Aqueous Latex Binder For Textile Wearers In Abrasive Applications Provides Flexibility And Heat Resistance

Textile-based abrasives are a key application in industrial grinding processes. In this process, aqueous plastic dispersions based on terpolymers are increasingly used in the preparation of such products. Typically, the abrasive is a latex-impregnated fabric of cotton, polyester or blended fabric. The use of aqueous dispersions – both for impregnation and for coating – allows the adjustment of grip hardness and stiffness of the fabric.

The mechanical properties of the final product, such as the peel strength between abrasive layer and carrier, are improved by new developments, and protect the fabric against the phenolic resin. Since friction heat is generated during the grinding process, it is also about the resistance to the effects of cooling liquids.

‘Due to increasing technical and environmental requirements, the new product generation ‘Acralen SNX’ was created’, writes Michael Stark (Freiburg) in the specialist magazine melliand Textilberichte 4/17. The new product has an improved peel adhesion and higher heat resistance – and is thus ecologically more advantageous. In addition, the new formulation has also been optimised for the production of a low carbon VOC binder.

Improved Thermal Stress Properties

The aim of the development, according to Stark, was to improve the mechanical properties while retaining the peculiarities of the preceding product, such as chemical resistance and heat resistance, because grinding and polishing take place at high machine or rotational speeds. Therefore, thermal stability is a fundamental characteristic that must be considered when developing a high quality industrial abrasive binder. The formulation of the plastic dispersion, in particular of the monomers and of the crosslinking component, has a significant influence on the heat level.

The updated product has good compatibility in blending with phenolic resins, which are typically used to fix the abrasive grain on the surface. By adding a defined portion of ‘Acralen SNX’ to the resin, the product gives the textile increased flexibility. This allows the finished abrasive (after the flex process in its production) to fit well to the day to day use, the geometry of the grinding equipment and the surface to be burnished.

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