BASF launches ammonia-free latex for carpet backing

By Liz White, ERJ staff

Dalton, Georgia-In January 2006, BASF will launch new ammonia-free latex binder for carpet backingmade using using proprietary technology. The new latex-called Styrofan NX 6690 X-will give "improved properties" resulting in "more durable, longer lasting carpets," BSAF claims.

Ammonia-free latex is a bonus for anyone handling the material during processing and carpet manufacture since the strong odour is unpleasant at close quarters.

This new grade is a carboxylated styrene-butadiene dispersion that "delivers important advantages that can help carpet manufacturers to make better products and achieve greater success in their markets," said Derry Martin, business manager for BASF's Functional Polymers carpet backing business in North America.

"The improved physical properties of Styrofan NX 6690 X can enable our customers to manufacture a more durable carpet that will last longer," the BASF manager said in a company statement.

Martin also pointed out that customers' workplaces-and the environment-will benefit since ammonia emissions during carpet production or storage will be eliminated.

BASF describes Styrofan NX 6690 X as a low odour, frothable dispersion that gives a latex with, "improved elongation without loss of tensile strength. As a dried film it is very strong with "excellent elongation and water resistance," BASF claims.

The latex is, "an excellent carpet binder that may be compounded to provide binding strength, bundle saturation and water resistance," has good coating properties, and may be used in frothed or unfrothed systems in both direct coating and pan applications, BASF said.