Polymer Dispersions for Chemical Bonding

Most non-wovens use 5 % to 50 % of polymer binder to provide one or more of following characteristics softness, non-linting, smoothness, stiffness, dry and wet tensile strength, tear resistance, resiliency, flame retardancy, heat sealabiHty, water re-pellency, absorbency, durabiHty, dry cleanabiHty, abrasion resistance, pilling resistance, color fastness, and buUdness [1]. An article by Wiaczek [3] estimates that total latex consumption in the US non-wovens market will reach 160 000 dry tons in 2001. 

For all these latices, monomer compositions are optimized to obtain desired physicochemical properties, such as glass transition temperature, Tg, molecular mass, cross-linking density, colloidal stability and specific surface funcHonality for post chemical reactions. 

Latex binder type Characteristics Typical applications 

Polyvinyl acetate Resilient, somewhat stiff, moderate durability, limited washability and dry-deanability Highloft webs, filter media, industrial, home furnishings 

Acrylic Excellent adhesion, stiff to soft, excellent durability, launderability, dry-deanability, good cross-linking Coverstock, interlinings medical/ health care, fabric softener, carder, wet wipes 

---