Abstract: A shelf-stable, one-component, water-dispersed, film-forming, thermoset resin composition, which composition is also solvent free, formaldehyde-free, and latex compatible, is disclosed. The resin is a latex dispersion formed by emulsion polymerization of monomer mixtures including one or more carboxylic acid-containing monomers and hydroxyl-containing monomers, and ideally including monomers such as styrene, butadiene, and/or acetonitrile. Monomers such as (meth)acrylates or (meth)acrylamides may be substantially absent, to avoid off-gassing volatile organic compounds when the composition is cured. The compositions can be used, for example, to prepare reinforced glass mats, insulation, and roofing shingles, used in thermosetting paper applications, or can be dried, melted and shaped at a temperature below the cure temperature, and then cured at the cure temperature. The glass transition temperatures of the polymers in the compositions can be varied over a wide range by varying the monomer composition.

Abstract: Compositions capable of being cured and imparting durability, in the absence or without the use of conventional sulfur-based cure systems, are disclosed. The compositions include a carboxylated base polymer and an aluminum compound, wherein the aluminum compound comprises a retarding anion. The compositions can be used to form elastomeric articles of manufacture such as gloves, condoms, and finger cots, and as binders and coatings. Retarding anions are those which require time to dissociate from the aluminum ion, thereby delaying the crosslinking of the carboxylated polymer. The aluminum compounds can be used to manufacture gloves from aqueous dispersions of the carboxylated polymers, including, for example, carboxylated nitrile latexes, in a coagulant dip process.

Abstract: A test for determining whether an elastomeric article has a desired ratio of strength to comfort, i.e., a strength-comfort index, is disclosed. Methods for preparing strong, soft, and thin articles from synthetic latexes, to optimize the strength and comfort of the articles, are also disclosed. Using this index, and, optionally, comparing the results with those one obtained using natural rubber, one can determine whether an article of manufacture can be prepared from synthetic elastomers and still have optimal properties (i.e., strength and comfort), particularly as compared to a similar article prepared from natural rubber. The strength of an article is directly related to the force required to break a tensile specimen of the sample and thus the tensile strength of the article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer composition capable of being cured or crosslinked in the absence or without the use of conventional sulfur and accelerator cure systems. The polymer is formed from olefinically unsaturated monomers and includes at least one conjugated diene monomer. Such polymer includes additional functionality provided by a chelating monomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gasket using a polymer composition capable of being cured or crosslinked in the absence or without the use of conventional cure systems. The polymer is formed from olefinically unsaturated monomers. Such polymer includes additional functionality provided by a chelating monomer. Methods of making gaskets or other articles of manufacture either using a beater additions process or a saturation process are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer latex composition. The composition includes from about 35 to about 80 weight percent of aliphatic conjugated diene monomer, from about 10 to about 65 weight percent of unsaturated ester or amide monomer, and above 0 to about 15 weight percent of unsaturated acid monomer.