Abstract: The growth of bacteria in latex is an age old problem. To control the growth of bacteria in latex, chemical bactericides are often added to latex. This invention discloses a technique for providing latex with resistance to bacterial growth. It is based upon the discovery that ions of a metal from Group Ib of the Periodic Chart, such as copper, silver, or gold, will provide latex with resistance to bacterial growth. The subject invention more specifically discloses a latex which is comprised of (1) a polymer, (2) water, (3) an emulsifier and (4) ions of a metal from Group Ib of the Periodic Chart. In most cases, the metal ions will be present in an amount which is within the range of about 1 ppm to about 50 ppm. As a general rule, silver ions are preferred. By utilizing a combination of standard organic chemical bactericides and Group Ib metal ions, the level of chemical bactericides and metal ions needed to satisfactorily control bacteria growth can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: The present invention is based upon the discovery that composite open-cell foam structures, such as carpet underlay cushions, having improved compression resistance and better wear characteristics can be manufactured by utilizing a carboxylated styrene-butadiene rubber latex which is comprised of a styrene-butadiene rubber latex and a carboxylated styrene-butadiene rubber latex.

Abstract: By utilizing the process of this invention, nitrile rubber latices having solids contents of greater than 60 percent can be prepared from standard nitrile rubber latices having solids contents of less than 30 percent. The present invention more specifically discloses a process for increasing the solids content of a low solids nitrile rubber latex which comprises the steps of (1) concentrating the low solids nitrile rubber latex by removal of water therefrom to produce an intermediate solids nitrile rubber latex having a solids content which is within the range of about 35 percent to about 45 percent, wherein the low solids nitrile rubber latex has a solids content which is less than about 30 percent; (2) subjecting the intermediate solids nitrile rubber latex to a pressure which is within the range of about 3.45.times.10.sup.6 Pa to about 6.9.times.10.sup.7 Pa at a temperature which is within the range of about 120.degree. F. to about 170.degree. F.

Abstract: Latex-based coating materials are prepared frequently by compounding the latex with large quantities of calcium carbonate fillers. Whenever these fillers contain water-soluble calcium and magnesium compounds as impurities latices prepared with anionic emulsifiers are made more unstable, apparently because of reaction between these impurities and the emulsifier. This instability can be overcome by including in the latex a water-soluble fluoride such as ammonium or potassium fluoride in an amount generally under 5 parts by weight per 100 parts dry weight of latex. The process involves adding such a fluoride in an amount sufficient to stabilize the latex, generally under 5 parts per hundred of latex, dry weight.