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.

The present disclosure provides coating compositions that can be cured at fast rates as well as coatings and cured products formed from the coating compositions. The coating compositions include an acylgermane photoinitiator that leads to fast cure speeds. The coating compositions include primary coating compositions and secondary coating compositions. The coating compositions can be cured to form primary and secondary coatings of optical fibers. The primary coatings feature low Young's modulus and high tear strength. The primary coatings provide good microbending performance and are resistant to defect formation during the fiber draw process and subsequent handling operations. The secondary coatings feature high Young's modulus and good puncture resistance.

A construction board includes a foam body having first and second planar surfaces, said foam body including a polyisocyanurate foam matrix defining a plurality of closed cells, said closed cells being at least substantially devoid of hydrocarbon blowing agents, and said foam body being characterized by a density, pursuant to ASTM C303, of at least 2.5 lbs/ft.sup.3; and a facer disposed on a planar surface of said foam body, said facer including a glass substrate having an internal planar surface proximate to said foam body and an external planar surface opposite said foam body, a first coating disposed on said external surface, and a second coating disposed on or proximate to said internal surface, where said first coating disposed on said external surface includes an inert filler, and where said second coating disposed on or proximate to said internal surface includes intumescent material.

A construction board includes a foam body having first and second planar surfaces, said foam body including a polyisocyanurate foam matrix defining a plurality of closed cells, said closed cells being at least substantially devoid of hydrocarbon blowing agents, and said foam body being characterized by a density, pursuant to ASTM C303, of at least 2.5 lbs/ft.sup.3; and a facer disposed on a planar surface of said foam body, said facer including a glass substrate having an internal planar surface proximate to said foam body and an external planar surface opposite said foam body, a first coating disposed on said external surface, and a second coating disposed on or proximate to said internal surface, where said first coating disposed on said external surface includes an inert filler, and where said second coating disposed on or proximate to said internal surface includes intumescent material.

An optical fiber manufacturing method includes: drawing an optical fiber preform to form a bare optical fiber; cooling the bare optical fiber; coating an uncured coating layer that includes a resin precursor on an outer periphery of the bare optical fiber; curing the uncured coating layer to form a semi-cured coating layer; further curing the semi-cured coating layer; and cooling the semi-cured coating layer by at least one non-contact direction changer between the curing of the uncured coating layer and the curing of the semi-cured coating layer.

An optical fiber manufacturing method includes: drawing an optical fiber preform to form a bare optical fiber; cooling the bare optical fiber; coating an uncured coating layer that includes a resin precursor on an outer periphery of the bare optical fiber; curing the uncured coating layer to form a semi-cured coating layer; further curing the semi-cured coating layer; and cooling the semi-cured coating layer by at least one non-contact direction changer between the curing of the uncured coating layer and the curing of the semi-cured coating layer.

A mat for covering at least part of a ceiling made up of individual tiles. The mat renovates (e.g., improves, alters) the appearance of the ceiling. The mat is constructed so as to not impede the acoustical performance of the tiles being covered.

A method of bonding together surfaces of two or more elements. The method includes the steps of providing two or more elements, applying an adhesive to one or more of the surfaces to be bonded together before, during or after contacting the surfaces to be bonded together with each other, and curing the adhesive, wherein the adhesive comprises at least one hydrocolloid.

A method of bonding together surfaces of two or more elements. The method includes the steps of providing two or more elements, applying an adhesive to one or more of the surfaces to be bonded together before, during or after contacting the surfaces to be bonded together with each other, and curing the adhesive, wherein the adhesive comprises at least one hydrocolloid.

An optical fiber bundle structure includes: plural optical fiber core wires; a crossing preventing member; and a grasping member. Further, the crossing preventing member has slits and the widths of the slits positioned at the respective sides are each equal to or larger than a difference between: a length of one side of a polygon circumscribing the plural optical fiber core wires at a hindmost end portion of the slits at the trailing end; and a length of one side of a polygon circumscribing the plural optical fiber core wires at the leading end.