The present invention provides modified urea formaldehyde (UF) resin binder compositions and mineral fiber mats having an emulsion polymer modifier comprising, in copolymerized form, from 5 to 25 wt. % of co polymerized carboxylic acid functional monomers. The emulsion polymers have a measured glass transition temperature (DSC) ranging from −40° C. to 70° C. and a large average particle size. Further, the emulsion polymers comprise less than 30% of the copolymerized acid in neutralized form and do not excessively thicken aqueous compositions containing them. The modified UF resin binder compositions enable good dilution stability in use and high tensile strength in products containing them.

Disclosed are curing compositions for resin systems and in particular for phenolic resin systems and epoxy resin systems, to methods of preparing the curing compositions and to resin systems incorporating same. The curing compositions of the invention are the reaction product of an aldehyde with an amine in the presence of an aprotic solvent.

Disclosed are curing compositions for resin systems and in particular for phenolic resin systems and epoxy resin systems, to methods of preparing the curing compositions and to resin systems incorporating same. The curing compositions of the invention are the reaction product of an aldehyde with an amine in the presence of an aprotic solvent.

Disclosed are curing compositions for resin systems and in particular for phenolic resin systems and epoxy resin systems, to methods of preparing the curing compositions and to resin systems incorporating same. The curing compositions of the invention are the reaction product of an aldehyde with an amine in the presence of an aprotic solvent.

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for increasing microcapsule dispersion in self-healing paint and coating applications, and more particularly for non-covalent functionalization of polymeric microcapsule shell walls for improved dispersion in polymeric material formulations. Some embodiments are methods of forming a microcapsule dispersion, the methods including providing a polymeric material capable of forming a plurality of microcapsules; initiating polymerization of the polymeric material under reaction conditions sufficient to permit formation of the plurality of microcapsules; and adding an ethoxy-functionalized dispersant to the polymeric material before formation of the plurality of microcapsules is complete, thereby forming the microcapsule dispersion.

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for increasing microcapsule dispersion in self-healing paint and coating applications, and more particularly for non-covalent functionalization of polymeric microcapsule shell walls for improved dispersion in polymeric material formulations. Some embodiments are methods of forming a microcapsule dispersion, the methods including providing a polymeric material capable of forming a plurality of microcapsules; initiating polymerization of the polymeric material under reaction conditions sufficient to permit formation of the plurality of microcapsules; and adding an ethoxy-functionalized dispersant to the polymeric material before formation of the plurality of microcapsules is complete, thereby forming the microcapsule dispersion.

A layered material includes a first carrier material and a second carrier material. The first carrier material is coated or saturated with a modified bitumen. The modified bitumen is a bitumen to which is added an agent selected from a wax, a silicone oil, stearic acid, alkene ketene dimer (AKD), alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), and mixtures thereof. The first carrier material is continuously attached to the second carrier material.

Described are radiation-curable formulations which produce coatings having high adhesion to sheets and low contraction. Also described is use of the radiation-curable formulations, and processes for coating sheets by means of these formulations.

Described are radiation-curable formulations which produce coatings having high adhesion to sheets and low contraction. Also described is use of the radiation-curable formulations, and processes for coating sheets by means of these formulations.

Engineered wood products and binder compositions are provided. In preferred embodiments, the engineered wood products include wax. Methods are also provided for formulating binders for wood comprising unmodified soy flour and synthetic adhesives. The soy-based formulations are prepared by mixing unmodified soy flour with the synthetic adhesive prior to application to the wood or by adding them sequentially to the wood. The present invention provides adequate bonding at reduced cost.