Abstract: A curable aqueous composition including (a) a polyacid including at least two carboxylic acid groups, anhydride groups, or salts thereof; (b) a polyol including at least two hydroxyl groups; and (c) an emulsion polymer including, as copolymerized units, greater than 30% by weight, based on the weight of the emulsion polymer solids, ethylenically unsaturated acrylic monomer including a C5 or greater alkyl group; wherein the ratio of the number of equivalents of the carboxylic acid groups, anhydride groups, or salts thereof to the number of equivalents of the hydroxyl groups is from 1/0.01 to 1/3, and wherein the carboxylic acid groups, anhydride groups, or salts thereof are neutralized to an extent of less than 35% with a fixed base is provided. Also provided is a method for treating heat-resistant fibers or a heat-resistant nonwoven formed therefrom with the curable aqueous composition and the article prepared thereby.

Abstract: A fiberglass insulation binder composition made from a polycarboxy polymer, a polyhydroxy crosslinking agent, and a cationic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, nonionic surfactant, or mixture thereof. Also, a process for manufacturing a fiberglass insulation product, which involves a step of applying the binder composition onto a fiberglass substrate and curing the fiberglass substrate so treated. Binders produced in accordance with the present invention are characterized by improved atomization, improved binder dispersion and fiber wetting properties, and improved protection of individual fibers during processing.

Abstract: A curable aqueous composition including (a) a polyacid including at least two carboxylic acid groups, anhydride groups, or salts thereof; (b) a polyol including at least two hydroxyl groups; and (c) an emulsion polymer including, as copolymerized units, greater than 30% by weight, based on the weight of the emulsion polymer solids, ethylenically unsaturated acrylic monomer including a C5 or greater alkyl group; wherein the ratio of the number of equivalents of the carboxylic acid groups, anhydride groups, or salts thereof to the number of equivalents of the hydroxyl groups is from 1/0.01 to 1/3, and wherein the carboxylic acid groups, anhydride groups, or salts thereof are neutralized to an extent of less than 35% with a fixed base is provided. Also provided is a method for treating heat-resistant fibers or a heat-resistant nonwoven formed therefrom with the curable aqueous composition and the article prepared thereby.

Abstract: A binder composition, obtained by polymerizing acrylic acid monomer in water in the presence of a cure accelerator comprising an alkali metal salt of a phosphorous-containing inorganic acid to form a low molecular weight polyacrylic acid and subsequently reacting said low molecular weight polyacrylic acid with a polyhydroxy crosslinking agent in a crosslinking step to make a composition suitable for use as a component in a binder for fiberglass. A significant improvement involves conducting the crosslinking step in the absence of added catalyst Moreover, satisfactory results are obtained in the absence of conventional undesirable sulfur odors.

Abstract: A fiberglass insulation binder composition made from a polycarboxy polymer, a polyhydroxy crosslinking agent, and a cationic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, nonionic surfactant, or mixture thereof. Also, a process for manufacturing a fiberglass insulation product, which involves a step of applying the binder composition onto a fiberglass substrate and curing the fiberglass substrate so treated. Binders produced in accordance with the present invention are characterized by improved atomization, improved binder dispersion and fiber wetting properties, and improved protection of individual fibers during processing.