Polymer coating for powder-free elastic strands

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a coated elastomeric sheet or strands having a polymeric coating applied to both sides. The powder-free polymer coating provides good release and anti-blocking properties to elastic strands, as well as adding to the machinability and end-use properties of the strands. The polymer-coated elastic strands are useful in the manufacture of diapers and other disposable articles requiring flexible elastic-lined openings.

1 . An elastomeric strand or sheet having coated thereon an aqueous polymer composition comprising a polymer or having a Tg greater than −10° C.  
   
   
       2 . The strand or sheet of  claim 1  wherein said polymer has a Tg of from 20 to 110° C.  
   
   
       3 . The strand or sheet of  claim 2  wherein said polymer has a Tg of from 25 to 90° C.  
   
   
       4 . The strand or sheet of  claim 3  wherein said polymer has a Tg of from 40 to 80° C.  
   
   
       5 . The strand or sheet of  claim 1  wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of acrylic copolymers, methacrylic copolymers, vinyl acrylics, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polyurethanes and mixtures thereof.  
   
   
       6 . The strand or sheet of  claim 1  wherein said polymer composition comprises a waterborne acrylic polymer having a Tg of from 40 to 80° C.  
   
   
       7 . The strand or sheet of  claim 1  wherein said polymer composition comprises a dispersant comprises a star polymer.  
   
   
       8 . The strand or sheet of  claim 1  wherein said polymer composition comprises microbeads.  
   
   
       9 . A method of making a coated elastomeric strand or sheet comprising: 
 extruding or calendaring an elasctomeric sheet;    forming an aqueous polymer composition comprising a polymer, applying said polymer composition to the elastomeric strand or sheet; and    curing said polymer coated strand or sheet.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said polymer comprises from 0.5 to 20 percent by weight of the polymer composition.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said polymer composition is applied by spray or dipping.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said polymer composition comprises one or more adjuvants selected from the groups consisting of adhesion promoters, microbeads, and dispersants.  
   
   
       13 . An article comprising the strand or sheet of  claim 1 .  
   
   
       14 . The article of  claim 13 , which is a disposable garment.  
   
   
       15 . The article of  claim 14 , wherein said article is selected from the group consisting of diapers, adult incontinence articles, hospital gowns, booties, head/hair coverings, medical and industrial protective wear, gloves, and facemasks.