RHOPLEX® E-32NP

• Excellent solvent resistance to some solvents used in dry cleaning or industrial wipes

• Excellent durability to washing and dry cleaning
• Excellent wet and dry tensile strength
• Intermediate hand

Table below shows that webs bonded with RHOPLEX® E-32 NP have excellent tensile strength under both dry and wet conditions. Both the carded rayon and polyester webs bonded with these binders survived 10 wash cycles or 5 commercial dry cleaning cycles, demonstrating their excellent durability. Table also compares the hand and drape-flex of these emulsions.  All webs were bonded, dried, cured, and tested under laboratory conditions.

Table  – Properties of Carded Nonwoven Websᵃ Bonded with RHOPLEX® E-32 NP Emulsion.

Note - ᵃ - Prebonded with 0.25% polyvinyl alcohol; fiber/binder

           ᵇ - Average rating of 7 panelists; lower numbers = softer hand.

           ᶜ - Length of unsupported sample strips (MD) required for a 41.5 overhang.

RHOPLEX® E-32 NP is a versatile emulsion, can be used in various applications including interlinings, wet wipes and home furnishings. It is especially suitable for applications where the bonded web will be subjected to some solvents such as those used in dry cleaning or industrial wipes. In addition, RHOPLEX® E-32 NP Emulsion will be able to withstand long term exposure to lotions such as those found in premoistened towelettes.

• Crosslinking - As self-crosslinking acrylic emulsions, RHOPLEX® E-32 NP Emulsion does not require the addition of an external crosslinking agent for durability or wet strength. However where maximum solvent resistance is required, a thermosetting resin such as methylated melamine formaldehyde resin at 0.5 to 3% solids on emulsion solids can be used.
• Catalyst - Acid catalysts such as ammonium nitrate and oxalic acid can be used to accelerate the cure of RHOPLEX® E-32 NP Emulsion  where curing capacity is limited. The following levels of catalyst are recommended

• Surfactant - A nonionic surfactant is recommended in the formulation to achieve better wetting of the fibers. This surfactant should be used at a starting level of 0.5% solids on polymer solids and diluted with at least 3 times its weight of warm water before being added to the formulation. An anionic surfactant should be used where rewetting properties in the end product are desirable. The same solids level and predilution can be used.
• Defoamer - A general purpose defoamer is recommended with RHOPLEX® E- 32 NP Emulsion at a starting level of 0.05 to 0.1% (product as supplied) on the total weight of the formulation. Prior to use, any defoamer should be pre-emulsified with at least an equal weight of warm water and added to the emulsion, under agitation, before other compounding agents.
• pH - To maximize emulsion shear stability, the pH of the bath should be adjusted to 8.0 to 8.5 with a volatile base such as ammonium hydroxide.