Kimberly-clark Worldwide, Inc.

Tammy Thompson

Ralph Lee Anderson

William A Wengeler

Methods for recycling latex-containing broke are generally provided. Specifically, mechanical treatment may be employed to rework latex-containing broke for reuse in various products without the need for treatment with chemicals, such as hypochlorite, chlorine, or hypochlorous acid. As a result of mechanical treatment, fiber aggregates are formed that have a relatively small size. For instance, a large portion of the resulting fiber aggregates may be relatively free from the latex polymer. Specifically, the fiber aggregates can contain a 'core' of latex from which extend short fibers and/or fragments that are uncoated with the latex. The result is fiber aggregates that are uniquely 'partially coated' with a latex polymer. When recycled in paper products, these fiber aggregates may impart a variety of benefits, such as increased bulk retention and high water capacity without any loss in absorbency rate.

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Austin, TX, United States of America

Tammy Thompson