Methods of reducing salt precipitation from a binder composition are described. The methods may include the steps of providing an aqueous binder solution having one or more carbohydrates. They may also include adding a sequestrant for one or more multivalent ions to the aqueous binder solution. The sequestrant reduces a precipitation rate for the multivalent ions from the binder composition. The binder composition may include a polymerization catalyst. Exemplary sequestrants may include polycarboxylic acids or anhydrides. Exemplary sequestrant concentrations may range from about 2 wt. % or less of the aqueous binder solution.

Methods of reducing salt precipitation from a binder composition are described. The methods may include the steps of providing an aqueous binder solution having one or more carbohydrates. They may also include adding a sequestrant for one or more multivalent ions to the aqueous binder solution. The sequestrant reduces a precipitation rate for the multivalent ions from the binder composition. The binder composition may include a polymerization catalyst. Exemplary sequestrants may include polycarboxylic acids or anhydrides. Exemplary sequestrant concentrations may range from about 2 wt. % or less of the aqueous binder solution.

Gypsum panels, sheathing systems, and methods of making and using the same are provided. A gypsum panel includes a gypsum core associated with a first fiberglass mat having a continuous barrier coating, the coating penetrating a portion of the first fiberglass mat opposite the gypsum core, wherein gypsum penetrates a remaining fibrous portion of the first fiberglass mat such that voids in the first fiberglass mat are substantially eliminated. A building sheathing system includes at least two gypsum panels and a seaming component to provide a seam at an interface between the gypsum panels.

Gypsum panels, sheathing systems, and methods of making and using the same are provided. A gypsum panel includes a gypsum core associated with a first fiberglass mat having a continuous barrier coating, the coating penetrating a portion of the first fiberglass mat opposite the gypsum core, wherein gypsum penetrates a remaining fibrous portion of the first fiberglass mat such that voids in the first fiberglass mat are substantially eliminated. A building sheathing system includes at least two gypsum panels and a seaming component to provide a seam at an interface between the gypsum panels.

The present invention relates to sizing compositions, glass fibers at least partially coated with sizing compositions, and glass fiber reinforced composite materials. In one embodiment, a sizing composition comprises at least one maleic anhydride copolymer, at least one coupling agent, and a reaction product of an alkoxylated amine and a polycarboxylic acid, which is further reacted with an epoxy compound.

The present invention relates to sizing compositions, glass fibers at least partially coated with sizing compositions, and glass fiber reinforced composite materials. In one embodiment, a sizing composition comprises at least one maleic anhydride copolymer, at least one coupling agent, and a reaction product of an alkoxylated amine and a polycarboxylic acid, which is further reacted with an epoxy compound.

The present invention concerns a two-part sizing composition comprising: (A) A precursor comprising: (a) An aminosilane (e.g. A1100) and (b) a polymer or copolymer containing carboxylic acid and/or anhydride, both having a functionality, F≧3, and (B) A binder comprising a multi-functional epoxy resin of functionality, F≧3. Glass fibres sized with the reaction product of the above composition yield a higher resistance to hydrolysis of polymeric matrix composite materials reinforced with such fibres. The sizing composition of the present invention is particularly advantageous for use with polyester resins, such as PET.

Provided herein is a method of and system for processing an optical fiber. The method includes the steps of drawing an optical fiber in a drawing direction along a process pathway through a coating chamber comprising an inlet and an outlet, and a coating liquid volume to coat the optical fiber; supplying the coating liquid through the inlet, the coating liquid exiting the coating chamber through the outlet; and recirculating to coating liquid exiting the coating chamber to the inlet.

Provided herein is a method of and system for processing an optical fiber. The method includes the steps of drawing an optical fiber in a drawing direction along a process pathway through a coating chamber comprising an inlet and an outlet, and a coating liquid volume to coat the optical fiber; supplying the coating liquid through the inlet, the coating liquid exiting the coating chamber through the outlet; and recirculating to coating liquid exiting the coating chamber to the inlet.

An aqueous binder composition is provided that includes a carbohydrate and a crosslinking agent. In exemplary embodiments, the carbohydrate-based binder composition may also include a catalyst, a coupling agent, a process aid, a crosslinking density enhancer, an extender, a moisture resistant agent, a dedusting oil, a colorant, a corrosion inhibitor, a surfactant, a pH adjuster, and combinations thereof. The carbohydrate may be natural in origin and derived from renewable resources. Additionally, the carbohydrate polymer may have a dextrose equivalent (DE) number from 2 to 20. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the carbohydrate is a water-soluble polysaccharide such as dextrin or maltodextrin and the crosslinking agent is citric acid. Advantageously, the carbohydrates have a low viscosity and cure at moderate temperatures. The environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free binder may be used in the formation of insulation materials and non-woven chopped strand mats. A method of making fibrous insulation products is also provided.