Biocides for bio-based binder compositions are disclosed. Bio-based binders include those having a nutrient source such as carbohydrate, protein or fat, which can serve as an energy source for organisms to grow in areas that contact binder. Principal areas that contact bio-based binder in a fiberglass insulation manufacturing process include the raw ingredients, the binder chemicals, the prepared binder dispersions, the forming hood and related equipment, the final insulation product and, importantly, the cleaning systems and washwater arising from cleaning the manufacturing equipment and/or forming the product. Frequently the washwater is stored until re-cycled for re-use. Storage may take place in tanks, towers, vats and even outdoor reservoirs, all of which may harbor the growth of unwanted organisms, for which a biocide is desirable.

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.

Provided is a binder that has satisfactory storage stability and can express an excellent bonding strength for a glass fiber or powdered glass (impart a satisfactory strength to a bonded body with the glass fiber or the powdered glass). The binder of the present invention includes: a polymer having a hydroxyl group; and an ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, in which: the polymer contains a specific structural unit derived from a monomer represented by the general formula (1) and a specific structural unit derived from a monomer containing a carboxylic acid (salt) group; a content of the structural unit derived from the monomer represented by the general formula (1) is from 5 mol % to 40 mol % with respect to 100 mol % of structural units derived from all monomers; a content of the structural unit derived from the monomer containing a carboxylic acid (salt) group is from 60 mol % to 95 mol % with respect to 100 mol % of the structural units derived from all the monomers; 2 mol % or more of the carboxylic acid (salt) groups in the polymer are neutralized with a volatile base and/or a nonvolatile base; 0 mol % to 35 mol % of the carboxylic acid (salt) groups in the polymer are neutralized with the nonvolatile base; and 0 mol % to 100 mol % of the carboxylic acid (salt) groups in the polymer are neutralized with the volatile base.

A flame-retardant composition endowed with intumescent properties which consists of an acrylic resin, a dehydrating compound, a blowing agent and, optionally, a fluorocarbon-based polymer.

The present invention relates to a tape comprising an epoxy based resin having ester groups and ethylenically unsaturated groups, alternatively a hybrid resin. The tape of the invention can be used for insulation in electrical machines, especially in high voltage machines. Preferably, the tape of the invention is used in combination with a composition for impregnating and/or coating a substrate comprising the tape of the invention, wherein the composition further comprises a second epoxy based resin having ester groups and ethylenically unsaturated groups, also an hybrid resin, a diluent and an initiator for a radical polymerization.

The present invention relates to a tape comprising an epoxy based resin having ester groups and ethylenically unsaturated groups, alternatively a hybrid resin. The tape of the invention can be used for insulation in electrical machines, especially in high voltage machines. Preferably, the tape of the invention is used in combination with a composition for impregnating and/or coating a substrate comprising the tape of the invention, wherein the composition further comprises a second epoxy based resin having ester groups and ethylenically unsaturated groups, also an hybrid resin, a diluent and an initiator for a radical polymerization.

Provided is a method for manufacturing an aerogel blanket having improved processability by reducing manufacturing time and cost, the method including the steps of mixing a precursor material, an acid catalyst and a hydrous alcohol to prepare a sol, depositing a substrate in the sol, and reacting with a gaseous silazane-based compound to form a gel and to perform aging and surface modification reaction simultaneously to form a wet gel blanket, and drying the wet gel blanket to manufacture an aerogel blanket.

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.