Emulsion based coatings and a method using an emulsion based coating to seal asbestos containing soils

A process for sealing an asbestos containing particulate matrix, from subsequent asbestos release, with at least one coating, which process comprises:

• (a) combining a first aqueous emulsion with a second aqueous emulsion to provide a film forming aqueous emulsion, said first aqueous emulsion comprising a first polymer and a first stabilizing surfactant, said second aqueous emulsion comprising a second polymer and a second surfactant stabilizer;
• and
• (b) applying said film forming aqueous emulsion having a viscosity of about 2,000 to 40,000 cP directly to a surface of the asbestos containing matrix to form a continuous, permanent, protective film, wherein, once combined, said film forming aqueous emulsion comprises:
• i. a polymer in an aqueous emulsion having about 30-75 wt-% solids and about 25 wt-% to 70 wt-% water;
• and
• ii. an effective microbe inhibiting amount of an antimicrobial agent to form the continuous, permanent, tough, protective film to permanently seal the asbestos in the matrix;
• wherein, upon drying, the film has a Shore A hardness of about 40 to 80, a puncture resistance of about 0.5 to 1.0 inches, an impact resistance of about 30 to 80 ft-lbs, a tensile strength of about 200 to 1000 psi and an elongation at break of at least about 50%.