Abstract: A system for curing a binders applied to glass fibers is disclosed. The curing of the binder is accomplished by passing the binder coated glass fibers through a curing oven having one or more temperature zones. The temperature of the binder coated glass fibers is monitored and the temperature in the curing oven is adjusted to ensure proper heating of the glass fibers thereby ensuring uniform curing of the binder composition. Temperature measurements are made either as the product traverses the oven or as the cured product exits the curing oven. The invention is particularly useful for curing acrylic thermoset binders and formaldehyde-free binders.

Abstract: Provided is a novel fiberglass binder comprising a polycarboxy polymer and a polyol. The amount of polycarboxy polymer and polyol contained in the binder is such that the ratio of equivalents of hydroxyl groups to carboxy groups is preferably in the range from about 0.6/1 to 0.8/1. It is further preferred that the molecular weight of the polycarboxy polymer is less than 10,000, and more preferably less than 5000.

Abstract: Provided is a novel fiberglass binder comprising a polycarboxy polymer and a polyol. The amount of polycarboxy polymer and polyol contained in the binder is such that the ratio of equivalents of hydroxyl groups to carboxy groups is preferably in the range from from about 0.6/1 to 0.8/1. It is further preferred that the molecular weight of the polycarboxy polymer is less than 10,000, and more preferably less than 5000.

Abstract: Using urea extended phenolic binders with a resin to urea solids ratio below 60/40 can significantly reduce production costs in the manufacture of fiberglass products without adversely affecting product performance or producing formaldehyde or ammonia emissions at unacceptable levels. The phenolic binders are produced by reacting urea with phenolic resins that are prepared in a reaction in which the formaldehyde and phenol are initially present in mole ratios of greater than 3.75:1. In preparing the phenol/formaldehyde based binder, the molar ratio of free formaldehyde to urea must be carefully controlled in order to minimize emissions of ammonia and formaldehyde. Typically this molar ratio is kept between 0.8 and 1.0, therefore, higher free formaldehyde resins may be reacted with a higher percentage of urea to maintain the target formaldehyde to urea molar ratio. No ammonia is needed in the making the phenolic binder.

Abstract: Provided is a novel fiberglass binder comprising a polycarboxy polymer and a polyol. The amount of polycarboxy polymer and polyol contained in the binder is such that the ratio of equivalents of hydroxyl groups to carboxy groups is preferably in the range from from about 0.6/1 to 0.8/1. It is further preferred that the molecular weight of the polycarboxy polymer is less than 10,000, and more preferably less than 5000.

Abstract: Provided is a fiberglass binder which contains a polycarboxy polymer and a polyol, with a pH of the binder being no greater than 3.5. It is further preferred that the polycarboxy polymer has a molecular weight of less than 10,000, and more preferably about 5000 or less. The binder also preferably includes a catalyst which is an alkali metal salt of a phosphorus polyol is preferably triethanolamine. The binder also preferably includes a catalyst which is an alkali metal salt of a phosphorus-containing organic acid. The resultant binder, particularly when used in preparing fiberglass products, provides minimal processing difficulties and a product with excellent recovery and rigidity.

Abstract: Using urea extended phenolic binders with a resin to urea solids ratio below 60/40 can significantly reduce production costs in the manufacture of fiber glass products without adversely affecting product performance or producing formaldehyde or ammonia emissions at unacceptable levels. The phenolic binders are produced by reacting urea with phenolic resins that are prepared in a reaction in which the formaldehyde and phenol are initially present in mole ratios of greater than 3.75:1. In preparing the phenol/formaldehyde based binder, the molar ratio of free formaldehyde to urea must be carefully controlled in order to minimize emissions of ammonia and formaldehyde. Typically this molar ratio is kept between 0.8 and 1.0, therefore, higher free formaldehyde resins may be reacted with a higher percentage of urea to maintain the target formaldehyde to urea molar ratio. No ammonia is needed in the making the phenolic binder.