阅读说明：本技术 包含至少一种水胶体和脂肪酸甘油酯的用于矿物纤维的粘结剂组合物 (Binder composition for mineral fibres comprising at least one hydrocolloid and fatty acid glycerides ) 是由 托马斯·海赫加德 于 2017-11-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及用于矿物纤维的含水粘结剂组合物,所述含水粘结剂组合物包含-至少一种水胶体,-至少一种脂肪酸甘油酯。(The present invention relates to an aqueous binder composition for mineral fibres, comprising-at least one hydrocolloid, -at least one fatty acid glyceride.)

1. An aqueous binder composition for mineral fibers, the aqueous binder composition comprising:

-at least one hydrocolloid,

-at least one fatty acid glyceride.

2. The binder composition according to claim 1, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, starch, alginate, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, β -dextran.

3. The adhesive composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is a polyelectrolytic hydrocolloid.

4. A binder composition according to claim 3, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, alginate, carrageenan, gum arabic, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose.

5. Adhesive composition according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two hydrocolloids, wherein one hydrocolloid is gelatin and at least one other hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of pectin, starch, alginate, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, β -glucan.

6. The adhesive composition according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the gelatin is present in the aqueous adhesive composition in an amount of 10 to 95 wt. -%, such as 20 to 80 wt. -%, such as 30 to 70 wt. -%, such as 40 to 60 wt. -%, based on the weight of the hydrocolloid.

7. The adhesive composition according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the one hydrocolloid and the at least one other hydrocolloid have complementary charges.

8. The binder composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil.

9. The binder composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride is a vegetable-based oil.

10. The binder composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride is selected from one or more components of the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil.

11. The binder composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of an animal oil, such as fish oil.

12. Binder composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil having an iodine value of 75 or more, such as 75 to 180, such as 130 or more, such as 130 to 180.

13. The binder composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil having an iodine value of 100 or less, such as 25 or less.

14. The adhesive composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the content of the fatty acid glycerides is from 0.5 to 40 wt. -%, such as from 1 to 30 wt. -%, such as from 1.5 to 15 wt. -%, such as from 3 to 10 wt. -%, such as from 4 to 7.5 wt. -%, based on the dry weight of the hydrocolloid.

15. The adhesive composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive composition is curable at a temperature of not more than 95 ℃, such as from 5 ℃ to 95 ℃, such as from 10 ℃ to 80 ℃, such as from 20 ℃ to 60 ℃, such as from 40 ℃ to 50 ℃.

16. The binder composition of any preceding claim, wherein the aqueous binder composition is not a thermosetting binder.

17. The adhesive composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aqueous adhesive composition does not comprise poly (meth) acrylic acid, a salt of poly (meth) acrylic acid, or an ester of poly (meth) acrylic acid.

18. The adhesive composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is a biopolymer or a modified biopolymer.

19. The binder composition of any preceding claim, wherein the aqueous binder composition is formaldehyde-free.

20. The adhesive composition of any one of the preceding claims, consisting essentially of:

-at least one hydrocolloid;

-at least one fatty acid glyceride;

-optionally at least one pH adjusting agent;

-optionally at least one cross-linking agent;

-optionally at least one antifouling agent;

-optionally at least one anti-swelling agent;

-water.

21. A mineral wool product comprising mineral fibres bound by a binder resulting from curing of a binder composition according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. The mineral wool product according to claim 21, wherein the Loss On Ignition (LOI) is in the range of 0.1 to 25.0%, such as 0.3 to 18.0%, such as 0.5 to 12.0%, such as 0.7 to 8.0% by weight.

23. The mineral wool product according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the binder is not cross-linked.

24. The mineral wool product according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the binder is cross-linked.

25. A mineral wool product comprising mineral fibres bound by a binder, the binder being obtained from the curing of a binder composition comprising at least one hydrocolloid and at least one fatty acid glyceride.

26. The mineral wool product according to claim 25, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, starch, alginate, agar-agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, β -dextran.

27. The mineral wool product according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is a polyelectrolytic hydrocolloid.

28. The mineral wool product according to claim 27, wherein the binder results from curing of a binder composition, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, alginate, carrageenan, gum arabic, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethylcellulose.

29. The mineral wool product according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the binder is obtained from the curing of a binder composition comprising at least two hydrocolloids, wherein one hydrocolloid is gelatin and at least one other hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of pectin, starch, alginate, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, β -dextran.

30. The mineral wool product according to any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein the binder results from curing of a binder composition, wherein the gelatin is present in an amount of from 10 to 95 wt. -%, such as from 20 to 80 wt. -%, such as from 30 to 70 wt. -%, such as from 40 to 60 wt. -%, based on the weight of the hydrocolloid.

31. The mineral wool product according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the binder results from curing of a binder composition, wherein the one hydrocolloid and the at least one further hydrocolloid have complementary charges.

32. The mineral wool product according to any one of claims 25 to 31, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil.

33. The mineral wool product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride is a vegetable-based oil.

34. The mineral wool product according to any one of claims 25 to 33, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride is selected from one or more components of the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil.

35. The mineral wool product according to any one of claims 25 to 32, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of an animal oil, such as fish oil.

36. The mineral wool product according to any one of claims 25 to 35, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil having an iodine value of 75 or more, such as 75 to 180, such as 130 or more, such as 130 to 180.

37. The mineral wool product according to any one of claims 25 to 35, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil having an iodine value of 100 or less, such as 25 or less.

38. The mineral wool product according to any one of claims 25 to 37, wherein the content of the fatty acid glycerides is from 0.5 to 40 wt. -%, such as from 1 to 30 wt. -%, such as from 1.5 to 15 wt. -%, such as from 3 to 10 wt. -%, such as from 4 to 7.5 wt. -%, based on the dry weight of the hydrocolloid.

39. The mineral wool product according to any one of claims 25 to 38, wherein the Loss On Ignition (LOI) is in the range of 0.1 to 25.0%, such as 0.3 to 18.0%, such as 0.5 to 12.0%, such as 0.7 to 8.0% by weight.

40. The mineral wool product according to claims 25 to 39, wherein the binder is obtained from curing a binder composition at a temperature below 95 ℃, such as from 5 ℃ to 95 ℃, such as from 10 ℃ to 80 ℃, such as from 20 ℃ to 60 ℃, such as from 40 ℃ to 50 ℃.

41. The mineral wool product of claims 25 to 40, wherein the binder results from curing of a binder composition that is not a thermosetting binder composition.

42. The mineral wool product according to any one of claims 25 to 41, wherein the binder is obtained from a binder composition that does not comprise poly (meth) acrylic acid, a salt of poly (meth) acrylic acid or an ester of poly (meth) acrylic acid.

43. The mineral wool product according to any one of claims 15 to 42, wherein the binder results from curing of a binder composition comprising at least one hydrocolloid, the at least one hydrocolloid being a biopolymer or modified biopolymer.

44. The mineral wool product according to any one of claims 25 to 43, wherein the binder results from curing of a formaldehyde-free binder composition.

45. The mineral wool product according to any one of claims 25 to 44, wherein the binder is derived from a binder composition consisting essentially of:

-at least one hydrocolloid;

-at least one fatty acid glyceride;

-optionally at least one pH adjusting agent;

-optionally at least one cross-linking agent;

-optionally at least one antifouling agent;

-optionally at least one anti-swelling agent;

-water.

46. The mineral wool product according to claims 25 to 45, wherein the binder is not cross-linked.

47. The mineral wool product according to claims 25 to 46, wherein the binder is cross-linked.

48. A method for producing a mineral wool product, the method comprising the steps of: contacting the mineral fibers with a binder composition comprising at least one hydrocolloid and at least one fatty acid glyceride; and curing the binder composition.

49. The method according to claim 48, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, starch, alginate, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, β -glucan.

50. The method according to claim 48 or 49, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is a polyelectrolytic hydrocolloid.

51. The method according to claim 50, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, alginate, carrageenan, gum arabic, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose.

52. A method according to any one of claims 48 to 51 wherein the binder composition comprises at least two hydrocolloids, wherein one hydrocolloid is gelatin and at least one other hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of pectin, starch, alginate, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, β -glucan.

53. The method according to any one of claims 48 to 52, wherein the gelatin is present in the aqueous binder composition in an amount of from 10 to 95 wt. -%, such as from 20 to 80 wt. -%, such as from 30 to 70 wt. -%, such as from 40 to 60 wt. -%, based on the weight of the hydrocolloid.

54. The method according to claim 52 or 53, wherein the one hydrocolloid and the at least one other hydrocolloid have complementary charges.

55. The method of any one of claims 48 to 54, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil.

56. The method of any one of claims 48 to 55, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride is a vegetable-based oil.

57. The method according to any one of claims 48 to 55, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride is selected from one or more components of the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil.

58. The method according to any one of claims 48 to 57, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of an animal oil, such as fish oil.

59. A process according to any one of claims 48 to 58, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable and/or animal oil having an iodine value of 75 or more, such as 75 to 180, such as 130 or more, such as 130 to 180.

60. A method according to any one of claims 48 to 59, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil having an iodine value of ≤ 100, such as ≤ 25.

61. A method according to any of claims 48 to 60, wherein the content of fatty acid glycerides is 0.5 to 40 wt. -%, such as 1 to 30 wt. -%, such as 1.5 to 15 wt. -%, such as 3 to 10 wt. -%, such as 4 to 7.5 wt. -%, based on the dry weight of hydrocolloids.

62. The method according to any one of claims 48 to 61, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is present in the aqueous binder composition in an amount of from 1 wt% to 50 wt%, such as from 2.5 wt% to 25 wt%, based on the weight of the aqueous binder composition.

63. A method according to any one of claims 48 to 62, wherein the step of curing the binder composition occurs at a temperature of no more than 95 ℃, such as 5 ℃ to 95 ℃, such as 10 ℃ to 80 ℃, such as 20 ℃ to 60 ℃, such as 40 ℃ to 50 ℃.

64. The method of any one of claims 48 to 63, wherein the binder composition is not a thermosetting binder.

65. The method of any one of claims 48 to 64, wherein the adhesive composition does not comprise poly (meth) acrylic acid, a salt of poly (meth) acrylic acid, or an ester of poly (meth) acrylic acid.

66. The method according to any one of claims 48 to 65, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is a biopolymer or a modified biopolymer.

67. The method of any one of claims 48 to 66, wherein the binder composition is formaldehyde-free.

68. The method of any one of claims 48 to 67, wherein the adhesive composition consists essentially of:

-at least one hydrocolloid;

-at least one fatty acid glyceride;

-optionally at least one pH adjusting agent;

-optionally at least one cross-linking agent;

-optionally at least one antifouling agent;

-optionally at least one anti-swelling agent;

-water.

69. The method of any one of claims 48 to 68, wherein the method does not involve crosslinking of the binder composition.

70. A method according to any one of claims 48 to 69, wherein the method involves cross-linking of the binder composition.

71. The method according to any one of claims 48 to 70, wherein the curing process comprises a drying process, in particular by blowing air or gas over/through the mineral wool product or by increasing the temperature.

72. A mineral wool product produced by the method according to any one of claims 48 to 71.

73. The mineral wool product according to claim 72, wherein the Loss On Ignition (LOI) is in the range of 0.1 to 25.0%, such as 0.3 to 18.0%, such as 0.5 to 12.0%, such as 0.7 to 8.0% by weight.

74. Use of at least one hydrocolloid and at least one fatty acid glyceride in a binder composition for the production of a mineral wool product.

75. Use according to claim 74, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatine, pectin, starch, alginate, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, β -glucan.

76. Use according to claim 74 or 75, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is a polyelectrolytic hydrocolloid.

77. Use according to claim 76, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, alginate, carrageenan, gum arabic, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose.

78. Use according to claim 76 or 77, wherein at least two hydrocolloids are used, wherein one hydrocolloid is gelatin and at least one other hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of pectin, starch, alginate, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, β -glucan.

79. The use according to claims 74 to 78, wherein the gelatin is used in an amount of 10 to 95 wt. -%, such as 20 to 80 wt. -%, such as 30 to 70 wt. -%, such as 40 to 60 wt. -%, based on the weight of the hydrocolloid.

80. The use according to any one of claims 74 or 79, wherein the one hydrocolloid and the at least other hydrocolloid have complementary charges.

81. The use according to any one of claims 74 to 80, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil.

82. The use according to any one of claims 74 to 81, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride is a vegetable-based oil.

83. The use according to any one of claims 74 to 82, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride is selected from one or more components of the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil.

84. The use according to any one of claims 74 to 81, wherein said at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of an animal oil, such as fish oil.

85. The use according to any one of claims 74 to 84, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil having an iodine value of 75 or more, such as 75 to 180, such as 130 or more, such as 130 to 180.

86. The use according to any one of claims 74 to 85, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil having an iodine value of ≤ 100, such as ≤ 25.

87. Use according to any of claims 74 to 86, wherein the content of fatty acid glycerides is from 0.5 to 40 wt. -%, such as from 1 to 30 wt. -%, such as from 1.5 to 15 wt. -%, such as from 3 to 10 wt. -%, such as from 4 to 7.5 wt. -%, based on the dry weight of the hydrocolloid.

88. Use according to any one of claims 74 to 87, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is used in an aqueous binder composition in an amount of from 1 to 50 wt. -%, such as from 2.5 to 15 wt. -%, based on the weight of the aqueous binder composition, to produce a mineral wool product.

89. Use according to any one of claims 74 to 88, wherein curing the aqueous binder composition to produce a mineral wool product occurs at a temperature of no more than 95 ℃, such as 5 ℃ to 95 ℃, such as 10 ℃ to 80 ℃, such as 20 ℃ to 60 ℃, such as 40 ℃ to 50 ℃.

90. Use according to any one of claims 74 to 89, wherein at least one hydrocolloid is used in an aqueous binder composition, which is not a thermosetting binder, to produce a mineral wool product.

91. Use according to any one of claims 74 to 90, wherein the hydrocolloid is used in a binder composition to produce the mineral wool product, the binder composition not comprising poly (meth) acrylic acid, a salt of poly (meth) acrylic acid or an ester of poly (meth) acrylic acid.

92. The use according to any one of claims 74 to 91, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is a biopolymer or a modified biopolymer.

93. Use according to any one of claims 74 to 92, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is used in a binder composition to produce a mineral wool product, the binder composition being formaldehyde-free.

94. Use according to any one of claims 74 to 93, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is used in an aqueous binder composition to produce a mineral wool product, the aqueous binder composition consisting essentially of:

-at least one hydrocolloid;

-at least one fatty acid glyceride;

-optionally at least one pH adjusting agent;

-optionally at least one cross-linking agent;

-optionally at least one antifouling agent;

-optionally at least one anti-swelling agent;

-water.

95. The use of any one of claims 74-94, wherein the use does not involve crosslinking of the binder composition.

96. The use according to any one of claims 74 to 95, wherein the use involves crosslinking of the binder composition.

97. Mineral wool product prepared by the use according to any one of claims 74 to 87.

98. The mineral wool product according to claim 97, wherein the Loss On Ignition (LOI) is in the range of 0.1 to 25.0%, such as 0.3 to 18.0%, such as 0.5 to 12.0%, such as 0.7 to 8.0% by weight.

99. A method of bonding surfaces of two or more components together, the method comprising the steps of:

-providing two or more elements,

-applying an adhesive to one or more of the surfaces to be bonded together before, during or after the surfaces to be bonded together are brought into contact with each other,

-curing the adhesive, wherein the adhesive comprises:

-at least one hydrocolloid,

-at least one fatty acid glyceride.

100. The method according to claim 99, whereby at least one of said two or more elements is a mineral wool element, said mineral wool element being bonded by a mineral wool binder.

101. The method according to claim 99 or 100, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, starch, alginate, agar-agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, β -glucan.

102. The method according to any one of claims 99 to 101, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is a polyelectrolytic hydrocolloid.

103. The method of any one of claims 99 to 102, wherein two or more elements are two or more mineral wool elements.

104. The method of any one of claims 99 to 103, wherein the two or more elements comprise at least one element that is not a mineral wool element.

105. The method according to claim 104, wherein said at least one element that is not a mineral wool element is selected from the group consisting of fleece, such as glass fiber fleece, building structure, such as a wall, ceiling, roof.

106. The method according to any one of claims 99 to 105, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, alginate, carrageenan, gum arabic, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose.

107. A method according to any one of claims 99 to 106 wherein the adhesive comprises at least two hydrocolloids, wherein one hydrocolloid is gelatin and at least one other hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of pectin, starch, alginate, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, β -glucan.

108. The method according to any of claims 99 to 107, wherein the gelatin is present in the adhesive in an amount of 10 to 95 wt. -%, such as 20 to 80 wt. -%, such as 30 to 70 wt. -%, such as 40 to 60 wt. -%, based on the weight of the hydrocolloid.

109. The method according to any one of claims 99 to 108 wherein the one hydrocolloid and the at least other hydrocolloid have complementary charges.

110. The method of any one of claims 99 to 109, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil.

111. The method of any one of claims 99 to 110, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride is a vegetable-based oil.

112. The method according to any one of claims 99 to 111, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride is selected from one or more components of the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil.

113. The method of any one of claims 99 to 110, wherein said at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of an animal oil, such as fish oil.

114. The process according to any one of claims 99 to 113, wherein the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil having an iodine value of 75 or more, such as 75 to 180, such as 130 or more, such as 130 to 180.

115. A method according to any one of claims 99 to 114, wherein said at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil having an iodine value of ≤ 100, such as ≤ 25.

116. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the content of fatty acid glycerides is from 0.5 to 40 wt. -%, such as from 1 to 30 wt. -%, such as from 1.5 to 15 wt. -%, such as from 3 to 10 wt. -%, such as from 4 to 7.5 wt. -%, based on the dry weight of hydrocolloid.

117. The method of any one of claims 99 to 116, wherein the adhesive is curable at a temperature of no more than 95 ℃, such as 5 ℃ to 95 ℃, such as 10 ℃ to 80 ℃, such as 20 ℃ to 60 ℃, such as 40 ℃ to 50 ℃.

118. The method of any one of claims 99 to 117, wherein the adhesive is not a thermosetting adhesive.

119. The method of any one of claims 99 to 118, wherein the adhesive does not comprise poly (meth) acrylic acid, a salt of poly (meth) acrylic acid, or an ester of poly (meth) acrylic acid.

120. The method according to any one of claims 99 to 119, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is a biopolymer or a modified biopolymer.

121. The method of any one of claims 99 to 120, wherein the binder is formaldehyde-free.

122. The method of any one of claims 99 to 121 wherein the adhesive consists essentially of:

-at least one hydrocolloid;

-at least one fatty acid glyceride;

-optionally at least one pH adjusting agent;

-optionally at least one cross-linking agent;

-optionally at least one antifouling agent;

-optionally at least one anti-swelling agent;

-water.

123. A product made by the method of any one of claims 99 to 122.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aqueous binder composition for mineral fibres, a mineral wool product bonded with a binder, a process for producing a mineral wool product bonded with a binder, and the use of at least one hydrocolloid in a binder composition for producing a mineral wool product.

Background

Mineral fiber products typically include man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF), such as, for example, glass fibers, ceramic fibers, basalt fibers, slag wool, mineral wool, and rock wool, which are bonded together by a cured thermosetting polymeric binder material. Bonded mineral fiber mats for use as thermal or acoustical insulation products are typically produced by converting a melt made of suitable raw materials into fibers in a conventional manner, such as by a spinning cup process or a cascade rotor process. The fibers are blown into a forming chamber and the airborne fibers are sprayed with a binder solution while hot and randomly deposited as a mat or web on a traveling conveyor. The fiber mat is then transferred to a curing oven where heated air is blown into the mat to cure the binder and firmly bond the mineral fibers together.

In the past, the binder resin of choice was a phenol-formaldehyde resin, which can be economically produced and extended with ureas before use as a binder (extended). However, existing and proposed legislation relating to the reduction or elimination of formaldehyde emissions has led to the development of formaldehyde-free binders, such as, for example, binder compositions based on polycarboxy polymers and polyols or polyamines, such as those disclosed in EP-A-583086, EP-A-990727, EP-A-1741726, U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,990 and U.S. Pat. No. 3, 2007/0173588.

Another group of non-phenol-formaldehyde binders are addition/elimination reaction products of aliphatic and/or aromatic anhydrides and alkanolamines, for example as disclosed in WO 99/36368, WO 01/05725, WO 01/96460, WO 02/06178, WO 2004/007615 and WO 2006/061249. These binder compositions are water-soluble and exhibit excellent binding characteristics in terms of curing speed and curing density. WO 2008/023032 discloses urea-modified binders of this type which provide mineral wool products with reduced hygroscopicity.

Since some of the starting materials used to produce these binders are rather expensive chemicals, there is a continuing need to provide formaldehyde-free binders that can be economically produced.

Another effect in combination with previously known aqueous binder compositions from mineral fibres is that at least a major part of the starting materials for producing these binders are derived from fossil fuels. Consumers are constantly inclined to select products produced wholly or at least partially from renewable materials and there is therefore a need to provide binders for mineral wool produced at least partially from renewable materials.

Another effect in combination with previously known aqueous binder compositions for mineral fibres is that they contain corrosive and/or harmful components. This requires safeguards to the machinery involved in the production of the mineral wool product to prevent corrosion, as well as safety measures to the personnel operating the machinery. This leads to increased costs and health problems, and there is therefore a need to provide binder compositions for mineral fibres with reduced levels of corrosive and/or hazardous materials.

A further effect in combination with previously known aqueous binder compositions from mineral fibres is that these binders are often associated with large scale curing equipment for curing the binder. Typically, the curing apparatus is an oven operating at a temperature well above 100 ℃, such as about 200 ℃. Binder compositions that are curable under these conditions are referred to as thermosetting binder compositions. The oven is several meters long to accommodate the continuous feed of the web (web) into the oven and to ensure that the web is fully cured upon exiting the oven. Such furnace installations are associated with a large amount of energy consumption.

Reference EP 2424886B 1(Dynea OY) describes a composite material comprising a cross-linkable protein material resin. In typical embodiments, the composite material is a cast mold (cast mould) comprising inorganic fillers, such as, for example, sand and/or wood, and a proteinous material and an enzyme suitable for crosslinking the proteinous material. Mineral wool products are not described in EP 2424886B 1.

Replacement of non-biodegradable plastic films by renewable raw materials from plant and meat industry waste is according to reference c.pena, k.de la cab, a.eciza, r.ruseckaite, i.mondragon in biores.technol.2010,101, 6836-6842. In this regard, the reference describes the use of hydrolysable chestnut tannin in the modification of gelatin to form films. This reference does not describe binders, in particular binders for mineral wool.

Mineral fiber binders based on renewable materials have been proposed previously. Although some of these binders exhibit excellent overall properties, mineral wool products prepared with these binders still suffer from some drawbacks in terms of strength and water absorption, as compared to mineral wool products prepared with phenol-formaldehyde resins.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a binder composition which is particularly suitable for binding mineral fibres, using renewable materials as raw materials, reducing or eliminating corrosive and/or harmful materials, and at the same time allowing the production of mineral wool products having excellent strength characteristics and low water absorption.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a binder composition which does not require high temperatures for curing and therefore does not require the application of high temperatures in the production of products bonded with the binder.

It is another object of the invention to provide a mineral wool product bonded with such a binder composition.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method for producing such a mineral wool product.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide the use of such a binder composition for the preparation of mineral wool products.

It is therefore another object of the present invention to provide a method of bonding surfaces of two or more components together, whereby the method uses an adhesive that does not require high temperatures for curing, and whereby exposure to hazardous substances is minimized during handling, application and curing of the adhesive, and no protective measures are required, whereby the adhesive has both excellent strength properties and low water absorption.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a preferred formaldehyde-free binder composition for mineral fibres comprising at least one hydrocolloid and at least one fatty acid glyceride.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a mineral wool product comprising mineral fibres bound by a binder resulting from the curing of a binder composition comprising at least one hydrocolloid.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of producing a mineral wool product comprising the step of contacting mineral fibres with a binder composition comprising at least one hydrocolloid and at least one fatty acid glyceride.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of at least one hydrocolloid and at least one fatty acid glyceride in a binder for the production of mineral wool products.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of bonding together the surfaces of two or more elements, the elements being bonded by a mineral wool binder, the method comprising the steps of:

-providing two or more elements,

-applying an adhesive to one or more of the surfaces to be bonded together before, during or after the surfaces to be bonded together are brought into contact with each other,

-curing the adhesive, wherein the adhesive comprises:

-at least one hydrocolloid,

-at least one fatty acid glyceride.

The inventors have surprisingly found that a mineral wool product comprising mineral fibres bound by a binder resulting from curing of a binder composition can be obtained with excellent strength properties and low water absorption, whereby the binder composition can be produced from renewable materials which to a large extent do not comprise or comprise only to a small extent any corrosive and/or harmful agents, and that the production of the mineral wool product does not lead to contamination such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds) during the production.

The inventors have also surprisingly found that by using the described method it is possible to bond the surfaces of elements to each other or to bond one or more mineral wool elements to another element.

Detailed Description

The adhesive composition according to the invention comprises at least one hydrocolloid and at least one fatty acid glyceride.

In a preferred embodiment, the binder according to the invention is formaldehyde-free.

For the purposes of this application, the term "formaldehyde-free" is defined as characterizing mineral wool products, wherein the emission of formaldehyde from the mineral wool product is below 5 μ g/m²H, preferably less than 3. mu.g/m²H is used as the reference value. Preferably, the test is performed according to ISO16000 for testing formaldehyde emissions.

A surprising advantage of embodiments of the mineral wool product according to the invention is that it exhibits self-healing properties. When the mineral wool product looses a part of its strength after exposure to very severe conditions, the mineral wool product according to the invention can regain a part or all of or even exceed the initial strength. In one embodiment, the aged strength is at least 80%, such as at least 90%, such as at least 100%, such as at least 130%, such as at least 150% of the unaged strength. This is in contrast to conventional mineral wool products, where the loss of strength after exposure to harsh environmental conditions is irreversible. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the inventors believe that this surprising property in the mineral wool product according to the invention is due to the complex nature of the bonds formed in the network of the cured binder composition, such as a protein cross-linked by phenolic and/or quinone-containing compounds, or a protein cross-linked by enzymes, which also includes quaternary structure and hydrogen bonds, and which allows the bonds in the network to be established after returning to normal environmental conditions. For insulation products, for example when used as roof insulation, which can be exposed to very high temperatures in summer, this is an important advantage for the long-term stability of the product.

Hydrocolloid

Hydrocolloids are hydrophilic polymers of plant, animal, microbial or synthetic origin, typically containing a number of hydroxyl groups, and may be polyelectrolytes. Hydrocolloids are widely used to control functional properties of aqueous foodstuffs.

Hydrocolloids may be proteins or polysaccharides and are completely or partially soluble in water and are mainly used to increase the viscosity of the continuous phase (aqueous phase), i.e. as gelling or thickening agents. Hydrocolloids can also be used as emulsifiers, since their stabilizing effect on emulsions results from an increase in the viscosity of the aqueous phase.

Hydrocolloids are generally composed of mixtures of similar but non-identical molecules, and are produced from different sources and methods of preparation. The heat treatment and, for example, the salt content, pH and temperature all affect the physical properties that it exhibits. The description of hydrocolloids generally presents an idealized structure, but the structure may differ from the ideal structure because it is a natural product (or derivative) with a structure determined, for example, by random enzyme action, rather than by a precise programming of the genetic code (laydown).

Many hydrocolloids are polyelectrolytes (e.g., alginates, gelatin, carboxymethyl cellulose, and xanthan gum).

Polyelectrolytes are polymers in which a large number of the repeating units have electrolyte groups. Polycations and polyanions are polyelectrolytes. These groups dissociate in aqueous solutions (water), charging the polymer. Thus, polyelectrolytes behave like electrolytes (salts) and polymers (high molecular weight compounds) and are sometimes referred to as poly-salts.

The charged groups ensure strong hydration, especially on a per molecule basis. The presence of counterions and co-ions (ions of the same charge as the polyelectrolyte) introduces a complex property of ion specificity.

The proportion of counterions remains closely associated with the polyelectrolyte trapped in its electrostatic field, thereby reducing the activity and mobility of the counterions.

In one embodiment, the binder composition comprises one or more counter ions selected from the group of Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2 +.

Another characteristic of polyelectrolytes is a high linear charge density (number of charged groups per unit length).

Generally, neutral hydrocolloids are less soluble, while polyelectrolytes are more soluble.

Many hydrocolloids also gel. Gels are liquid water-containing networks exhibiting a solid-like behavior, the characteristic strength of which depends on their concentration, and the hardness and brittleness of which depends on the structure of the hydrocolloid present.

Hydrogels are hydrophilic crosslinked polymers that can swell to absorb and retain large amounts of water. The use of hydrogels in hygiene products is particularly known. Commonly used materials use polyacrylates, but hydrogels can be made by crosslinking soluble hydrocolloids to make insoluble, but elastic and hydrophilic polymers.

Examples of hydrocolloids include agar, alginates, arabinoxylans, carrageenan, carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose, curdlan, gelatin, gellan, β -glucan, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, pectin, starch, xanthan gum in one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, starch, alginate, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethylcellulose, arabinoxylans, cellulose, curdlan, β -glucan.

Examples of polyelectrolytic hydrocolloids include: gelatin, pectin, alginate, carrageenan, gum arabic, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is a polyelectrolytic hydrocolloid.

In one embodiment the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, alginate, carrageenan, gum arabic, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is a gel former.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is used in the form of a salt such as Na +, K +, NH4+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+ salt.

Gelatin

Gelatin is derived from the chemical degradation of collagen. Gelatin may also be produced by recombinant techniques. Gelatin is water soluble and has a molecular weight of 10.000 to 500.000g/mol, such as 30.000 to 300.000g/mol, depending on the hydrolysis grade. Gelatin is a widely used food product and it is therefore widely accepted that this compound is completely non-toxic and therefore no precautions need to be taken when handling gelatin.

In particular, the triple helix of type I collagen extracted from skin and bone, which are sources of gelatin, consists of two α 1(I) chains and one α 2(I) chain.

Gelatin solutions may undergo a coiled-coil (coil-helix) transition.

Type a gelatin is produced by acidic treatment. Type B gelatin is produced by alkaline treatment.

Chemical crosslinking can be incorporated into gelatin. In one embodiment, transglutaminase is used to link lysine to a glutamine residue; in one embodiment, glutaraldehyde is used to attach lysine to lysine, and in one embodiment, tannin is used to attach lysine residues.

Gelatin can also be further hydrolyzed into smaller fragments as small as 3000 g/mol.

Upon cooling the gelatin solution, a collagen-like helix may be formed.

Other hydrocolloids may also comprise helical structures, such as collagen-like helices. Gelatin may form a helical structure.

In one embodiment, the cured adhesive comprising hydrocolloid comprises a helical structure.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is a low strength gelatin, such as a gelatin having a gel strength of 30 Bloom to 125 Bloom.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is a medium strength gelatin, such as a gelatin having a 125 bloom to 180 bloom gel strength.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is a high strength gelatin, such as a gelatin having a gel strength of 180 bloom to 300 bloom.

In a preferred embodiment, the gelatine is preferably derived from mammals, birds, such as from cattle, pigs, horses, poultry and/or from one or more sources from the group consisting of fish scales, fish skins.

In one embodiment, urea may be added to the binder composition according to the present invention. The inventors have found that the addition of even small amounts of urea results in gelatin denaturation, which slows gelation, which may be desirable in some embodiments. The addition of urea can also lead to softening of the product.

The present inventors have found that carboxylic acid groups in gelatin interact strongly with trivalent and tetravalent ions (e.g., aluminum salts). This is particularly true for type B gelatin which contains more carboxylic acid groups than type a gelatin.

The inventors have found that in some embodiments, curing/drying of a binder composition comprising gelatin according to the present invention should not start at very high temperatures.

The inventors have found that starting the cure at low temperature can result in a stronger product. Without being bound by any particular theory, the inventors hypothesize that initiating cure at elevated temperatures may result in the outer shell of the binder composition being impermeable, impeding water from coming out of the bottom.

Surprisingly, the binder according to the invention comprising gelatin is very heat resistant. The inventors have found that, in some embodiments, the cured binder can withstand temperatures up to 300 ℃ without degradation.

Pectin

Pectin is a heterogeneous group of acidic structural polysaccharides that are present in fruits and vegetables that form acid stable gels.

Typically, pectins do not have a precise structure, but may contain up to 17 different monosaccharides and more than 20 different types of linkages (links). The D galacturonic acid residues form the majority of the molecule.

Gel strength increases with increasing Ca2+ concentration, but decreases with increasing temperature and acidity (pH < 3).

Pectin can form a helical structure.

The gelling capacity of the dication is similar to that found with alginate (Mg2+ is much less than Ca2+, Sr2+ is less than Ba2 +).

Alginate salts

Alginates are the scaffold polysaccharides produced by brown seaweed.

Alginates are linear non-branched polymers containing β - (1,4) -linked D-mannuronic (M) and α - (1,4) -linked L-guluronic (G) residues alginates may also be bacterial alginates, otherwise such as O-acetylated alginates are not random copolymers, but, depending on the source algae, are composed of blocks of similar and strictly alternating residues (i.e. MMMMMM, GGGGGG and gmgmgmgmgm), each residue having different conformational preferences and behaviour alginate can be prepared with a wide range of average molecular weights (50 to 100000 residues), free carboxylic acids have hydrogen bonding of water molecules H3O + strongly hydrogen bonded to carboxylate, Ca2+ ion can be replaced by hydrogen bonding, pulling (zipping) guluronic rather than mannuronic acids, stoichiometrically linked together in a so-called egg-box-like conformation recombinant epimerases with different specificities can be used to produce the designed alginate.

Alginates can form a helical structure.

Carrageenan

Carrageenan is a generic term for a polysaccharide of the scaffold type prepared by alkaline extraction (and modification) from red seaweed.

Carrageenan is a linear polymer of about 25,000 galactose derivatives, with a regular but not exact structure depending on the source and extraction conditions.

Kappa-carrageenan (carrageenan kappa-carrageenan) is produced by alkaline elimination of mu-carrageenan isolated mainly from the tropical seaweed kappaphycus alvarezii (also known as Eucheuma cottonii).

Iota-carrageenan (ca. talca carrageenan) is produced by alkaline elimination of v-carrageenan isolated mainly from the seaweed eucheuma philippinensis (also known as eucheuma Spinosum).

Lambda carrageenan (carrageenan gum carrageenan), which is primarily isolated from gynoecium (Gigartina pisillata) or carrageen (Chondrus crispus), is converted to theta carrageenan (carrageenan gum carrageenan) by alkaline elimination, but at a much slower rate than the rate that results in iota and kappa carrageenan production.

The most intense gel of kappa carrageenan is formed by K + instead of Li +, Na +, Mg2+, Ca2+, or Sr2 +.

All carrageenans may form a helical structure.

Arabic gum

Gum arabic is a complex variable mixture of galactoarabinan oligosaccharides, polysaccharides and glycoproteins. Gum arabic is composed of a mixture of polysaccharides of lower relative molecular mass and glycoproteins of higher molecular mass rich in widely variable hydroxyprolines.

Gum arabic has both hydrophilic carbohydrates and hydrophobic proteins present.

Xanthan gum

Xanthan gum is a microbial desiccation-tolerant (desiccation-resistant) polymer prepared by aerobic submerged fermentation of, for example, Xanthomonas campestris (xanthmonas campestris).

Xanthan gum is an anionic polyelectrolyte with an β - (1,4) -D-glucopyranose glucan (as cellulose) backbone with D-mannopyranose- (2,1) - β -D-glucuronic acid- (4,1) - β -D-mannopyranose side chains on alternating residues, linked to- (3,1) - α -.

Xanthan has been proposed to be naturally a bimolecular antiparallel duplex. The transition between the ordered duplex conformation and the more flexible single-stranded strand may occur between 40 ℃ and 80 ℃. Xanthan gum can form a helical structure.

The xanthan gum may comprise cellulose.

Cellulose derivatives

An example of a cellulose derivative is carboxymethyl cellulose。

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a chemically modified derivative of cellulose formed by the reaction of cellulose with alkali and chloroacetic acid.

The CMC structure is based on β - (1,4) -D-glucopyranose polymer of cellulose different formulations can have different degrees of substitution, but are generally in the range of 0.6 to 0.95 derivatives per monomer unit.

Agar-agar

Agar is a scaffold polysaccharide prepared from the same family of red seaweed (Rhodophyceae) as carrageenan. Agar is commercially available from the species Gelidium (Gelidium) and Gracilaria (Gracilaria).

Agarose is a linear polymer of about 120,000 relative molecular mass (molecular weight) based on- (1,3) - β -D-galactopyranose- (1,4) -3, 6-anhydride- α -L-galactopyranose units.

Agar gel is a heterogeneous mixture with smaller molecules present in smaller amounts.

Agar can form a helix.

Arabinoxylan

Arabinoxylans are naturally present in the bran of grasses (gramineae).

Arabinoxylans are composed of α -L-arabinofuranose residues linked to β - (1,4) -linked D-xylopyranose polymer backbone as branch points.

Arabinoxylans can form helical structures.

Cellulose, process for producing the same, and process for producing the same

Cellulose is a scaffold polysaccharide found in plants as microfibrils (2nm to 20nm in diameter and 100nm to 40000nm in length). Cellulose is mainly prepared from wood pulp. Cellulose is also produced in a highly hydrated form by some bacteria, such as acetobacter xylinum.

Cellulose is a linear polymer of β - (1,4) -D-glucopyranose units in a 4C1 conformation, there are four crystalline forms I α, I β, II and III.

The cellulose derivative can be methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl cellulose.

Gel polysaccharide

Curdlan (Curdlan) is a polymer prepared commercially from a mutant strain of the Alcaligenes faecalis variety (Alcaligenes faecalis. myxogenes.) Curdlan (Curdlan gum) is a linear 1,3 β -D glucan of moderate relative molecular mass, non-branched, and has no side chains.

Curdlan can form a helical structure.

Curdlan is not soluble in cold water, but is plasticized and dissolved shortly before the aqueous suspension is heated to about 55 ℃ to produce a reversible gel. Heating at higher temperatures produces a more resilient irreversible gel, which is then retained by cooling.

Scleroglucan is also 1,3 β -D glucan, but has an additional 1,6 β -linkage that confers solubility under ambient conditions.

Gellan gum

Gellan is a linear tetrasaccharide 4) -L-rhamnopyranosyl- (α -1,3) -D-glucopyranosyl- (β -1,4) -D-glucopyranosuronosyl- (β -1,4) -D-glucopyranosyl- (β -1 with an O (2) L-glyceryl and O (6) acetyl substituent on the 3-linked glucose.

Gellan gum may form a helical structure.

β dextran

β -Glucan is present in the bran of grass (Graminae).

β -Glucan is composed of a linear unbranched polysaccharide of linked β - (1,3) -and β - (1,4) -D-glucopyranose units in a non-repeating, but non-random order.

Guar gum

Guar gum (also known as guarana) is a reserve polysaccharide (seed flour) extracted from the seeds of the leguminous shrub guar (cyamopsistetraponoloba).

Guar gum is a galactomannan similar to locust bean gum, consisting of a (1,4) -linked β -D-mannopyranose backbone with a branch point at position 6 linked to α -D-galactose (i.e. 1, 6-linked- α -D-galactopyranose).

Guar gum is formed from a non-ionic polydisperse rod polymer.

Unlike locust bean gum, guar gum does not form a gel.

Locust bean gum

Locust bean gum (also known as carob gum and carbobin (carobin)) is a reserve polysaccharide (seed flour) extracted from the seeds (inner core) of the carob (Ceratonia siliqua).

Locust bean gum is a galactomannan similar to guar gum, consisting of a (1,4) -linked β -D-mannopyranose backbone with a branch point at position 6 linked to α -D-galactose (i.e. 1, 6-linked- α -D-galactopyranose).

Locust bean gum is a polydispersion made up of non-ionic molecules.

Starch

Starch is composed of two types of molecules, amylose (typically 20% to 30%) and amylopectin (typically 70% to 80%), both of which are composed of a polymer of α -D-glucose units in a 4C1 conformation, in amylose, the attachment is- (1,4) -with both epoxy atoms on the same side, and in amylopectin, approximately about one residue per twenty units is also attached- (1,6) -forming branch points the relative proportions of amylose to amylopectin and- (1,6) -branch points are dependent on the starch source.

Amylose can form a helical structure.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is a functional derivative of starch, such as cross-linked, oxidized, acetylated, hydroxypropylated and partially hydrolyzed starch.

In a preferred embodiment, the binder composition comprises at least two hydrocolloids, wherein one hydrocolloid is gelatin and at least one other hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of pectin, starch, alginate, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, β -glucan.

In one embodiment, the adhesive composition comprises at least two hydrocolloids, wherein one hydrocolloid is gelatin and at least the other hydrocolloid is pectin.

In one embodiment, the adhesive composition comprises at least two hydrocolloids, wherein one hydrocolloid is gelatin and at least the other hydrocolloid is alginate.

In one embodiment, the adhesive composition comprises at least two hydrocolloids, wherein one hydrocolloid is gelatin and at least the other hydrocolloid is carboxymethyl cellulose.

In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive composition according to the invention comprises at least two hydrocolloids, wherein one hydrocolloid is gelatin, and wherein the gelatin is present in the aqueous adhesive composition in an amount of 10 to 95 wt. -%, such as 20 to 80 wt. -%, such as 30 to 70 wt. -%, such as 40 to 60 wt. -%, based on the weight of the hydrocolloid.

In one embodiment, the adhesive composition comprises at least two hydrocolloids, wherein one hydrocolloid and at least the other hydrocolloid have complementary charges.

In one embodiment, one hydrocolloid is one or more of gelatin or gum arabic having complementary charges, selected from one or more hydrocolloids of the group of pectin, alginate, carrageenan, xanthan gum or carboxymethyl cellulose.

In one embodiment, the adhesive composition is capable of curing at a temperature of no more than 95 ℃, such as from 5 ℃ to 95 ℃, such as from 10 ℃ to 80 ℃, such as from 20 ℃ to 60 ℃, such as from 40 ℃ to 50 ℃.

In one embodiment, the aqueous binder composition according to the invention is not a thermosetting binder.

The thermosetting composition is in a soft solid or viscous liquid state, preferably comprising a prepolymer, preferably a resin, which upon curing irreversibly converts to a non-fusible, insoluble polymer network. Curing is usually caused by the action of heat, whereby temperatures above 95 ℃ are usually required.

The cured thermoset resin is referred to as a thermoset or thermoset plastic/polymer-when used as a host material in a polymer composite, it is referred to as a thermoset polymer matrix. In one embodiment, the aqueous binder composition according to the present invention does not comprise poly (meth) acrylic acid, salts of poly (meth) acrylic acid or esters of poly (meth) acrylic acid.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is a biopolymer or modified biopolymer.

Biopolymers are polymers produced by living organisms. Biopolymers may comprise monomeric units covalently bonded to form larger structures.

There are three main classes of biopolymers classified according to the monomer units used and the structure of the biopolymers formed: polynucleotides (RNA and DNA), which are long polymers consisting of 13 or more nucleotide monomers; polypeptides, such as proteins, which are polymers of amino acids; polysaccharides, such as linearly bonded polymeric carbohydrate structures.

The polysaccharide may be linear or branched; they are usually linked by glycosidic bonds. In addition, many saccharide units can undergo various chemical modifications and can form part of other molecules such as glycoproteins.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is a biopolymer or modified biopolymer having a polydispersity index of the relevant molecular mass distribution of 1, such as 0.9 to 1.

In one embodiment, the binder composition comprises a protein from an animal source, including collagen, gelatin and hydrolyzed gelatin, and the binder composition further comprises at least one phenolic and/or quinone containing compound, such as tannins of one or more components selected from the group consisting of tannic acid, condensed tannins (procyanidins), hydrolysable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, and/or tannins derived from one or more of oak, chestnut, caraway and cupflower.

In one embodiment, the binder composition comprises proteins from animal sources, including collagen, gelatin and hydrolyzed gelatin, and wherein the binder composition further comprises at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13), protein disulfide isomerase (EC 5.3.4.1), thiol oxidase (EC 1.8.3.2), polyphenol oxidase (EC 1.14.18.1), in particular catechol oxidase, tyrosine oxidase and phenol oxidase, lysyl oxidase (EC1.4.3.13) and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7).

Fatty acid glycerides

The binder composition according to the invention also comprises a component in the form of at least one fatty acid glyceride.

Fatty acids are carboxylic acids having an aliphatic chain, which are saturated or unsaturated.

Glycerol is a polyol compound having the IUPAC name propane-1, 2, 3-triol.

Naturally occurring fats and oils are glycerides (also known as triglycerides) with fatty acids.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term fatty acid glyceride refers to mono-, di-and tri-esters of glycerol and fatty acids.

Although the term fatty acid may in the context of the present invention be any carboxylic acid having an aliphatic chain, it is preferred that it is a carboxylic acid with an aliphatic chain having from 4 to 28 carbon atoms, preferably an even number of carbon atoms. Preferably, the aliphatic chain of the fatty acid is unbranched.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil. In the context of the present invention, the term "oil" comprises at least one fatty acid glyceride in the form of an oil or fat.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is a vegetable-based oil.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of: pulp fats such as palm oil, olive oil, avocado oil; kernel seed fats, such as lauric oils, such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, babassu oil, and other palm seed oils, lauric oils of other sources; palm-stearate oils, such as cocoa butter, shea butter, shorea tallow (borneo tall) and related fats (vegetable fats); palmitic acid oils such as cottonseed oil, kapok oil and related oils, pumpkin seed oil, corn (maize) oil, corn oil; oleic-linoleic acids oils such as sunflower oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, hemp seed oil, tea seed oil, safflower and nigers seed oil (nigered oils), grape seed oil, poppy seed oil, soybean oils such as soybean oil, peanut oil, lupin oil; cruciferous oils, such as rapeseed oil, mustard seed oil; conjugated acid oils such as tung oil and related oils, brazil nut oil and related oils; substituted fatty acid oils such as castor oil, chaulmoogra \ hydnocarpus \ gorli oil, vernonia oil; animal fats, such as terrestrial animal fats, such as lard, tallow, lamb fat, horse fat, goose fat, chicken fat; marine oils such as whale oil and fish oil.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of a vegetable oil, in particular one or more components selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is selected from the group consisting of vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 136 to 178 (such as linseed oil having an iodine value in the range of about 136 to 178), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 80 to 88 (such as olive oil having an iodine value in the range of about 80 to 88), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 163 to 173 (such as tung oil having an iodine value in the range of about 163 to 173), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 7 to 10 (such as coconut oil having an iodine value in the range of about 7 to 10), one or more components of the group consisting of vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 140 to 170 (such as hemp oil having an iodine value in the range of about 140 to 170), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 94 to 120 (such as rapeseed oil having an iodine value in the range of about 94 to 120), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 118 to 144 (such as sunflower oil having an iodine value in the range of about 118 to 144).

In one embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is not of natural origin.

In one embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is a modified vegetable or animal oil.

In one embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises at least one trans fatty acid.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of an animal oil, such as fish oil.

The inventors have found that an important parameter of the fatty acid glycerides used in the binder according to the invention is the amount of unsaturation in the fatty acids. The amount of unsaturation in a fatty acid is typically measured by the iodine number (also known as the iodine number or iodine uptake value or iodine index). The higher the iodine number, the more C ═ C bonds are present in the fatty acid. To determine the iodine value as a measure of the unsaturation of fatty acids, we refer to Thomas, Alfred (2002) "Fats and fatty oils" in Ullmann's encyclopedia of Industrial chemistry, Weinheim, Wiley-VCH.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil having an iodine value of 75 or more, such as 75 to 180, such as 130 or more, such as 130 to 180.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil having an iodine value of 100 or less, such as 25 or less.

In one embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is a drying oil. For the definition of Drying oils, see Poth, Ulrich (2012) "Drying oils and related products" in Ullmann's encyclopedia of Industrial chemistry, Weinheim, Wiley-VCH.

Thus, the inventors have found that particularly good results are obtained when the iodine value is in a rather high range, or alternatively in a rather low range. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the inventors believe that the advantageous properties caused by fatty acid esters with a high iodine value on the one hand and fatty acid esters with a low iodine value on the other hand are based on different mechanisms. The inventors postulate that the advantageous properties of fatty acid glycerides with high iodine values may be due to the participation of C ═ C double bonds in the crosslinking reaction present at high values in these fatty acids, whereas fatty acid glycerides with low iodine values and lacking a high content of C ═ C double bonds may allow to stabilize the cured binder by van der waals interactions.

In a preferred embodiment, the content of fatty acid glycerides is from 0.5 to 40 wt. -%, such as from 1 to 30 wt. -%, such as from 1.5 to 20 wt. -%, such as from 3 to 10 wt. -%, such as from 4 to 7.5 wt. -%, based on the dry weight of the hydrocolloid.

In one embodiment, the binder composition comprises gelatin, and the binder composition further comprises tannins of one or more components selected from the group consisting of tannic acid, condensed tannins (procyanidins), hydrolysable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, and/or tannins derived from one or more of oak, chestnut, caraway and cupflower, preferably tannic acid, and the binder composition further comprises at least one fatty acid glyceride, such as at least one fatty acid glyceride of one or more components selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil.

In one embodiment, the binder composition comprises gelatin, and the binder composition further comprises at least one enzyme that is transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13), and the binder composition further comprises at least one fatty acid glyceride, such as at least one fatty acid glyceride of one or more components selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil.

In one embodiment, the aqueous binder composition is formaldehyde-free.

In one embodiment, the binder composition according to the invention consists essentially of:

-at least one hydrocolloid;

-at least one fatty acid glyceride;

-optionally at least one pH adjusting agent;

-optionally at least one cross-linking agent;

-optionally at least one antifouling agent;

-optionally at least one anti-swelling agent;

-water.

In one embodiment, oil may be added to the binder composition.

In one embodiment, the at least one oil is a non-emulsified hydrocarbon oil.

In one embodiment, the at least one oil is an emulsified hydrocarbon oil.

In one embodiment, the at least one oil is a vegetable-based oil.

In one embodiment, the at least one cross-linking agent is a tannin of one or more components selected from the group consisting of tannic acid, condensed tannins (procyanidins), hydrolysable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, and/or a tannin derived from one or more of oak, chestnut, caraus and cupflower.

In one embodiment, the at least one cross-linking agent is an enzyme selected from the group consisting of transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13), protein disulfide isomerase (EC 5.3.4.1), thiol oxidase (EC 1.8.3.2), polyphenol oxidase (EC 1.14.18.1), in particular catechol oxidase, tyrosine oxidase and phenol oxidase, lysyl oxidase (EC1.4.3.13) and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7).

In one embodiment, the at least one anti-swelling agent is tannic acid and/or tannin.

In one embodiment, at least one antifouling agent is an antimicrobial agent.

The antimicrobial agent can be benzoic acid, propionic acid, sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, and potassium sorbate to inhibit the growth of bacterial and fungal cells. However, natural biological preservatives can be used. Chitosan (Chitosan) is considered to be antifungal and antibacterial. The most frequently used antimicrobial biological preservatives are lysozyme and nisin. Common other biological preservatives that can be used are bacteriocins such as nisin and pediocin and antimicrobial enzymes such as chitinase and glucose oxidase. In addition, the use of Lactoperoxidase (LPS) exhibits antifungal and antiviral activity. Natural antimicrobials such as tannins, rosemary and garlic essential oils, oregano oil, lemon grass (lemon grass) or cinnamon oil may also be used in varying concentrations.

Mineral fibre product

The invention also relates to a mineral wool product comprising mineral fibres bound by a binder as described above.

In one embodiment, the Loss On Ignition (LOI) of the mineral wool product according to the invention is in the range of 0.1 to 25.0%, such as 0.3 to 18.0%, such as 0.5 to 12.0%, such as 0.7 to 8.0% by weight.

In one embodiment, the binder is not crosslinked.

In an alternative embodiment, the binder is crosslinked.

The invention also relates to a mineral wool product comprising mineral fibres bound by a binder resulting from the curing of a binder composition comprising a hydrocolloid.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, starch, alginate, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, β -glucan.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is a polyelectrolytic hydrocolloid.

In one embodiment the binder is obtained from curing of a binder composition, wherein the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, alginate, carrageenan, gum arabic, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose.

In one embodiment, the binder is obtained from curing of a binder composition comprising at least two hydrocolloids, wherein one hydrocolloid is gelatin and at least one other hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of pectin, starch, alginate, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, β -dextran in one embodiment, the binder is obtained from curing of a binder composition, wherein the gelatin is present in an amount of 10 to 95 wt. -%, such as 20 to 80 wt. -%, such as 30 to 70 wt. -%, such as 40 to 60 wt. -%, based on the weight of the hydrocolloids.

In one embodiment, the adhesive results from curing of an adhesive composition wherein one hydrocolloid and at least the other hydrocolloid have complementary charges.

In one embodiment, the Loss On Ignition (LOI) is in the range of 0.1% to 25.0%, such as 0.3% to 18.0%, such as 0.5% to 12.0%, such as 0.7% to 8.0% by weight.

In one embodiment, the binder is obtained from curing the binder composition at a temperature of less than 95 ℃, such as from 5 ℃ to 95 ℃, such as from 10 ℃ to 80 ℃, such as from 20 ℃ to 60 ℃, such as from 40 ℃ to 50 ℃.

In one embodiment, the binder results from the curing of a binder composition that is not a thermosetting binder composition.

In one embodiment, the binder is obtained from a binder composition that does not comprise poly (meth) acrylic acid, a salt of poly (meth) acrylic acid, or an ester of poly (meth) acrylic acid.

In one embodiment, the adhesive is obtained from the curing of an adhesive composition comprising at least one hydrocolloid which is a biopolymer or a modified biopolymer.

In one embodiment, the binder is obtained from the curing of a binder composition comprising protein from animal origin, including collagen, gelatin and hydrolyzed gelatin, and the binder composition further comprises at least one phenolic and/or quinone containing compound, such as tannins of one or more components selected from the group consisting of tannic acid, condensed tannins (procyanidins), hydrolyzable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, and/or tannins derived from one or more of oak, chestnut, antlers and cupflower.

In one embodiment, the binder is obtained from the curing of a binder composition comprising proteins from animal sources, including collagen, gelatin and hydrolyzed gelatin, and wherein the binder composition further comprises at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13), protein disulfide isomerase (EC 5.3.4.1), thiol oxidase (EC 1.8.3.2), polyphenol oxidase (EC 1.14.18.1), in particular catechol oxidase, tyrosine oxidase, and phenol oxidase, lysyl oxidase (EC1.4.3.13) and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7).

Fatty acid glycerides

The binder composition according to the invention comprises at least one component in the form of a fatty acid glyceride.

Fatty acids are carboxylic acids having an aliphatic chain, which are saturated or unsaturated.

Glycerol is a polyol compound having the IUPAC name propane-1, 2, 3-triol.

Naturally occurring fats and oils are glycerides (also known as triglycerides) with fatty acids.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term fatty acid glyceride refers to mono-, di-and tri-esters of glycerol and fatty acids.

Although the term fatty acid may in the context of the present invention be any carboxylic acid having an aliphatic chain, it is preferred that it is a carboxylic acid with an aliphatic chain having from 4 to 28 carbon atoms, preferably an even number of carbon atoms. Preferably, the aliphatic chain of the fatty acid is unbranched.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil. In the context of the present invention, the term "oil" includes at least one fatty acid glyceride in the form of an oil or fat.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is a vegetable-based oil.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of: pulp fats such as palm oil, olive oil, avocado oil; kernel seed fats, such as lauric oils, such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, babassu oil, and other palm seed oils, lauric oils of other sources; palm-stearate oils, such as cocoa butter, shea butter, shorea tallow (borneo tall) and related fats (vegetable fats); palmitic acid oils such as cottonseed oil, kapok oil and related oils, pumpkin seed oil, corn (maize) oil, corn oil; oleic-linoleic acids oils such as sunflower oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, hemp seed oil, tea seed oil, safflower and nigers seed oil (nigered oils), grape seed oil, poppy seed oil, soybean oils such as soybean oil, peanut oil, lupin oil; cruciferous oils, such as rapeseed oil, mustard seed oil; conjugated acid oils such as tung oil and related oils, brazil nut oil and related oils; substituted fatty acid oils such as castor oil, chaulmoogra \ hydnocarpus \ gorli oil, vernonia oil; animal fats, such as terrestrial animal fats, such as lard, tallow, lamb fat, horse fat, goose fat, chicken fat; marine oils such as whale oil and fish oil.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of a vegetable oil, in particular one or more components selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is selected from the group consisting of vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 136 to 178 (such as linseed oil having an iodine value in the range of about 136 to 178), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 80 to 88 (such as olive oil having an iodine value in the range of about 80 to 88), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 163 to 173 (such as tung oil having an iodine value in the range of about 163 to 173), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 7 to 10 (such as coconut oil having an iodine value in the range of about 7 to 10), one or more components of the group consisting of vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 140 to 170 (such as hemp oil having an iodine value in the range of about 140 to 170), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 94 to 120 (such as rapeseed oil having an iodine value in the range of about 94 to 120), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 118 to 144 (such as sunflower oil having an iodine value in the range of about 118 to 144).

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of an animal oil, such as fish oil.

The inventors have found that an important parameter of the fatty acid glycerides used in the binder according to the invention is the amount of unsaturation in the fatty acids. The amount of unsaturated fatty acids is typically measured by the iodine number (also known as the iodine number or iodine uptake value or iodine index). The higher the iodine number, the more C ═ C bonds are present in the fatty acid. To determine the iodine value as a measure of the unsaturation of fatty acids, we refer to Thomas, Alfred (2002) "Fats and fatty oils" in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial chemistry, Weinheim, Wiley-VCH.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil having an iodine value of 75 or more, such as 75 to 180, such as 130 or more, such as 130 to 180.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil having an iodine value of 100 or less, such as 25 or less.

In one embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is a drying oil. For the definition of Drying oils, see Poth, Ulrich (2012) "Drying oils and related products" in Ullmann's encyclopedia of Industrial chemistry, Weinheim, Wiley-VCH.

Thus, the inventors have found that particularly good results are obtained when the iodine value is in a rather high range, or in a rather low range. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the inventors believe that the advantageous properties caused by fatty acid esters with a high iodine value on the one hand and fatty acid esters with a low iodine value on the other hand are based on different mechanisms. The inventors postulate that the advantageous properties of fatty acid glycerides with high iodine values may be due to the participation of C ═ C double bonds in the crosslinking reaction present at high values in these fatty acids, whereas fatty acid glycerides with low iodine values and lacking a high content of C ═ C double bonds may allow to stabilize the cured binder by van der waals interactions.

In a preferred embodiment, the content of fatty acid glycerides is from 0.5 to 40 wt. -%, such as from 1 to 30 wt. -%, such as from 1.5 to 20 wt. -%, such as from 3 to 10 wt. -%, such as from 4 to 7.5 wt. -%, based on the dry weight of the hydrocolloid.

In an embodiment, the binder is obtained from curing of a binder composition comprising gelatin, and wherein the binder composition further comprises tannins of one or more components selected from the group consisting of tannic acid, condensed tannins (procyanidins), hydrolysable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, and/or tannins derived from one or more of oak, chestnut, caraway and cupflower, preferably tannic acid, and the binder composition further comprises at least one fatty acid glyceride, such as at least one fatty acid glyceride of one or more components selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil.

In an embodiment, the binder is obtained from curing of a binder composition comprising gelatin, and wherein the binder composition further comprises at least one enzyme being transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13), and the binder composition further comprises at least one fatty acid glyceride, such as at least one fatty acid glyceride of one or more components selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil.

In one embodiment, the binder results from the curing of a formaldehyde-free binder composition.

In one embodiment, the binder is obtained from a binder composition consisting essentially of:

-at least one hydrocolloid;

-at least one fatty acid glyceride;

-optionally at least one pH adjusting agent;

-optionally at least one cross-linking agent;

-optionally at least one antifouling agent;

-optionally at least one anti-swelling agent;

-water.

In one embodiment, the binder is not crosslinked.

In one embodiment, the binder is crosslinked.

Reaction of the Binder Components

The inventors have found that in some embodiments of the mineral wool product according to the invention, the mineral wool product is best produced when the binder is applied to the mineral fibres under acidic conditions. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the binder applied to the mineral fibres comprises a pH adjusting agent, in particular in the form of a pH buffer.

In a preferred embodiment, the pH of the binder in its uncured state is less than 8, such as less than 7, such as less than 6.

The inventors have found that in some embodiments, the curing of the binder is strongly accelerated under alkaline conditions. Thus, in one embodiment, the binder composition for mineral fibres comprises a pH adjusting agent, which is preferably a base, such as an organic base, such as an amine or a salt thereof; inorganic bases such as metal hydroxides, such as KOH or NaOH, ammonia or its salt forms.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pH adjusting agent is an alkaline metal hydroxide, in particular NaOH.

In a preferred embodiment, the pH of the binder composition according to the invention is from 7 to 10, such as from 7.5 to 9.5, such as from 8 to 9.

Other additives may be components such as one or more reactive or non-reactive silicones, and may be added to the binder. Preferably, the one or more reactive or non-reactive silicones are chosen from the following silicones: the backbone constituting the silicone consists of organosiloxane residues, in particular diphenylsiloxane residues, alkylsiloxane residues, preferably dimethylsiloxane residues, having at least one hydroxyl, acyl, carboxyl or anhydride, amine, epoxy or vinyl functional group which is capable of reacting with at least one component of the adhesive composition, and preferably the silicone is present in an amount of 0.1 to 15 wt. -%, preferably 0.1 to 10 wt. -%, more preferably 0.3 to 8 wt. -%, based on the total mass of the adhesive.

In one embodiment, oil may be added to the binder composition.

In one embodiment, the at least one oil is a non-emulsified hydrocarbon oil.

In one embodiment, the at least one oil is an emulsified hydrocarbon oil.

In one embodiment, the at least one oil is a vegetable-based oil.

In one embodiment, the at least one cross-linking agent is a tannin of one or more components selected from the group consisting of tannic acid, condensed tannins (procyanidins), hydrolysable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, and/or a tannin derived from one or more of oak, chestnut, caraus and cupflower.

In one embodiment, the at least one cross-linking agent is an enzyme selected from the group consisting of transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13), protein disulfide isomerase (EC 5.3.4.1), thiol oxidase (EC 1.8.3.2), polyphenol oxidase (EC 1.14.18.1), in particular catechol oxidase, tyrosine oxidase, and phenol oxidase, lysyl oxidase (EC1.4.3.13) and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7).

In one embodiment, the at least one anti-swelling agent is tannic acid and/or tannin.

In one embodiment, at least one antifouling agent is an antimicrobial agent.

The antimicrobial agent can be benzoic acid, propionic acid, sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, and potassium sorbate to inhibit the growth of bacterial and fungal cells. However, natural biological preservatives can be used. Chitosan (Chitosan) is considered to be antifungal and antibacterial. The most frequently used antimicrobial biological preservatives are lysozyme and nisin. Common other biological preservatives that can be used are bacteriocins such as nisin and pediocin and antimicrobial enzymes such as chitinase and glucose oxidase. In addition, the use of Lactoperoxidase (LPS) exhibits antifungal and antiviral activity. Natural antimicrobials such as tannins, rosemary and garlic essential oils, oregano oil, lemon grass (lemon grass) or cinnamon oil may also be used in varying concentrations.

In one embodiment, an antifoulant may be added to the binder.

In a preferred embodiment, the anti-fouling agent is a tannin, in particular a tannin of one or more components selected from the group consisting of tannic acid, condensed tannins (procyanidins), hydrolysable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, and/or a tannin derived from one or more of oak, chestnut, caraway and cupflower.

In one embodiment, an anti-swelling agent, such as tannic acid and/or tannin, may be added to the binder.

The additional additive may be an additive comprising calcium ions and an antioxidant.

In one embodiment, the adhesive composition according to the invention comprises an additive in the form of a linker comprising an acyl group and/or an amine group and/or a thiol group. These joints may reinforce and/or modify the network of cured binder.

In one embodiment, the binder composition according to the invention comprises further additives in the form of additives selected from the group consisting of PEG-type reagents, silanes and hydroxyapatite.

Characteristics of mineral wool products

In a preferred embodiment, the mineral wool product has a density of 10kg/m³To 1200kg/m³Such as 30kg/m³To 800kg/m³Such as 40kg/m³To 600kg/m³Such as 50kg/m³To 250kg/m³Such as 60kg/m³To 200kg/m³Within the range of (1).

In a preferred embodiment, the mineral wool product according to the invention is an insulation product, in particular having 10kg/m³To 200kg/m³The density of (c).

Method for producing mineral wool products

The invention also provides a method of producing a mineral wool product by binding mineral fibres with a binder composition.

The invention therefore also relates to a method for producing a mineral wool product, comprising the steps of: contacting mineral fibers with a binder composition comprising at least one hydrocolloid and comprising at least one fatty acid glyceride, and curing the binder.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, starch, alginate, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, β -glucan.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is a polyelectrolytic hydrocolloid.

In one embodiment the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, alginate, carrageenan, gum arabic, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose.

In one embodiment, the binder composition comprises at least two hydrocolloids, wherein one hydrocolloid is gelatin and at least one other hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of pectin, starch, alginate, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, β -glucan in one embodiment, gelatin is present in the aqueous binder composition in an amount of from 10 to 95 wt%, such as from 20 to 80 wt%, such as from 30 to 70 wt%, such as from 40 to 60 wt%, based on the weight of the hydrocolloid.

In one embodiment, one hydrocolloid and at least the other hydrocolloid have complementary charges.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is present in the aqueous binder composition in an amount of from 1 wt% to 50 wt%, such as from 2.5 wt% to 25 wt%, based on the weight of the aqueous binder composition.

In one embodiment, the step of curing the binder composition occurs at a temperature of no more than 95 ℃, such as from 5 ℃ to 95 ℃, such as from 10 ℃ to 80 ℃, such as from 20 ℃ to 60 ℃, such as from 40 ℃ to 50 ℃.

In one embodiment, the binder composition is not a thermosetting binder.

In one embodiment, the adhesive composition does not comprise poly (meth) acrylic acid, a salt of poly (meth) acrylic acid, or an ester of poly (meth) acrylic acid.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is a biopolymer or modified biopolymer.

In one embodiment, the binder composition comprises a protein from an animal source, including collagen, gelatin and hydrolyzed gelatin, and the binder composition further comprises at least one phenolic and/or quinone containing compound, such as tannins of one or more components selected from the group consisting of tannic acid, condensed tannins (procyanidins), hydrolysable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, and/or tannins derived from one or more of oak, chestnut, caraway and cupflower.

In one embodiment, the binder composition comprises proteins from animal sources, including collagen, gelatin and hydrolyzed gelatin, and wherein the binder composition further comprises at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13), protein disulfide isomerase (EC 5.3.4.1), thiol oxidase (EC 1.8.3.2), polyphenol oxidase (EC 1.14.18.1), in particular catechol oxidase, tyrosine oxidase, and phenol oxidase, lysyl oxidase (EC1.4.3.13) and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7).

Fatty acid glycerides

The binder composition according to the invention comprises at least one component in the form of a fatty acid glyceride.

Fatty acids are carboxylic acids having an aliphatic chain, which are saturated or unsaturated.

Glycerol is a polyol compound having the IUPAC name propane-1, 2, 3-triol.

Naturally occurring fats and oils are glycerides (also known as triglycerides) with fatty acids.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term fatty acid glyceride refers to mono-, di-and tri-esters of glycerol and fatty acids.

Although the term fatty acid may in the context of the present invention be any carboxylic acid having an aliphatic chain, it is preferred that it is a carboxylic acid with an aliphatic chain having from 4 to 28 carbon atoms, preferably an even number of carbon atoms. Preferably, the aliphatic chain of the fatty acid is unbranched.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil. In the context of the present invention, the term "oil" includes at least one fatty acid glyceride in the form of an oil or fat.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is a vegetable-based oil.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of: pulp fats such as palm oil, olive oil, avocado oil; kernel seed fats, such as lauric oils, such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, babassu oil, and other palm seed oils, lauric oils of other sources; palm-stearate oils, such as cocoa butter, shea butter, shorea tallow (borneo tall) and related fats (vegetable fats); palmitic acid oils such as cottonseed oil, kapok oil and related oils, pumpkin seed oil, corn (maize) oil, corn oil; oleic-linoleic acids oils such as sunflower oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, hemp seed oil, tea seed oil, safflower and nigers seed oil (nigered oils), grape seed oil, poppy seed oil, soybean oils such as soybean oil, peanut oil, lupin oil; cruciferous oils, such as rapeseed oil, mustard seed oil; conjugated acid oils such as tung oil and related oils, brazil nut oil and related oils; substituted fatty acid oils such as castor oil, chaulmoogra \ hydnocarpus \ gorli oil, vernonia oil; animal fats, such as terrestrial animal fats, such as lard, tallow, lamb fat, horse fat, goose fat, chicken fat; marine oils such as whale oil and fish oil.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of a vegetable oil, in particular one or more components selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is selected from the group consisting of vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 136 to 178 (such as linseed oil having an iodine value in the range of about 136 to 178), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 80 to 88 (such as olive oil having an iodine value in the range of about 80 to 88), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 163 to 173 (such as tung oil having an iodine value in the range of about 163 to 173), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 7 to 10 (such as coconut oil having an iodine value in the range of about 7 to 10), one or more components of the group consisting of vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 140 to 170 (such as hemp oil having an iodine value in the range of about 140 to 170), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 94 to 120 (such as rapeseed oil having an iodine value in the range of about 94 to 120), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 118 to 144 (such as sunflower oil having an iodine value in the range of about 118 to 144).

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of an animal oil, such as fish oil.

The inventors have found that an important parameter of the fatty acid glycerides used in the binder according to the invention is the amount of unsaturation in the fatty acids. The amount of unsaturated fatty acids is typically measured by the iodine number (also known as the iodine number or iodine uptake value or iodine index). The higher the iodine number, the more C ═ C bonds are present in the fatty acid. To determine the iodine value as a measure of the unsaturation of fatty acids, we refer to Thomas, Alfred (2002) "Fats and fatty oils" in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial chemistry, Weinheim, Wiley-VCH.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil having an iodine value of 75 or more, such as 75 to 180, such as 130 or more, such as 130 to 180.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil having an iodine value of 100 or less, such as 25 or less.

In one embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is a drying oil. For the definition of Drying oils, see Poth, Ulrich (2012) "Drying oils and related products" in Ullmann's encyclopedia of Industrial chemistry, Weinheim, Wiley-VCH.

Thus, the inventors have found that particularly good results are obtained when the iodine value is in a rather high range, or in a rather low range. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the inventors believe that the advantageous properties caused by fatty acid esters with a high iodine value on the one hand and fatty acid esters with a low iodine value on the other hand are based on different mechanisms. The inventors postulate that the advantageous properties of fatty acid glycerides with high iodine values may be due to the participation of C ═ C double bonds in the crosslinking reaction present at high values in these fatty acids, whereas fatty acid glycerides with low iodine values and lacking a high content of C ═ C double bonds may allow to stabilize the cured binder by van der waals interactions.

In a preferred embodiment, the content of fatty acid glycerides is from 0.5 to 40 wt. -%, such as from 1 to 30 wt. -%, such as from 1.5 to 20 wt. -%, such as from 3 to 10 wt. -%, such as from 4 to 7.5 wt. -%, based on the dry weight of the hydrocolloid.

In one embodiment, the binder composition comprises gelatin, and the binder composition further comprises tannins of one or more components selected from the group consisting of tannic acid, condensed tannins (procyanidins), hydrolysable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, and/or tannins derived from one or more of oak, chestnut, caraway and cupflower, preferably tannic acid, and the binder composition further comprises at least one glyceride of fatty acids, such as at least one glyceride of fatty acids of one or more components selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil.

In one embodiment, the binder composition comprises gelatin, and the binder composition further comprises at least one enzyme that is transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13), and the binder composition further comprises at least one fatty acid glyceride, such as at least one fatty acid glyceride of a component selected from one or more of the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil.

In one embodiment, the binder composition is formaldehyde-free.

In one embodiment, the binder composition consists essentially of:

-at least one hydrocolloid;

-at least one fatty acid glyceride;

-optionally at least one pH adjusting agent;

-optionally at least one cross-linking agent;

-optionally at least one antifouling agent;

-optionally at least one anti-swelling agent;

-water.

In one embodiment, the method does not involve crosslinking of the binder composition.

In one embodiment, the method involves crosslinking of the binder composition.

In one embodiment, the at least one oil is a non-emulsified hydrocarbon oil.

In one embodiment, the at least one oil is an emulsified hydrocarbon oil.

In one embodiment, the at least one oil is a vegetable-based oil.

In one embodiment, the at least one cross-linking agent is a tannin of one or more components selected from the group consisting of tannic acid, condensed tannins (procyanidins), hydrolysable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, and/or a tannin derived from one or more of oak, chestnut, caraus and cupflower.

In one embodiment, the at least one cross-linking agent is an enzyme selected from the group consisting of transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13), protein disulfide isomerase (EC 5.3.4.1), thiol oxidase (EC 1.8.3.2), polyphenol oxidase (EC 1.14.18.1), in particular catechol oxidase, tyrosine oxidase, and phenol oxidase, lysyl oxidase (EC1.4.3.13) and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7).

In one embodiment, the at least one anti-swelling agent is tannic acid and/or tannin.

In one embodiment, at least one antifouling agent is an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent can be benzoic acid, propionic acid, sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, and potassium sorbate to inhibit the growth of bacterial and fungal cells. However, natural biological preservatives can be used. Chitosan (Chitosan) is considered to be antifungal and antibacterial. The most frequently used antimicrobial biological preservatives are lysozyme and nisin. Common other biological preservatives that can be used are bacteriocins such as nisin and pediocin and antimicrobial enzymes such as chitinase and glucose oxidase. In addition, the use of Lactoperoxidase (LPS) exhibits antifungal and antiviral activity. Natural antimicrobials such as tannins, rosemary and garlic essential oils, oregano oil, lemon grass (lemon grass) or cinnamon oil may also be used in varying concentrations.

In one embodiment, the curing process comprises a drying process, in particular by blowing air or gas over/through the mineral wool product or by increasing the temperature.

The invention also relates to a mineral wool product produced by the method as described above.

Preferably, the Loss On Ignition (LOI) of the mineral wool product produced by such use is in the range of 0.1% to 25.0%, such as 0.3% to 18.0%, such as 0.5% to 12.0%, such as 0.7% to 8.0% by weight.

A particular advantage of the mineral wool product according to the invention is that no high temperatures are required for curing. This not only saves energy, reduces VOC and does not require high temperature resistant machinery, but also allows high flexibility in the process of producing mineral wool products with these binders.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of:

-preparing a melt of the raw materials,

fiberizing the melt by means of a fiber forming device to form mineral fibers,

-providing mineral fibres in the form of a gathered web,

-mixing a binder with mineral fibres before, during and after providing the gathered web to form a mixture of mineral fibres and binder,

-curing the mixture of mineral fibres and binder.

In one embodiment, the binder is provided immediately adjacent to the fiber forming apparatus, such as a rotor spinning apparatus or cascade spinning apparatus, in either case immediately after fiber formation. Thereafter, the binder applied fibers are transferred as a web onto a conveyor belt.

The web may be subjected to longitudinal or lengthwise compression after the fibers are formed and before substantial curing occurs.

Fiber forming device

There are various types of centrifugal spinning machines for fiberizing mineral melts.

A conventional centrifugal spinning machine is a cascade spinning machine comprising a series of top (or first) and subsequent (or second) rotors and optionally other subsequent rotors such as third and fourth rotors. Each rotor rotates about a different substantially horizontal axis, with the direction of rotation of the rotor being opposite to the direction of rotation of the or each adjacent rotor in the series. The different horizontal axes are arranged such that the melt to be poured on the top rotor is thrown in sequence onto the peripheral surface of the or each subsequent rotor and the fibres are thrown from the or each subsequent rotor and optionally also from the top rotor.

In one embodiment, a cascade spinning machine or other spinning machine is arranged to fiberize the melt and entrain the fibers in the air as a cloud of fibers.

Many fiber forming apparatuses include a disc or cup that rotates about a substantially vertical axis. Several of these spinning machines are then usually arranged in series, i.e. substantially in A first direction, as described for example in GB-A-926,749, US-A-3,824,086 and WO-A-83/03092.

There is typically an air flow associated with the or each fiberising rotor whereby fibres are entrained in the air as they form from the surface of the rotor.

In one embodiment, the binder and/or additives are added to the fiber cloud by known means. The amount of binder and/or additive used for each spinning machine may be the same or it may be different.

In one embodiment, hydrocarbon oil may be added to the fiber cloud.

As used herein, the term "gathering web" is intended to include any mineral fibers that have been collected and gathered on a surface, i.e., they are no longer entrained by gas, such as fiberized mineral fibers, granulated, tufted, or recycled web waste. The gathered web may be a primary web formed by collecting fibers on a conveyor belt and provided as a starting material without being cross-folded (cross-lap) or otherwise consolidated.

Alternatively, the gathered web may be a secondary web formed by cross-folding or otherwise consolidating a primary web. Preferably, the gathered web is a primary web.

In one embodiment, after providing the gathered web, mixing of the binder with the mineral fibers is completed in the following steps:

-subjecting the gathered web of mineral fibres to a disentangling treatment,

-suspending mineral fibres in the main air flow,

-mixing the binder composition with the mineral fibres before, during or after the disentangling process, thereby forming a mixture of mineral fibres and binder.

A method of producing a mineral wool product comprising the disentanglement process step described in EP 10190521.

In one embodiment, the disentangling process comprises supplying a gathered web of mineral fibres from a duct having a lower relative airflow to a duct having a higher relative airflow. In this embodiment, it is believed that detangling occurs because the fibers entering the conduit with the higher relative air flow are first pulled apart from the subsequent fibers in the web. This type of disentanglement enables a particularly efficient production of opened fibre flocks without producing dense lumps which may lead to an uneven distribution of material in the product.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the disentangling treatment comprises: the gathered web is supplied to at least one roller which rotates about its longitudinal axis and has spikes projecting from its circumferential surface. In this embodiment, the rotating roller will also generally contribute at least in part to the creation of the higher relative airflow. Typically, the rotation of the roller is the only source of the relatively high relative airflow.

In a preferred embodiment, the mineral fibers and optional binder are fed to the rolls from above. It is also preferred that the disentangled mineral fibers and optionally binder are ejected from the roll in a transverse direction from a lower portion of the circumference of the roll. In the most preferred embodiment, the mineral fibers are carried by the rollers about 180 degrees before they are thrown out.

The binder may be mixed with the mineral fibres before, during or after the disentanglement process. In some embodiments, it is preferred that the binder is mixed with the fibers prior to the disentangling process. In particular, the fibers may be in the form of an uncured, binder-containing, gathered web.

It is also possible to premix the binder with the aggregate web of mineral fibres before the disentanglement process. Further mixing may be performed during and after the disentanglement process. Alternatively, the binder may be supplied separately to the main air flow and mixed in the main air flow.

The mixture of mineral fibres and binder is collected from the main gas stream by any suitable means. In one embodiment, the primary air flow is introduced into the top of a cyclone chamber (cyclone chamber) whose lower end is open and from which the mixture is collected.

The mixture of mineral fibres and binder is preferably fed into the forming chamber from a disentanglement process.

After the disentanglement process, the mixture of mineral fibres and binder is collected and pressed and cured. Preferably, the mixture is collected on a foraminous conveyor belt having a suction mechanism disposed thereunder.

In a preferred method according to the invention, the collected mixture of binder and mineral fibres is pressed and cured.

In a preferred method according to the invention, the collected mixture of binder and mineral fibres is trimmed before pressing and curing.

The method may be carried out in a batch mode, but according to one embodiment, the method is carried out on a mineral wool production line, wherein a primary or secondary mineral wool web is supplied to a defibration treatment process, which provides a particularly cost-effective and versatile method for providing a composite material having good mechanical and thermal insulation properties over a wide density range.

At the same time, the likelihood of spotting of the uncured adhesive is significantly reduced due to curing at ambient temperature.

Curing

The web is cured by chemical and/or physical reaction of the binder components.

In one embodiment, curing occurs in a curing apparatus.

In one embodiment, curing is carried out at a temperature of from 5 ℃ to 95 ℃, such as from 5 ℃ to 80 ℃, such as from 5 ℃ to 60 ℃, such as from 8 ℃ to 50 ℃, such as from 10 ℃ to 40 ℃.

In one embodiment, curing takes place in a conventional curing oven for operating mineral wool production at a temperature of from 5 ℃ to 95 ℃, such as from 5 ℃ to 80 ℃, such as from 10 ℃ to 60 ℃, such as from 20 ℃ to 40 ℃.

The curing process may begin immediately after the binder is applied to the fibers. Curing is defined as a process whereby the binder composition undergoes a physical and/or chemical reaction, typically until the binder composition reaches a solid state, wherein, in the case of a chemical reaction, the molecular weight of the compounds in the binder composition is typically increased and thereby the viscosity of the binder composition is increased.

In one embodiment, the curing process includes crosslinking and/or the addition of water as water of crystallization (inclusion).

In one embodiment, the cured binder contains crystal water in an amount that may decrease and increase depending on the prevailing temperature, pressure and humidity conditions.

In one embodiment, the curing process comprises a drying process.

In a preferred embodiment, the curing of the binder in contact with the mineral fibers takes place in a hot press.

The curing of the binder in contact with the mineral fibres in the hot press has the particular advantage that a high density product can be produced.

In one embodiment, the curing process comprises drying by pressure. The pressure may be applied by blowing air or gas through/over the mixture of mineral fibres and binder. The blowing process may be accompanied by heating or cooling, or it may be at ambient temperature.

In one embodiment, the curing process is carried out in a humid environment.

The humid environment may have a relative humidity RH of 60% to 99%, such as 70% to 95%, such as 80% to 92%. Curing in a humid environment may be followed by curing or drying to obtain a universal humidity state.

In one embodiment, the curing is performed in an oxygen deficient environment.

Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, applicants believe that curing in an oxygen-deficient environment is particularly beneficial when the binder composition comprises an enzyme, as it increases the stability of the enzyme component, particularly transglutaminase, in some embodiments, thereby increasing the crosslinking efficiency. In one embodiment, the curing process is thus carried out in an inert atmosphere, in particular in an atmosphere of an inert gas (e.g. nitrogen).

In some embodiments, particularly embodiments in which the binder composition includes a phenolic, particularly a tannin, an oxidizing agent may be added. Oxidizing agents are useful as additives to increase the rate of oxidation of phenols, particularly tannins. One example is tyrosinase, which oxidizes phenol to hydroxyphenol/quinone, thus accelerating the binder formation reaction.

In another embodiment, the oxidizing agent is oxygen supplied to the binder.

In one embodiment, curing is performed in an oxygen-rich environment.

The mineral wool product may be in any conventional configuration, such as a mat or slab, and may be cut and/or shaped (e.g., into pipe sections) before, during, or after the binder is cured.

Use of hydrocolloids and fatty acid glycerides in adhesive compositions

The invention also relates to the use of at least one hydrocolloid and at least one fatty acid glyceride in a binder composition for the production of mineral wool products.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, starch, alginate, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, β -glucan.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is a polyelectrolytic hydrocolloid.

In one embodiment the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, alginate, carrageenan, gum arabic, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose.

In one embodiment at least two hydrocolloids are used, wherein one hydrocolloid is gelatin and at least one other hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of pectin, starch, alginate, agar-agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, β -glucan.

In one embodiment, gelatin is used in an amount of from 10 to 95 wt%, such as from 20 to 80 wt%, such as from 30 to 70 wt%, such as from 40 to 60 wt%, based on the weight of hydrocolloid.

In one embodiment, one hydrocolloid and at least the other hydrocolloid have complementary charges.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is used in the aqueous binder composition in an amount of from 1 to 50 wt%, such as from 2.5 to 15 wt%, based on the weight of the aqueous binder composition, to produce a mineral wool product.

In one embodiment, curing the aqueous binder composition to produce the mineral wool product occurs at a temperature of no more than 95 ℃, such as from 5 ℃ to 95 ℃, such as from 10 ℃ to 80 ℃, such as from 20 ℃ to 60 ℃, such as from 40 ℃ to 50 ℃.

In one embodiment, at least one hydrocolloid is used in the aqueous binder composition for producing mineral wool products that are not thermosetting binders.

In one embodiment, the hydrocolloid is used in a binder for producing mineral wool products that do not comprise poly (meth) acrylic acid, salts of poly (meth) acrylic acid or esters of poly (meth) acrylic acid.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is a biopolymer or modified biopolymer.

In one embodiment, the binder composition comprises a protein from an animal source, including collagen, gelatin and hydrolyzed gelatin, and the binder composition further comprises at least one phenolic and/or quinone containing compound, such as tannins of one or more components selected from the group consisting of tannic acid, condensed tannins (procyanidins), hydrolysable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, and/or tannins derived from one or more of oak, chestnut, caraway and cupflower.

In one embodiment, the binder composition comprises proteins from animal sources, including collagen, gelatin and hydrolyzed gelatin, and wherein the binder composition further comprises at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13), protein disulfide isomerase (EC 5.3.4.1), thiol oxidase (EC 1.8.3.2), polyphenol oxidase (EC 1.14.18.1), in particular catechol oxidase, tyrosine oxidase, and phenol oxidase, lysyl oxidase (EC1.4.3.13) and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7).

Fatty acid glycerides

The binder composition according to the invention comprises at least one component in the form of a fatty acid glyceride.

Fatty acids are carboxylic acids having an aliphatic chain, which are saturated or unsaturated.

Glycerol is a polyol compound having the IUPAC name propane-1, 2, 3-triol.

Naturally occurring fats and oils are glycerides (also known as triglycerides) with fatty acids.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term fatty acid glyceride refers to mono-, di-and tri-esters of glycerol and fatty acids.

Although the term fatty acid may in the context of the present invention be any carboxylic acid having an aliphatic chain, it is preferred that it is a carboxylic acid with an aliphatic chain having from 4 to 28 carbon atoms, preferably an even number of carbon atoms. Preferably, the aliphatic chain of the fatty acid is unbranched.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil. In the context of the present invention, the term "oil" includes at least one fatty acid glyceride in the form of an oil or fat.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is a vegetable-based oil.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of: pulp fats such as palm oil, olive oil, avocado oil; kernel seed fats, such as lauric oils, such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, babassu oil, and other palm seed oils, lauric oils of other sources; palm-stearate oils, such as cocoa butter, shea butter, shorea tallow (borneo tall) and related fats (vegetable fats); palmitic acid oils such as cottonseed oil, kapok oil and related oils, pumpkin seed oil, corn (maize) oil, corn oil; oleic-linoleic acids oils such as sunflower oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, hemp seed oil, tea seed oil, safflower and nigers seed oil (nigered oils), grape seed oil, poppy seed oil, soybean oils such as soybean oil, peanut oil, lupin oil; cruciferous oils, such as rapeseed oil, mustard seed oil; conjugated acid oils such as tung oil and related oils, brazil nut oil and related oils; substituted fatty acid oils such as castor oil, chaulmoogra \ hydnocarpus \ gorli oil, vernonia oil; animal fats, such as terrestrial animal fats, such as lard, tallow, lamb fat, horse fat, goose fat, chicken fat; marine oils such as whale oil and fish oil.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of a vegetable oil, in particular one or more components selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is selected from the group consisting of vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 136 to 178 (such as linseed oil having an iodine value in the range of about 136 to 178), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 80 to 88 (such as olive oil having an iodine value in the range of about 80 to 88), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 163 to 173 (such as tung oil having an iodine value in the range of about 163 to 173), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 7 to 10 (such as coconut oil having an iodine value in the range of about 7 to 10), one or more components of the group consisting of vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 140 to 170 (such as hemp oil having an iodine value in the range of about 140 to 170), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 94 to 120 (such as rapeseed oil having an iodine value in the range of about 94 to 120), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 118 to 144 (such as sunflower oil having an iodine value in the range of about 118 to 144).

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of an animal oil, such as fish oil.

The inventors have found that an important parameter of the fatty acid glycerides used in the binder according to the invention is the amount of unsaturation in the fatty acids. The amount of unsaturated fatty acids is typically measured by the iodine number (also known as the iodine number or iodine uptake value or iodine index). The higher the iodine number, the more C ═ C bonds are present in the fatty acid. To determine the iodine value as a measure of the unsaturation of fatty acids, we refer to Thomas, Alfred (2002) "Fats and fatty oils" in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial chemistry, Weinheim, Wiley-VCH.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil having an iodine value of 75 or more, such as 75 to 180, such as 130 or more, such as 130 to 180.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil having an iodine value of 100 or less, such as 25 or less.

In one embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is a drying oil. For the definition of Drying oils, see Poth, Ulrich (2012) "Drying oils and related products" in Ullmann's encyclopedia of Industrial chemistry, Weinheim, Wiley-VCH.

Thus, the inventors have found that particularly good results are obtained when the iodine value is in a rather high range, or in a rather low range. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the inventors believe that the advantageous properties caused by fatty acid esters with a high iodine value on the one hand and fatty acid esters with a low iodine value on the other hand are based on different mechanisms. The inventors postulate that the advantageous properties of fatty acid glycerides with high iodine values may be due to the participation of C ═ C double bonds in the crosslinking reaction present at high values in these fatty acids, whereas fatty acid glycerides with low iodine values and lacking a high content of C ═ C double bonds may allow to stabilize the cured binder by van der waals interactions.

In a preferred embodiment, the content of fatty acid glycerides is from 0.5 to 40 wt. -%, such as from 1 to 30 wt. -%, such as from 1.5 to 20 wt. -%, such as from 3 to 10 wt. -%, such as from 4 to 7.5 wt. -%, based on the dry weight of the hydrocolloid.

In one embodiment, the binder composition comprises gelatin, and wherein the binder composition further comprises tannins of one or more components selected from the group consisting of tannic acid, condensed tannins (procyanidins), hydrolysable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, and/or tannins derived from one or more of oak, chestnut, caraway and cupflower, preferably tannic acid, and the binder composition further comprises at least one fatty acid glyceride, such as at least one fatty acid glyceride of one or more components selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil.

In an embodiment, the binder composition comprises gelatin, and wherein the binder composition further comprises at least one enzyme which is transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13), and the binder composition further comprises at least one fatty acid glyceride, such as at least one fatty acid glyceride of one or more components selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil.

In one embodiment, at least one hydrocolloid is used in the binder for producing a formaldehyde-free mineral wool product.

In one embodiment, at least one hydrocolloid is used in an aqueous binder composition for the production of mineral wool products, the aqueous binder composition consisting essentially of:

-at least one hydrocolloid;

-at least one fatty acid glyceride;

-optionally at least one pH adjusting agent;

-optionally at least one cross-linking agent;

-optionally at least one antifouling agent;

-optionally at least one anti-swelling agent;

-water.

In one embodiment, the use does not involve crosslinking of the binder composition.

In one embodiment, the use relates to crosslinking of the binder composition.

In one embodiment, the at least one oil is a non-emulsified hydrocarbon oil.

In one embodiment, the at least one oil is an emulsified hydrocarbon oil.

In one embodiment, the at least one oil is a vegetable-based oil.

In one embodiment, the at least one cross-linking agent is a tannin of one or more components selected from the group consisting of tannic acid, condensed tannins (procyanidins), hydrolysable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, and/or a tannin derived from one or more of oak, chestnut, caraus and cupflower.

In one embodiment, the at least one cross-linking agent is an enzyme selected from the group consisting of transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13), protein disulfide isomerase (EC 5.3.4.1), thiol oxidase (EC 1.8.3.2), polyphenol oxidase (EC 1.14.18.1), in particular catechol oxidase, tyrosine oxidase, and phenol oxidase, lysyl oxidase (EC1.4.3.13) and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7).

In one embodiment, the at least one anti-swelling agent is tannic acid and/or tannin.

In one embodiment, at least one antifouling agent is an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent can be benzoic acid, propionic acid, sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, and potassium sorbate to inhibit the growth of bacterial and fungal cells. However, natural biological preservatives can be used. Chitosan (Chitosan) is considered to be antifungal and antibacterial. The most frequently used antimicrobial biological preservatives are lysozyme and nisin. Common other biological preservatives that can be used are bacteriocins such as nisin and pediocin and antimicrobial enzymes such as chitinase and glucose oxidase. In addition, the use of Lactoperoxidase (LPS) exhibits antifungal and antiviral activity. Natural antimicrobials such as tannins, rosemary and garlic essential oils, oregano oil, lemon grass (lemon grass) or cinnamon oil may also be used in varying concentrations.

The invention also relates to a mineral wool product produced by the use as described above.

Preferably, the Loss On Ignition (LOI) of the mineral wool product produced by such use is in the range of 0.1% to 25.0%, such as 0.3% to 18.0%, such as 0.5% to 12.0%, such as 0.7% to 8.0% by weight.

Advantages of the adhesive composition

The mineral wool product according to the invention has the surprising advantage that it can be produced by means of a very simple binder which requires as few as two components, namely at least one hydrocolloid and at least one fatty acid glyceride. The mineral wool product according to the invention is therefore produced from natural and non-toxic components and can therefore be used safely. At the same time, the mineral wool product according to the invention is produced from binders based on renewable resources and has excellent properties with regard to strength (unaged and aged) and low water absorption.

Since the binder used for producing the mineral wool product according to the invention can be cured at or near ambient temperature, the energy consumption during the production of the product is low. This non-toxic and non-corrosive binder embodiment in combination with ambient temperature curing makes the machinery to be involved much simpler. At the same time, the likelihood of spotting of the uncured adhesive is significantly reduced due to curing at ambient temperature.

Another important advantage is the self-healing capacity of the mineral wool product produced from the binder.

Another advantage of the mineral wool product is that the mineral wool product can be shaped as desired after the binder has been applied but before curing. This opens up the possibility of producing custom products such as pipe sections.

Another advantage is that the risk of priming (punking) is significantly reduced.

The ignition can be associated with an exothermic reaction during the manufacture of the mineral wool product, which can increase the temperature through the thickness of the insulation material, leading to melting or devitrification of the mineral fibers and ultimately to a fire hazard. In the worst case, the priming fire can lead to a fire in the stacked pallets stored in the warehouse or during transport.

A further advantage is that there is no emission, in particular no VOC emission, during curing.

Method for bonding surfaces of two or more elements together

The present inventors have surprisingly found that the above compositions can also be used as adhesives in a process for bonding surfaces of two or more components together.

The invention therefore also relates to a method of bonding together the surfaces of two or more elements, said mineral wool elements being bonded by a mineral wool binder, the method comprising the steps of:

-providing two or more elements,

-applying an adhesive to one or more of the surfaces to be bonded together before, during or after the surfaces to be bonded together are brought into contact with each other,

-curing the binder, wherein the binder comprises,

-at least one hydrocolloid;

-at least one fatty acid glyceride;

in one embodiment, at least one of the two or more elements is a mineral wool element, which is bonded by a mineral wool binder.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, starch, alginate, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, β -glucan.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is a polyelectrolytic hydrocolloid.

In one embodiment, the two or more elements are two or more mineral wool elements.

In one embodiment, the two or more elements include at least one element that is not a mineral wool element.

In one embodiment, said at least one element which is not a mineral wool element is selected from the group consisting of fleece, such as glass fiber fleece, building structure, such as a wall, ceiling, roof.

In one embodiment the at least one hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of gelatin, pectin, alginate, carrageenan, gum arabic, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose.

In one embodiment, the adhesive comprises at least two hydrocolloids, wherein one hydrocolloid is gelatin and at least one other hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of pectin, starch, alginate, agar, carrageenan, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, arabinoxylan, cellulose, curdlan, β -glucan.

In one embodiment, the gelatin is present in the adhesive in an amount of from 10 to 95 wt%, such as from 20 to 80 wt%, such as from 30 to 70 wt%, such as from 40 to 60 wt%, based on the weight of the hydrocolloid.

In one embodiment, one hydrocolloid and at least the other hydrocolloid have complementary charges.

In one embodiment, the adhesive is capable of curing at a temperature of no more than 95 ℃, such as from 5 ℃ to 95 ℃, such as from 10 ℃ to 80 ℃, such as from 20 ℃ to 60 ℃, such as from 40 ℃ to 50 ℃.

In one embodiment, the adhesive is not a thermosetting adhesive.

In one embodiment, the adhesive does not comprise poly (meth) acrylic acid, a salt of poly (meth) acrylic acid, or an ester of poly (meth) acrylic acid.

In one embodiment, the at least one hydrocolloid is a biopolymer or modified biopolymer.

In one embodiment, the binder comprises proteins from animal sources including collagen, gelatin and hydrolyzed gelatin, and the binder further comprises at least one phenolic and/or quinone containing compound, such as tannins of one or more components selected from the group consisting of tannins, condensed tannins (procyanidins), hydrolysable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, and/or tannins derived from one or more of oak, chestnut, caraway and cupflower.

In one embodiment, the adhesive comprises proteins from animal sources, including collagen, gelatin and hydrolyzed gelatin, and wherein the adhesive further comprises at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13), protein disulfide isomerase (EC 5.3.4.1), thiol oxidase (EC 1.8.3.2), polyphenol oxidase (EC 1.14.18.1), in particular catechol oxidase, tyrosine oxidase, and phenol oxidase, lysyl oxidase (EC1.4.3.13) and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7).

Fatty acid glycerides

The binder composition according to the invention comprises at least one component in the form of a fatty acid glyceride.

Fatty acids are carboxylic acids having an aliphatic chain, which are saturated or unsaturated.

Glycerol is a polyol compound having the IUPAC name propane-1, 2, 3-triol.

Naturally occurring fats and oils are glycerides (also known as triglycerides) with fatty acids.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term fatty acid glyceride refers to mono-, di-and tri-esters of glycerol and fatty acids.

Although the term fatty acid may in the context of the present invention be any carboxylic acid having an aliphatic chain, it is preferred that it is a carboxylic acid with an aliphatic chain having from 4 to 28 carbon atoms, preferably an even number of carbon atoms. Preferably, the aliphatic chain of the fatty acid is unbranched.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil. In the context of the present invention, the term "oil" includes at least one fatty acid glyceride in the form of an oil or fat.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is a vegetable-based oil.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of: pulp fats such as palm oil, olive oil, avocado oil; kernel seed fats, such as lauric oils, such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, babassu oil, and other palm seed oils, lauric oils of other sources; palm-stearate oils, such as cocoa butter, shea butter, shorea tallow (borneo tall) and related fats (vegetable fats); palmitic acid oils such as cottonseed oil, kapok oil and related oils, pumpkin seed oil, corn (maize) oil, corn oil; oleic-linoleic acids oils such as sunflower oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, hemp seed oil, tea seed oil, safflower and nigers seed oil (nigered oils), grape seed oil, poppy seed oil, soybean oils such as soybean oil, peanut oil, lupin oil; cruciferous oils, such as rapeseed oil, mustard seed oil; conjugated acid oils such as tung oil and related oils, brazil nut oil and related oils; substituted fatty acid oils such as castor oil, chaulmoogra \ hydnocarpus \ gorli oil, vernonia oil; animal fats, such as terrestrial animal fats, such as lard, tallow, lamb fat, horse fat, goose fat, chicken fat; marine oils such as whale oil and fish oil.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of a vegetable oil, in particular one or more components selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is selected from the group consisting of vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 136 to 178 (such as linseed oil having an iodine value in the range of about 136 to 178), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 80 to 88 (such as olive oil having an iodine value in the range of about 80 to 88), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 163 to 173 (such as tung oil having an iodine value in the range of about 163 to 173), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 7 to 10 (such as coconut oil having an iodine value in the range of about 7 to 10), one or more components of the group consisting of vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 140 to 170 (such as hemp oil having an iodine value in the range of about 140 to 170), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 94 to 120 (such as rapeseed oil having an iodine value in the range of about 94 to 120), vegetable oils having an iodine value in the range of about 118 to 144 (such as sunflower oil having an iodine value in the range of about 118 to 144).

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is in the form of an animal oil, such as fish oil.

The inventors have found that an important parameter of the fatty acid glycerides used in the binder according to the invention is the amount of unsaturation in the fatty acids. The amount of unsaturated fatty acids is typically measured by the iodine number (also known as the iodine number or iodine uptake value or iodine index). The higher the iodine number, the more C ═ C bonds are present in the fatty acid. To determine the iodine value as a measure of the unsaturation of fatty acids, we refer to Thomas, Alfred (2002) "Fats and fatty oils" in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial chemistry, Weinheim, Wiley-VCH.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil having an iodine value of 75 or more, such as 75 to 180, such as 130 or more, such as 130 to 180.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride comprises a vegetable oil and/or an animal oil having an iodine value of 100 or less, such as 25 or less.

In one embodiment, the at least one fatty acid glyceride is a drying oil. For the definition of Drying oils, see Poth, Ulrich (2012) "Drying oils and related products" in Ullmann's encyclopedia of Industrial chemistry, Weinheim, Wiley-VCH.

Thus, the inventors have found that particularly good results are obtained when the iodine value is in a rather high range, or in a rather low range. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the inventors believe that the advantageous properties caused by fatty acid esters with a high iodine value on the one hand and fatty acid esters with a low iodine value on the other hand are based on different mechanisms. The inventors postulate that the advantageous properties of fatty acid glycerides with high iodine values may be due to the participation of C ═ C double bonds in the crosslinking reaction present at high values in these fatty acids, whereas fatty acid glycerides with low iodine values and lacking a high content of C ═ C double bonds may allow to stabilize the cured binder by van der waals interactions.

In a preferred embodiment, the content of fatty acid glycerides is from 0.5 to 40 wt. -%, such as from 1 to 30 wt. -%, such as from 1.5 to 20 wt. -%, such as from 3 to 10 wt. -%, such as from 4 to 7.5 wt. -%, based on the dry weight of the hydrocolloid.

In one embodiment, the binder comprises gelatin, and the binder further comprises tannins of one or more components selected from the group consisting of tannic acid, condensed tannins (procyanidins), hydrolysable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, and/or tannins derived from one or more of oak, chestnut, caraway and cupflower, preferably tannic acid, and the binder composition further comprises at least one glyceride of fatty acids, such as at least one glyceride of fatty acids of one or more components selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil.

In one embodiment, the binder comprises gelatin, and the binder further comprises at least one enzyme that is transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13), and the binder composition further comprises at least one fatty acid glyceride, such as at least one fatty acid glyceride of one or more components selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, olive oil, tung oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil.

In one embodiment, the binder is formaldehyde-free.

In one embodiment, the adhesive consists essentially of:

-at least one hydrocolloid;

-at least one fatty acid glyceride;

-optionally at least one pH adjusting agent;

-optionally at least one cross-linking agent;

-optionally at least one antifouling agent;

-optionally at least one anti-swelling agent;

-water.

In one embodiment, oil may be added to the binder.

In one embodiment, the at least one oil is a non-emulsified hydrocarbon oil.

In one embodiment, the at least one oil is an emulsified hydrocarbon oil.

In one embodiment, the at least one oil is a vegetable-based oil.

In one embodiment, the at least one cross-linking agent is a tannin of one or more components selected from the group consisting of tannic acid, condensed tannins (procyanidins), hydrolysable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, and/or a tannin derived from one or more of oak, chestnut, caraus and cupflower.

In one embodiment, the at least one cross-linking agent is an enzyme selected from the group consisting of transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13), protein disulfide isomerase (EC 5.3.4.1), thiol oxidase (EC 1.8.3.2), polyphenol oxidase (EC 1.14.18.1), in particular catechol oxidase, tyrosine oxidase, and phenol oxidase, lysyl oxidase (EC1.4.3.13) and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7).

In one embodiment, the at least one anti-swelling agent is tannic acid and/or tannin.

In one embodiment, at least one antifouling agent is an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent can be benzoic acid, propionic acid, sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, and potassium sorbate to inhibit the growth of bacterial and fungal cells. However, natural biological preservatives can be used. Chitosan (Chitosan) is considered to be antifungal and antibacterial. The most frequently used antimicrobial biological preservatives are lysozyme and nisin. Common other biological preservatives that can be used are bacteriocins such as nisin and pediocin and antimicrobial enzymes such as chitinase and glucose oxidase. In addition, the use of Lactoperoxidase (LPS) exhibits antifungal and antiviral activity. Natural antimicrobials such as tannins, rosemary and garlic essential oils, oregano oil, lemon grass (lemon grass) or cinnamon oil may also be used in varying concentrations.

The inventors have surprisingly found that by using the described method it is possible to bond surfaces of mineral wool elements to each other or to bond one or more wool elements to another element. Since the adhesive used in the method of some embodiments does not typically contain any hazardous substances and does not typically release any hazardous substances during curing, the method can be performed by anyone in situ without any protective measures and without the need for specialized training of the personnel performing the method.