BINDERS
An un-reacted substantially formaldehyde free curable binder solution for binding loose matter consists essentially of a solution obtainable by dissolving a reducing sugar, an ammonium salt acid precursor, optionally a carboxylic acid or a precursor thereof and optionally ammonia in water.
1 .- 13 . (canceled)
14 . A material comprising a collection of loose matter maintained together by a substantially formaldehyde free binder characterized in that the material comprises more that 500 mg/kg of species selected from the group consisting of sulphates, phosphates, nitrates, and carbonates.
15 . A material in accordance with claim 14 in which the species selected from the group consisting of sulphates, phosphates, nitrates, and carbonates is derived essentially from binder precursors.
16 .- 20 . (canceled)