BEHAVIOUR OF METHYLCELLULOSE GEL AT HIGHER CONCENTRATIONS FOR CLEANING OF ACRYLIC PAINTED SURFACES

Abstract

This research demonstrates the application of methylcellulose (MC) as a gelator for cleaning acrylic painted surfaces. Highly thickened methylcellulose gels were predominantly tested to investigate the residue left after cleaning. The function of methylcellulose as a molecular trap was also assessed to minimize the clearance issue. The presence of residue, the efficacy of the methylcellulose as a cleaning agent and its physical impact on the paint surfaces were investigated using a digital microscope in normal, raking, and ultraviolet lights. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used to study the compositional and topographical changes on the paint surface. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed in attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mode to observe the presence of residues after complete removal of the gelling agent. The experimental results indicated a minimum interaction of methylcellulose on the paint surface as the concentration increases in the gel formulation. The super-thickened hydrogels also worked like molecular traps useful for removal of soiling from the painted surfaces.