Styrene-Butadiene Latex

Chair Test Performance
Safety & Handling Considerations

Applications

Latex LXC 811NA for carpet is a high-performance latex that offers many benefits over standard styrene-butadiene latexes. LXC 811 is a truly unique product that can be used in either residential or commercial applications. The “soft and strong” characteristics of this product make it an ideal candidate in applications in which pattern matching is a priority. These characteristics produce excellent chair test results while still providing a soft hand. The high solids along with excellent dry and wet strength allow maximum formulation flexibility in both residential and commercial formulations.

Latex LXC 811NA can be used in the precoat compound for both commercial and residential carpet backing applications, primarily in unitary and high performance backing applications.

Benefits

High Solids: faster drying for faster line speeds
Medium Hand
Blister Resistant
Very good wet strength

Typical Latex Properties1

¹ Not to be construed as specifications.

Additional Information

Technical Data Sheet (53KB PDF)
Styron Latex Storage and Handling Guide (1.56MB PDF)

Chair Test Performance

There are numerous ASTM test methods used to determine the long-term wear performance of a carpet. Most are chair test (roll stool) variations. Load, castor type, and testing unit manufacturer are the main variables from test to test. The basic test involves the operation of a weighted roller chair testing device that rotates and moves across a test specimen of carpet. Failures are noted in instances of delamination and/or edge raveling. The more cycles the specimen can tolerate the better and longer the carpet should perform in the field. Figure 1 shows typical chair test comparisons.

Figure 1

Safety & Handling Considerations

Observation of reasonable care and cleanliness should avoid exposure problems in the handling of Styron latexes. While exposure to most latex products is a relatively low hazard to personnel, the best practice is to avoid human contact and to have workers wear the appropriate personal protective equipment per the product safety data sheet.

Styron latexes contain a biostat to prevent microbial growth when the product is shipped. Latexes are, however, an ideal nutrient medium for microbes, which can grow if conditions are suitable. To limit contamination by airborne microbes, tank hatches and covers should generally be kept closed. A bulk storage system should be cleaned on a regular basis. Generally, a six-month to one-year cleaning frequency is sufficient.

All Styron latexes are filtered during processing. They are also filtered just prior to loading. However, most latexes are excellent film formers and may develop skins or particles during shipping and storage. During storage, a skin layer usually forms on the surface of the latex exposed to air and acts as a floating cover that rises and falls with the level of the latex. Periodic circulation with jet-mixing has been shown to minimize this floating layer as well as skin formation on the walls. Skins and residue can be removed by filtering the latex just prior to use in the production plant. Latexes must be protected against freezing and against extended exposure to temperatures above 100°F. The desired storage temperature is 40 – 90°F. Most Styron latexes are storage stable with a shelf life of at least six months. During periods of extended storage, latex may show tendencies to stratify (layer) or pH drift. Such tendencies are accelerated by storage at elevated temperatures. Stratification does not impact latex quality, and periodic recirculation of the latex in the storage tank usually prevents such separation. Occasionally, with long-term storage, a downward drift in pH might be observed and could indicate a product performance change. Latex performance can also be affected by cross contamination with other products or raw materials. Contact your Styron sales representative for assistance if necessary.

NOTICE: Any products with the prefix “XU”, “XZ”, “XQ”, or “XG” are experimental and may not become available for commercial sale. No freedom from any patent owned by Styron or others is to be inferred. Because use conditions and applicable laws may differ from one location to another and may change with time, recipient is responsible for determining whether products and the information in this document are appropriate for recipient’s use and for ensuring that recipient’s workplace and disposal practices are in compliance with applicable laws and other governmental enactments. Styron assumes no obligation or liability for the information in this document. NO WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN; ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR USE FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPERSSLY EXCLUDED.