spreading of the resin 50 as filled in the mold 30. The silicone-based composition in Figure 3 is comprised of 1 part of a combination of the silicone emulsion and wetting agent to 4 parts of water. The wetting agent is present as 0.6 wt.% of the silicone composition. Further the resin 50 is reinforced with fiber glass. It is observed that post curing of the resin at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure, can be easily removed from the mold 30 without the occurrence of any surface defect. In an example, an unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) with fiber glass reinforcement is used to form 1- and 2-ply FRP cup molded composites.

[0034] The molding process may be conducted under any process conditions, including pressure, time, and temperature known to one skilled in the art. Alternatively, the molding process is conducted at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature (~34°C) for a length of time necessary for the resin used to form the FRP composite to be at least partially cured; alternatively, substantially cured; alternatively, less than about 3 hours.

[0035] The following specific embodiments are given to illustrate the method of using silicone-based compositions according to the teachings of the present disclosure and should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled-in-the- art, in light of the present disclosure, will appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments which are disclosed herein and still obtain alike or similar result without departing from or exceeding the spirit or scope of the disclosure. One skilled in the art will further understand that any properties reported herein represent properties that are routinely measured and can be obtained by multiple different methods. The methods described herein represent one such method and other methods may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] Example 1 - Preparation of Molded Door Modules

[0037] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, a mold having a wooden door pattern 75 with an overall dimension of about 0.91 meters (3.0 ft) by about 0.30 meters (1.0 ft) is prepared with two internal designs (grews) 85 in the middle of the door frame 80 on both the front and back side. The wooden door pattern 75 is used to make two FRP molds (2 ply each). Each FRP mold is prepared by adding wax and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution to the wooden door pattern 75 to form a negative FRP image of the door structure. Each mold is stored for later use in molding FRP door modules.

[0038] Each molded FRP door module is prepared by applying at least one coating layer of the silicone-based composition to the surface of the mold as a release agent. Alternatively, two coating layers are applied; alternatively, up to four coating layers are applied to the surface of the mold.

[0039] Then the mold is filled with at least one alternating layer of an unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) mixture and fiberglass reinforcement. Alternatively, up to about 3 layers of the UPR and fiberglass reinforcement is used depending upon the ply desired for the molded article. The mixing ratio for the UPR mixture is about 2 wt.% cobalt octoate and about 2 wt.% methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) for every 100 grams unsaturated polyester resin. After curing is complete at ambient temperature (~34°C), the FRP molded door module is removed from the mold.

[0040] Example 2 - Wetting Effect During FRP Molding

[0041] Three trials or runs are performed in which two coating layers of a release agent are applied to a simple mold that is designed in the form of a sheet; followed by forming a 1-ply sheet of a fiberglass reinforced UPR composite. The ease of removing the molded sheet from the mold, as well as the surface finish exhibited by the molded sheet is determined. The composition of the release agent used in each of the trials is described in Table 1.

[0042] Table 1

Run No. Silicone (Release Agent) Composition

1-1 1 part (silicone emulsion + 0.6 wt.% wetting agent) plus 4 parts water

1-2 1 part (silicone emulsion + 0.6 wt.% wetting agent) plus 4 parts water

1-3 1 part silicone emulsion plus 4 parts water [0043] In Run No.'s 1-1 and 1-2, in which the release agent represents a silicone composition prepared according to the present disclosure, the FRP molded sheet is easily removed from the mold and very little to no fish eyes are observed in relation to the molded sheet's surface finish. In other words, the FRP molded sheet is substantially free of any fish eyes. In comparison, Run No. 1-3, in which the release agent is only a silicone emulsion, difficulty in removing the sheet from the mold is encountered and the presence of fish eyes on the surface of the sheet is observed. One skilled in the art will understand that fish eyes is a surface defect characterized by circular voids or separation, which is caused by the presence of oily spots or silicone particles/droplets present on the surface.

[0044] Example 3 - FRP with or without water dilution

[0045] Two coating layers (2 coats) of a silicone-based composition comprising 1 part of a silicone emulsion with 0.6 wt.% of wetting agent diluted with 4 parts water is applied to the surface of a mold and dried for about 1.5 to 2 hours. In this example, the first coating layer is applied and partially dried, with the second coating layer being subsequently applied and dried. The formation of a single ply FRP composite is accomplished by adding fiberglass reinforcement and a UPR to the mold, which is allowed to cure for 2 hours. The ease of release of the molded FRP composite from the mold is observed to be good. The entire procedure is repeated with reproducibility being confirmed.

[0046] For comparison, two coating layers of a "neat" silicone-based composition comprising a silicone emulsion with 0.6 wt.% of wetting agent is applied and dried for about 1.5 to 2 hours using the same procedure as describe above. In this case, no water dilution is utilized. Similar to the results shown above for the use of water dilution, the ease release of the molded FRP composite from the mold is observed to be good. The entire procedure is repeated with reproducibility being confirmed.

[0047] This example demonstrates that the silicone composition may be either a "neat" composition without the use of an additional diluent or it can be a composition diluted with the use of diluent, such as water.

[0048] Example 4 - FRP Trials with Conditioned and Unconditioned Door Molds

[0049] In this example, a door mold as prepared in Example 1 is used to mold FRP composites. In the first trial (Run No. 4-1) the FRP mold is conditioned twice with a mixture of wax and PVA solution system by forming and removing a molded FRP door composite from the mold for each conditioning step. Then one coating layer of a diluted silicone-based composition (i.e., 1 part [silicone emulsion + 0.6% wetting agent] plus 4 parts water) is applied to the mold's surface and dried for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is followed by the application of a second coating layer using the same procedure. Finally, a single ply of fiberglass reinforcement and UPR is placed into the mold and allowed to cure at ambient temperature for about 2 hours to form an FPR door composite 100.

[0050] The surface of the mold used above in this example is then cleaned using 320/400/600 abrasive paper to remove any possible residue. The resulting surface of the mold is observed to be smooth and in an "unconditioned" state. One skilled in the art will understand that cleaning the residue from the surface can be done by other known means (e.g., chemical or mechanical) without exceeding the scope of the present disclosure. The process as described above is repeated for the preparation of a FRP composite.

[0051] One coating layer of diluted silicone-based composition (i.e., 1 part [silicone emulsion + 0.6% wetting agent] plus 4 parts water) is applied to the mold's surface and dried for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is followed by the application of a second coating layer of the silicone-based composition using the same procedure. Finally, a single ply of fiberglass reinforcement and UPR is placed into the mold and allowed to cure at ambient temperature for about 2 hours to form an FRP door composite. The ease release of the molded FRP door composite from the mold is observed to be smooth and easy. The entire procedure is repeated with reproducibility being confirmed. This example demonstrates the ease release of the molded FPR door composite 100 from a "conditioned" or "unconditioned" mold to be smooth and easy when the silicone-based composition is used as the release agent according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The entire procedure is repeated with reproducibility being confirmed.

[0052] The foregoing description of various forms of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The forms discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various forms and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is

1. A method of forming a fiber-reinforced plastic composite, the method comprising:

providing a mold;

coating the surface of the mold with one or more layers of a silicone-based composition as a release agent; wherein the silicone-based composition comprises a silicone emulsion and a wetting agent;

filling the mold with a resin and fiber reinforcement;

allowing the resin and fiber reinforcement to at least partially cure to form a molded FRP composite;

removing the molded FRP composite from the mold; and

optionally, repeating the previous steps.

2. The method according to Claim 1 , wherein the mold is prepared using a mixture of wax and polyvinyl alcohol.

3. The method according to any of Claims 1 or 2, wherein the resin used to fill the mold is an unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) and the fiber reinforcement is fiberglass.

4. The method according to any of Claims 1-3, wherein the silicone-based composition is applied to the surface of the mold as one or more coating layers.

5. The method according to Claim 4, wherein the silicone-based composition is applied to the surface of the mold as two coating layers.

6. The method according to any of Claims 4 or 5, wherein the coating layer is applied using at least one of a spraying, brushing, or swabbing technique.

7. The method according to any of Claims 4-6, wherein the coating layer is allowed to at least partially dry.

8. The method according to any of Claims 1-7, wherein the resin and fiber reinforcement is allowed to cure at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature.

9. The method according to any of Claims 1-8, wherein the method further comprises the step of mechanically or chemically cleaning the surface of the mold.

10. The method according to any of Claims 1-9, wherein the silicone emulsion is a dispersion of a high molecular weight polydialkylsiloxane, polydiarylsiloxane, polyalkyarylsiloxane, or a mixture thereof in water; the siloxane polymer present in an amount within the range of 20 wt.% to 80 wt.% based on the overall weight of the silicone emulsion.

11. The method according to Claim 10, wherein the silicone emulsion is a dispersion of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in water; optionally, the PDMS may include carboxyl, amino, or hydroxyl functionality.

12. The method according to any of Claims 1-11 , wherein the silicone emulsion further comprises at least one additional additive, the additional additive being selected from a dispersant and a preservative.

13. The method according to any of Claims 1-12, wherein the silicone wetting agent is a mixture of 10 wt.% to 30 wt.% of polyethylene oxide monoallyl ether and 90 wt.% to 70 wt.% hydroxyl terminated, ethoxylated 3-(3-hyroxypropyl)-heptamethyltrisiloxane based on the overall weight of the silicone wetting agent.

14. The method according to any of Claims 1-13, wherein the wetting agent being present in an amount ranging from 0.01 wt.% to 1.0 wt.% based on the silicone-based composition.

15. The method according to any of Claims 1-14, wherein the silicone composition further comprises from 1 part to 10 parts water as a diluent to every 1 part of the silicone emulsion and wetting agent present.

16. The method according to any of Claims 1-15, wherein the silicone-based composition exhibits an equilibrium surface tension between 20 dynes/cm to 23 dynes/cm

17. The method according to any of Claims 1-16, wherein the FRP composite exhibits a surface that is substantially free from fish eye defects

18. A fiber-reinforced plastic composite molded according to the method of any of Claims 1-17.

19. A silicone-based composition for use as a release agent in the molding of a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) composite, the silicone-based composition comprising:

a silicone emulsion; the silicone emulsion being a dispersion of a high molecular weight polydialkylsiloxane, polydiarylsiloxane, polyalkyarylsiloxane, or a mixture thereof in water, with the siloxane polymer being present in an amount within the range of 20 wt.% to 80 wt.% based on the overall weight of the silicone emulsion; and

a wetting agent; the wetting agent being present in an amount ranging from 0.01 wt.% to 1.0 wt.% based on the silicone-based composition.

20. The silicone-based composition of Claim 19, wherein the silicone-based composition is used according to the method of any of Claims 1-9, 11-13, and 15-18.