The use of redispersible polymer powders containing no organic emulsifier for a binder in the production of carpeting is surprisingly superior to use of the same polymers in the form of an aqueous dispersion. Tuft removal force in particular, is improved. The compositions contain no thickener, or a reduced level of thickener.

The invention comprises a method. The method comprises applying a composition to a tufted primary backing material, wherein the primary backing material has a first primary surface and a second primary surface, wherein tufts extend outwardly from the first primary surface and loop backs are formed on the second primary surface, and wherein the composition is applied to the loop backs and second primary surface of the tufted primary backing material. The composition comprises an aqueous polymer dispersion of colloidal thermosetting polymer particles or colloidal thermoplastic polymer particles and second thermoplastic polymer particles dispersed in the water, wherein the second thermoplastic polymer particles have an average particle size of approximately 200 micron to approximately 1,000 microns. The method further comprises heating the tufted primary backing material and aqueous polymer dispersion to remove water therefrom. A novel adhesive composition is also disclosed.

According to one aspect, an asphalt blend can include asphalt, a first polymer additive, and ground tire rubber having a mesh size greater than 80 mesh. The blend can be mixed with filler to prepare a filled asphalt mix. The blends and mixes may have a particular softening point or penetration at 115 F. that may provide improved performance or durability.

A method of manufacturing artificial turf includes the steps of: creating a polymer mixture including at least one polymer and a nucleating agent for crystallizing the at least one polymer, extruding the polymer mixture into a monofilament; quenching the monofilament; reheating the monofilament; stretching the reheated monofilament to form the monofilament into an artificial turf fiber, wherein during the stretching the nucleating agent boosts the creation of crystalline portions of the polymer within the monofilament; incorporating the artificial turf fiber into an artificial turf backing, thereby mechanically fixing the monofilaments of the arranged artificial turf fibers in the artificial turf backing.

A latex composition for use in a textile product, e.g., a carpet or a rug, is disclosed. The latex composition includes an inorganic filler component and an elastomeric component. The elastomeric component includes natural rubber and a polymer based on styrene acrylate or styrene butadiene. The elastomeric component includes 3 to 15 parts of natural rubber to 85 to 97 parts of polymer. The latex composition enhances the water barrier properties of the textile product.

A carpet or carpet tile comprising a biobased backing is provided. The resultant carpet tile has advantages in terms of environmental issues and reduces the need for fossil fuels. The backing is made using a backing composition comprising a resin, an oil, optionally a thermoplastic elastomer, and a filler material.