MXPA99002667A - Stable, foamed caulk and sealant compounds and methods of use thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Stable foam caulk, sealant and insulation compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise a waxy, solid foam stabilizer and a liquid lithophilic surfactant having low HLB value of about 3-14. The foam stabilizer provides stable support for bubbles formed from the drying of the latex emulsion of film forming polymer, and the volatile liquid hydrocarbon propellant. In addition to the use in caulking, sealant or insulation methods, the compositions can be used to form artificial terrains or other hardenable structural surfaces as backgrounds or support means for hobbies, crafts and the like.

Description

SEALING AND SEALING CODES STABLE MACHINES AND METHODS FOR USING THEMSELVES FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to foamable compositions which upon release from it in the form of foam from an aerosol can or the like, present a stable foamed product, capable of being used as a coating, sealant or insulating compound. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Coating, insulating and sealing compositions are used to seal joints and other voids and to reinforce frameworks, tiles, panels, cleats, laminated boards and other structural assemblies. The application in foam form of said compositions from pressurized containers and the like, is highly convenient due to the general ease of application. The issues related to easy cleaning require that these foamed products are washed with simple solutions of soap and water. Some of the available foamed compositions are not stable and contract excessively after application in the form of foam to the desired structure. In a very obvious way, therefore, these products do not provide the sealing efficiency or general insulation. In addition, other foamed products tend to weaken or drip after the application, leading back to fal.

Accordingly, it is an objective to provide a foamable, coating, insulating or sealing composition that does not contract substantially after application. It is another objective to provide a foamable composition which, after foaming, can be easily cleaned with soap and water. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects are met by the foamable compositions of the present invention. The compositions according to the invention can be used, for example, to provide latex foam coating and patching compounds, latex foam stucco including internal and external wall treatment, ceiling and ceiling coatings and foam adhesives. latex The compositions may be placed in pressurized aerosol containers for the application of foamed coating beads or may be contained within large pressurized bulky packages having flexible hose or gun connectors associated therewith, so that building connectors and the like may Easily supplied with larger amounts to the compositions. Unlike polyurethane foam sealants, the compositions according to the invention can be washed simply with water. Current polyurethanes do not wash but only wear out over time. Also, in contrast to the polyurethane based products, the compositions will be more stable due to the propensity of the urethane to the uncontrollable expansion. Additionally, the foams according to the invention are more "manipulable with tools" and provide more uniform surfaces when applied than urethanes. The compositions according to the invention comprise an aqueous latex emulsion of a film-forming polymer. The latex emulsion is dispersible in water and consequently can be washed from the hands of the user with soap and water. The compositions according to the invention also comprise a solid foam stabilizer (i.e. at room temperature). The foam stabilizer is a waxy material selected from the group of fatty alcohols and acid grades and esters of diols of fatty acids. A liquid surfactant is used in conjunction with the solid foam stabilizer. Although a variety of different types of liquid surfactants may be employed, liquid nonionic surfactants having an H LB of about 3-14, preferably about 4-10, have proven to be effective in tests performed. A carrier of the liquefiable gaseous propellant components can be employed in the composition. However, it is preferred to use a combination of dimethyl ether (DME) and a volatile liquid hydrocarbon wherein the hydrocarbon of liquids is present in volume, in an amount greater than that of DM E.

Conventional coatings can also be added to the composition to provide desired anti-weakening pigmentation. The invention will be further described together with the accompanying drawings and detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic view showing the use of foamable compositions of the invention as a coating for filling the spaces that exist between adjacent laminated board panels of a construction; Figure 2 is a schematic view showing the use of the compositions to isolate structures from a construction; Figure 3 is a schematic view that startles the use of the compositions of the invention in methods for patching walls; Figure 4 is a schematic view showing an artificial terrain composed of the foamable compositions present, here is shown a montage for a floral display; and Figure 5 is a schematic view of a model train installation having an artificial ground reinforcement composed of the foamable compositions of the invention. Detailed Description of the Invention The compositions of the invention are contained, before being foamed, in an aerosol container or larger bulky amount which, after being charged with the composition, is loaded under sufficient pressure to expel a foamed bead or similar strip a wick of housing material. Such containers are well known in the art and do not need to be explained here. Here, it is sufficient to establish that said containers are operatively associated with means of sufficient value so as to selectively open the container thus allowing the expulsion of the pressurized components housed therein and to close the container after the desired foamed application. . An aeorosol container that can be adapted in order to provide a product similar to foamed coating according to the invention is shown in the Patent of E. U.A. 3,705,669 (Cox).

The compositions of the invention comprise a film-forming polymer present in the form of an emulsion. The film-forming polymer can be defined to be dispersible by water when in the form of an emulsion and, the polymer is dispersible, or soluble, in the propellant as will be specified hereinafter. By film formation it can be understood that the polymer, after the evaporation of the propellant, should remain in the form of a cohesive foam. Generally, thermoplastic polymers as a class are acceptable as film forming polymers. Polymers derived from ethylenically unsaturated compounds such as styrene and / or acrylic acid and their lower alkyl esters can be mentioned as illustrative together with other vinyl compounds such as vinyl acetate, vinyl butyrate, etc. An illustrative listing of suitable film forming polymers can be seen in the U.S. Patent. 4,381, 066, incorporated herein by reference. Latex emulsions comprising acrylic acid, lower alkyl acrylates, styrene, vinyl acetate and / or ethylene-based polymers are preferred. A preferred combination is a combination of a styrene / acrylic copolymer with a vinyl acetate / ethylene copolymer. The glass transition temperatures of the polymeric constituents can vary over a wide range from about -40 to about 1 10 ° C depending on the degree of hardness ultimately desired for the foam. The propellant constituents can be chosen from a wide variety of liquefiable gaseous compounds such as C?-C6 alkanes and C1-C6 alkenes. In this regard, volatile liquid hydrocarbons such as propane, n-butane, isobutane, hexane, n-pentane, 2-methylbutane, 1-pentene, butene, 2-methyl-2-butene, cyclobutane, cyclopentane and cyclohexane can be employed. Less conveniently, the halogenated hydrocarbons such as vinyl chloride, methyl chloride, methyl bromide, dichlorodifluoromethane 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and 1,1-difluoroethane, etc. can be used. , although some of these are not favored due to environmental issues. A detailed listing of liquid propellants can be seen in the Patent of E. U.A. 4,381, 066 (Page) incorporated here by reference. In addition to the hydrocarbon component, the volatile liquids described above, the propellant preferably comprises dimethyl ether (DME). The amount of DME in the composition of propellants is controlled so that the volatile liquid hydrocarbon is present in a volumetric amount greater than the DME. For example, the volatile liquid hydrocarbon should be present in an amount (by volume) of 1-5: 1, preferably, volatile liquid hydrocarbon: DME of 2: 1. The propellant is added to the foamable composition in an amount of 2-10% by weight based on the weight of the total composition. Preferably, the propellant is present in an amount of between about 4-6% by weight. It has been found that the use of DME in the propellant increases the rapid drying of the resulting foams. A solid waxy foam stabilizer is also present in the foamable composition. The foam stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohols, fatty acids and diol esters of said fatty acids such as mono- and alkylene glycol di-esters. The term "fatty", as recited herein, shall mean alkyl chains of about d4-C2. The following can be mentioned as illustrative: Fatty alcohols Stearyl alcohol CH3 (CH2) 17OH Cetyl alcohol CH3 (CH2)? SOH Myristyl alcohol CH3 (CH2) 13OH Fatty acids Stearyl alcohol CH3 (CH2) 16COOH Cetyl alcohol CH3 (CH2) i4COOH Myristyl alcohol CH3 (CH2)? 2COOH (preliminary results here indicate that the foam fails after approximately 2-5 min.).

Esters ethylene glycol distearate ethylene glycol monostearate ethylene glycol monostearate In addition to the normally solid foam stabilizer, a liquid lipophilic surfactant is employed to function as the liquid / oil interface. A liquid surfactant carrier can be used. Preferred are nonionic surfactants having liquids having H LB values of about 3-14, preferably about 4-10. Of these classes, there can be mentioned the ethers of non-ionic liquid fatty alcohol and PEG castor oils. Preliminary data indicate that ethoxylated fatty alcohol ethers, such as ethoxylated oleyl ether (2) (Brij 93, available from ICI, HLB of 4.9), are very effective. It has been proven that polyethylene glycol ethers from castor oil are effective in preliminary tests. A product which combines the solid waxy foam stabilizer and the surfactant is commercially available under the designation of CR Incroquat from Croda. This surfactant product is a mixture of cetyl alcohol, PEG-40 castor oil and a quaternary ammonium salt cationic surfactant agent, stearylalkonium chloride. The stearilalconium chloride component is reported, in an amount of about 15%. It is thought that the effective components of this product, from the point of view of improving foam stability, are cetyl alcohol (present in dispersed form in the commercially available product and acting as the solid foam stabilizer) and castor oil. PEG-40 that acts as an emulsifying agent. The liquid surfactant and solid foam stabilizer, waxy, are present in an amount of about 1 -5: 5-1 parts by weight with a ratio of (1: 2) being preferred. In addition to the above components, the foamable compositions may also comprise a dispersant / solvent such as isopropanol to help disperse the surface active agent and the waxy solid upon melting. The isopropanol also helps to dry the foam and acts as a container for heat when the solid surfactant is melted and mixed during the preparation of the foamable formulation. Other components that include fillers such as silica, asbestos, chalk, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, siloxanes, other sun-drying pigments and calcium carbonate, etc. , they can be watered optionally. Ethylene glycol and other freeze-thaw agents can be included in the formulation. It can also be seen that the flame retardant compounds are possibly added. These include antimony oxides, brominated and chlorinated paraffins, A1 (OH) 3 and aromatic flame retardants. All of these compounds are referred to herein broadly as "fillers". In addition, water repellent compounds can be included in the formulation as needed. In this regard, it is commercially available and a carrier of said compounds may be used. Illustrative water repellent compounds include the water repellents of siloxanes, waxes and cationics. Preliminary data suggest that cationic water repellents provide enhanced water repellency function without causing excessive "weakening" in the foamed formulation. At present, cationic amines such as quaternary ammonium salts are preferred. U not of such products is available under the trademark Mackern ium SDC-85 from Mcl ntyre Group Ltd. , University Park, Ill inois. This product is a stearalkonium chloride available as flakes. If ferrous metal containers are used to house the formulation, it may be desirable to add a smaller amount of an oxidation inhibitor component to the formulation. Again, these are available from many commercial providers. A number of said oxidation inhibitors is available from Raybo Chemical Co. , under the m arca com er to "Raybo 60 No R ust".

Anti-microbial agents such as fungicides, algicides, moked, etc. , they can also be added to the formulation. One such fungicide is sold under the trademark "Polyphase AF1" and is available from Troy Chemical. Exemplary compositions include the following components (components a, b, c, d and e, all added up to 100%): a) film formation at 60-97 (% by weight based on the weight of the polymer emulsion of the foamable composition before loading the propellant b) foam stabilizer 1 -10 solid, waxy, c) surfactant 1 - 1 0 d) dispersant / solvent 1 -10 e) fillers 0-40 f) water repellents 0-5 g) oxidation inhibitors 0-5 h) antimicrobial agents 0-5 (a) (b) (c) (d) ( e) (f) (g) and (h) aggregates up to 100% by weight Propellant 2-10 (% by weight based on the weight of the composition including the propellant) Usually, the solid, waxy foam stabilizer is melted and mixed with the dispersant / solvent and the surfactant. Then, this mixture is added to the required polymer emulsions. The fillings are then added as desired. The mixture is added to the desired container and charged with the propellant in an amount of about 2-10% by weight. The optimum pressure inside the container is approximately 0.703 kg / cm2 at room temperature. EXAMPLES The following sieving test was employed in order to determine whether the stable foams were produced by the candidate formulations tested. Preparation of Screening Formulations The solid, waxy foam stabilizer was melted and mixed with isopropanol. The surfactants and latexes of the required polymer were then added to the resulting mixture. Approximately 340 grams of the resulting emulsion were then charged into an aerosol container together with a liquid propellant mixture comprising hydrocarbon propellant of "A-70" (ie propane isopropane and n-butane) and dimethyl ether (DME) hydrocarbon propellants. ). The total charge of the propellant was about 4-6% by weight based on the combined weight of the emulsion and the propellant. The "A-70" was present in an amount of 2: 1 parts per volume "A- 70": DME. Expansion Tests The sieving formulations were then sprayed from the can in the form of foam-like beads. The initial weight of each bead was measured and then the weight was measured again after 18-24 hours. The expansion (or contraction) was measured according to the formula: height of the pearl after 18-24 hours2 = increment Initial Pearl Height volumetric The volumetric increase of the order of approximately 0.4 and greater, were considered acceptable. Expansions of 0.6 to 1 and larger are more convenient. In some cases, the subjective evaluation of foam stability was carried out in the form of approved P or failed F. The results of these tests are shown in Table 1. TABLE 1 Brij 93 alcohol 4.9 oleyl ether 1.13 cetyl POE (2) alcohol Brij 93 4.9 myristyl ether 1.32 myristyl POE (2). Brij acid 93 4.9 oleyl ether 1.09 seric POE (2) to Brij 93 chloride 4.9 oleyl ether 0.48 stearal-POE (2) conium from Mackernio SDC-84 b Witconol Brij 93 4.9 oleyl ether 1.49 2380 POE (2) propylene glycol monostearate. Brij 93 acetic acid 4.9 oleyl ether 1.13 POE (2). Brij acid 93 4.9 Oleyl ether 0.12 myristic POE (2) * lncroquat is a surfactant product comprising cetyl alcohol, PEG40 castor oil and etherealconium chloride. Example 5 presents 5.5% ** Example 6 Incroquat presents 1.8% P = approved the foam expansion test (control operation with cetyl alcohol only failed to provide foam stability). 12 a and b + Formulation Screening Formulation 1 -4 5 6 7-14 Surface active agent 2.8 1 .8 5.5 1.8 I PA 1 .4 1 .4 1 .4 5.0 styrene / acrylic copolymer 22.6 23.5 22.6 22.6 vinyl acetate / ethylene copolymer 33.5 34.8 33.5 33.6 solid waxy foam stabilizer 2.8 NDNDND ethylene glycol water% by weight N D = not available; % of solids dispersed in commercial products not described. The above surfactants are available from the following suppliers: Heterene available Hexane available in Croda Brijs available from ICI Pegosperses available from Lonza Comparative Tests The following combinations of the waxy solid and surfactant were tested. The formulations used (except for the type of waxy solid) were as specified above except that it was not observed to the contrary. The results are shown in Table 2. Table 2 Based on the currently available data, the preferred composition to be used is as follows.

Mackernio SDC-85 0.7% Brij 93 1 .8% Waxy solid foam stabilizer 3.6% I PA 4.0% Ethylene glycol 2.0% Raybo 60 No Rust 1.25% Polymer a) Styrene / acrylic copolymer = 48.5%, Tg «103 ° C Lucidene 370, available from Morton International Solids present 21.01% b) Polyvinyl acetate / ethylene copolymer; solids 72.0%, Tg «0 ° C; Airflex 720 BP, available from Air Products Solid present 31.19% Water rest For these emulsions, a propellant as described above (preferably 2: 1 - in volume-A-70: DME) was added to an amount of about 4.95% based on the weight of all the components present (including the propellant). Although the applicants are not bound by any particular theory of operation, the liquid surfactant is thought to emulsify the propellant component of volatile liquid hydrocarbons. The waxy solid stabilizes the latex foam by crystallizing around the drop of emulsified oil when extruded. The foamable compositions according to the invention can be used to fill joints, cracks, seams, separations or other spaces in or between the building units of the structure. For example, in Figure 1, foamed composition 100 is applied to seal cracks 20 that exist between members of laminated boards for adjacent walls 22 of the construction structure. The foamable composition 100 is supplied to the crack from a pressurized spray can 102. Similarly, foamable compositions can be used to provide insulation in the construction industry. With respect to Figure 2, the composition is applied in foamable form between the members of the wall studs 222, 224. Here, the foamable compositions are supplied through a wide-mouth nozzle means 226 from an enlarged pressurized can 230 that can be conveniently tied to the back of the worker. Thus, the foams according to the invention can be applied to provide properties similar to thermal insulation, sound deadening or moisture barrier. The compositions according to the invention can be applied with appropriate tools or similar to the required substrate. As shown in Figure 3, the foamable composition 100 of the invention is used as a patching material to fill concavities or holes in the surface of the wall 320. The user simply applied a mass or a certain amount of the composition 100 in the desired concavity and works the composition with a conduit 322. After the foamable composition is fixed, a uniform surface is provided. As shown in Figure 4, the foamable composition can also be used to provide artificial terrain 404, for a variety of craftsmanship and entertainment purposes. Here, the foamable composition is supplied and formed in the required artificial terrain 404 that provides an anchoring site or means for supporting a plurality of flowers 402. Although the artificial terrain 404 is shown herein in conjunction with, and providing, a flower holder 402, foamable compositions can be used to supply similar soils or reinforcement materials for a carrier of other handicrafts or entertainment items. In Figure 5, the stage reinforcement 502 formed of the foamable compositions of the invention, is used to provide a flattened artificial topography for a rail model set. The foamed latex polymer compositions of the invention have a natural home in the craft market due to the convenience and safety of a water based foam. The toy market for this foam technology is attractive for the same reasons. This latex polymer foam technology has application in the manufacture of automotive and industrial equipment as an insulating or adhesive sealant. Other industrial applications may include the use of open cell foams for drainage treatment, filtration devices, anion / cation exchange resins and microbiological growth media. Medical applications should include the investigation of open cell foams to graft tissue or biomedical implants and the stabilization of biological macromolecules such as proteins, cellulosics and polysaccharides in foam products.

The foams according to the invention can be used as an encapsulation medium or coating for application on toxic materials and / or other hazardous materials. For example, structural units that have asbestos such as walls, ceilings and flooring may simply be coated with the foam compositions. After drying, covered structural units may exhibit reduced ejection of pollutants carried in the air. Possibly, the foams could be used to encapsulate radioactive materials. As previously noted, the latex foam compositions of the invention can be used as a foam insulating sealant, ceiling texture, non-compressible coating, textured patching compounds, stucco repair products, white glue, building adhesive, plaster and hand cleaners. There are a myriad of other potential uses for these compositions. As possibilities the following are mentioned: 1) applications of filling of cracks 2) component in products of replacement of tapes for laminated boards / mud 3) component in sealer of cracks of roads 4) component in repellents against insects of foam in place 5 ) component of smoke / fire containment product 6) pipe insulation sealant 7) coating for painters 8) component in foam packing material in place 9) component in sound absorber 10) component in adhesive sediments 1 1 ) component in temporary auxiliary alignment of tackiness in place 12) component in foam leveler in place / space covering / adhesive. 13) component in replacement for white glues 14) component in coating supply system at volume 15) component in moisture barrier. Many of these compositions are also provided with application techniques of volume well suited for the manufactured housing market. Others similar to patching and repair products are more suitable for convenient "no gun" aerosol cans. Unlike competitive polyurethane foams, the present foamable compositions do not contain isocyanates which are skin and respiratory sensitizers. (Once sensitized, exposure to isocyanates can cause respiratory failure). The present compositions will not permanently bind to the skin and can be easily removed by cleaning with water. Polyurethane requires a flammable solvent dangerous for removal. The compositions of the invention are easy to control during application. They are manageable with tools and moldable and can be reused by eliminating the expense and stirring of polyurethane foam. In addition, the foam compositions can be painted with all the paints. Oil-based paints (including virtually all spray paint) will dissolve the polyurethane foam. The foam compositions present do not require painting for exterior applications because they are UV stable. They remain white and do not discolor or degrade like polyurethane foam. The compositions do not exhibit hydraulic effect to cause weakening or structural failure. While this invention has been described with respect to the particular embodiments thereof, it is obvious that numerous other forms and modifications of this invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that the appended claims and this invention will generally cover all obvious forms and modifications that are within the spirit and actual scope of the present invention.

Claims (83)

1. REVITALIZATION IS 1. Foamable composition adapted to be stored in a pressurized aerosol container having a valve associated therewith for dispensing the contents of the container in the form of a foam, the composition comprising: (a) an aqueous emulsion comprising a film-forming polymer; (b) a liquid propellant; (c) a solid waxy foam stabilizer; and (d) a liquid lipophilic surfactant. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the film-forming polymer comprises an emulsion including polyvinyl acetate / ethylene copolymer and styrene / acrylic copolymer. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the liquid propellant comprises a liquefied gas component selected from the group consisting of lower C? -C6 alkanes and lower C? -C6 alkenes. Composition according to claim 3, wherein the lower C 1 -C 6 alkane is present and comprises propane, isobutane and n-butane. 5. Composition according to claim 3, wherein the liquid propellant further comprises dimethyl ether (DME) and wherein the DME is present in a volume ratio of DME: C? -C6 lower alkane of about 1: fifteen. 6. Composition according to claim 5, wherein the DME is present in a volume ratio of DME.alkyl lower of C? -C6 of about 1: 2. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the liquid lipophilic surfactant has an HLB of about 3 to 14. 8. Composition according to claim 7, wherein the liquid lipophilic surfactant has a HLB of about 4. 10 Composition according to claim 8, wherein the liquid lipophilic surfactant comprises a member of the group consisting of fatty alcohol ethers and ethoxylated castor oils. 10. Composition according to claim 9, wherein the fatty alcohol ether comprises ethoxylated oleyl ether (2). 11. Composition according to claim 7, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises a member selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohols, fatty acids and esters of fatty acid diols. 12. Composition according to claim 11, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises stearyl alcohol. 13. Composition according to claim 11, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises cetyl alcohol. 14. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises myristyl alcohol. 15. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises stearic acid. 16. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises acetic acid. 17. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises alkyne glycol ester of said fatty acids. 18. The composition according to claim 18, wherein the alkylene glycol ester comprises a member selected from ethylene glycol distearate and propylene glycol monostearate and ethylene glycol monostearate. 19. Foamable insulating or coating composition for storage under pressure in a dispenser, the dispenser adapted to release a foamed bead or strip of said coating or insulating composition, the composition comprising: (a) an aqueous emulsion comprising a polymer of film formation; (b) a solid, waxy foam stabilizer; (c) a liquid lipophilic surfactant having a HLB value of from about 3 to about 14; and (d) a liquid propellant comprising dimethyl ether (DME) and volatile liquid hydrocarbon wherein the volumetric ratio of DME: volatile liquid hydrocarbon is about 1: 1 -5. 20. Composition according to claim 19, wherein the film-forming polymer comprises styrene / acrylic copolymer and polyvinyl acetate / ethylene copolymer in a weight ratio of about 0.5-0.6 styrene / acrylic copolymer: polyvinyl acetate / ethylene copolymer. twenty-one . Composition according to claim 20, wherein the propellant is present in an amount of about 2-10% by weight based on the weight of (a) (b) (c) and (d). 22. The composition according to claim 21, wherein the propellant is present in an amount of about 4-6% by weight. 23. Composition according to claim 20, wherein the foam stabilizer comprises a member selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohols, fatty acids and esters of fatty acid diols. 24. The composition according to claim 23, wherein the lipophilic surfactant comprises a member selected from the group consisting of ethers of fatty alcohols and non-ethoxylated rici oils. 25. Coating composition or foamable insulation for storage under pressure in a dispenser, the dispenser adapted to release a foamed bead or a strip of said coating or insulating composition, the composition comprising: (a) an aqueous emulsion comprising a forming polymer of film; (b) a solid waxy foam stabilizer; (c) a liquid lipophilic surfactant; and (d) a liquid propellant, the composition, after the release of foam from the dispenser, exhibiting a volumetric expansion of about 18-24 hours after release of about 0.4 and greater. 26. Composition according to claim 25, wherein the volumetric expansion is about 0.6 and greater. 27. Composition according to claim 26, wherein the volumetric expansion is about 1.0 and greater. 28. Composition according to claim 27, wherein the solid foam stabilizer comprises a member selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohols, fatty acids and esters of fatty acid diols. 29. The composition according to claim 27, wherein the liquid lipophilic surfactant comprises a member selected from the group consisting of ethers of fatty alcohols and ethoxylated castor oils. 30. Method for filling joints, cracks or spaces that exist between adjacent structural units which comprises applying to said crack or gap junction a sufficient amount of filler of a foamable composition comprising: (a) an aqueous emulsion comprising a film forming polymer; (b) an liquid propellant; (c) a solid waxy foam stabilizer; and (d) a liquid lipophilic surfactant 31. Method according to claim 30, wherein the film-forming polymer comprises an emulsion including polyvinyl acetate / ethylene copolymer and styrene / acrylic copolymer. 32. Method according to claim 31, wherein the liquid propellant comprises a liquefied gas component selected from the group consisting of lower Ci-Ce alkanes and lower Ci-Cβ-33 alkenes. Method according to claim 32, wherein the lower C6-C6 alkane is present and comprises propane, isobutane and n-butane. 34. Method according to claim 33, wherein the liquid propellant further comprises dimethyl ether (DME) and wherein DME is present in a volume ratio of DME: Lower C? -C6 alkane of about 1: 1 -5. 35. Method according to claim 34, wherein the DME is present in a volume ratio of DME: C1-C6 lower alkane of about 1: 2. 36. Method according to claim 30, wherein the liquid lipophilic surfactant has an HLB of about 3 to 14. 37. Method according to claim 36, wherein the liquid lipophilic surfactant has a HLB of about 4-5. 10 38. The method according to claim 37, wherein the liquid lipophilic surfactant comprises a member of the group consisting of fatty alcohol ethers and ethoxylated castor oils. 39. Method according to claim 38, wherein the fatty alcohol ether comprises ethoxylated oleyl ether (2). 40. Method according to claim 36, wherein the solid wax foam stabilizer comprises a member selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty acid diol esters. 41. Method according to claim 40, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises stearyl alcohol. 42. Method according to claim 40, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises cetyl alcohol. 43. Method according to claim 40, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises myristyl alcohol. 44. Method according to claim 40, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises stearic acid. 45. Method according to claim 40, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises acetic acid. 46. Method according to claim 41, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises alkylene glycol ester of said fatty acids. 47. The method according to claim 46, wherein the alkylene glycol ester comprises a member selected from ethylene glycol distearate and propylene glycol monostearate and ethylene glycol monostearate. 48. Method for providing an insulating layer between the structural joints comprising applying a layer of foamable compositions adjacent to one of the structural units, the foamable composition comprising: (a) an aqueous emulsion comprising a film-forming polymer; (b) a liquid propellant; (c) a solid waxy foam stabilizer; and (d) a liquid lipophilic surfactant. 49. Method according to claim 48, wherein the film-forming polymer comprises an emulsion including polyvinyl acetate / ethylene copolymer and styrene / acrylic copolymer. 50. Method according to claim 48, wherein the liquid propellant comprises a liquefied gas component selected from the group consisting of lower C? -C6 alkanes and lower C? -C6-51 alkenes. Method according to claim 50, wherein the lower C6-C6 alkane is present and comprises propane, sobutane and n-butane. 52. Method according to claim 51, wherein the liquid propellant further comprises dimethyl ether (DME) and wherein DME is present in a volume ratio of DME: C1-C6 lower alkane of about 1: 1 - 5. 53. Method according to claim 52, wherein the DME is present in a volume ratio of DME: C? -C6 lower alkane of about 1: 2. 54. The method according to claim 48, wherein the liquid lipophilic surfactant has an H LB of about 3 to 14. The method according to claim 54, wherein the liquid lipophilic surfactant has an HLB of approximately 4-10. 56. Method according to claim 55, wherein the liquid lipophilic surfactant comprises a member of the group consisting of fatty alcohol ethers and ethoxylated castor oils. 57. Method according to claim 56, wherein the fatty alcohol ether comprises ethoxylated oleyl ether (2). 58. Method according to claim 54, wherein the solid wax foam stabilizer comprises a member selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty acid diol esters. 59. Method according to claim 58, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises stearyl alcohol. 60. Method according to claim 58, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises cetyl alcohol. 61 Method according to claim 58, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises myristyl alcohol. 62. Method according to claim 58, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises stearic acid. 63. Method according to claim 58, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises acetic acid. 64. The method according to claim 58, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises glycol ester of alkylene glycol of said fatty acids. 65. The method according to claim 64, wherein the glycol ester of alkylene comprises a member selected from ethylene glycol distearate and propylene glycol monostearate and ethylene glycol monostearate. 66. Method for forming an artificial terrain useful as a structural support or reinforcement for an entertainment or craft article comprising providing a foamable composition mass, the composition comprising: (a) an aqueous emulsion comprising a polymer forming movie; (b) a liquid propellant; (c) a solid waxy foam stabilizer; and (d) a liquid lipophilic surfactant. 67. Method according to claim 66, wherein the film-forming polymer comprises an emulsion including polyvinyl acetate / ethylene copolymer and styrene / acrylic copolymer. 68. Method according to claim 66, wherein the liquid propellant comprises a liquefied gas component selected from the group consisting of lower C? -C6 alkanes and lower C? -C6 alkenes. 69. Method according to claim 68, wherein the lower C6-C6 alkane is present and comprises propane, isobutane and n-butane. 70. Method according to claim 69, wherein the liquid propellant further comprises dimethyl ether (DME) and wherein DM E is present in a volume ratio of DME: C? -C6 lower alkane of about 1: fifteen. 71 Method according to claim 70, wherein the DM E is present in a volume ratio of DM E: Ci-Cβ lower alkane of about 1: 2. 72. Method according to claim 66, wherein the liquid lipophilic surfactant liquid has an HLB of about 3 to 14. 73. Method according to claim 72, wherein the liquid lipophilic surfactant liquid has a HLB of about 4-5. 10 74. The method according to claim 73, wherein the liquid lipophilic surfactant comprises a member of the group consisting of fatty alcohol ethers and ethoxylated castor oils. 75. Method according to claim 74, wherein the fatty alcohol ether comprises ethoxylated oleyl ether (2). 76. Method according to claim 74, wherein the solid wax foam stabilizer comprises a member selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty acid diol esters. 77. Method according to claim 76, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises stearyl alcohol. 78. Method according to claim 76, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises cetyl alcohol. 79. Method according to claim 76, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises myristyl alcohol. 80. Method according to claim 76, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises stearic acid. 81 Method according to claim 76, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises acetic acid. 82. Method according to claim 76, wherein the solid waxy foam stabilizer comprises alkylene glycol ester of said fatty acids. 83. The method according to claim 82, wherein the alkylene glycol ester comprises a member selected from ethylene glycol distearate and propylene glycol monostearate and ethylene glycol monostearate. RESU M EN Stable foam compositions are described for coating, sealing and insulation. The compositions comprise a waxy solid foam stabilizer and a liquid lipophilic surfactant having a low H LB value of about 3-14. The foam stabilizer provides stable support for bubbles formed by drying the latex emulsion of the film forming polymer and the volatile liquid hydrocarbon propellant. In addition to the use in methods for coating, sealing or insulation, the compositions can be used to form artificial terrains or other hardenable structural surfaces as reinforcing means or support for entertainments, crafts and the like.