ARTICLES AND METHODS FOR PROTECTING SUBSTRATES

摘要

This invention provides articles and methods for surface protection which comprises a layer of a gel material having a cone penetration of about 100 to about 350(10<-><1> mm) and an ultimate elongation of at least 100% and a covering layer of a flexible material which is flexible when installed on the surface to be protected and is hardenable or curable so that after installation the covering layer hardens to hold the gel layer in position and protect the gel layer from mechanical and other environmental conditions. This invention is particularly suitable for providing surface protection for underwater structures by applying the gel layer to displace the water from the surface which is underwater and providing a water curable covering layer which, after being applied to the surface, cures underwater to provide the required mechanical protection for the gel layer.