Abstract: This invention relates to a method for strengthening a cellulosic substrate by treating the substrate with a formaldehyde-free curable aqueous composition and curing the composition. The cellulosic substrates include, for example, paper oil- and air-filter stock, rayon nonwoven wipes, cellulosic laminating stock, cotton woven fabrics, and wood flakes suitable to be consolidated into flakeboard.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved textile fibers having deposited thereon a coagulable, multi-stage, latex binder. In addition, this invention relates to a method for improving the stiffness of textile materials by depositing thereon an acid-resistant, coagulable, multi-stage, latex binder wherein one stage enhances the stiffness of the textile fibers and another stage controls the coagulation temperature of the latex binder. The latex binder is particularly suitable for use in battery separators.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved textile fibers having deposited thereon a coagulable, multi-stage, latex binder. In addition, this invention relates to a method for improving the stiffness of textile materials by depositing thereon an acid-resistant, coagulable, multi-stage, latex binder wherein one stage enhances the stiffness of the textile fibers and another stage controls the coagulation temperature of the latex binder. The latex binder is particularly suitable for use in battery separators.

Abstract: A method for making a heat resistant nonwoven fabric is provided. A formaldehyde-free binder composition containing a carboxy group, or a carboxylic anhydride, or salts of a carboxy group; and a .beta.-hydroxyalkyl amide contacts a nonwoven fabric containing heat-resistant fibers, and heating the binder composition is effected.

Abstract: Tear resistance and flexibility of resin-treated textiles are improved while retaining good low temperature properties by using as the resin an acrylic emulsion polymer wherein the latex particles have a core-shell structure. The monomers forming the core are selected to provide a Tg in the core of -20.degree. C. or lower and the monomer composition forming the shell is selected to provide a Tg in the shell of about 60.degree. C. to about -10.degree. C. The core monomer composition contains 4-10 wt. % of a latent crosslinker together with 0-0.03 wt. % of an active crosslinker or a graftlinker, and the shell monomer composition contains 2-10 wt. % of a latent crosslinker.

Abstract: There is disclosed a calenderable, soft, three-stage acrylic heteropolymer having a calculated T.sub.g of about (-) 40.degree. to (=) 20.degree. C. which is suitable for producing films and sheets useful to coat textile materials and other substrates to form composites. The heteropolymer can be coagulated and then introduced into a calendering apparatus to produce films and sheets at substantially lower temperatures than are required for calendering vinyl halide polymers.

Abstract: Tear resistance and flexibility of resin-treated textiles are improved while retaining good low temperature properties by using as the resin an acrylic emulsion polymer wherein the latex particles have a core-shell structure. The monomers forming the core are selected to provide a Tg in the core of -20.degree. C. or lower and the monomer composition forming the shell is selected to provide a Tg in the shell of about 60.degree. C. to about -10.degree. C. The core monomer composition contains 4-10 wt. % of a latent crosslinker together with 0-0.03 wt. % of an active crosslinker or a graftlinker, and the shell monomer composition contains 2-10 wt. % of a latent crosslinker.