Methods of coating glass using water-dispersible epoxy resin compositions, glass materials coated therewith and composite materials containing the same

Abstract

Methods of coating glass with coating compositions comprising a water-dispersible epoxy resin which is solid at 20° C., in an amount of from 1 to 98% by weight, with the proviso that the epoxy resin does not comprise a reaction product of epichlorohydrin and a component selected from the group consisting of bisphenol A and bisphenol F; a water-dilutable epoxy resin hardener in an amount of from 1 to 98% by weight; and water in an amount of from 1 to 98% by weight, are described along with methods of reinforcing synthetic fibers and composite materials including such coated glass.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of coating a glass substrate, said method comprising: 
 (a) providing a glass substrate; and    (b) contacting the glass substrate with a coating composition comprising a water-dispersible epoxy resin which is solid at 20° C., with the proviso that the epoxy resin does not comprise a reaction product of epichlorohydrin and a component selected from the group consisting of bisphenol A and bisphenol F.    
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the coating composition further comprises a water-dilutable epoxy resin hardener in an amount of from 1 to 98% by weight and water in an amount of from 1 to 98% by weight, and wherein the water-dispersible epoxy resin is present in an amount of from 1 to 98% by weight.  
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the glass substrate comprises a glass fiber.  
     
     
         4 . A coated glass fiber prepared by the process comprising: 
 (a) providing a glass fiber to be coated;    (b) providing a coating composition comprising a water-dispersible epoxy resin which is solid at 20° C., in an amount of from 1 to 98% by weight, with the proviso that the epoxy resin does not comprise a reaction product of epichlorohydrin and a component selected from the group consisting of bisphenol A and bisphenol F; a water-dilutable epoxy resin hardener in an amount of from 1 to 98% by weight; and water in an amount of from 1 to 98% by weight; and    (c) contacting at least a portion of the glass fiber with the coating composition.    
     
     
         5 . A method of reinforcing synthetic fiber, said method comprising: 
 (a) providing a synthetic fiber;    (b) providing a coated glass fiber according to  claim 4;  and    (c) combining the synthetic fiber and the coated glass fiber.    
     
     
         6 . A composite material comprising a coated glass fiber according to  claim 4  and one or more other materials or fillers.