Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
In a process for preparing copolymer latex binders of the type wherein the copolymer latex is formed by emulsion polymerization of acrylate or vinyl acetate monomers or mixtures thereof and from 0.1 to 10% by weight of 2-hydroxyethyl or 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate or methacrylate monomers, the improvement which comprises employing in combination with said copolymer a surfactant system consisting of 0.2-10% by weight, based on latex solids, of an anionic surfactant and 0.3-15% by weight, on latex solids, of a nonionic surfactant, wherein the ratio of anionic to nonionic surfactant is between 1:1.5 and 1:3, and adding to said copolymer latex after polymerization from 1 to 40% by weight, based on latex solids, of a water-soluble salt, the resulting latex binder being characterized by its stability to coagulation at room temperature and its ability to coagulate at a temperature between 40° and 85° C.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
In a process for preparing copolymer latex binders of the type wherein the copolymer latex is formed by emulsion polymerization of acrylate or vinyl acetate monomers or mixtures thereof and from 0.1 to 10% by weight of 2-hydroxyethyl or 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate or methacrylate monomers, the improvement which comprises employing in combination with said copolymer a surfactant system consisting of 0.2-10% by weight, based on latex solids, of an anionic surfactant and 0.3-15% by weight, on latex solids, of a nonionic surfactant, wherein the ratio of anionic to nonionic surfactant is between 1:1.5 and 1:3, and adding to said copolymer latex after polymerization from 1 to 40% by weight, based on latex solids, of a water-soluble salt, the resulting latex binder being characterized by its stability to coagulation at room temperature and its ability to coagulate at a temperature between 40° and 85° C.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said water-soluble salt is a chloride salt.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 2 wherein said water-soluble salt is sodium chloride or ammonium chloride.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said copolymer contains mers derived from 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate or 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said copolymer latex is formed with a mixture of acrylate and vinyl acetate monomers and said acrylate monomers are selected from the group consisting of ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate monomers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said water-soluble salt is added to said latex binder in an amount of 2-5% by weight, based on latex solids.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the total amount of anionic and nonionic surfactants in said latex binder is 1-6% by weight, on latex solids, and the ratio of anionic to nonionic surfactant is 1:2.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
194 words
A process for preparing chemically bonded, nonwoven fiber material consisting essentially of the steps of: A. preparing a copolymer latex binder by forming a copolymer latex by emulsion polymerization of acrylate or vinyl acetate monomers or mixtures thereof and from 0.1 to 10% by weight of 2-hydroxyethyl or 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate or methacrylate monomers, employing in combination with said copolymer a surfactant system consisting of 0.2-10% by weight, based on latex solids, of an anionic surfactant and 0.3-15% by weight, on latex solids, of a nonionic surfactant, wherein the ratio of anionic to nonionic surfactant is between 1:1.5 and 1:3, and adding to said copolymer latex after polymerization from 1 to 40% by weight, based on latex solids, of a water-soluble salt, the resulting latex binder being characterized by its stability to coagulation at room temperature and its ability to coagulate at a temperature between 40° and 85° C.; B. impregnating a nonwoven web with said copolymer latex binder; C. heating said impregnated web to a temperature within the range of about 40° to 85° C. sufficient to coagulate the latex binder within the web; and D. drying the resultant chemically bonded, nonwoven fiber material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
194 words
A process for preparing chemically bonded, nonwoven fiber material consisting essentially of the steps of: A. preparing a copolymer latex binder by forming a copolymer latex by emulsion polymerization of acrylate or vinyl acetate monomers or mixtures thereof and from 0.1 to 10% by weight of 2-hydroxyethyl or 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate or methacrylate monomers, employing in combination with said copolymer a surfactant system consisting of 0.2-10% by weight, based on latex solids, of an anionic surfactant and 0.3-15% by weight, on latex solids, of a nonionic surfactant, wherein the ratio of anionic to nonionic surfactant is between 1:1.5 and 1:3, and adding to said copolymer latex after polymerization from 1 to 40% by weight, based on latex solids, of a water-soluble salt, the resulting latex binder being characterized by its stability to coagulation at room temperature and its ability to coagulate at a temperature between 40° and 85° C.; B. impregnating a nonwoven web with said copolymer latex binder; C. heating said impregnated web to a temperature within the range of about 40° to 85° C. sufficient to coagulate the latex binder within the web; and D. drying the resultant chemically bonded, nonwoven fiber material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process of claim 1 or 8 wherein said copolymer contains from 0.1 to 4% by weight of the mers derived from N-methylolacrylamide.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
47 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said water-soluble salt is selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bromide, sodium acetate, sodium sulfate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, aluminum sulfate, aluminum chloride, aluminum acetate, zinc chloride, and zinc sulfate.