The invention is directed to an aqueous binder composition for mineral fibers.

The present disclosure relates to a polymeric overcoating used as a splice protector, and a corresponding method of application where the resulting coated fusion spliced optical fibers or coated fusion spliced optical fiber ribbons can be bundled or stacked to reduce the size of splice protection.

The present disclosure relates to a polymeric overcoating used as a splice protector, and a corresponding method of application where the resulting coated fusion spliced optical fibers or coated fusion spliced optical fiber ribbons can be bundled or stacked to reduce the size of splice protection.

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.

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.

A mineral wool insulating product which comprises a layer, notably a continuous layer, of mixed mineral wool fibres, the mixed mineral wool fibres comprising a binder, first mineral wool fibres and second mineral wool fibres, the first mineral wool fibres and the second mineral wool fibres have a difference of softening point.

A system for spraying products onto glass fibers, designed to spray at least one sizing composition and an anti-dust agent onto the glass fibers includes two separate annular spraying elements which are successively arranged on the path of the glass fibers, the two spraying elements including a first annular element for spraying the sizing composition and a second annular element for spraying the anti-dust agent, each one embodied by at least one specific annular crown surrounding the glass fibers. The second annular element for spraying the anti-dust agent is arranged downstream of the first annular element for spraying the sizing composition in relation to the path of the glass fibers.

A system for spraying products onto glass fibers, designed to spray at least one sizing composition and an anti-dust agent onto the glass fibers includes two separate annular spraying elements which are successively arranged on the path of the glass fibers, the two spraying elements including a first annular element for spraying the sizing composition and a second annular element for spraying the anti-dust agent, each one embodied by at least one specific annular crown surrounding the glass fibers. The second annular element for spraying the anti-dust agent is arranged downstream of the first annular element for spraying the sizing composition in relation to the path of the glass fibers.

The present invention relates to a sizing composition for mineral fibers, especially glass fibers or rock fibers, containing a liquid phenolic resin having a free formaldehyde content, expressed with respect to the total weight of liquid, of 0.1% or less and an extender.

Preferably, the liquid phenolic resin is mainly composed of phenol-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde-amine condensates and has a water dilutability, at 20° C., at least equal to 1000%.

Another subject of the present invention is the insulating products based on mineral fibers treated by said sizing composition.

The present invention relates to a sizing composition for mineral fibers, especially glass fibers or rock fibers, containing a liquid phenolic resin having a free formaldehyde content, expressed with respect to the total weight of liquid, of 0.1% or less and an extender.

Preferably, the liquid phenolic resin is mainly composed of phenol-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde-amine condensates and has a water dilutability, at 20° C., at least equal to 1000%.

Another subject of the present invention is the insulating products based on mineral fibers treated by said sizing composition.