Patent Description:
Conventional glass fibers are useful in a variety of applications including reinforcements, textiles, and acoustical and thermal insulation materials. Nonwoven mats may be made from the fibers by conventional wet-laid processes, wherein wet chopped fibers are dispersed in a water slurry that contains surfactants, viscosity modifiers, defoaming agents, and/or other chemical agents. The slurry containing the fibers is delivered onto a moving screen where a substantial portion of the water is removed, leaving behind a web comprising the fibers and the various chemical agents in the slurry adhered to the fibers. A binder is then applied to the web, and the resulting mat is dried to remove any remaining water and cure the binder. The formed nonwoven mat is an assembly of dispersed, individual chopped fibers.

The binder composition works as an adhesive to bind the fibers together to form a cohesive product, while also improving the product's properties, such as form recovery, stiffness, acoustical openness, porosity, and structure.

The binder composition should be inexpensive, water soluble (or at least water dispersible), easily applicable, readily curable, stable to permit mixing and application at temperatures ordinarily encountered in fiber product manufacturing plants, capable of forming a strong bond between the fibers, and safe.

Various attempts have been made to improve the strength and/or to reduce the voids (i.e., open space) in nonwoven fiber mats through modifying the binder system. However, conventional methods such as inclusion of fillers often has the unwanted side effect of increasing the viscosity of the binder (often an aqueous solution that is sprayed on the fibers). Thus, there is a need for an improved binder system that is able to deliver increased strength and form a mat with a more closed structure (i.e., decreased porosity, less acoustically open), while not negatively impacting existing binder delivery methods. <CIT> describes a nanofibrillated cellulose ply-bonding agent or adhesive and a multi-ply absorbent sheet made therefrom. <CIT> describes a wet-laid nonwoven comprising nanofibrillar cellulose. <CIT> describes a low density non-woven material useful with acoustic ceiling tile products. <CIT> describes a flexible non-woven mat that includes a mixture of about <NUM> to about <NUM> weight percent glass fibers and about <NUM> to about <NUM> weight percent synthetic fibers.

The present invention provides a curable composition as set out in claim <NUM>, a nonwoven article as set out in claim <NUM>, a composite panel as set out in claim <NUM>, and a method of forming a nonwoven article as set out in claim <NUM>.

Described herein is a nonwoven article (e.g., a mat) of inorganic fibers including at least one low-density fiber on at least a portion of a major surface of the article. Described herein is a nonwoven mat, the binder comprising at least one low-density fiber.

When developing a binder for use in forming a nonwoven mat of glass fibers, there are a number of considerations that must be taken into account to achieve a practical/commercial binder system. The binder provides both tensile and flexural strength to the fiber matrix and fills a portion of the voids between individual fibers. Efforts have been made in the past to improve the strength and further fill the gaps between fibers through inclusion of a filler material. However, inclusion of fillers often increases the viscosity of the binder, making application of the binder using existing manufacturing equipment and techniques difficult or impractical. An effective binder formulation must strike a balance between air permeability and strength of the final product, while also being easily dispersible on the mat during manufacture.

Described herein is a curable composition for an article made up of nonwoven fibers. The curable composition comprises water, a binder component selected from the group consisting of acrylic binders, urea-formaldehyde binders (UF), polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylacetate, carbohydrate-based binders, and combinations thereof, and a plurality of low-density fibers selected from the group consisting of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), carbon fibers, mica, micro-clay, micro-HBN, kevlar micropulp, and combinations thereof; wherein the plurality of low-density fibers have an average length of <NUM> microns to <NUM> and a diameter of <NUM> to <NUM> microns, and wherein the plurality of low-density fibers is present in an amount of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of the curable composition.

Described herein is a nonwoven article comprising a nonwoven web layer, wherein said nonwoven web layer comprises a plurality of inorganic fibers and a plurality of low-density fibers. The plurality of inorganic fibers are present in the nonwoven article in an amount of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of the nonwoven article; and the plurality of low-density fibers are present in an amount of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of the nonwoven article. The nonwoven article comprises a binder component, wherein the binder component is selected from the group consisting of acrylic binders, urea-formaldehyde binders (UF), polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylacetate, carbohydrate-based binders, and combinations thereof; and a nonwoven web layer having a first major surface and a second major surface, defining a thickness therebetween, wherein said nonwoven web layer comprises: a plurality of inorganic fibers present in an amount of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of the nonwoven article, and a plurality of low-density fibers selected from the group consisting of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), carbon fibers, mica, micro-clay, micro-HBN, kevlar micropulp, and combinations thereof, present in an amount of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of the nonwoven article, wherein the plurality of low-density fibers have an average length of <NUM> microns to <NUM> and a diameter of <NUM> to <NUM> microns, wherein a gradient of the low-density fibers is enmeshed in the inorganic fibers.

Described herein is a composite panel comprising a substrate and a nonwoven mat on which the substrate is disposed. The nonwoven mat comprises a plurality of inorganic fibers and a plurality of low-density fibers, wherein the plurality of inorganic fibers are present in the nonwoven mat in an amount of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of the nonwoven mat; and the plurality of low-density fibers are present in an amount of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of the nonwoven mat.

Described herein is a method of forming a nonwoven article. The method comprises mixing glass fibers having a discrete length in a dispersion substrate, depositing the glass fibers on a processing line to form a wet laid mat having a first major surface and a second major surface, applying a binder composition to at least one of the first major surface and the second major surface, and allowing the binder composition to cure to form a nonwoven article, wherein the binder composition comprises a binder component and at least one low-density fiber.

Numerous other aspects, advantages, and/or features of the general inventive concepts will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments and from the accompanying drawings being submitted herewith.

The general inventive concepts, as well as embodiments and advantages thereof, are described below in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings in which:.

While the general inventive concepts are susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the general inventive concepts. Accordingly, the general inventive concepts are not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.

The materials, systems, and methods described herein are intended to be used to provide nonwoven articles with improved characteristics and curable compositions for forming the nonwoven articles. More specifically, nonwoven fiberglass mats and binders for making nonwoven fiberglass mats having uniquely closed structures coupled with improved packing density and higher Gurley performance are disclosed. The binder compositions provide these improved characteristics while maintaining processability using currently existing binder application equipment.

The terms "binder," "binder composition," and curable composition," as used herein, are used interchangeably and refer to a material that holds one or more components of a nonwoven article together. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a binder composition is often an aqueous mixture or solution of dissolved ingredients that cures to interconnect fibers together.

The terms "binder solids" or "binder components," as used herein, are used interchangeably and refer to the functional ingredients of the binder composition prior to addition or mixing with water to form the ultimate binder for application to the inorganic fibers.

The terms "nonwoven," "mat," "veil," and "scrim" are used interchangeably herein and refer to a bound web of fibers.

The term "acoustic openness," as used herein, refers generally to the quality of a renovation mat to allow sound to pass through the panel. Acoustic performance of the nonwoven article may be determined by a variety of methods. Exemplary methods to measure the acoustic openness or performance of a nonwoven article include airflow resistance (rayls) and porosity (l/m<NUM>/sec).

The term "low-density fiber," as used herein, refers generally to fibers which have one or more of the following characteristics: The fiber can be easily dispersed and suspended into an aqueous solution or binder mixture without sedimentation over time (e.g., over a <NUM>-hour period). The fiber can flow easily when the fiber/binder mixture is applied on a nonwoven mat in a wet-laid process with a relatively low viscosity (e.g., a viscosity < <NUM> cps at room temperature). In certain embodiments, the low-density may have a fiber length of less than <NUM>. Fiber lengths such as this prevent excessive fiber buildup over time, which leads to line cleanup and downtime.

All combinations of method or process steps as used herein can be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the referenced combination is made.

Numerous benefits result from employing the materials, systems, and methods according to general inventive concepts.

Described herein is a curable composition for an article made up of nonwoven fibers. The curable composition comprises water, a binder component selected from the group consisting of acrylic binders, urea-formaldehyde binders (UF), polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, carbohydrate-based binders, and combinations thereof, and a plurality of low-density fibers selected from the group consisting of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), carbon fibers, mica, micro-clay, micro-HBN, kevlar micropulp, and combinations thereof; wherein the plurality of low-density fibers have an average length of <NUM> microns to <NUM> and a diameter of <NUM> to <NUM> microns, and wherein the plurality of low-density fibers is present in an amount of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of the curable composition.

Described herein is a nonwoven article comprising a nonwoven web layer, wherein said nonwoven web layer comprises a plurality of inorganic fibers and a plurality of low-density fibers. The nonwoven article comprises a binder component, wherein the binder component is selected from the group consisting of acrylic binders, urea-formaldehyde binders (UF), polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, carbohydrate-based binders, and combinations thereof; and a nonwoven web layer having a first major surface and a second major surface, defining a thickness therebetween, wherein said nonwoven web layer comprises: a plurality of inorganic fibers present in an amount of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of the nonwoven article, and a plurality of low-density fibers selected from the group consisting of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), carbon fibers, mica, micro-clay, micro-HBN, kevlar micropulp, and combinations thereof, present in an amount of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of the nonwoven article, wherein the plurality of low-density fibers have an average length of <NUM> microns to <NUM> and a diameter of <NUM> to <NUM> microns, wherein a gradient of the low-density fibers is enmeshed in the inorganic fibers.

Described herein is a method of forming a nonwoven article. The method comprises mixing glass fibers having a discrete length in a dispersion substrate, depositing the glass fibers on a processing line to form a wet laid mat having a first major surface and a second major surface, applying a binder composition to at least one of the first major surface and the second major surface, and allowing the binder composition to cure to form the nonwoven article, wherein the binder composition comprises a binder component and at least one low-density fiber.

Nonwoven articles, including mats, described herein may be formed by conventional wet-laid processes. For example, wet chopped fibers are dispersed in a water slurry that contains surfactants, viscosity modifiers, defoaming agents, and/or other chemical agents. The slurry containing the chopped fibers is then agitated so that the fibers become dispersed throughout the slurry. The slurry containing the fibers is deposited onto a moving screen where a substantial portion of the water is removed to form a web. A binder composition is then applied, and the resulting mat is dried to remove any remaining water and cure the binder. The formed nonwoven mat is an assembly of dispersed, individual chopped glass fibers interconnected by the binder.

Nonwoven articles comprised of fibers are used in a variety of applications. For example, nonwoven fiberglass mats are used as reinforcement in ceiling tiles, roofing shingles, and wall panels, among other applications. The mats are used to provide strength and other favorable properties to the ultimate product. One drawback of mats made from fiberglass is the relative acoustic openness of the mat, especially when used to form a construction board comprised of gypsum or polyisocyanurate (polyiso). While such acoustic openness is desirable in certain applications, it can be a hindrance in others. In general, when using a fiberglass mat to form a gypsum wallboard, the fiberglass mat requires additional binder materials to "close" some of the voids present in the mat (i.e., to make it less acoustically open). Due to issues such as increased viscosity, additional binder solids can only be added to a binder composition up to a certain point. Thus, fiberglass mats for use in gypsum board-construction often require a second coating (or more) of a binder composition to bring the mat to a desired level of openness. Therefore, there is a need for a material that can balance closing the voids in a fiberglass mat, while not negatively impacting the viscosity of the binder composition or the strength of the fiberglass mat, thus allowing the binder to be applied using existing binder application equipment.

The binders, according to the general inventive concepts, provide nonwoven articles having a less acoustically open structure. This is accomplished by inclusion of low-density fibers in the binder composition. Inclusion of the fibers may increase the wet tensile strength and dry tensile strength of the mats formed therewith. Other benefits of including the low-density fibers include improved surface quality, or reduced glass mat surface roughness.

The general inventive concepts also relate to a nonwoven mat that includes a plurality of substantially randomly oriented fibers enmeshed together to form a mat having a first and second major surface and a binder composition applied to at least a portion of the fibers and interconnecting the fibers. The binder itself is not particularly limited and can take the form of a number of common binders used to interconnect inorganic fibers.

The general inventive concepts are based, at least in part, on the discovery that certain low-density fibers can be added to existing binder compositions to improve the quality of certain nonwoven articles and other products made using the nonwoven articles (e.g., wall boards). The low-density fibers are capable of incorporation into existing binders without substantially affecting the currently existing technology or processes for applying the binders.

Described herein are low-density fibers selected from microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), carbon fibers, mica, micro-clay, micro-HBN (hexagonal boron nitride), micrographite, and kevlar micropulp In certain exemplary embodiments, the fibers have a length in the range of <NUM> microns to <NUM>, including a length of <NUM> microns to <NUM> microns. In certain exemplary embodiments, the fibers have a diameter of less than <NUM> microns, including diameters of <NUM> microns to <NUM> microns. In certain exemplary embodiments, the fibers are incorporated into the binder formulation in amounts from <NUM>% by weight of the binder solids to <NUM>% by weight of the binder solids. In certain exemplary embodiments, the fibers are incorporated into the binder formulation in amounts from <NUM>% by weight of the binder solids to <NUM>% by weight of the binder solids. In certain exemplary embodiments, the fibers are incorporated into the binder formulation in amounts from <NUM>% by weight of the binder solids to <NUM>% by weight of the binder solids. In certain exemplary embodiments, the fibers are incorporated into the binder formulation in amounts from <NUM>% by weight of the binder solids to <NUM>% by weight of the binder solids. In certain exemplary embodiments, the fibers are incorporated into the binder formulation in amounts from <NUM>% by weight of the binder solids to <NUM>% by weight of the binder solids. In certain exemplary embodiments, the fibers are incorporated into the binder formulation in amounts from <NUM>% by weight of the binder solids to <NUM>% by weight of the binder solids.

Conventional nonwoven mats are generally uniform in structure through the thickness of the mat. As mentioned previously, in certain applications, such as gypsum board construction, requires application of additional coats of binder compositions to close a portion of the voids present in a usual nonwoven mat. The general inventive concepts relate to a nonwoven article, such as a mat, that addresses the issue of acoustic openness by closing a portion of the voids in the nonwoven mat on one side of the mat more so than on the other. Thus, when viewed from a cross-sectional perspective, the nonwoven mat will have a gradient or spectrum of openness from one side to the opposite side. The gradient or layer may be formed by application of the binder to the nonwoven article.

Accordingly, in certain exemplary embodiments, the low-density fibers are dispersed within the nonwoven article in a nonuniform fashion. In certain exemplary embodiments, the general inventive concepts contemplate a nonwoven article comprised of inorganic fibers with a gradient of low-density fibers enmeshed therein. In certain exemplary embodiments, the nonwoven article includes a first major surface and a second major surface and further includes low-density fibers on only one of the two major surfaces. It is to be understood that, while the low-density fibers are described as disposed on only one of the two major surfaces, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the concept includes articles wherein a certain portion of the fibers will be enmeshed with the inorganic fiber network and, as such, a portion or portions of the fibers will "bleed through" the surface of the mat to entangle or enmesh with the inorganic fibers apart from the outermost "surface" of the nonwoven mat or article. In certain exemplary embodiments, the nonwoven article includes a first major surface including a first amount of low-density fibers and a second major surface having a second amount of low-density fibers, wherein the first amount of low-density fibers is greater than the second amount of low-density fibers.

While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that certain low-density fibers are capable of chemical bonding (either covalent, ionic, or otherwise) with functional groups in the binder components or those on the inorganic fibers (e.g., hydroxyl groups on glass surface). This chemical bonding, when present, may increase the dry tensile strength, wet tensile strength, packing density, Gurley performance, or other performance characteristic of the nonwoven article by effectively acting as a secondary binder material.

As mentioned previously, the general inventive concepts relate to a binder comprising the low-density fibers. The binder is selected from: acrylic binders, urea-formaldehyde binders (UF), polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylacetate, and carbohydrate-based binders, among others. In certain exemplary embodiments, the binder is a carbohydrate-based binder system. In certain exemplary embodiments, a binder is present in the nonwoven article in an amount of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight.

In certain exemplary embodiments, more than one binder system is used to bind the fibers together. In certain exemplary embodiments, a two-part binder system is used. In certain exemplary embodiments, each of a first binder and a second binder are independently selected from: acrylic binders, urea-formaldehyde binders (UF), polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylacetate, and carbohydrate-based binders, among others. In certain exemplary embodiments, the binder system includes a two-part binder that includes (<NUM>) a carbohydrate-based binder and (<NUM>) a f hydrophobic acrylic-based binder. In certain embodiments, both binders are formaldehyde free.

With regard to the first part of the two-part binder, the formaldehyde-free carbohydrate-based binder is a thermoset binder that comprises, among other things, a carbohydrate and a crosslinking agent (such a binder is described in greater detail below). Following the application and cure of the first-part of the binder system (the formaldehyde-free carbohydrate-based binder) on the non-woven glass mat, the second-part of the binder, a formaldehyde-free hydrophobic acrylic-based binder, is applied to the glass mat and cured. The acrylic-based binder is a thermoset binder containing acrylic and/or acrylonitrile functionality. This acrylic-based binder is applied as an aqueous emulsion or latex.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the binder composition includes at least one carbohydrate or bio-based curable polymer, a cross-linking agent, and a corrosion inhibitor. In some exemplary embodiments, the curable polymer is a carbohydrate polymer, such as maltodextrin, the cross-linking agent is polyacrylic acid, and the corrosion inhibitor is triethanolamine.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the binder composition also includes one or more of a coupling agent, a biocide, a crosslinking density enhancer, a moisture resistant agent, a dust suppressing agent, an extender, or combinations thereof.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the binder includes at least one carbohydrate polymer that is of natural origin and derived from renewable resources. For instance, the carbohydrate may be derived from plant sources, such as legumes, maize, corn, waxy corn, sugar cane, milo, white milo, potatoes, sweet potatoes, tapioca, rice, waxy rice, peas, sago, wheat, oat, barley, rye, amaranth, and/or cassava, as well as other plants that have a high starch content. The carbohydrate polymer may also be derived from crude starch-containing products derived from plants that contain residues of proteins, polypeptides, lipids, and low molecular weight carbohydrates. The carbohydrate polymer may be selected from disaccharides (e.g., sucrose, maltose, and lactose), oligosaccharides (e.g., glucose syrup and fructose syrup), and polysaccharides and water-soluble polysaccharides (e.g., pectin, dextrin, maltodextrin, starch, modified starch, and starch derivatives). In addition, the carbohydrate may be selected from monosaccharides, which may be polymerized (e.g., xylose, glucose, and fructose).

In certain exemplary embodiments, the carbohydrate polymer may have a number average molecular weight from about <NUM>,<NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>. In some exemplary embodiments, the carbohydrate polymer is a low molecular weight polysaccharide, such as dextrin or maltodextrin, having a molecular weight in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>,<NUM>. Additionally, the carbohydrate polymer may have a dextrose equivalent (DE) number from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>. In some embodiments, the carbohydrate polymer has a DE of <NUM>. The carbohydrate polymers beneficially have a low viscosity and cure at moderate temperatures (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>° C) alone or with additives.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the carbohydrate polymer may be present in the binder composition in an amount from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, or from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight of the total solids in the binder composition. In some exemplary embodiments, the carbohydrate polymer is present in about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight of the total solids in the binder composition.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the binder composition contains at least one polycarboxy polymer. The polycarboxy polymer comprises an organic polymer or oligomer containing more than one pendant carboxy group. The polycarboxy polymer may be a homopolymer or copolymer prepared from unsaturated carboxylic acids including, but not limited to, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, isocrotonic acid, maleic acid, cinnamic acid, <NUM>-methylmaleic acid, itaconic acid, <NUM>-methylitaconic acid, alpha, beta-methyleneglutaric acid, and the like. Alternatively, the polycarboxy polymer may be prepared from unsaturated anhydrides including, but not necessarily limited to, maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride, acrylic anhydride, methacrylic anhydride, and the like, as well as mixtures thereof. The polymerization of these acids and anhydrides is considered to be within the abilities of one of ordinary skill in the art.

The polycarboxy polymer may additionally comprise a copolymer of one or more of the aforementioned unsaturated carboxylic acids or anhydrides and one or more vinyl compounds including, but not necessarily limited to, styrene, alpha-methylstyrene, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, vinyl methyl ether, vinyl acetate, and the like. In certain exemplary embodiments, the polycarboxy polymer comprises homopolymers and copolymers of polyacrylic acid.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the polycarboxy polymer is present in the binder composition in an amount up to about <NUM>% by weight of the binder composition. In exemplary embodiments, the polycarboxy polymer may be present in the binder composition in an amount from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight of the total solids in the binder composition or from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight of the total solids in the binder composition. In some exemplary embodiments, the polycarboxy polymer is present in an amount from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of the total solids in the binder composition.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the binder composition further includes a corrosion inhibitor to reduce or eliminate any potential corrosion to the process equipment. The corrosion inhibitor can be chosen from a variety of agents, such as, for example, triethanolamine, hexamine, benzotriazole, phenylenediamine, dimethylethanolamine, polyaniline, sodium nitrite, benzotriazole, dimethylethanolamine, polyaniline, sodium nitrite, cinnamaldehyde, condensation products of aldehydes and amines (imines), chromates, nitrites, phosphates, hydrazine, ascorbic acid, tin oxalate, tin chloride, tin sulfate, thiourea, zinc oxide, nitrile, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the corrosion inhibitor is triethanolamine. The corrosion inhibitor may be present in the binder composition in an amount from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, or about <NUM>% by weight of the total solids in the binder composition.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the binder composition may optionally contain at least one coupling agent. In certain exemplary embodiments, the coupling agent is a silane coupling agent. The coupling agent may be present in the binder composition in an amount from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, or about <NUM>% by weight of the total solids in the binder composition.

Non-limiting examples of silane coupling agents that may be used in the binder composition may be characterized by the functional groups alkyl, aryl, amino, epoxy, vinyl, methacryloxy, ureido, isocyanato, and mercapto. In exemplary embodiments, the silane coupling agent includes silanes containing one or more nitrogen atoms that have one or more functional groups such as amine (primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary), amino, imino, amido, imido, ureido, or isocyanato. Specific, non-limiting examples of suitable silane coupling agents include, but are not limited to, aminosilanes (e.g., <NUM>-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and <NUM>-aminopropyl-trihydroxysilane), epoxy trialkoxysilanes (e.g., <NUM>-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and <NUM>-glycidoxypropyltriethoxysilane), methyacryl trialkoxysilanes (e.g., <NUM>-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane and <NUM>-methacryloxypropyltriethoxysilane), hydrocarbon trialkoxysilanes, amino trihydroxysilanes, epoxy trihydroxysilanes, methacryl trihydroxy silanes, and/or hydrocarbon trihydroxysilanes.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the binder composition may optionally include at least one crosslinking density enhancer to improve the degree of crosslinking of the carbohydrate based polyester binder. Crosslinking density enhancement can be achieved by increasing esterification between the hydroxyl and carboxylic acid groups and/or introducing free radical linkages to improve the strength of the thermoset resin. The esterification crosslinking density can be adjusted by changing the ratio between hydroxyl and carboxylic acid and/or by adding additional esterification functional groups such as triethanolamine, diethanolamine, mono ethanolamine, <NUM>-amino-<NUM>-propanol, <NUM>,<NUM>'-aminobis,-<NUM>-propanol, <NUM>,<NUM>',<NUM>"nitrilotri-<NUM>-propanol, <NUM>-methylaminoethanol, <NUM>-dimethylaminoethanol, <NUM>-(<NUM>-aminoethoxy)ethanol, <NUM>{(2aminoethyl)amino}ethanol, <NUM>-diethylaminoethanol, <NUM>-butylaminoethanol, <NUM>-dibutylaminoethanol, 2cyclohexylamincethanol, <NUM>,<NUM>'-(methylamino)bis-ethanol, <NUM>,<NUM>'-(butylamino)bis-ethanol, <NUM>-methylamino-2propanol, <NUM>-dimethylamino-<NUM>-propanol, <NUM>-(<NUM>-aminoethylamino)-<NUM>-propanol, <NUM>,<NUM>'-(methylimino)bis-<NUM>-propanol, <NUM>-amino-<NUM>-propanol, <NUM>-dimethylamino-lpropanol, <NUM>-amino-<NUM>-butanol, <NUM>-ethylamino-<NUM>-butanol, <NUM>-diethylamino-<NUM>-butanol, <NUM> -diethylamino-<NUM>-butanol, <NUM>-amino-<NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyl-<NUM>-propanol, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyl-<NUM>-dimethylamino-<NUM>-propanol, <NUM>-diethylamino-<NUM>-butyn-<NUM>-ol, <NUM>-diethylamino-<NUM>-pentyne-<NUM>-ol, bis (<NUM>-hydroxypropyl)amine, as well as other alkanolamines, their mixtures, and their polymers. Another method to achieve crosslinking density enhancement is to use both esterification and free radical reaction for the crosslinking reactions. Chemicals that can be used for both reactions include maleic anhydride, maleic acid, or itaconic acid. The crosslinking density enhancer may be present in the binder composition in an amount from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight of the total solids in the binder composition.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the binder composition may also contain a moisture resistant agent, such as alum, aluminum sulfate, latex, a silicon emulsion, a hydrophobic polymer emulsion (e.g., polyethylene emulsion or polyester emulsion), and mixtures thereof. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the latex system is an aqueous latex emulsion. The latex emulsion includes latex particles that are typically produced by emulsion polymerization. In addition to the latex particles, the latex emulsion may include water, a stabilizer such as ammonia, and a surfactant. The moisture resistant agent may be present in the binder composition in an amount from <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, or from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight of the total solids in the binder composition.

The binder composition may optionally contain conventional additives such as, but not limited to dyes, pigments, fillers, colorants, UV stabilizers, thermal stabilizers, antifoaming agents, anti-oxidants, emulsifiers, preservatives (e.g., sodium benzoate), corrosion inhibitors, and mixtures thereof. Other additives may be added to the binder composition for the improvement of process and product performance. Such additives include lubricants, wetting agents, surfactants, antistatic agents, and/or water repellent agents. Additives may be present in the binder composition from trace amounts (such as < about <NUM>% by weight the binder composition) up to about <NUM>% by weight of the total solids in the binder composition. In certain exemplary embodiments, the additives are present in an amount from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of the total solids in the binder composition.

The binder further includes water to dissolve or disperse the active solids for application onto the reinforcement fibers. Water may be added in an amount sufficient to dilute the aqueous binder composition to a viscosity that is suitable for its application to the reinforcement fibers and to achieve a desired solids content on the fibers. In particular, the binder composition may contain water in an amount from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight of the total binder composition.

As previously discussed, the general inventive concepts relate to a method of forming a nownoven mat. The binder according to the general inventive concepts is generally added during the formation of the nonwoven article in a wet-laid mat processing line. Chopped glass fibers may be provided to a conveying apparatus such as a conveyor by a storage container for delivery to a mixing tank that contains various surfactants, viscosity modifiers, defoaming agents, and/or other chemical agents with agitation to disperse the fibers and form a glass fiber slurry. The glass fiber slurry may be deposited onto a conveying apparatus such as a moving screen or foraminous conveyor, and a substantial portion of the water from the slurry is removed to form a wet laid mat of enmeshed fibers. The water may be removed from the web by a conventional vacuum or air suction system. The binder is applied to the mat by a suitable binder applicator, such as a spray applicator or a curtain coater. The binder application allows for good dispersion of fiber (or filler particle) with good resin coalescence to wet and fill the fiber interstices before allowing the binder composition to cure. Once the binder has been applied to the mat, the binder coated mat may be passed through at least one drying oven to remove any remaining water and cure the binder composition. The resulting nonwoven mat that emerges from the oven is an assembly of substantially randomly oriented, dispersed, individual glass fibers interconnected by a binder.

In an exemplary embodiment, the general inventive concepts relate to a method of forming a nonwoven article. The method comprises mixing glass fibers having a discrete length in a dispersion substrate (e.g., water slurry), depositing the glass fibers on a processing line to form a wet laid mat having a first major surface and a second major surface, applying a binder composition to at least one of the first major surface and the second major surface, allowing the binder composition to cure to form a nonwoven mat, wherein the binder composition comprises a binder component and at least one low-density fiber.

In addition to the nonwoven mats discussed thus far, it is also desirable to add one or more additional materials or layers of material to a nonwoven mat. Such additional material may be applied to a nonwoven mat after initial binder curing. In an exemplary embodiment, an additional material is applied to a cured nonwoven mat by means of spraying or coating the additional material (as a component of a slurry) onto one or more of the first major surface and the second major surface of the nonwoven mat. In certain embodiments, the additional material is applied in one pass. In certain embodiments, the additional material is applied in more than one pass. In embodiments where more than one pass is used to apply the additional materials, the binder may be allowed to cure between passes under a coating mechanism or the binder may be cured after a final pass. In certain embodiments the binder may be cured rapidly by means of one or more IR lasers. In certain embodiments, it is desirable to apply the additional material in such a manner that the additional material does not penetrate the nonwoven article to a substantial degree and remains as a partial or complete layer on only one major surface of the nonwoven article.

As mentioned, in certain exemplary embodiments, an additional material is applied to a nonwoven mat according to the general inventive concepts. Similar to the application of the binder above, the additional material may be applied to the mat by a suitable binder applicator, such as a spray applicator or a curtain coater This application system can apply various glass fibers, carbon fibers, cellulose fibers, graphene fibers, micro fibers, graphite, etc. to a mat as it is running on a production mat line. Applying various fibers, materials and resins to produce a "sandwich" type composite mat will generate mats with physical property improvements much better than the original single or bi-component mat. Application of the additional material after binder application may solve the off-line multiple layer system process approach to making a multilayered product, through in-line coating/mat process. Through this process, multifunctional nonwoven mats or composites can be produced. This system/method will allow the layering of mats of different compositions with different functionalities.

The additional material may be applied in wet or aqueous mixture/slurry comprising a carrier (e.g., water) and optionally, a binder. Suitable binders for use according to the general inventive concepts include those for use with fiberglass mats and include the binders and binder compositions described herein. Those of ordinary skill will understand that the characteristics of the particular additional material will may render certain binders more suitable than others, for adhering the additional material to the nonwoven article/mat.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the additional material is applied to the nonwoven mat to enhance or alter one or more physical properties of the mat. Such properties include, but are not limited to electrical conductivity/resistance, flexibility, durability, weathering, moisture repellancy, corrosion resistance, rigidity, porosity, aesthetics, fire or smoke resistance, puncture resistance, tensile strength, and tear strength, among others.

The general inventive concepts also contemplate the nonwoven mats discussed herein as a part of a construction board comprising a substrate such as gypsum or foam (polyiso). The nonwoven mats discussed herein are particularly suited to formation of boards made from gypsum and or foam due to the low void space present in the mats after application of the low density fibers. Generally, gypsum boards contain a core formed of a gypsum material that are reinforced by at least one facing layer (often two layers, with one on each major surface of the board). Known methods for making gypsum boards consists of providing a continuous feed of facing material and depositing a gypsum slurry onto a surface of the facing material. A second continuous feed of facing material is then applied to the top surface of the slurry. The slurry is dried to harden the gypsum composition and to integrate the facing material into the board. The gypsum board is subsequently cut to a predetermined length for shipping and eventual use.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the nonwoven mat may further include one or more coatings. The coating may be applied to only a single-side or impregnated. In certain exemplary embodiments, the coating may have the following composition: about <NUM>% calcium carbonate, about <NUM>% binder, plus optional additives. In certain exemplary embodiments, the binder for this coating is selected from a vinyl versatate, a styrene acrylic, ethylene vinyl acetate, or a PVA with a formaldehyde-based cross-linker, or combinations thereof. In certain exemplary embodiments, the coating is present in an amount of <NUM> gsm - <NUM> gsm (dry), including <NUM> gsm - <NUM> gsm (dry).

Facing materials advantageously contribute flexural, nail pull resistance, and impact strength to the high compressive strength but elongationally brittle material forming the cementitious core. In addition, the facing material can provide a durable surface and/or other desirable properties to the gypsum board. Exemplary methods of producing construction boards can be found in <CIT>.

While particular embodiments are described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various other combinations of elements are possible and will fall within the general inventive concepts. Likewise, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the various embodiments of nonwoven mats described herein are suitable for use in the methods described herein.

As previously mentioned, when developing a mat for use in making a gypsum wall board, acoustic openness is an integral characteristic that must be adjusted to deliver an acceptable product. The following examples describe various glass fiber mats made using binder compositions according to the general inventive concepts.

<FIG> shows three scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of glass fiber samples made using a conventional binder. The mats include <NUM>) binder alone, <NUM>) a conventional binder plus <NUM>% fine graphite by weight of the binder content, and a conventional binder including <NUM>% fine graphite and <NUM>% microfibrillated cellulose (MCF). As can be seen from the images, the mat including the fine graphite and the microfibrillated cellulose has a less open structure. <FIG> shows high magnification images of the samples shown in <FIG>. The images show that the MCF entangled with the glass fibers to build a network with extended fiber webbing, thereby reducing air permeation.

<FIG> shows SEM images of a sample produced using a conventional binder with <NUM>% coarse graphite in combination with <NUM>% MCF. The images show that the coarser graphite is able to further close the pores/voids in the mat.

<FIG> is a graph showing the air permeability of a series of nonwoven mats. Mats made using a conventional binder system with <NUM>% fine graphite and <NUM>% MCF showed a ><NUM>% reduction in air permeability when compared to a similar system using H fibers (fibers having an average diameter of <NUM> microns) in place of the MCF fibers.

In addition to the two-layer design discussed above, additional layers (or layer(s) of additional material) may be desired depending on the application of the additional material. For example, automotive batteries use glass mats as a carrier between the positive and negative plates. In such cases, a conductive coating is necessary on one side of the mat while allowing the other side to remain resistive.

A coating of micro-graphite was applied above the existing mat using a conventional spray system (here, it was a system used to cool fibers during the forming process). <NUM>% PVP and <NUM>% graphite in water were mixed and used as the coating. This mixture was pumped into one end of the sprayer while air was pumped into the other end. The air pressure was adjusted to <NUM> psi and the graphite mixture was adjusted to <NUM> psi. These settings were determined to best atomize the mixture to create an optimal single layer coating. The mat was then cured at <NUM>°F for one minute. <FIG> show the final product on both Acrylic and Sustaina mats. The optical images 7A-B show close-ups of the front and back surfaces of one of these mats on a Sustaina binder. As can be seen from the figures, a continuous graphite network has been deposited on the front surface of the mat, indicating a fully conductive layer. The back surface shows glass fibers generally unmarked by the graphite, signifying a single layer of coverage that does not penetrate the nonwoven mat. To fully coat the mat with the micro-graphite mixture, it was necessary to pass the mat under the applicator multiple times.

Claim 1:
A curable composition for an article made of nonwoven fibers, the curable composition comprising:
water;
a binder component; and
a plurality of low-density fibers selected from the group consisting of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), carbon fibers, mica, micro-clay, micro-HBN, kevlar micropulp, and combinations thereof;
wherein the plurality of low-density fibers have an average length of <NUM> microns to <NUM> and a diameter of <NUM> to <NUM> microns;
wherein the plurality of low-density fibers are present in an amount of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight of the curable composition, and
wherein the binder component is selected from the group consisting of acrylic binders, urea-formaldehyde binders (UF), polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylacetate, carbohydrate-based binders, and combinations thereof.