WO2017006298A1

WO2017006298A1 - Cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex

Info

Publication number: WO2017006298A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/054132
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean de Dieu HAKUZIMANA; Quintin Keil
Original assignee: Eoc Belgium Nv
Priority date: 2015-07-09
Filing date: 2016-07-11
Publication date: 2017-01-12
Also published as: BE1023054B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex, comprising : 10.0 to 65.0 wt.% of hydroxyfunctional latex; 0.5 to 5.0 wt.% of cross-linker; up to 10.0 wt.% of a surfactant; and at least 20.0 wt.% of filler; supplemented with water up to 100.0 wt.%. In addition, the invention also relates to a method for making a cured latex compound, a cured latex compound obtained by such method, a device comprising said cured latex compound and the use of a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the present invention for making a cured latex compound.

Description

CROSS-LINKABLE HYDROXYFUNCTIONAL LATEX

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex. STATE OF THE ART

Aqueous dispersions of polymers are also known under the name of latex. A latex is used in coatings (e.g. latex paints) and adhesives, since it solidifies by coalescence of polymer particles as water evaporates, and thus can form films without releasing potentially toxic organic substances in the environment. Another application of latex relates to the production of latex foams. Aqueous dispersions of hydroxyfunctional polymers are well-known latex.

A cross-linker is of great importance for the curing of latex to latex-based products, such as a latex film or a latex foam. Amino resins and polyisocyanates are well-known cross-linkers. Latex compositions with hydroxyfunctional polymers and amino resins or polyisocyanates as cross-linkers are known from the prior art, as illustrated below with EP 698 638, US 6,592,944 and WO 2009/1054400.

The problem that EP 698 638 tries to solve is to provide latex formulations of hydroxyfunctional polydiene polymers which are dispersible in water. This would allow the preparation of low-viscosity, water-based formulations with very low amounts of volatile organic compounds. EP 0 698 638 discloses for this purpose a cross-linkable water-based dispersion of a hydroxyfunctional polydiene polymer composition, comprising : (a) 10 to 65 wt.% of a hydroxyfunctional polydiene polymer, (b) 0.2 to 25 wt.% of a suitable amino resin, (c) 0.1 to 10 wt.% of a surfactant which is ionic or anionic and has a volatile cation, and (d) the remainder water. The technology of EP 0 698 638 also provides a water-continuous process and an inversion process for making such dispersions.

The problem that US 6,592,944 tries to solve relates to transparent coating layers suitable for multilayer coatings. There exists a need for clear coating formulations with an excellent balance of performance characteristics after application, and this mainly with regard to the scratch resistance at a high solids content and a low application viscosity of the coating. To this end, US 6,592,944 discloses a transparent coating composition which, inter alia, is suitable for use as a transparent coating layer in, among others, finishing layers in the automotive industry. The coating composition comprises a polyisocyanate, polyester polyol and melamine components, wherein more than half of the total composition on a solids basis comprises the polyisocyanate and melamine components.

WO 2009/1054400 seeks to solve a problem related to water-based polyurethane dispersions. Water-based polyurethane dispersions are well known in the paint industry for their unique and strong performance properties, including resistance to solvents and chemicals, scratch and wear resistance, flexibility at low temperatures and a good adhesion to various substrates. However, for certain applications such as wood flooring a cross-linking of polyurethane is required in order to obtain the necessary performance requirements.

To this end, WO 2009/1054400 discloses, inter alia, an aqueous polyurethane dispersion wherein a polyol reacts with di- or other polyisocyanates in order to obtain a part of the polyurethane.

EP 698 638, US 6,592,944 and WO 2009/1054400 exhibit the problem that the compositions comprise an excess of costly functional chemical agents. A more considered choice of the composition with a focus on widely available ingredients would reduce the dependence on suppliers and also represent a considerable cost savings.

The present invention aims to find a solution to at least one of the above mentioned problems.

SUM MARY

A first aspect of the invention relates to a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex, comprising :

- 10.0 to 65.0 wt.% of hydroxyfunctional latex. ;

- 0.5 to 10.0 wt.% of cross-linker. ;

- up to 10.0 wt.% of a surfactant; and

- at least 20.0 wt.% of filler;

supplemented with water up to 100.0 wt.%.

A filler can be used to optimize the material properties of a composition. The said amount of filler in the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex of at least 20.0 wt.% can be used to offer an implementation to the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex and thus to carry the desired material properties. In this, it should be ensured that the final cured latex compound retains a sufficiently high stability; that is, wherein no loss of filler material or filler occurs.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for making a cured latex compound, comprising the steps of:

- providing a hydroxyfunctional latex;

- mixing said hydroxyfunctional latex with a cross-linker, a surfactant, a filler, a thickening agent and optionally a foam stabilizer and/or a foam booster, thereby obtaining a latex compound;

- optionally, spreading said latex compound onto a substrate; and

- drying said latex compound, thereby obtaining a cured latex compound, wherein said filler is mixed in an amount of at least 20.0 wt.%.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a cured latex compound obtainable according to a method according to the second aspect of the invention.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a device comprising a cured latex compound according to the third aspect of the invention, such as, for example, an anti-slip coating, a tufted carpet, woven carpet, artificial grass, a carpet for the automobile sector, a needle felt carpet, tiles, needle felting, rubber granulate, upholstery, a carpet for domestic use such as, for example, in a living room or bathroom, a carpet for staircases, a carpet for use in hospitals, furniture, mattresses, car tyres, shoe soles and for use in medical or hygienic applications, such as, for example, in surgical gloves.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a use of a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the first aspect of the invention for making a cured latex compound.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A first aspect of the invention provides a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex, comprising :

- 10.0 to 65.0 wt.% of hydroxyfunctional latex;

- 0.1 to 25.0 wt.% of cross-linker;

- 0.1 to 10.0 wt.% of a surfactant; and

- at least 20.0 wt.% of filler;

supplemented with water up to 100.0 wt.%.

A filler can be used to optimize the material properties of a composition. The said amount of filler in the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex of at least 20.0 wt.% can be used to offer an implementation to the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex and thus to carry the desired material properties. In this, it should be ensured that the final cured latex compound retains a sufficiently high stability; that is, wherein no loss of filler material or filler occurs. The percentages mentioned in this text are to be understood as weight percentages and are abbreviated as "wt.%".

A dispersion is a material comprising multiple phases wherein at least one phase consists of finely dispersed phase domains, often in the colloidal size order, which is dispersed in a continuous phase. Defined as dispersions are emulsions, suspensions, and smoke. An emulsion is a colloidal mixture of liquids, a suspension is a solid material suspended in a liquid, and a smoke is a mixture of solid and/or liquid substances very finely dispersed in a gas. By the term "aqueous dispersion" is referred to a dispersion wherein the continuous phase is water. By the term "aqueous emulsion" is referred to an emulsion in which one of the liquids is water. A hydroxyfunctional latex is an aqueous dispersion or emulsion of one or more hydroxyfunctional polymers. The hydroxyfunctional polymers are preferably polymerized in an aqueous emulsion with surfactants and regulators under specific time, temperature, pressure and agitation in accordance with the known principles of the emulsion polymerization, to form a latex. For making products derived from either latex or cured latex compounds, it is important that the polymers of the latex are cross-linkable. The term "cross-linkable" indicates a chemical compound that can be cross-linked. "Cross-linking" refers to the interconnection of chemical compounds. The cross-linking of a hydroxyfunctional polymer according to the present invention will ensure that the latex cures to a cured latex compound. A "hydroxyfunctional polymer" is a polymer having one or more functional hydroxyl groups. Polymers having two functional hydroxyl groups, i.e. diols, and polymers having more than two functional hydroxyl groups are referred to in this text as "polyols". Examples thereof comprise low molecular weight polyols having a number average molecular weight less than about 500 Dalton, such as aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and aromatic polyols, in particular diols having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 10 carbon atoms and "macro glycols", that is polymeric polyols with molecular weights of at least 500 Dalton, more typically about 1000 to 6000 Dalton, or even 1000 to 10000 Dalton. Examples of such macro glycols comprise polyester polyols comprising alkydresins, polyether polyols, polycarbonate polyols, polyhydroxy polyester amides, hydroxyl-containing polycaprolactones, hydroxyl-containing acrylic polymers, hydroxyl-containing epoxides, polyhydroxy polycarbonates, polyhydroxy polyacetals, polyhydroxy polythioethers polysiloxane polyols, ethoxylated polysiloxane polyols, polybutadiene polyols and hydrogenated polybutadiene polyols, polyols polyisobutylene, polyacrylate polyols, halogenated polyesters and polyethers, and the like, and mixtures thereof. The polyester polyols, polyether polyols, polycarbonate polyols, polysiloxane polyols and ethoxylated polysiloxane polyols are preferred .

Other hydroxyfunctional polymers which are suitable in the context of this invention are hydroxyfunctional polydiene polymers. Hydroxyfunctional polydiene polymers suitable for the present invention are monofunctional alcohols, diols and polyols of hydrogenated and non-hydrogenated low molecular weight diene homopolymers and copolymers having more than one diene and/or a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon. Such copolymers are usually random copolymers or tapered block copolymers because it is difficult to make low molecular weight copolymers having a sharp separation between the blocks because the crossover reaction of one monomer to another is usually low compared to the propagation reaction. In a most appropriate embodiment, said hydroxyfunctional latex comprises a styrene-butadiene polymer. Suitable polymers comprise monofunctional alcohols, diols, and polyols of low molecular weight polybutadiene and polyisoprene and their copolymers with styrene, either hydrogenated or non-hydrogenated.

Hydrogenated polybutadiene diols are preferred for use in this invention because they can be easily prepared, because they have a low glass transition temperature and an excellent weather resistance. The diols, dihydroxylated polybutadienes, are synthesized by anionic polymerization of conjugated diene hydrocarbons with lithium initiators. Monofunctional alcohols and polyols, can also be synthesized in the same manner. This method is known and described, for example, in the US Patent Numbers US 4,039,593 and US RE 27,145.

According to the present invention, unsaturated linear or hydrogenated isoprene polymers having 1,2 terminal hydroxyl groups per molecule and also such polymers with other hydroxyl groups may also be used. Preferably, the isoprene polymers have more than 80% of 1,4-addition of the isoprene and hydrogenation of at least 90% of the polymerized isoprene. The polymers are preferably prepared by anionic polymerization in the absence of microstructure modifiers which increase 3,4-addition of the isoprene.

The hydroxyfunctional polydiene polymers have appropriate molecular weights of 1000 to 3000000. Lower molecular weights require excessive cross-linking whereas higher molecular weights cause very high viscosity, making processing difficult.

Conjugated diolefins which can be polymerized anionically comprise those conjugated diolefins comprising from 4 to 24 carbon atoms, such as 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, piperylene, methyl pentadiene, phenyl butadiene, 3,4-dimethyl-l,3-hexadiene, 4,5- diethyl-l,3-octadiene, and the like. Isoprene and butadiene are the preferred conjugated diene monomers for application in the present invention, because of their low costs and ready availability. The conjugated diolefins that can be used in the present invention comprise isoprene (2-methyl-l,3-butadiene), 2-ethyl-l,3- butadiene, 2-propyl-l,3-butadiene, 2-butyl-l,3-butadiene, 2-pentyl-l,3-butadiene (2-amyl-l,3-butadiene), 2-hexyl-l,3-butadiene, 2-heptyl-l,3-butadiene, 2-octyl-l,3- butadiene, 2-nonyl-l,3-butadiene, 2-decyl-l,3-butadiene, 2-dodecyl-l,3-butadiene, 2-tetradecyl-l,3-butadiene, 2-hexadecyl-l,3-butadiene, 2-isoamyl-l,3-butadiene, 2- phenyl-l,3-butadiene, 2-methyl-l,3-pentadiene, 2-methyl-l,3-hexadiene, 2-methyl- 1,3-heptadiene, 2-methyl-l,3-octadiene, 2-methyl-6-methylene-2,7-octadiene (myrcene), 2-methyl-l,3-nonyldiene, 2-methyl-l,3- decyldiene and 2-methyl-l,3- dodecyldiene, as well as the 2-ethyl, 2-propyl, 2-butyl, 2-pentyl, 2-hexyl, 2-heptyl, 2- octyl, 2-nonyl, 2- decyl, 2-dodecyl, 2-tetradecyl, 2-hexadecyl, 2-isoamyl and 2-phenyl versions of all of these dienes. Also included are 1,3-butadiene, piperylene, 4,5- diethyl-l,3-octadiene and the like. Di-substituted conjugated diolefins which can be used comprise 2,3-dialkyl-substituted conjugated diolefins, such as 2,3-dimethyl-l,3- butadiene, 2,3-diethyl-l,3-pentadiene, 2,3-dimethyl 1,3-hexadiene, 2,3-diethyl-l,3- heptadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-l,3-octadiene and the like and 2,3-fluoro-substituted conjugated diolefins such as 2,3-difluoro 1,3 butadiene, 2,3-difluoro-l,3-pentadiene, 2, 3-difluoro- 1,3-hexadiene, 2,3-difluoro-l,3-heptadiene, 2,3-fluoro-l,3-octadiene and the like. Alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbons which can be copolymerized comprise vinyl aryl compounds such as styrene, various alkyl-substituted styrenes, alkoxy- substituted styrenes, vinyl naphthalene, alkyl-substituted vinyl naphthalenes and the like.

Preferably, the hydroxyfunctional latex according to the first aspect of the invention comprises a hydroxyfunctional styrene / butadiene polymer, such as for example, but not limited to, a hydroxylated styrene-butadiene-styrene tri-block copolymer or a hydroxylated styrene-butadiene random copolymer. Both block copolymers and random or statistical copolymers are copolymers in which the ratio of the monomer units changes along the polymer chain. For block copolymers, said ratio changes abruptly, while for statistical or "random" copolymers, said ratio changes irregularly.

A latex as meant in the present invention may also be a multimodal latex characterized by two or more latex having different average particle size and/or particle size distribution; solids content and/or rheological parameters.

The term 'cross- linker' is to be understood as a synonym for the term 'curing means', 'curing agent', 'hardening means', 'hardening agent', 'hardener', 'cross-linking means' or 'cross-linking agent' and comprises substances or mixtures of substances which are added to a polymer composition to enhance or control the curing reaction, or in other words the cross-linking. Preferably, the term 'cross-linker' refers to a reactive curing agent or hardener which is provided with at least two functional groups which may react with a hydroxyl group, or an ionic, coordinative or covalent chemical bond, and in this manner is suitable for realizing the curing of a polymer. A suitable cross-linker in the context of the present invention relates to a cross-linker having at least two functional groups that are reactive with hydroxyl groups. Examples of suitable cross- linkers include aminoplasts comprising methylol and/or methylol ether groups and polyisocyanates. Aminoplasts are obtained from the reaction of formaldehyde with an amine or amide. The most common amines or amides are melamine, urea or benzoguanamine, and these are preferred. However, condensates with other amines or amides can be used ; for example, aldehyde condensates of glycoluril, which yield a high-melting crystalline product that is useful in powder coatings. Although the aldehyde used is typically formaldehyde, other aldehydes such as acetaldehyde, crotonaldehyde, and benzaldehyde can be used. Other examples of suitable cross- linkers are carbamates.

Preferably, said cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex comprises a cross-linker in an amount of 0.1 to 10.0 wt., relative with respect to the total weight of the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex, and more preferably in an amount of 0.5 to 5.0 wt., and still more preferably 1.0 to 4.0 wt.%, and even more preferably 1.5 to 3.0 wt.%. Most preferably, said aqueous composition comprises a cross-linker in an amount of 1.0, 1.5, 1.7, 2.0, 2.2, 2.5, 3.0, or 3.5 wt.%, or any value therein between. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, said content of cross-linker is situated between 1.5 and 2.5% by weight. The content of cross-linker can thereby be further optimized depending on the desired end product, as is illustrated by Examples 3 to 7. Still preferably, said cross-linker is a polyisocyanate or a polyisocyanate alcohol adduct in the afore-mentioned amounts. Still preferably, said composition comprises a content of filler of 40 to 85% by weight and more preferably from 50 to 70% by weight, relative with respect to the total weight of the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex composition.

The aminoplast contains methyiol groups and preferably at least of part of these groups is etherified with an alcohol to modify the curing response. Any monofunctional alcohol may be used for this purpose, including methanol, ethanol, butanol, isobutanol, and hexanol.

Preferably, the aminoplasts which are used are melamine, urea or benzoguanamine formaldehyde condensates etherified with an alcohol having one to four carbon atoms.

A surfactant is also called a tensio-active substance or a surface-active substance. A surfactant normally comprises a hydrophobic and hydrophilic part. Herein, the hydrophobic part comprises a chain length of 4 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 6 to 19 carbon atoms and even more preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms. Preferably, the surfactant used will be chosen from the group of the anionic, cationic or non-ionic surfactants. Preferably, said cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex comprises a surfactant in an amount of 0.1 to 10.0 wt., relative with respect to the total weight of the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex, and more preferably in an amount of 0.5 to 5.0 w , and even more preferably 1.0 to 4.0 wt. Most preferably, said aqueous composition comprises a surfactant in an amount of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 or 3.5 wt.%, or any value therein between. Anionic surfactants comprise saponified fatty acids and derivatives of fatty acids with carboxyl groups such as sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate, sulphates and sulphonates and abietic acid. Examples of anionic surfactants are also: carboxylates, sulphonates, sulpho fatty acids methyl esters, sulphates, phosphates. The anionic surfactants are preferably added as a salt. Salts are for example alkali metal salts, such as sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, hydroxyethyl ammonium, di(hydroxyethyl) ammonium and tri(hydroxyethyl) ammonium salts or alkanolamine salts.

Cationic surfactants comprise dialkyl benzene alkyl ammonium chloride, alkylbenzyl methyl ammonium chloride, alkyl benzyl dimethyl ammonium bromide, benzalkonium chloride, cetyl pyridinium bromide, C12, C15, or C17 trimethyl ammonium bromides, halide salts of quaternized polyoxy-ethylalkylamines, dodecyl benzyl triethyl ammonium chloride, and benzalkonium chloride. Examples of cationic surfactants are: quaternary ammonium compounds. A quaternary ammonium compound is a compound, which comprises at least one F N* group in its molecule. A betaine surfactant is a compound, which comprises under conditions of use, at least one positive charge and at least one negative charge. An alkyl betaine is a betaine surfactant, which comprises at least one alkyl moiety per molecule.

Non-ionic surfactants comprise polyvinyl alcohol, poly-acrylic acid, methalose, methylcellulose, ethyl cellulose, propyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, natural gums, polyoxyethylene cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene octyl ether, polyoxyethylene octylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene oleyl ether, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene stearyl ether, polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether and dialkylphenoxy poly(ethyleneoxy) ethanol. Non-ionic surfactants have a neutral, polar and hydrophilic moiety, which make non- ionic surfactants water-soluble. Such surfactants adsorb to surfaces and aggregate into micelles above a critical micelle concentration. According to the nature of the moiety, various surfactants can be distinguished, such as (oligo)oxyalkylene groups, and in particular, (oligo)oxyethylene groups, (polyethylene)glycol groups, and carbohydrate groups, such as alkylpolyglucosides and fatty acid-N-methylglucamides.

Alcohol phenol alkoxylates are surfactants which can be produced by addition of alkylene oxide, preferably ethylene oxide to alkyl phenols. Non-limiting examples are: Norfox® OP-102, OP-120 Surfonic®, T-Det® 0-12.

Fatty acid ethoxylates are fatty acid ester surfactants, which have been treated with various amounts of ethylene oxide. Triglycerides are esters of glycerols (glycerides), in which all three hydroxyl groups have been esterified with fatty acids. These can be modified with alkylene oxides. Fatty acid alcohol amides comprise at least one amide group with an alkyl group and one or two alkoxyl groups. Alkylpolyglycosides are mixtures of alkylmonoglucosides (alkyl-a-D- and -β-D-glucopyranoside with a small amount -glucofuranoside), alkyldiglucosides (-isomaltosides, -maltosides and others) and alkyloligoglucosides (-maltotriosides, -tetraosides and others). Alkylpolyglycosides can be synthesized non-limiting by an acid catalysed reaction (Fisher reaction) from glucose (or starch) or n-butylglycosides with fatty acid alcohols. Further, alkylpolyglycosides may also be used as non-ionic surfactant. A non-limiting example is Lutensol® GD70. In addition, also non-ionic N-alkylated, preferably N- methylated, fatty acid amides can be used as surfactant.

Alcohol alkoxylates comprise a hydrophobic part having a chain length of 4 to 20 C- atoms, preferably 6 to 19 C-atoms and more preferably 8 to 18 C-atoms, wherein the alcohol can occur linearly or branched, and a hydrophilic part which may contain alkoxylate units, such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and/or butylene oxide, with 2 to 30 recurring units. Non-limiting examples are: Lutensol® XP, Lutensol® XL, Lutensol® ON, Lutensol® AT, Lutensol® A, Lutensol® AO, Lutensol® TO. It has been found that the inclusion of a surfactant can improve the shelf life of the curable or cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the present invention.

By the term "filler" as used herein, a component is meant which can improve the material properties of a composition by, for example, improving its texture or structure, by providing dimensional stability and reduced elasticity, by providing properties of fire resistance and/or by reducing the overall cost of the composition. These functional characteristics of a filler indicate the advantage of the use of a certain amount of filler in the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the present invention. Examples of fillers comprise, but are not limited to, chalk, talc, limestone, barium sulphate, aluminium trihydroxide, kaolin, silica, aluminium trioxide, magnesium hydroxide, clay, or a combination of the foregoing. The filler may be recycled from any source and may occur in any physical form which makes it possible to be mixed or blended with the other ingredients of a composition.

As mentioned above, a filler is a component which can improve the material properties of a composition by, for example, improving its texture or structure, by providing dimensional stability and reduced elasticity, by providing properties of fire resistance and/or by reducing the overall cost of the composition. The said amount of filler in the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex of at least 20.0 wt.% can be used in order to obtain a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex having desired, improved and advantageous material properties obtained by the use of a filler. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein said filler is comprised in an amount of 40.0 to 85.0 wt.%.

Too high amounts of filler in a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the present invention provide for negative effects, including fall-out problems of filler in the curing of the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex, a too much reduced elasticity, non-optimal compression characteristics, and a non-optimal wear resistance of a cured product. By "fall-out" of filler is referred to a part of filler material which is not bonded to the rest of the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex during curing thereof. A too low amount of a filler, in addition, leads to a more expensive product, necessitates a producer to add other more expensive and less available ingredients in larger amounts, and leads to an inefficient use of the above-mentioned improved properties that may be obtained by means of a filler. The said amount of filler in the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex of 40.0 to 85.0 wt.% gives rise to a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex with very desirable, improved and advantageous properties obtained by the use of a filler, while negative effects as a result of a too high filler content are avoided.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein said filler is comprised in an amount of 50.0 to 70.0 wt.%. Said amount of filler in the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex of 50,0 to 70.0 wt.% gives rise to a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex with the most desired, improved and advantageous properties obtained by the use of a filler, while negative effects due to a too high filler content are avoided.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein said filler is essentially comprised of chalk. Chalk is a sedimentary rock composed almost entirely of calcium skeletons of algae and other fauna, called coccoliths. It is a limestone, and thus is composed of CaCCb. Chalk is widely available and is not harmful to the environment. In addition, chalk is known as an inexpensive filler. These features illustrate why chalk is preferred as filler in the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein said filler comprises one or more fillers selected from the group comprising talc, limestone, barium sulphate, aluminium trihydroxide, kaolin, silica, aluminium trioxide, magnesium hydroxide, clay, or a combination thereof.

Use of one or more of these fillers in the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the present invention, whether or not in combination with chalk as a filler, allows a large freedom of choice of fillers in function of technical considerations. For example, types and amounts of fillers can be selected to obtain or to optimize desired material properties, such as texture and fire resistance.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the cross-linker is a nitrogen-functional cross-linker.

A nitrogen-functional cross-linker is a cross-linker having one or more nitrogen- functional groups that can be used for cross-linking. The use of nitrogen-functional cross-linkers in a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the present invention offers the advantage that cured products obtained from the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex exhibit much desired hardness properties as well as highly desired acid, base, solvent and detergent resistance properties. It is advantageous for the present invention to use nitrogen-functional cross-linkers such as amines and preferably compounds comprising two nitrogen-groups for cross- linking, such as diamines. Examples of suitable cross-linkers comprise various maleimides, various diisocyanates such as toluene diisocyanate, various isocyanate terminated polyester prepolymers, melamine-formaldehyde resins, polyisocyanates, blocked polyisocyanates, and various polyamines such as methylene dianiline. In addition, various epoxides, such as the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A, etc. can be used.

By the term "blocked" used in combination with a polymer, such as used in this text with blocked polyisocyanates, is referred to a polymer of which one or more terminal functional groups are blocked with one or more chemical compounds which act as blocking agents. Polyisocyanates can be blocked by means of volatile organic components such as, for example, alcohols, amines, oximes, imines, esters and amides. Preferably, said polyisocyanate is blocked by means of a volatile organic compound having an activation temperature lower than 200°C and higher than 100°C, such as e.g. ε-caprolactom, methyl ethyl ketoxime, 3,5-dimethylpyrazole, diisopropyl amine or diethyl malonate, and more preferably by means of a volatile organic compound having an activation temperature lower than 175°C and higher than 125°C, and even more preferably lower than 160°C and higher than 150°C, such as e.g. methyl ethyl ketoxime or 3,5-dimethylpyrazole.

In general, amino resins are suitable as a cross-linker for the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the present invention. For the purposes of this invention, an amino resin is a resin made by reaction of a material with NH groups with a carbonyl compound and an alcohol. The NH-bearing material is often urea, melamine, benzoguanamine, glycoluril, cyclic urea, a thiourea compound, a guanidine, a urethane or cyanamide. The most common carbonyl component is formaldehyde and other carbonyl compounds comprising higher aldehydes and ketones. The most used alcohols are methanol, ethanol and butanol. Other alcohols comprise propanol and hexanol.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the nitrogen-functional cross-linker is a melamine formaldehyde resin. Some of the advantages of a melamine formaldehyde resin are the following : favourable heat- and water-resistant properties, self-extinguishing, resistance to mould, high bonding strength, favourable curing rate, simple synthesis, a low cost and easy to use. In particular, a melamine formaldehyde resin as the cross-linker is stable in a wet formulation without reacting away and makes the resin to a good compression set of a final product obtained from a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex comprising melamine formaldehyde resin as cross-linker.

In the general preparation of a melamine formaldehyde resin, one lets melamine and formaldehyde react under known conditions via a condensation reaction. The produced resinous compositions are curable by application of heat, or potentially curable by the application of heat, and can be converted into shaped items, surfaces, laminates, panels, and the like. The condensation products are water-soluble, or at least dispersible in water, and solutions or syrups thereof may therefore be obtained.

Non-limiting examples of melamine formaldehyde resins are melamine resins that are partially or fully alkylated using alcohols having preferably 1 to 6, and more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as hexamethoxy methylated melamine. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the nitrogen-functional cross-linker is a blocked polyisocyanate.

Suitable polyisocyanates have an average of about two or more isocyanate groups, preferably an average of about two to about four isocyanate groups per molecule and comprise about 5 to 20 carbon atoms (in addition to nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen) and comprise aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aryl-aliphatic and aromatic polyisocyanates, as well as products of their oligomerization, used alone or in mixtures of two or more. Diisocyanates are more preferred. Aliphatic isocyanates are preferred when UV exposure is expected .

Specific examples of suitable aliphatic polyisocyanates comprise alpha, omega- alkylene diisocyanates having 5 to 20 carbon atoms, such as hexamethylene-1,6- diisocyanate, 1,12-dodecane diisocyanate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-hexamethylene- diisocyanate, 2,4,4-trimethyl-hexamethylene-diisocyanate, 2-methyl-l,5-penta- methylene-diisocyanate, and the like. Polyisocyanates with less than 5 carbon atoms can be used, but are less preferred because of their high volatility and toxicity. Preferred aliphatic polyisocyanates comprise hexamethylene-l,6-diisocyanate, 2,2,4- trimethyl-hexa-methylene-diisocyanate, and 2,4,4-trimethyl-hexamethylene diisocyanate. Specific examples of suitable cycloaliphatic polyisocyanates comprise dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (commercially available as Desmodur™ W from Bayer Corporation), isophorone diisocyanate, 1,4-cyclohexane diisocyanate, 1,3-bis- (isocyanatomethyl) cyclohexane, and the like. Preferred cycloaliphatic polyisocyanates comprise dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate and isophorone diisocyanate.

Specific examples of suitable araliphatic polyisocyanates comprise m-tetramethyl xylylene diisocyanate, p-tetramethyl xylylene diisocyanate, 1,4-xylylene diisocyanate. 1,3-xylylene diisocyanate, and the like. A preferred araliphatic polyisocyanate is tetramethyl xylylene diisocyanate.

Examples of suitable aromatic polyisocyanates comprise 4,4'-diphenyl methylene diisocyanate and its isomers (for example 2,4'; 2,2'; and 4,4'), toluene diisocyanate and its isomers, naphthalene diisocyanate, their oligomeric forms and the like. Preferred aromatic polyisocyanates are diphenylmethylene-diisocyanate and toluene diisocyanate.

In the context of the present invention, it is desirable to block the isocyanate functionalities of the polyisocyanate with a blocking agent. In this way, a blocked polyisocyanate is obtained, in particular a polyisocyanate having two or more blocked isocyanate groups which can unblock under curing conditions, for example at elevated temperatures, to form free isocyanate groups and free blocking agents. The free isocyanate groups formed by unblocking the cross-linker are preferably able to react with and to substantially form permanent covalent bonds with the active hydrogen groups of a polymer, preferably the hydroxyl groups of a hydroxyfunctional polymer. Blocking agents may be selected from hydroxyfunctional compounds, IH-azoles, lactams, ketoximes, and mixtures thereof. Classes of hydroxyfunctional compounds comprise, for example, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic alkyl monoalcohols or phenols. Specific examples of hydroxyfunctional compounds which are useful as blocking agents comprise, but are not limited to: lower aliphatic alcohols such as methanol, ethanol and n-butanol; cycloaliphatic alcohols such as cyclohexanol and tetrahydrofuran; aromatic alkyl alcohols, such as phenyl carbinol and methylphenyl carbinol; and glycol ethers, for example ethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether and propylene glycol methyl ether. A particularly suitable class of hydroxyfunctional blocking agents are phenols, of which belong to the examples, but are not limited to, phenol itself and substituted phenols such as cresol, nitrophenol, and p-hydroxy methylbenzoate.

By blocking the isocyanate functionalities of the polyisocyanate, premature cross- linking of a cross-linkable latex at temperatures around room temperature is prevented. Preferably, a blocked polyisocyanate will only lead to a curing of the cross- linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the invention when these cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex is dried at an elevated temperature, preferably at a temperature of 100°C to 200°C. Thus a cured product can be obtained in a controlled manner from the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex. A blocked polyisocyanate as cross-linker is also stable in wet formulation without reacting away and ensures good a compression set of a cured final product obtained from a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex comprising a blocked polyisocyanate as cross-linker.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex comprises one or more additives selected from the group comprising salts, catalysts, softeners, antioxidants, antimicrobial agents, hydrophobic additives, oleophobic additives, ammonia, agents that are capable of binding volatile organic compounds such as aldehyde-binding agents or oxygen- binding agents, or a combination thereof. By "catalysts" is specifically referred in this text to catalysts that can catalyse or accelerate the curing of the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex.

Said agents that can bind volatile organic compounds are also known as scavengers. Aldehyde-binding agents or aldehyde scavengers may be selected from the group comprising tetraethylenepentamine, propionamide, caprolactam, ammonium hydroxide, sodium bisulphate, sodium metabisulphite, ammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, a combination of ammonium phosphate and diammonium phosphate, a combination of ammonium phosphate, ammonium diphosphate and a sulphite, a polyvinyl alcohol ; adipic dihydrazide and a combination of a polyvinyl alcohol and adipic dihydrazide. Zinc oxide is a non-limiting example of a suitable catalyst. Antimicrobial agents are agents which are active against micro-organisms. Examples of anti-microbial agents are bactericides and fungicides. One or more of the listed additives may be selected as part of the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex in function of the desired functionalisation of products obtained by means of the curing of the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex comprises a foam booster and/or a foam stabilizer.

The foaming of the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the present invention can be performed in any suitable or conventional manner according to the prior art. A foam can be produced by methods which are well known in the field, for example by releasing a non-coagulating gas such as nitrogen, or by causing the decomposition of a gas-releasing chemical compound after chemically reacting with an ingredient in the mixture, wherein a non-coagulating gas is released as a reaction product. For the foaming of the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex, the use of foam boosters and/or foam stabilizers is desired. Known foaming aids or foam boosters, such as sodium lauryl sulphate or foam stabilizers, such as potassium oleate, sulphosuccinamate soaps such as for example - but not limited to - disodium tallow sulphosuccinamate soap, may be added, if desired. Preferably, such additives should be relatively non-reactive with the reactive group in the hydroxyfunctional polymer or optionally in the co-reactive material, and therefore, the preferred composition may vary depending on the composition of the mixture. As an alternative to disodium tallow sulphosuccinamate, betaine soap, sodium silicate and ethyl vinyl acetate latex may also be used. Other soaps, emulsifiers, wetting agents and/or surface-active agents may be used, although they potentially may be reactive to a limited extent.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex comprises a thickening agent. A thickening agent, also known as thickener, refers to a substance which is added to a liquid composition in order to thicken it and to reduce the flowing properties. The use of a thickening agent in the composition of the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to the present invention is advantageous for the foam stability of a foamed product obtained from these cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex.

- providing a hydroxyfunctional latex;

- optionally, spreading said latex compound onto a substrate; and

- drying said latex compound, thereby obtaining a cured latex compound,

wherein said filler is mixed in an amount of at least 20.0 wt.%.

The use of a well-considered amount of filler as a part of a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex for making a cured latex compound is extremely suitable to improve material properties, such as texture and fire resistance, of the resulting cured latex compound.

The mixing of the composition in the method according to the second aspect of the invention may be done with the aid of means such as these are known in the prior art. The drying may be done at any suitable temperature above ambient temperature at a given residence time.

The residence time is variable and dependent on factors such as temperature, layer thickness, and the water content of the curable composition components. The typical residence time is between 1 and 20 minutes, preferably between 5 and 10 minutes. The drying may be carried out in an air circulation oven. The internal temperature of the oven is preferably maintained at or above 120°C. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for making a cured latex compound according to the second aspect of the invention, comprising the step of mixing said hydroxyfunctional latex or latex compound with one or more additives selected from the group comprising : salts, catalysts, softeners, antioxidants, antimicrobial agents, hydrophobic additives, ammonia, oleophobic additives, agents that are capable of binding volatile organic compounds such as aldehyde-binding agents or oxygen-binding agents, or a combination thereof. The latex compound can be poured into moulds, spread on a flat plate or belt, or coated onto substrates. For the application of this specification, the term "substrate" is defined as any material, such as fabric, leather, wood, glass or metal or any form of support, such as for carpets and shoe soles, wall cladding, to which the latex compound will hold when applied and after it has been cured.

In an embodiment of this invention in which the cured latex compound is used as a carrier of textile, the latex compound may be applied onto the textile for the drying and curing. A typical latex foam, formed from the latex compound as cured latex compound, has a density in the range of about 100 to 1000 grams per litre in the wet state, preferably 200 to 600 grams per litre, and more preferably 200, 250, 300, 350 or 400 grams per litre, or any value therein between. The latex foam may be applied onto the substrate by means of a coating knife. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for making a cured latex compound according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein said latex compound is dried by heating to a temperature between 50°C and 200°C.

Preferably, said latex compound is dried at a temperature between 60°C and 180°C, more preferably at a temperature of between 125°C and 160°C.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for making a cured latex compound according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein said latex compound is treated with the aid of an infrared lamp.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for making a cured latex compound according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein said latex compound is dried in a hot air oven. Preferably, the temperature of the hot air oven for this purpose is set at 50°C to 80°C.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for making a cured latex compound according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein said cured latex compound is mechanically post-treated, such as for example by embossing, printing or pressing.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for making a cured latex compound according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein said cured latex compound is thermally post-treated, such as, for example, by curing at a temperature of between 100°C and 200°C.

Preferably, said cured latex compound is thermally post-treated in an oven at a temperature of between 125°C and 180°C, more preferably at a temperature of between 125°C and 160°C.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a device comprising a cured latex compound according to the third aspect of the invention, such as, for example, an anti-slip coating, a tufted carpet, a woven carpet, artificial grass, a carpet for the automobile sector, a needle felt carpet, tiles, needle felting, rubber granules, upholstery, a carpet for domestic use such as in a living or bathroom, a carpet for staircases, a carpet for use in hospitals, furniture, mattresses, tires, shoe soles and for use in medical or hygienic applications, such as, for example, in surgical gloves.

EXAMPLES EXAMPLES 1 AND 2

The examples described below relate to a preparation of a cured latex compound and more particularly of a latex foam, and the composition of cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex in order to obtain this latex foam.

The general methods for the preparation of a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex and for making a latex foam are described hereafter, after which the various examples of compositions of cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex will be explained in Example 1 and Example 2.

A first step is the mixing of a hydroxyfunctional latex (A) and a cross-linker (B) to obtain a composition (A + B). Also, a filler (C) is mixed to said composition (A + B) at room temperature. Thus is obtained a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex (A + B + C). In addition, other substances are mixed to the above-mentioned cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex such as additives and a foam booster and stabilizer. Optionally, a thickening agent is added as last addition.

In a second step, the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex is intensively mixed to obtain a water-containing latex foam.

When the water-containing latex foam has obtained a good foam quality, it is applied onto a substrate. The substrate may be for example the back of a carpet. Herein, a good contact between the water-containing latex foam and the substrate is ensured, for example, by pressing by means of a roller.

Subsequently, in a third step, the water-containing latex foam is treated by means of an infrared lamp to a temperature of 120°C. Alternatively, the water-containing latex foam can be heated in a hot air oven at a temperature of 80°C.

In a final step, the at least partially dried latex foam is cured and further dried. In this way, the cross-linking of the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex is established. Optionally, this thermal treatment is followed by a mechanical treatment, such as for example pressing, printing, embossing, and a thermal post-treatment for curing in an oven at a temperature of about 150°C.

The various cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex compositions of Example 1 and Example 2 are shown, respectively, on the basis of Table 1 and Table 2.

Table 1 : Composition of a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to Example 1 of the present invention.

Composition Dry parts ^a Wet parts ^b

Hydroxyfunctional latex 100 190

Melamine formaldehyde resin 3.5 3.57

Disodium tallow sulphosuccinamate soap 6 16.66

Sodium lauryl sulphate 1.5 5.36

Zinc oxide 2 3.88

Calcium carbonate/chalk 180 180

Calgon 1 5

Bactericidal 0.05 0.5

Antioxidant 2.25 4.5

Ammoniac 0.2 0.8

Thickening agent 0.25 2.27

³ parts of dry substance; b parts of wet substance. Table 2: Composition of a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to Example

2 of the present invention.

Composition Dry parts Wet parts

Hydroxyfunctional latex 100 190

Blocked polyisocyanate 3.5 7.8

Disodium tallow sulphosuccinamate soap 6 16.66

Sodium lauryl sulphate 1.5 5.36

Zinc oxide 2 3.88

Calcium carbonate/chalk 180 180

Calgon 1 5

Bactericidal 0.05 0.5

Antioxidant 2.25 4.5

Ammoniac 0.2 0.8

Thickening agent 0.25 2.27

EXAMPLES 3 TO 7

In an analogous manner as the preparation of the water-containing latex foam which was cured and dried as in Example 1 and 2, now several latex are prepared, wherein the content of cross-linker, that is polyisocyanate, is varied. The compositions are shown in Tables 3 and 4. The connposition according to Example 3 does not contain a cross-linker; the composition according to Examples 4, 5, 6 and 7 respectively contain 1.2% by weight, 2.0% by weight, 3.0% by weight and 4.0% by weight of cross-linker. Table 3 : Composition of different cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to Examples 3 to 7 of the present invention.

Composition Dry parts Wet parts

Hydroxyfunctional latex 100 190

Ammoniac 0.2 0.8

Calgon 1 5

Calcium carbonate/chalk 180 180

Disodium tallow sulphosuccinamate soap 6 16.7

Sodium lauryl sulphate 1.5 5.36

Polyisocyanate (PI)

Zinc oxide 1 3.9

Bactericidal 0.05 0.5

Antioxidant 2.25 4.5

Zirconium catalyst* 0.2 0.2

Thickening agent 0.25 2.3

* K-KAT6212 (King Industries)

Table 4: Content of polyisocyanate in the formulation according to Table 3.

Example Dry parts Wet parts

3 0 0

4 3.5 7.8

5 6 13.3

6 9 20

7 12 26.7

Subsequently, the physical properties of the resulting latex foams were evaluated, i.e. resilience and flexibility. The results were summarized in Table 5. Table 5 : Properties of a foamed coating obtained after curing of the compositions according to Table 4.

Example resilience ^c flexibility ^d

^~3 375 10

4 6 10

5 7 9

6 7 7

7 7 6

c measured according to ISO 3416: 1986; ^d qualitatively determined immediately after curing, in which '10' is a degree for highly flexible and in which ' is a degree for highly inflexible.

Table 5 shows that the resilience of the obtained foam improves as the content of cross-linker increases. Without cross-linker (Example 3), an undesirable result is achieved. The resilience achieves a significantly improved result at a cross-linker content of 1.2% by weight. However, as of an amount of cross-linker of more than 2.0% by weight, further improvement of the flexibility is no longer observed .

At the same time, it can be concluded that the flexibility of the cured latex foam decreases as the content of cross-linker increases, and mainly as of a cross-linker content of more than 2.0 to 3.0% by weight (Example 3 and 4).

An optimal content of cross-linker in the water-containing latex foam can thus be found between 0.5 and 5.0% by weight, and more preferably between 1.0 and 3.0% by weight. This provides an optimum compromise between resilience and flexibility of the cured latex foam comprising a considerable amount of filler. This is desirable for the application of latex foams as anti-slip coating, tufted carpet, a woven carpet, artificial grass, a carpet for the automotive sector, a needle felt carpet, tiles, needle felting, rubber granules, upholstery, a carpet for domestic use such as in a living or bathroom, a carpet for staircases, a carpet for use in hospitals, furniture, mattresses, tires, shoe soles and for use in medical or hygienic applications, such as surgical gloves.

Claims

A cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex, comprising

10.0 to 65.0 wt.% of hydroxyfunctional latex;

0.5 to 5.0 wt.% of cross-linker;

up to 10.0 wt.% of a surfactant; and

- at least 20.0 wt.% of filler;

supplemented with water up to 100.0 wt.%. 2. Cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to claim 1, wherein said filler is comprised in an amount of 40.0 to 85.0 wt.%.

Cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said filler is comprised in an amount of 50.0 to 70.0 wt.%.

Cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to at least one of claims 1 to

3, wherein said filler is substantially comprised of chalk.

Cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to at least one of claims 1 to

4, wherein said filler comprises one or more fillers selected from the group comprising talc, limestone, barium sulphate, aluminium trihydroxide, kaolin, silica, aluminium trioxide, magnesium hydroxide, clay, or a combination thereof. 6. Cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said hydroxyfunctional latex comprises a styrene-butadiene polymer.

7. Cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cross-linker is a nitrogen-functional cross-linker.

8. Cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to claim 7, wherein the nitrogen-functional cross-linker is a melamine formaldehyde resin. 9. Cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to claim 7, wherein the nitrogen-functional cross-linker is a blocked polyisocyanate.

10. Cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, wherein cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex comprises one or more additives selected from the group comprising salts, catalysts, softeners, antioxidants, antimicrobial agents, hydrophobic additives, oleophobic additives, ammonia, agents which can bind volatile organic compounds such as aldehyde-binding agents or oxygen-binding agents, or a combination thereof.

11. Cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to at least one of claims 1 to

10, wherein the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex comprises a foam booster and/or a foam stabilizer.

12. Cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to at least one of claims 1 to

11, wherein the cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex comprises a thickening agent.

13. Method for making a cured latex compound, comprising the steps of:

providing a hydroxyfunctional latex;

mixing said hydroxyfunctional latex with 0.5 to 5.0 wt.% of cross-linker, a surfactant, a filler, a thickening agent and optionally a foam stabilizer and/or a foam booster, thereby obtaining a latex compound ;

optionally, spreading said latex compound onto a substrate; and drying said latex compound, thereby obtaining a cured latex compound, characterized in that said filler is mixed in an amount of at least 20.0 wt.%.

14. Method according to claim 13, comprising the step of mixing said hydroxyfunctional latex or latex compound with one or more additives selected from the group comprising : salts, catalysts, softeners, antioxidants, antimicrobial agents, hydrophobic additives, ammonia, oleophobic additives, agents that are capable of binding volatile organic compounds such as aldehyde-binding agents or oxygen-binding agents, or a combination thereof.

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said latex compound is dried by heating to a temperature between 50°C and 200°C.

16. Method according to claim 15, wherein said latex compound is treated with the aid of an infrared lamp.

17. Method according to at least one of claims 13 to 16, wherein said cured latex compound is mechanically post-treated, such as for example by pressing, printing or embossing. 18. Method according to at least one of claims 13 to 17, wherein said cured latex compound is thermally post-treated, such as, for example, by curing at a temperature of between 100°C and 200°C.

19. Cured latex compound obtainable according a method according to at least one of claims 13 to 18.

20. Device comprising a cured latex compound according to claim 19, such as, for example, an anti-slip coating, a tufted carpet, a woven carpet, artificial grass, a carpet for the automotive sector, a needle felt carpet, tiles, needle felting, rubber granulate, upholstery, a carpet for domestic use such as in a living or bathroom, a carpet for staircases, a carpet for use in hospitals, furniture, mattresses, tires, shoe soles and for use in medical or hygienic applications, such as for example surgical gloves. 21. Use of a cross-linkable hydroxyfunctional latex according to at least one of claims 1 to 12 for making a cured latex compound.