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.