Patent ID: 6162855
Filing Date: 2000-12-19
Classification: C09K,D06N,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for processing bauxite to form a flame retarding filler in polymeric formulations employed as backings for carpets, the steps of the method comprising:grinding the bauxite sufficiently to obtain a substantially uniform distribution of particles therein, said bauxite comprising particle sizes predominantly less than 250 micrometers in particle size to prevent separation from the polymer in frothing and application to the carpet backing, said bauxite comprising 20% by weight up to about 55% by weight of particles of less than 3 micrometers in size based on the total weight of the bauxite, and mixing the bauxite particles with a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyester, latexes, acrylics, epoxies, polyurethanes ethylene and propylene copolymers, polyvinyl chlorides, polyolefins, and polystyrene, an optional wetting agent(s), a dispersant(s), a non-lauryl sulfate and/or non-sulfosuccinate froth aid(s), and thickener in an aqueous formulation.