Patent ID: 6511561
Filing Date: 2003-01-28
Classification: D06M

Abstract:
A process for consolidating fiber materials, said process comprising1) contacting fiber materials with a binder composition comprising: a) a polymer powder comprising a stabilized polymer of one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of vinyl esters of branched or unbranched carboxylic acids having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, esters of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid with branched or unbranched alcohols having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, aromatic vinyl compounds, vinyl halides, olefins and dienes, and mixtures thereof, said stabilized polymer(s) stabilized by a polyvinyl alcohol stabilizer having a HÃ¶ppler viscosity, measured as a 4% aqueous solution at 20Â° C., of 1 mPaÂ·s to 60 mPaÂ·s; and b) an inorganic compound which is solid at room temperature and which enters into a chemical bond with the OH groups of the polyvinyl alcohol on introduction of said powder into water; wherein said composition following contact with water has a pH of about 8;2) contacting said components a) and b) with water, said contacting taking place prior to step 1), during step 1), following step 1, or any combination thereof, to form a consolidatable product; 3) drying and consolidating the consolidatable product of step 2 at a temperature in excess of 80Â° C.