Aqueous mineral fibre binder composition based on one or more proteins, a method for making mineral fibre products and use thereof

Abstract

The disclosure is directed to an aqueous binder composition for mineral wool fibres comprising a protein, a crosslinker, optionally one or more saccharides, and one or more hydrophobizing agent(s) comprising steroid esters. Methods for producing MMVF fibres, MMVF fibre products and uses are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] ROCKWOOL A / S M / ROCK-169-PC ________________________________________________________________ Aqueous mineral fibre binder composition based on one or more proteins, a method for making mineral fibre products and use thereof ________________________________________________________________ Description Field of the Invention The present disclosure relates to an aqueous mineral fiber binder composition comprising one or more proteins, at least one crosslinker and at least one hydrophobizing agent; a method of producing a bonded mineral fibre product; a mineral fibre product comprising mineral fibres bound by a binder and uses thereof. Background Phenolic binders, in particular phenol-formaldehyde resole resins are frequently used in the manufacture of mineral fibre insulation materials, such as insulative batts for walls, roof boards, ceiling tiles, insulative coverings for pipes, and the like. Phenol-formaldehyde resins can be economically produced and can be extended with urea prior to use as a binder. Various techniques have been used to reduce the formaldehyde emission from formaldehyde-based resins. In particular, various formaldehyde scavengers have been used for that purpose. For instance, urea acts as a formaldehyde scavenger both at, and subsequent to, the manufacture of bonded mineral fibre products. Urea is typically added directly to the phenol-formaldehyde resin to produce a urea-modified phenol- formaldehyde resole resin also called phenol-urea-formaldehyde resole resin. To obtain a typical urea-modified resole binder resin, a mixture of phenol and formaldehyde is reacted with a suitable catalyst in one or more steps. The reaction conditions, temperature, amount of catalyst, etc. are adjusted to favour phenol methylation reaction over condensation reactions. Urea is then added before or after inactivating the resin just prior to use of the resin. Such a resin is typically referred to as a PUF resin, or PUF binder. As an alternative to adding formaldehyde scavengers various types of binders have been proposed which are produced without use of formaldehyde. The resulting products thereby exhibit low levels of formaldehyde release and / or result in low risk of emissions of formaldehyde from the production facility. Additionally, the existing and proposed legislation directed to the lowering or elimination of formaldehyde emissions have led to the development of formaldehyde-free binders such as, for instance, the binder compositions based on polycarboxy polymers and polyols or polyamines, such as disclosed in EP-A-583086, EP-A-990727, EP-A-1741726, US-A-5,318,990 and US-A- 2007 / 0173588. Another group of non-phenol-formaldehyde binders are the addition / -elimination reaction products of aliphatic and / or aromatic anhydrides with alkanolamines, e.g., as disclosed in WO 99 / 36368, WO 01 / 05725, WO 01 / 96460, WO 02 / 06178, WO 2004 / 007615 and WO 2006 / 061249. These binder compositions are water soluble and exhibit excellent binding properties in terms of curing speed and curing density. Since some of the starting materials used in the production of these binders are rather expensive chemicals, there is an ongoing need to provide formaldehyde-free binders, which are economically produced. A further effect in connection with previously known aqueous binder compositions for mineral fibres is that at least the majority of the starting materials used for the productions of these binders stem from fossil fuels. There is an ongoing trend of consumers to prefer products that are fully or at least partly produced from renewable materials and there is therefore a need to provide binders for MMVF fibres, which are at least partly produced from renewable materials. A further effect in connection with previously known aqueous binder compositions for mineral fibres is that they involve components, which are corrosive and / or harmful. This requires protective measures for the machinery involved in the production of MMVF products to prevent corrosion and also requires safety measures for the persons handling this machinery. This leads to increased costs and health issues and there is therefore a need to provide binder compositions for mineral fibres with a reduced content of corrosive and / or harmful materials. Accordingly, there is still a need to provide a method for preparing MMVF products, which employs an aqueous binder composition prepared to a large part from renewable materials which are not corrosive or harmful and in the process of which only a small amount of harmful gases are produced and at the same time the MMVF product resulting from the curing has good mechanical properties. For the purpose of the present application, the term "formaldehyde free" is defined to characterize a mineral wool product where the emission is below 5 µg / m2 / h of formaldehyde from the mineral wool product, preferably below 3 µg / m2 / h. Preferably, the test is carried out in accordance with ISO 16000 -1:2004 for testing aldehyde emissions. For the purpose of the present application, the term Bloom is defined to characterize the strength of a gel, and is a test to measure the strength of a gel, such as gelatin. The test determines the weight in grams needed by a specified plunger (normally with a diameter of 0.5 inch / 1.27 cm) to depress the surface of the gel by 4 mm without breaking it. The number of grams is called the Bloom value. The higher a Bloom value, the higher the melting and gelling points of a gel, and the shorter its gelling times. This method is most often used on soft gels. To perform the Bloom test on a soft gel, such as gelatin, an aqueous 6.67wt-% or 12.5 wt-% gelatin solution is kept for 17–18 hours at 10°C prior to being tested. In the present patent application, the Bloom value is measured using a 12.5 wt-% solution unless otherwise specified. Summary of the Invention Accordingly, there is still a need to provide alternative binders for man-made vitreous fibres (MMVF), which exhibits low levels of emissions, in particular emissions originating from production of products made of man-made vitreous fibres (MMVF) and / or low levels of emissions from finished products. Additionally or alternatively, there is still a need to provide alternative binders for man- made vitreous fibres (MMVF), made from renewable materials which can at least partly or more preferred fully substitute starting materials which stem from fossil fuels. Additionally or alternatively, there is still a need to provide alternative binders for man- made vitreous fibres (MMVF), made from renewable materials and which provide a product with excellent hydrophobic properties. Additionally or alternatively, there is still a need to provide alternative binders for man- made vitreous fibres (MMVF), made at least partly from renewable materials and which provide a product with excellent hydrophobic properties. Additionally or alternatively, there is still a need to provide alternative binders for man- made vitreous fibres (MMVF), made at least partly from renewable materials and which provide a product with excellent hydrophobic properties and at the same time results in low levels of emission of harmful or unwanted substances, and good mechanical properties. Additionally or alternatively, there is still a need to provide alternative binders for man- made vitreous fibres (MMVF), where the hydrophobizing agent is made partly or fully from renewable materials and which provide a product with excellent hydrophobic properties. Additionally or alternatively, there is still a need to provide alternative binders for man- made vitreous fibres (MMVF), where the hydrophobizing agent is made partly or fully from renewable materials and which provide a product with excellent hydrophobic properties and at the same time results in low levels of emission of harmful or unwanted substances, and good mechanical properties. Additionally or alternatively, there is still a need to provide alternative binders for man- made vitreous fibres (MMVF), made from renewable materials and which provide a product with excellent hydrophobic properties and where the use of mineral oils of petrochemical origin and / or silicones are replaced by one or more hydrophobizing agents of renewable materials. Accordingly, it is an object to provide an aqueous binder composition suitable for bonding mineral fibres, which overcomes or alleviates the drawbacks of the prior art discussed above. Specifically, it is an object to provide an aqueous mineral fibre binder composition, which is environmentally friendly, in particular which is mainly based on renewable source materials; which results in low levels of emission of harmful or unwanted substances, and at the same time having good mechanical properties. Additionally, it is an object to provide an aqueous mineral fibre binder composition, which results in a cured mineral wool product with high water repellency and where the addition of the one or more hydrophobic agents do not significantly compromise the good mechanical properties of the binder in the cured mineral wool product(s). Additionally or alternatively, it is an object to provide an aqueous mineral fibre binder composition, which results in a cured mineral wool product with high water repellency without addition of synthetic hydrophobic agents or compounds, such as silicone based compositions. Further, it is an object to provide an aqueous mineral fibre binder composition, which includes one or more hydrophobic agents which may be based on naturally occurring compounds. Additionally or alternatively, it is an object to provide mineral cured miner al fibre products which exhibit satisfactory mechanical strengths (unaged, aged (in water bath or autoclave) wherein the obtained values for the binder technology according to the present disclosure are on par with or no lower than index 75 in relation to the corresponding values of PUF (reference binder A). Additionally or alternatively, the obtained strength values for the binder technology according to the present disclosure are on par with or no lower than index 75 in relation to the corresponding values of the same binder without hydrophobizing agent(s) and / or a known protein based binder as disclosed in WO 2022 / 175310 A (similar to reference binder D). These objects are solved by an aqueous binder composition comprising a) at least one protein, b) at least one cross-linker and c) at least one hydrophobizing agent comprising one or more steroid esters. These objects are also solved by an aqueous binder composition comprising a) at least one protein, b) at least one cross-linker and c) at least one hydrophobizing agent selected from the group consisting of steroid esters. The inventors have found that the steroid esters are effective hydrophobizing agent(s), as they reduce water uptake in the cured MMVF product without significantly compromising mechanical strengths (unaged or aged) of the cured MMVF product. Additionally, steroid esters are naturally occurring compounds, mixtures of naturally occurring compounds and / or made from naturally occurring compounds and thus arise from renewable resources. Thus, the use of one or more of these steroid esters as hydrophobizing agents are contributing to reducing the use of petrochemical based chemicals. Additionally, steroid esters are biodegradable and can be decomposed, e.g. if the product should end on a landfill. Steroid esters as hydrophobizing agents have been shown to provide provide satisfactory reduction in water uptake and thereby provide a hydrophobic mineral fibre product, which exhibit satisfactory mechanical strengths (unaged, aged (in water bath or autoclave). The obtained values for the binder technology according to the present disclosure are on par with or no lower than index 75 in relation to the corresponding values of PUF (reference binder A). Additionally or alternatively, the obtained strength values for the binder technology according to the present disclosure are on par with or no lower than index 75 in relation to the corresponding values of the same binder without hydrophobizing agent(s) and / or a known protein based binder as disclosed in WO 2022 / 175310 A (similar to reference binder D). The components of the binder composition will be discussed in greater detail in the following. Protein component(s) The aqueous binder composition comprises, as component a), one or more protein(s). The one or more protein(s) are preferably of non-plant origin. For the present disclosure, the term “Non-plant protein” encompasses proteins from animals, fungi, microorganisms, such as bacteria, and / or non-vascular plants. Animals include vertebrates, or invertebrates. Animals are composed of eukaryotic cells, which are surrounded by an extracellular matrix composed of protein, including collagen type proteins and glycoproteins. Vertebrates include mammals, birds, amphibians, fish and reptiles. Invertebrates include insects, mollusks, crustacean (arthropods), cnidariacnidaria (corals, sea anemones, jellyfish, sponges etc) and worms. Non-vascular plants are plants without a vascular system. Non-vascular plants lack lignified water-conducting tissues. Non-vascular plants comprise algae, e.g. green algae, and bryophytes (mosses, hornworts and liverworts). Preferably, the protein component of the binder, i.e. component a), comprises one or more protein(s) selected from source(s) comprising - collagen or collagen derivatives, such as of animal origin, microbial origin and / or obtainable by use of recombinant technology, such as collagen or collagen derivatives, such as gelatin, such as partly hydrolysed gelatin; such as collagen type proteins of bovine, porcine, marine and / or obtainable by use of recombinant technology , - animal based proteins other than collagen type proteins, such as proteins from milk (casein, whey); proteins from eggs, such as albumin; proteins from marine animal sources; proteins from fish, crustacean, jellyfish; such as mussel foot protein; proteins from insects, such as silk worms, such as sericin; proteins originating from microorganisms, such as obtainable by means of recombinant techniques, such as natural and / or genetically modified proteins from fungi, algae, such as microalgae, or bacteria, in particular yeasts, such as yeast protein, yeast extract and / or undenatured or hydrolyzed or at least partly denatured mycoprotein; or mixtures of two or more thereof. Alternatively, the binder may comprise a combination of 2 or more thereof, in particular two or more different collagen type proteins; one or more first protein(s) selected from a collagen type protein and one or more second protein(s) selected from animal based protein(s) other than collagen type proteins; or two or more different proteins of animal origin. The binder composition preferably comprises at least one protein, which is selected from source(s) comprising collagen or collagen derivatives, such as gelatine, such as partly hydrolysed gelatine, such as collagen or gelatin from bovine, porcine, marine and / or recombinant sources. The one or more proteins preferably comprises collagen type proteins or partly hydrolysed collagen type proteins, such as gelatin or partly hydrolysed gelatin, where said protein(s) have an average molecular weight of 1-100 kDa, such as 1.5 – 50 kDa, or preferably 2-30 kDa. In particular, the term gelatin or hydrolysed gelatin also encompasses food grade gelatins, technical grade gelatins, animal glues, bone glues or fish gelatin or fish glues. Food grade is defined as being suitable for inclusion in human or animal food or fodder products, while technical grade is defined as being non-suitable for inclusion in human or animal food or fodder products. Marine gelatins or fish glues derived from fish, especially gelatins from fish harvested in cold water seas, may have a different chemical composition and / or structure when compared to collagen type proteins, e.g. gelatins, obtained from mammals or other animal sources. Thus fish gelatin and / or fish glue may exhibit low Bloom values, e.g. as low as 0, when determined with the below described standard method for determining Bloom values. Preferably, the mineral fibres are mixed with an aqueous protein containing binder composition comprising the at least one protein, and the at least one crosslinker and the at least one hydophobizing agent. The binder composition preferably has a content of the at least one protein, preferably gelatin, wherein the protein content in the binder composition is preferably 6.73-74.36 % by weight of binder component solids, or more preferably 9.99.3-58.458.71 % by weight of binder component solids, or more preferred 9.9-49.59.3-49.8 % by weight of binder component solids or more preferred 13.5-38.612.7-38.81 % by weight of binder component solids. Alternatively, the binder composition may have a content of the at least one protein, preferably gelatin, in an amount of 40 to 97 wt.% of binder component solids, preferably 50 to 95 wt.% of binder component solids, more preferably 60 to 95 wt.%, of binder component solids. Collagen is a very abundant material in living tissue: It is the main component in connective tissue and constitutes 25-35 percent of the total protein content in mammals. Gelatin is derived from chemical degradation of collagen. Gelatin may also be produced by recombinant techniques. Gelatin is water soluble and has a molecular weight of 10.000 to 500.000 g / mol, such as 30.000 to 300.000 g / mol dependent on the grade of hydrolysis. Gelatin is a widely used food product and it is therefore generally accepted that this compound is totally non-toxic and therefore no precautions are to be taken when handling gelatine. Gelatin is a heterogeneous mixture of single or multi-stranded polypeptides, typically showing helix structures. Specifically, the triple helix of type I collagen extracted from skin and bones, as a source for gelatin, is composed of two alpha 1(1) and one alpha2(I) chains. Gelatin solutions may undergo coil-helix transitions. A type gelatins are produced by acidic treatment. B type gelatins are produced by basic treatment. The gelatin can also be further hydrolysed to smaller fragments of down to 3000 g / mol (3 kDa) or even down to fragments with an molecular sizes from 1000 g / mol (1 kDa). On cooling a gelatin solution, collagen like helices may be formed. Gelatin may form helix structures. Thus, the cured binder comprising protein may comprise helix structures. Preferably, the at least one protein is a low strength gelatin, such as a gelatin having a gel strength of 20 to 125 Bloom (at 6.67 wt%). Alternatively, the at least one protein may be a medium strength gelatin, such as a gelatin having a gel strength of 125 to 180 Bloom (at 6.67 wt%). Alternatively, the at least one protein may be high strength gelatin, such as a gelatin having a gel strength of 180 to 300 Bloom (at 6.67 wt%). Proteins or gelatins, including technical grade proteins or gelatins, animal glues, bone glues or fish glues, may be used and may exhibit a Bloom (at 12.5 wt%) of 0-250, such as 0-200, or preferably 0-40 or 40-175. In a preferred variant, the gelatin is preferably food grade and / or technical grade gelatin originating from one or more sources from the group consisting of mammal, bird species, such as from cow, pig, horse, fowl, and / or from fish, such as from scales, bones or skin of fish or animal glues, bone glues or fish glues. The carboxylic acid groups in gelatins may also interact strongly with trivalent and tetravalent ions, for example aluminum salts. This is especially true for type B gelatins, which contain more carboxylic acid groups than type A gelatins. The binder composition may comprise at least two proteins, wherein a first protein is selected from collagen or collagen derivatives, preferably gelatin, such as of animal origin, microbial origin and / or obtainable by use of recombinant technology; the second protein is at least one selected from the group consisting of proteins from animal sources different from the first protein, such as protein from milk (casein, whey), eggs; proteins from jellyfish, proteins from insects, such as silk worms, such as sericin, or mussel foot protein, or proteins from proteins produced by microorganisms and / or by recombinant techniques, such as natural and / or genetically modified proteins from fungi, algae, such as microalgae, or bacteria, in particular yeasts, such as yeast protein, yeast extract and / or undenatured or hydrolyzed or at least partly denatured mycoprotein. Preferably, the protein containing binder composition does not comprise a protein from vegetable source(s) such as soybeans (soy protein). Preferably, the first protein is a collagen type protein as discussed above. The protein may be gelatin and / or partly hydrolysed gelatin, which is present in the range of 7.5-75 % by weight of binder component solids, or preferably 11-59 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 11-50 % by weight of binder component solids or more preferred 15-39 % by weight of binder component solids. The at least one protein preferably contains 50 to 400, such as 100 to 300 (hydroxy proline + proline) residues per 1000 amino acid residues. The mineral fibre binder composition according to this disclosure exhibit excellent unaged and aged mechanical strengths at levels that are comparable with conventional phenol- formaldehyde based binders. From the experimental section of this disclosure, it is clear that the present binder composition can exhibit unaged and aged mechanical strengths, which are even significantly above the corresponding values of conventional phenol- formaldehyde based binders. From the experimental section it also appears that the high values for unaged and aged mechanical strengths can be obtained using a wide range of technical grade or partially hydrolysed collagen-type proteins from porcine, bovine and fish sources, with average molecular weights below 100 kDa, or 30 kDa or even as low as 2-3 kDa or 1-3 kDa. Pure gelatine with considerably higher molecular weights, such as up to 30-100 kDa may also be used, but more care should be observed when preparing and / or storing the binder made with these gelatins as these gelatins tend to be setting quickly. Premature setting of gelatins can be a reduced or even avoided by mixing and / or storing the binder at elevated temperatures as discussed above. In a variant, the binder composition may comprise one or more additional proteins, selected from group of proteins from vegetable sources, including proteins from legumes, cereals, whole grains, nuts, seeds and fruits, such as protein from buckwheat, oats, rye, millet, maize (corn), rice, wheat, bulgur, sorghum, amaranth, quinoa, soybeans (soy protein), lentils, kidney beans, white beans, mung beans, chickpeas, cowpeas, lima beans, pigeon peas, lupines, wing beans, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, pecans, walnuts, rapeseeds, cotton seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds. The crosslinker component The aqueous binder composition comprises, as component b), one or more crosslinkers. A crosslinker is used to crosslink the protein component(s) and / or - if present - carbohydrate components (as discussed further below). A preferred crosslinker comprises two or more azetidinium functional groups (AZR), see formula I: I: where X is an anion, such as halogen anion, in particular Cl- or Br-. The term azetidinium functional group(s) is defined to encompass azetidinium (i.e without the hydroxy group shown in formula I) as well as substituted azetidinium, preferably hydroxyazetidinium (i.e with the hydroxy group as shown in formula I). The azetidinium functional groups are preferably chemically bonded with a polymer, such as a homopolymer or a copolymer chain, comprising one, two or more non-azetidinium monomer units incorporated into the polymer structure. The crosslinker is, preferably, a thermosetting crosslinking polyazetidinium polymer / resin comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups. Said crosslinker is preferably a polyamidoepihalohydrin polymer or a polyaminoamidoepihalohydrin polymer or a polyamidoamineepihalohydrin polymer. Such polymers are also known as polyamidoamine-halohydrin or generally polyamide- halohydrin resins. Polyamidoamine-halohydrin resins can be formed as reaction products of a polyamine or a polyamidoamine and a halohydrin (e.g., epichlorohydrin or epibromohydrin). Polyamidoamines, in turn, are prepared from the reaction of a polyamine and a polyacid. Suitable polyamines include, but are not limited to, polyalkylene polyamines such as diethylenetriamine or triethylenetetraamine. Mixtures of polyamines are also applicable. Suitable polyacids include diacids such as succinic acid, adipic acid, oxalic acid, phthalic acid, etc. Depending on the mole ratio of the polyamine and polycarboxylic acid, the resulting polyamidoamine may retain predominantly primary amine groups or predominantly carboxylic acid groups at the terminal polymer ends. These termini may also have secondary or tertiary amine moieties. The crosslinker may be obtainable by reacting polyamidoamine resin with a halohydrin, preferably epichlorohydrin or epibromohydrin, and / or wherein the polyamidoamine resin is obtainable by reacting a polyamine and a polycarboxylic acid, and / or wherein the polyazetidinium polymer is the reaction product of epichlorohydrin or epibromohydrin (or a mixture thereof), and a polyamidoamine. Said polyamidoamine is obtainable by reacting a diamine or a triamine, such as diethylenetriamine (or a mixture of two or more thereof), with the polycarboxylic acid, such as succinic acid, adipic acid, oxalic acid, phthalic acid, or a mixture of two or more thereof. The term "polyazetidinium resin" may also be used and equally refers to the thermosetting resin that includes at least two azetidinium groups. An azetidinium group has the structure corresponding to formula (I) above. A polyazetidinium resin can be an adduct of a halohydrin and a polyamine or polyamidoamine resin. A polyazetidinium resin can be soluble or dispersible in water. The crosslinker can be obtained by reacting e.g. a polyamidoamine resin with a halohydrin. In a specific variant, the halohydrin can be epichlorohydrin, epibromohydrin, or combinations thereof. The polyamidoamine resin can be obtained by reacting a polyamine and a polycarboxylic acid. The polyamine can be a polyalkylene polyamine. The polyalkylene polyamine is preferably a diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the polycarboxylic acid is a diacid, such as succinic acid, adipic acid, oxalic acid, phthalic acid, or mixtures of 2 or more thereof. A polyazetidinium polymer can comprise a single polymer resin or a mixture of polymer resins resulting from the reaction of a halohydrin with a polyamidoamine. The molar ratio of the polyamine(s) and of the polycarboxylic acid(s) can vary and the polyamidoamine resin can have terminal acid or primary amine functions. The polyazetidinium polymer is preferably a reaction product of epichlorohydrin and of a polyamidoamine, wherein the polyamidoamine polymer can be obtained by reacting diethylenetriamine and adipic acid, see formula II below. Where n represents the repeating unit in the polyazetidinium resin (PAE). The polyazetidinium resin is preferably soluble in water. Thus, the polyazetidinium polymer composition used as crosslinker is preferably an aqueous polymer composition. The aqueous composition may e.g. be in the range of 10-50% by weight of the polyazetidinium resin in water. The present mineral fibre binder is based on a mixture of saccharides and proteins, which are crosslinked with the azetidinium functional crosslinker. The unique crosslinking reactivity of the azetidinium functional crosslinker, in particular because the crosslinker, such as PAE, is able to crosslink with proteins and / or - if present - saccharides. In brief, the electrophilic four membered azetidinium rings in the PAE resin can both self-crosslink and co-crosslink with the proteins and / or - if present – with saccharides, to generate covalent bonds. This occurs by nucleophilic attack on the α- position of the azetidinium ring of a nucleophile from the saccharide or protein leading to ring opening and formation of a covalent bond. Binder compositions made without an azetidinium functional crosslinker, such as PAE, may display very low aged strengths which can be detrimental to e.g. an insulation product which has to maintain its mechanical strength over a long period, e.g. for decades. This illustrates the benefit of including an azetidinium functional crosslinker, such as PAE. The strength results generally increase with increasing content of the azetidinium functional crosslinker, such as PAE. However, compositions displaying unaged and aged strengths at similar to or above prior art binders, such as PUF, can already be achieved with a very low amount of azetidinium functional crosslinker, such as PAE. The aqueous binder composition preferably comprises the at least one crosslinker comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups, such as a polymer comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups, such as a homopolymer or a copolymer polymer comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups, wherein said polymer preferably comprising one, two or more non-azetidinium monomer units incorporated into the polymer structure. Thus, the aqueous binder composition preferably comprises the azetidinium functional crosslinker such as PAE preferably in an amount of 1-20% by weight of binder component solids, such as 1.5-18 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 2-16 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 2-9% by weight of binder component solids. When taking the addition of the one or more hydrophobic agent(s) into consideration, the binder composition comprises a cross-linker comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups which is present in an amount of 0.8-19.9 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 1.2-17.9 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-15.93 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-8.96 % by weight of binder component solids. As an alternative crosslinker the at least one crosslinker may comprise a phenol containing compound. Suitable phenol containing compounds that may act as a crosslinker with proteins are specified in WO 2022 / 175310 A1 and are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the binder composition according to the present disclosure comprises a phenol containing compound, in particular one or more phenolic compounds, as a cross- linker. Phenolic compounds, or phenolics, are compounds that have one or more hydroxyl group attached directly to an aromatic ring. Polyphenols (or polyhydroxyphenols) are compounds that have more than one phenolic hydroxyl group attached to one or more aromatic rings. Phenolic compounds are characteristic of plants and as a group they are usually found as esters or glycosides rather than as free compounds. The term phenolics covers a very large and diverse group of chemical compounds. Preferably, the phenol containing compound is a compound according to the scheme based on the number of carbons in the molecule as detailed in by W. Vermerris, R. Nicholson, in Phenolic Compound Biochemistry , Springer Netherlands, 2008. Thus, as an alternative crosslinker the at least one crosslinker may thus comprise a phenol containing compound is selected from the group consisting of simple phenol compounds, such as hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxybenzoic aldehydes, hydroxyacetophenones, hydroxyphenylacetic acids, cinnamic acids, cinnamic acid esters, cinnamyl aldehydes, and cinnamyl alcohols; such as benzaldehydes, such as methyl vanillin and / or ethyl vanillin; coumarins, such as isocoumarins; chromones; flavonoids; chalcones, such as dihydrochalcones; aurones; flavanones, such as flavanonols; flavans; leucoanthocyanidins; flavan-3-ols; flavones; anthocyanidins; deoxyanthocyanidins; anthocyanins; biflavonyls; benzophenones; xanthones; stilbenes; betacyanins; polyphenols and / or polyhydroxyphenols, such as lignans, neolignans (dimers or oligomers from coupling of monolignols such as p-coumaryl alcohol, coniferyl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol), lignins (synthesized primarily from the monolignol precursors p-coumaryl alcohol, coniferyl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol), tannins, such as tannates (salts of tannins), condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins), hydrolysable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, tannic acid, phlobabenes, such as phlorotannins; sulfonated phenolic containing compounds and combinations thereof. In some variants of the aqueous binder composition, the content of the at least one crosslinker may be in the range of 1 to 23 wt.%, more preferably 2 to 13 wt.%, most preferably 3 to 9 wt.%, of binder component solids . For example, the content of the at least one crosslinker, such as phenol containing compound, in particular tannin, may be in the range of 1 to 23 wt.% , more preferably 2 to 13 wt.%, most preferably 3 to 9 wt.%, of binder component solids. For example, the binder composition may have a content of the at least one protein in an amount of 40 to 97 wt.% of binder component solids, preferably 50 to 95 wt.% of binder component solids, more preferably 60 to 95 wt.%, of binder component solids and a content of the at least one crosslinker may be in the range of 1 to 23 wt.%, more preferably 2 to 13 wt.%, most preferably 3 to 9 wt.%, of binder component solids. For example, the binder composition may have a content of the at least one protein, preferably gelatin, in an amount of 40 to 97 wt.% of binder component solids, preferably 50 to 95 wt.% of binder component solids, more preferably 60 to 95 wt.%, of binder component solids and a content of the at least one crosslinker, such as phenol containing compound, in particular tannin, may be in the range of 1 to 23 wt.% , more preferably 2 to 13 wt.%, most preferably 3 to 9 wt.%, of binder component solids. For example, the aqueous binder composition may have a composition wherein the content of the at least one protein, preferably gelatin, is 40 to 97 wt.% of binder component solids; and wherein the content of the at least one crosslinker, such as phenol containing compound, in particular tannin, is in the range of 1 to 23 wt.% of binder component solids, or the content of the at least one protein, preferably gelatin, is 50 to 95 wt.% of binder component solids, and wherein the content of the at least one crosslinker, such as phenol containing compound, in particular tannin, is in the range of 2 to 13 wt.%, of binder component solids, or the content of the at least one protein, preferably gelatin, is 60 to 95 wt.%, of binder component solids; and wherein the content of the at least one crosslinker, such as phenol containing compound, in particular tannin, is in the range of 3 to 9 wt.%, of binder component solids. The phenol containing compound is preferably selected from the group consisting of simple phenolics, phenol containing compounds with a more complex structure than a C6 structure, such as oligomers of simple phenolics, polyphenols, and / or polyhydroxyphenols. Tannins comprise a group of compounds with a wide diversity in structure that share their ability to bind and precipitate proteins. Tannins are abundant in many different plant species, in particular oak, chestnut, staghorn sumac and fringe cups. Tannins can be present in the leaves, bark and fruits. Tannins can be classified into three groups: condensed tannins, hydrolysable tannins and complex tannins. Condensed tannins, or proanthocyanidins, are oligomeric or polymeric flavonoids consisting of flavan-3-ol (catechin) units. Gallotannins are hydrolysable tannins with a polyol core substituted with 10-12 gallic acid residues. The most commonly found polyol in gallotannins is D-glucose although some gallotannins contain catechin and triterpenoid units as the core polyol. Ellagitanins are hydrolysable tannins that differ from gallotannins in that they contain additional C-C bonds between adjacent galloyl moieties. Complex tannins are defined as tannins in which a catechin unit is bound glycosidically to either a gallotannin or an ellagitannin unit. Preferably, the tannin is selected from one or more components from the group consisting of tannic acid, condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins), sulfonated tannins, hydrolysable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, and / or tannin originating from one or more of oak, chestnut, staghorn sumac, fringe cups, quebracho, acacia, mimosa, black wattle bark, grape, gallnut, gambier, myrobalan, tara, valonia, and eucalyptus and / or mixtures thereof. The inventors have found that a wide range of such phenol containing compounds can be used in order to obtain binder compositions with excellent results. Often, these phenol containing compound components are obtained from vegetable tissues and are therefore a renewable material. In some embodiments, the compounds are also non-toxic and non- corrosive. As a further advantage, these compounds are antimicrobial and therefore impart their antimicrobial properties to the mineral wool product bound by such a binder. The hydrophobizing component(s) The aqueous binder composition comprises, as component c), at least one hydrophobizing agent comprising one or more steroid esters. The aqueous binder composition alternatively comprises, as component c) at least one hydrophobizing agent(s) selected from the group consisting of steroid esters. The one or more hydrophobizing agents (which may also be called hydrophobic agent(s) in the present disclosure) reduce water uptake in the cured MMVF product without significantly compromising mechanical strength(s), e.g. unaged mechanical strength and / or aged mechanical strength of the cured MMVF product. The one or more hydrophobic agents can simply be added and mixed into the aqueous binder composition and can thus be applied to the mineral wool fibres. Thus, the one or more hydrophobic agent(s) do not need to be applied to the newly spun mineral wool in a separate stream as could be the case with other hydrophobic agents, e.g. silicone based hydrophobic agents. Steroid esters are naturally occurring compounds, mixtures of naturally occurring compounds and / or made from naturally occurring compounds and thus arise from renewable resources. Thus, the use of one or more of these hydrophobic agents are contributing to reducing use of petrochemical based chemicals. Additionally or alternatively, the hydrophobic agents are biodegradable and can be decomposed, e.g. if the product should end on a landfill. Preferably, the one or more steroid esters is / are selected from sterol monoesters. The one or more steroid ester(s) of component c) is / are preferably selected from fatty acid esters of sterols; such as fatty acid monoesters of sterols; in particular esters of sterols with fatty acids having 12 to 22 carbon atoms (C12-C24); in particular C12-C24 fatty acid monoesters of sterols; such as iv. fatty acid esters of one or more sterols; such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters thereof, in particular as C12-C24 fatty acid esters thereof; such as fatty acid esters of zoosterols, such as cholesterol or lanosterol, or mixtures thereof; such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of zoosterols, in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of zoosterols, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol; such as in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol or mixtures of 2 or more thereof, such as lanolin or cholesteryl stearate; v. fatty acid esters of phytosterols, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of phytosterols, in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of phytosterols, such as fatty acid esters of brassicasterol, campesterol, campestanol, cycloartenol, stigmasterol, stigmastanol and / or β-sitosterol such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters thereof, in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters thereof; vi. fatty acid esters of mycosterols, in particular ergosterol, or mixtures thereof, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of mycosterols, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of ergosterol; such as C12-C24 fatty acid esters of mycosterols, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of ergosterol, such as C12-C24 fatty acid esters of ergosterol; and / or mixtures of two or more thereof. Preferably, the hydrophobic agent comprises or is selected from one or more C12-C24 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol or mixtures of 2 or 3 or more thereof, such as lanolin and / or cholesteryl stearate. The steroid esters or mixtures thereof or mixtures of steroid esters and one, two, three or more of the below mentioned further hydrophobizing agents all reduce water uptake in the cured MMVF product without significantly compromising mechanical strength (unaged or aged) of the cured MMVF product. Especially steroid esters are naturally occurring compounds, mixtures of naturally occurring compounds and / or made from naturally occurring compounds and thus arise from renewable resources, as e.g lanolin. Thus, the use of one or more steroid esters as hydrophobizing agents contribute to reducing use of petrochemical based chemicals. Additionally or alternatively, these hydrophobic agents are biodegradable and can be decomposed if the product should end on a landfill. The aqueous binder composition preferably comprises the at least one hydrophobizing agent comprising or being selected from steroid esters, such as sterol monoesters, in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids. For example, when comprising saccharides as discussed below, the aqueous binder composition may comprise one of the following proportions: A: a protein content in the binder composition is 6.37-74.63 % by weight of binder component solids and a saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 16.1-88.6 % by weight of binder component solids; and wherein the crosslinker is present in an amount of 0.8-19.9 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 1.2-17.9 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-15.93 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-8.96 % by weight of binder component solids; and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids; or B: a protein content in the binder composition is 9.3-58.7 % by weight of binder component solids, and a saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 26.3-83.6 % by weight of binder component solids; and wherein the crosslinker is present in an amount of 0.8-19.9 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 1.2-17.9 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-15.93 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-8.96 % by weight of binder component solids; and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids; or C: a protein content in the binder composition is 9.3-49.8 % by weight of binder component solids and a saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 33.1-83.6 % by weight of binder component solids; and wherein the crosslinker is present in an amount of 0.8-19.9 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 1.2-17.9 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-15.93 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-8.96 % by weight of binder component solids; and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids; or D: a protein content in the binder composition is 12.7-38.81 % by weight of binder component solids and a saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 38.2-78.61 % by weight of binder component solids; and wherein the crosslinker is present in an amount of 0.8-19.9 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 1.2- 17.9 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-15.93 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-8.96 % by weight of binder component solids; and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids. Alternatively, the aqueous binder composition may comprise either the following proportions: E: the content of the at least one protein, preferably gelatin, is 40 to 97 wt.% of binder component solids; and wherein the content of the at least one crosslinker, such as phenol containing compound, in particular tannin, is in the range of 1 to 23 wt.% of binder component solids, and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids, or F: the content of the at least one protein, preferably gelatin, is 50 to 95 wt.% of binder component solids, and wherein the content of the at least one crosslinker, such as phenol containing compound, in particular tannin, is in the range of 2 to 13 wt.%, of binder component solids, and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids, or G: the content of the at least one protein, preferably gelatin, is 60 to 95 wt.%, of binder component solids; and wherein the content of the at least one crosslinker, such as phenol containing compound, in particular tannin, is in the range of 3 to 9 wt.%, of binder component solids, and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids. Fatty acid esters of sterols A sterol is an organic compound with formula C17H28O, whose molecule is derived from gonane by replacement of a hydrogen atom on the C3 position by a hydroxyl group (See formula III). Sterol is an alcohol of gonane and any compounds that contain the gonane structure, additional functional groups, and / or modified ring systems derived from gonane are called steroids. Sterols may carry side chains on one or more of the remaining carbon atom positions, especially at position C17, see e.g. the molecular structure of cholesterol (in formula IV). Lanosterol is the precursor to cholesterol and is the compound from which all animal and fungal steroids are derived (see formula V). Sterols occur naturally in most eukaryotes, including plants (called phytosterols), animals (called zoosterols), and fungi (called mycosterols), and sterols can also be produced by some prokaryotes or bacteria. Cholesterol is the principal zoosterol and is produced in cells of all higher animals including humans. Cholesterol is an essential structural and signalling component of animal cell membranes and is distributed throughout body tissues of higher animals and humans. For fatty acid ester of sterols, the term “fatty acid” refers to any carboxylic acid(s) with an aliphatic chain having 4 to 28 carbon atoms, such as 12 to 24 carbon atoms and / or mixtures thereof. The fatty acid is either saturated or unsaturated. An unsaturated fatty acid contains 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 double bonds between two adjacent carbon atoms (C=C bonds) in the aliphatic chain. Preferably, the aliphatic chain has an even number of carbon atoms. Preferably, the aliphatic chain of the fatty acid is unbranched. Suitable fatty acids includes saturated fatty acids or unsaturated fatty acids and / or mixtures thereof. Examples of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids that may form esters with sterols include: Butyric acid (Butanoic acid, CH3(CH2)2COOH) Valeric acid (Pentanoic acid, CH3(CH2)3COOH) Caproic acid (Hexanoic acid, CH3(CH2)4COOH) Enanthic acid (Heptanoic acid, CH3(CH2)5COOH) Caprylic acid (Octanoic acid, CH3(CH2)6COOH) Pelargonic acid (Nonanoic acid, CH3(CH2)7COOH) Capric acid (Decanoic acid, CH3(CH2)8COOH) Undecylic acid (Undecanoic acid, CH3(CH2)9COOH) Lauric acid (Dodecanoic acid, CH3(CH2)10COOH) Tridecylic acid (Tridecanoic acid, CH3(CH2)11COOH) Myristic acid (Tetradecanoic acid, CH3(CH2)12COOH) Pentadecylic acid (Pentadecanoic acid, CH3(CH2)13COOH) Palmitic acid (Hexadecanoic acid, CH3(CH2)14COOH) Margaric acid (Heptadecanoic acid, CH3(CH2)15COOH) Stearic acid (Octadecanoic acid, CH3(CH2)16COOH) Nonadecylic acid (Nonadecanoic acid, CH3(CH2)17COOH) Arachidic acid (Icosanoic acid, CH3(CH2)18COOH) Heneicosylic acid (Heneicosanoic acid, CH3(CH2)19COOH) Behenic acid (Docosanoic acid, CH3(CH2)20COOH) Tricosylic acid (Tricosanoic acid, CH3(CH2)21COOH) Lignoceric acid (Tetracosanoic acid, CH3(CH2)22COOH) Pentacosylic acid (Pentacosanoic acid, CH3(CH2)23COOH) Cerotic acid (Hexacosanoic acid, CH3(CH2)24COOH) Carboceric acid (Heptacosanoic acid, CH3(CH2)25COOH) Montanic acid (Octacosanoic acid , CH3(CH2)26COOH) Crotonic acid ( (E)-but-2-enoic acid, trans-but-2-enoic acid; C3H5 COOH) Myristoleic acid ( (Z)-tetradec-9-enoic acid; C13H25COOH) Palmitoleic acid ( (Z)-hexadec-9-enoic acid; C15H29COOH) Sapienic acid ( (Z)-6-Hexadecenoic acid; C15H29COOH) Oleic acid ( (Z)-octadec-9-enoic acid; C17H33COOH) Elaidic acid ( (E)-octadec-9-enoic acid; C17H33COOH) Vaccenic acid ( (E)-octadec-11-enoic acid; C17H33COOH) Gadoleic acid ( (Z)-icos-9-enoic acid; C19H37COOH) Eicosenoic acid ( (Z)-icos-11-enoic acid; C19H37COOH) Erucic acid ( (Z)-docos-13-enoic acid; C21H41COOH) Nervonic acid ( (Z)-tetracos-15-enoic acid; C23H45COOH) Linoleic acid ( (9Z, 12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid; C17H31COOH) Eicosadienoic acid ( (11Z, 14Z)-icosa-11,14-dienoic acid ; C19H35COOH) Docosadienoic acid ( (13Z, 16Z)-docosa-13,16-dienoic acid; C21H39COOH) α-Linolenic acid ( (9Z, 12Z, 15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoic; C17H29COOH) γ-Linolenic acid ( (6Z, 9Z, 12Z)-octadeca-6,9,12-trienoic acid (a structural isomer of α- linolenic acid); C17H29COOH) Pinolenic acid ((5Z, 9Z, 12Z)-octadeca-5,9,12-trienoic acid; C17H29COOH) α-Eleostearic acid ((9Z, 11E, 13E)-octadeca-9,11,13-trienoic acid; C17H29COOH) β-Eleostearic acid ((9E, 11E, 13E)-octadeca-9,11,13-trienoic acid (a geometric isomer of α-eleostearic acid); C17H29COOH) Catalpic acid ( (9E, 11E, 13Z)- octadeca-9,11,13-trienoic acid (a cis–trans isomer of eleostearic acid); C17H29COOH) Punicic acid ( (9Z, 11E, 13Z).- octadeca-9,11,13-trienoic acid (a cis–trans isomer of eleostearic acid); C17H29COOH) Mead acid ( (5Z, 8Z, 11Z)-icosa-5,8,11-trienoic acid; C19H33COOH) Dihomo-γ-linolenic acid ( (8Z, 11Z, 14Z)-icosa-8,11,14-trienoic acid; C19H33COOH) Eicosatrienoic acid ((11Z, 14Z, 17Z)-icosa-11,14,17-trienoic; C19H33COOH) Stearidonic acid ((6Z, 9Z, 12Z, 15Z)-octadeca-6,9,12,15-tetraenoic acid; C17H27COOH) Eicosatetraenoic acid ( (8Z, 11Z, 14Z, 17Z)-icosa-8,11,14,17-tetraenoic acid; C19H31COOH) Adrenic acid ((7Z, 10Z, 13Z, 16Z)-docosa-7,10,13,16-tetraenoic acid; C21H35COOH) Bosseopentaenoic acid ( (5Z, 8Z, 10E, 12E, 14Z)-eicosa-5,8,10,12,14-pentaenoic acid; C17H25COOH) Eicosapentaenoic acid ( (5Z, 8Z, 11Z, 14Z, 17Z)-icosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenoic acid; C19H29COOH) Ozubondo acid ((4Z, 7Z, 10Z, 13Z, 16Z)-docosa-4,7,10,13,16-pentaenoic acid ; C21H33COOH) Sardine acid ((7Z, 10Z, 13Z, 16Z, 19Z)-docosa-7,10,13,16,19-pentaenoic acid ; C21H33COOH) Tetracosapentaenoic acid ( (9Z, 12Z, 15Z, 18Z, 21Z)-tetracosa-9,12,15,18,21- pentaenoic acid; C23H37COOH) Cervonic acid ((4Z, 7Z, 10Z, 13Z, 16Z, 19Z)-docosa-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexaenoic acid; C21H31COOH) Herring acid ((6Z, 9Z, 12Z, 15Z, 18Z, 21Z)-tetracosa-6,9,12,15,18,21-hexaenoic acid; C23H35COOH) and / or mixtures thereof. The term fatty acid ester of sterols thus refers to esters of a sterol with a fatty acid. Fatty acid esters of sterols are thus an ester formed by reaction of the hydroxyl group on the sterol and the carboxylic acid group in the fatty acid. Fatty acid esters of sterols may be naturally occurring or produced synthetically, e.g. by esterification of the relevant fatty acid(s) with the relevant sterol(s), e.g. to produce a specific fatty acid sterol ester or a mixture of sterol esters of one or more of sterol(s) with one or more different fatty acids. The one or more hydrophobic agent(s) may thus comprise or being selected from one or more fatty acid esters of one or more zoosterols, such as cholesterol or lanosterol, and / or mixtures of two or more thereof. The one or more hydrophobic agent(s) of component d) may thus comprise or being selected from one or more C4-C28 fatty acid esters of one or more zoosterols, in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of one or more zoosterols, or mixtures of two or more thereof. The one or more hydrophobic agent(s) of component d) may thus comprise or being selected from one or more C4-C28 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol; such as in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol, and / or mixtures of two or more thereof. Lanolin is a natural source of cholesterol esters of long chain fatty acids. Lanolin may also contain lanosterol esters of long chain fatty acids Lanolin is mainly derived from sheep’s wool and it’s role in nature is to protect the sheep’s wool and skin from climate and the environment. Lanolin may e.g. protect the sheep’s wool from becoming wet, e.g. in rainy weather. Lanolin also plays a role in the sheep’s skin hygiene. Lanolin may also be called wool fat, wool grease, wool wax, wool grease or sheep grease. Lanolin is a complex composition which is mainly composed of long chain waxy esters (approximately 97% by weight), which includes primarily sterol esters, such as sterol esters of long chain fatty acids (which may include long chain carboxylic acids and / or or long chain alpha hydroxy acids), e.g. cholesterol esters of long chain fatty acids and likely also lanosterol esters of long chain fatty acids. The esterified long chain fatty acids in lanolin may e.g. be of C12-C24 carbon chain length. The remainder of lanolin’s composition comprises a mixture of lanolin alcohols, including sterols such as cholesterol and / or lanosterol, lanolin acids, such as long chain carboxylic acids and / or long chain alpha hydroxy acids, and lanolin hydrocarbons. One example of a fatty acid ester of cholesterol present in lanolin may be cholesteryl stearate; which can be seen as a “model molecule” for the complex mixture of fatty acid esters of sterols present in lanolin. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more hydrophobic agent(s) may comprise or being selected from one or more fatty acid esters of phytosterols, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of phytosterols, in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of phytosterols, such as fatty acid esters of brassicasterol, campesterol, campestanol, cycloartenol, stigmasterol, stigmastanol and / or β-sitosterol, in particular C12-C24 fatty acids thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more hydrophobic agent(s) may comprise or being selected from one or more fatty acid esters of mycosterols, in particular ergosterol, or mixtures thereof, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of mycosterols, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of ergosterol; such as C12-C24 fatty acid esters of mycosterols, such as C12- C24 fatty acid esters of ergosterol. The addition of one or more fatty acid esters of one or more sterols effectively reduce water absorption in the cured MMVF product. Additionally, the addition of one or more fatty acid esters of one or more sterols may improve or at least not significantly compromise the mechanical strength of the cured MMVF product. This applies to unaged and aged mechanical strengths. For some binder compositions (especially those containing protein, an azetidinium functional crosslinker and optionally one or more saccharides) this also applies to mechanical strengths in wet condition. The addition of fatty acid esters of cholesterol, e.g. lanolin and / or cholesteryl stearate, and / or a mixture of fatty acid esters of cholesterol, e.g. lanolin and / or cholesteryl stearate, with fatty acid esters of glycerol and / or petrochemical waxes, e.g. white petroleum jelly and / or paraffin, appeared to effectively reduce water absorption with little or no impact on mechanical strengths (unaged or aged). For some binder compositions (especially those containing protein, an azetidinium functional crosslinker and optionally one or more saccharides) the addition also improved or at least not significantly compromised the mechanical strength of the cured MMVF product when in wet condition. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the sterol moiety of the fatty acid esters of sterol (in particular fatty acid cholesterol esters) interacts with the protein in the aqueous binder composition and thus creates an emulsion or emulsion-like aqueous composition where the hydrophobic agent(s) is / are effectively distributed in the aqueous binder composition. The effective distribution of the hydrophobic agent(s) in the aqueous binder composition believed to results in an effective distribution in the cured MMVF product, which is believed to effectively reduce water absorption, even with relatively low concentrations of hydrophobic agent(s) in the aqueous binder composition. This effective distribution of the hydrophobic agent(s) and in the cured MMVF products may also contribute to improving or at least not significantly compromising the mechanical strength of the cured MMVF product when in wet condition. Optionally, the one or more hydrophobic agent(s) may further comprise one or more sterols, such as cholesterol and / or lanosterol. Sterols, such as cholesterol and / or lanosterol, are effective emulsifiers, e.g. water-in-oil emulsifiers. Thus, the presence of one or more sterols, such as cholesterol and / or lanosterol may assist in or further improve the mixing of the one or more hydrophobic agent(s) with the aqueous binder composition. The effective mixing of hydrophobic agent with the aqueous binder composition is believed to result in an even distribution of the hydrophobic agent throughout the mineral fibre product, which results in effective hydrophobization thereof, even with addition of relatively low amounts of hydrophobic agent(s). The presence of one or more sterols, such as cholesterol and / or lanosterol, may further reduce the amount hydrophobic agent(s) needed to provide the relevant level of hydrophobicity to the cured mineral fibre product. The one or more sterols may be present in the aqueous binder composition in amounts of 0.01-0.5 % by weight of binder component solids. The at least one hydrophobizing agent is preferably selected from lanolin, monoesters of cholesterol with a fatty acid having 14 to 22 carbon atoms, such as cholesterol stearate, wherein the at least one hydrophobizing agent is preferably lanolin or cholesterol stearate. Preferably, the hydrophobizing agent is a pure grade hydrophobizing agent. Additionally or alternatively the hydrophobizing agent added to the binder composition is in form of a liquid composition, a solid, a salve, a paste or a melt. The hydrophobizing agent added to the binder composition may be emulsified. Alterantively, hydrophobizing agent added to the composition is not emulsified. Preferably, the hydrophobizing agent is or comprises fatty acid esters of zoosterols, such as cholesterol and / or lanosterol, or mixtures thereof; such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of cholesterol and / or lanosterol, in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of cholesterol and / or lanosterol, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol; such as in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol or mixtures of 2 or more thereof, such as lanolin or and / or cholesteryl stearate. Preferably, the hydrophobizing agent is or comprises lanolin and / or cholesteryl stearate. Additional hydrophobic agents In addition to steroid esters, the aqueous binder composition may further comprise one or more further hydrophobizing agent(s) selected from iv. hydrocarbon blends comprising linear alkanes having 18 to 85 carbon atoms; such as blends of C18-C50 alkanes, such as paraffin waxes, such as paraffin waxes having a melting point in the range of 45 to 70 °C, preferably 53 to 63 °C; and / or blends of hydrocarbons having 25 to 85 carbon atoms, such as including linear alkanes, such as (white) vaseline and / or (white) petrolatum / petroleum jelly; v. fatty acid esters of glycerol, such as in form of fruit pulp fats or fats from seeds or kernels, such as palm oil, olive oil, avocado oil; seed-kernel fats such as lauric acid oils, such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, babassu oil and other palm seed oils, other sources of lauric acid oils; palmitic-stearic acid oils such as cocoa butter, shea butter, borneo tallow and related fats (vegetable butters); palmitic acid oils such as cottonseed oil, kapok and related oils, pumpkin seed oil, corn (maize) oil, cereal oils; oleic-linoleic acid oils such as sunflower oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, hempseed oil, teaseed oil, safflower and niger seed oils, grape-seed oil, poppyseed oil, leguminous oil such as soybean oil, peanut oil, lupine oil; cruciferous oils such as rapeseed oil, mustard seed oil; conjugated acid oils such as tung oil and related oils, oiticica oil and related oils; substituted fatty acid oils such as castor oil, chaulmoogra, hydnocarpus and gorli oils, vernonia oil; animal fats such as land-animal fats such as lard, beef tallow, mutton tallow, horse fat, goose fat, chicken fat; marine oils such as whale oil and fish oil or mixtures thereof; vi. wax monoesters; such as wax monoesters selected from monoesters made from fat alcohols having 10 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 14 to 22 carbon atoms, and fatty acids having 6 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 22 carbon atoms; and / or blends thereof; such as naturally occurring waxes comprising wax monoesters of fat alcohols and fatty acids, such as such as bees wax, carnauba wax, rice bran wax and / or, candelilla wax; and / or mixtures of 2, 3, 4 or more thereof. Preferably, the first hydrophobizing agent in the binder composition is or comprises the fatty acid esters of zoosterols, such as cholesterol and / or lanosterol, or mixtures thereof; such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of cholesterol and / or lanosterol, in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of cholesterol and / or lanosterol, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol; such as in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol or mixtures of 2 or more thereof, such as lanolin and / or cholesteryl stearate; and the binder composition comprises one or more further hydrophobizing agent(s) selected from iv. hydrocarbon blends comprising linear alkanes having 18 to 85 carbon atoms; such as blends of C18-C50 alkanes, such as paraffin waxes, such as paraffin waxes having a melting point in the range of 45 to 70 °C, preferably 53 to 63 °C; and / or blends of hydrocarbons having 25 to 85 carbon atoms, such as including linear alkanes, such as (white) vaseline and / or (white) petrolatum / petroleum jelly; v. fatty acid esters of glycerol, such as in form of fruit pulp fats or fats from seeds or kernels, such as palm oil, olive oil, avocado oil; seed-kernel fats such as lauric acid oils, such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, babassu oil and other palm seed oils, other sources of lauric acid oils; palmitic-stearic acid oils such as cocoa butter, shea butter, borneo tallow and related fats (vegetable butters); palmitic acid oils such as cottonseed oil, kapok and related oils, pumpkin seed oil, corn (maize) oil, cereal oils; oleic-linoleic acid oils such as sunflower oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, hempseed oil, teaseed oil, safflower and niger seed oils, grape-seed oil, poppyseed oil, leguminous oil such as soybean oil, peanut oil, lupine oil; cruciferous oils such as rapeseed oil, mustard seed oil; conjugated acid oils such as tung oil and related oils, oiticica oil and related oils; substituted fatty acid oils such as castor oil, chaulmoogra, hydnocarpus and gorli oils, vernonia oil; animal fats such as land-animal fats such as lard, beef tallow, mutton tallow, horse fat, goose fat, chicken fat; marine oils such as whale oil and fish oil or mixtures thereof; vi. wax monoesters; such as wax monoesters selected from monoesters made from fat alcohols having 10 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 14 to 22 carbon atoms, and fatty acids having 6 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 22 carbon atoms; and / or blends thereof; such as naturally occurring waxes comprising wax monoesters of fat alcohols and fatty acids, such as such as bees wax, carnauba wax, rice bran wax and / or, candelilla wax; and / or mixtures of 2, 3, 4 or more thereof. The content of the one or more further hydrophobizing agent(s) in the aqueous binder composition is preferably 0.6 to 15 wt.%, more preferably 1 to 10 wt.%, more preferably 1.5 to 7.5 wt.%, even more preferably 2 to 6 wt.%, based on binder component solids. Fatty acid esters of glycerol (component v) The one or more further hydrophobic agent(s) may comprise one or more fatty acid esters of glycerol. A fatty acid is a carboxylic acid with an aliphatic chain, which is either saturated or unsaturated. Glycerol is a polyol compound having the IUPAC name propane-1, 2, 3-triol. Naturally occurring fats and oils are glycerol esters with fatty acids (also called triglycerides). The term fatty acid ester of glycerol refers to mono-, di-, and tri-esters of glycerol with fatty acids. The fatty acids in di- or tri-esters of glycerol may be the same and / or they may be different. While the term “fatty acid” in relation to fatty acid esters of glycerol can be any carboxylic acid with an aliphatic chain, it is preferred that it is carboxylic acid with an aliphatic chain having 4 to 28 carbon atoms, such as 12 to 24 carbon atoms. The fatty acid is either saturated or unsaturated. An unsaturated fatty acid contains 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 double bonds between two adjacent carbon atoms (C=C bonds) in the aliphatic chain. Preferably, the aliphatic chain has an even number of carbon atoms. Preferably, the aliphatic chain of the fatty acid is unbranched. The fatty acids listed above as examples of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids that may form esters with sterols are also able to form mono- di- or tri-esters with glycerol. The at least one fatty acid ester of glycerol may be in form of a plant oil and / or animal oil. The term "oil" comprises at least one fatty acid ester of glycerol in the form of oils or fats. Preferably, the at least one fatty acid ester of glycerol is a plant- based oil. The at least one fatty acid ester of glycerol is preferably in form of fruit pulp fats or fats from seeds such as palm oil, olive oil, avocado oil; seed-kernel fats such as lauric acid oils, such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, babassu oil and other palm seed oils, other sources of lauric acid oils; palmitic-stearic acid oils such as cocoa butter, shea butter, borneo tallow and related fats (vegetable butters); palmitic acid oils such as cottonseed oil, kapok and related oils, pumpkin seed oil, corn (maize) oil, cereal oils; oleic-linoleic acid oils such as sunflower oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, hempseed oil, teaseed oil, safflower and niger seed oils, grape-seed oil, poppyseed oil, leguminous oil such as soybean oil, peanut oil, lupine oil; cruciferous oils such as rapeseed oil, mustard seed oil; conjugated acid oils such as tung oil and related oils, oiticica oil and related oils; substituted fatty acid oils such as castor oil, chaulmoogra, hydnocarpus and gorli oils, vernonia oil; animal fats such as land-animal fats such as lard, beef tallow, mutton tallow, horse fat, goose fat, chicken fat; marine oils such as whale oil and fish oil or mixtures thereof. More preferred, the at least one fatty acid ester of glycerol is in form of a plant oil, in particular selected from one or more components from the group consisting of linseed oil, coconut oil, corn oil, canola oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, palm oil, peanut oil (ground nut oil), rapeseed oil, including canola oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil or mixtures thereof. In one variant the at least one fatty acid ester of glycerol is not of natural origin. In one variant, the at least one fatty acid ester of glycerol is a modified plant or animal oil. The at least one fatty acid ester of glycerol may comprise at least one trans-fatty acid. Alternatively, the at least one fatty acid ester of glycerol is in form of an animal oil, such as a fish oil. Waxes (components iv and / or vi) Additionally or alternatively , the one or more further hydrophobic agent(s) may comprise one or more hydrocarbon blends comprising linear alkanes having 18 to 85 carbon atoms; such as blends of C18-C50 alkanes, such as paraffin waxes, such as paraffin waxes having a melting point in the range of 45 to 70 °C, preferably 53to 63 °C; and / or blends of hydrocarbons having 25 to 85 carbon atoms, such as including linear alkanes, such as (white) vaseline and / or (white) petrolatum / petroleum jelly; Paraffin wax (also called petroleum wax), is a mixture of hydrocarbon compounds – mostly alkanes - containing between 20 and 40 carbon atoms. Depending on the exact composition in the mixture of hydrocarbons compounds, the paraffin wax typically has a boiling point of 370 °C or above. Paraffin wax begins to melt at temperatures above approximately 37 °C, e.g. between 46 °C and 68 °C. Petroleum jelly (also called petrolatum, white vaseline / petrolatum; CAS number 8009-03- 8) is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons containing typically more than 25 carbon atoms. Depending on the exact composition in the mixture of hydrocarbons compounds petroleum jelly has a melting point that is typically between 40 °C and 70 °C. Additionally or alternatively, the aqueous binder composition may comprise one or more wax monoesters; such as wax monoesters selected from monoesters made from fat alcohols having 10 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 14 to 22 carbon atoms, and fatty acids having 6 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 22 carbon atoms. Additionally or alternatively , the one or more further hydrophobic agent(s) may comprise one or more natural waxes; such as one or more natural waxes selected from rice bran wax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, sumac wax and beeswax, wherein the natural waxes are preferably selected from, sumac wax and beeswax. The hydrophobizing agent may comprise a mixture of hydrophobic agents from one, two, three or all of the above mentioned groups of hydrophobic agents. Thus, the hydrophobizing agent is or comprises one of the following combinations of hydrophobic agents which may be used to reduce water absorption in the cured mineral wool product(s): - mixtures of fatty acid esters of sterol, in particular cholesterol esters with fatty acids and / or lanosterol esters with fatty acids, e.g. lanolin. - fatty acid ester(s) of sterol, in particular cholesterol esters with fatty acids and / or lanosterol esters with fatty acids or mixtures thereof, e.g. lanolin, with fatty acid ester(s) of glycerol, where the fatty acid ester(s) of glycerol is selected from fruit pulp fats or fats / oils from seeds and / or kernels and / or animal fats (e.g. as listed above), such as plant oils (e.g. as listed above),such as linseed oil. - fatty acid ester(s) of sterol, in particular cholesterol esters with fatty acids and / or lanosterol esters with fatty acids or mixtures thereof, e.g. lanolin, with paraffin wax. - fatty acid ester(s) of sterol, in particular cholesterol esters with fatty acids and / or lanosterol esters with fatty acids or mixtures thereof, e.g. lanolin, with petroleum jelly, such as white vaseline. - fatty acid ester(s) of sterol, in particular cholesterol esters with fatty acids and / or lanosterol esters with fatty acids or mixtures thereof, e.g. lanolin, with paraffin wax and petroleum jelly, such as white vaseline. - fatty acid ester(s) of sterol, in particular cholesterol esters with fatty acids and / or lanosterol esters with fatty acids or mixtures thereof, e.g. lanolin, with paraffin wax and fatty acid ester(s) of glycerol, such as fatty acid esters of glycerol in form of fruit pulp fats and / or fats / oils from seeds and / or kernels and / or animal fats (e.g. as listed above), such as plant oils (e.g. as listed above), e.g. linseed oil, - fatty acid ester(s) of sterol, in particular cholesterol esters with fatty acids and / or lanosterol esters with fatty acids or mixtures thereof, e.g. lanolin, with paraffin wax and petroleum jelly, such as white vaseline and fatty acid esters of glycerol, where the fatty acid ester(s) of glycerol is selected from fruit pulp fats and / or fats / oils from seeds and / or kernels and / or animal fats (e.g.as listed above), such as plant oils (e.g. as listed above), e.g. linseed oil. Additional binder components The aqueous binder composition may further comprise - as component d) - one or more saccharides. The one or more saccharide(s) of component d) are preferably selected from - monosaccharides, such as dextrose (glucose), xylose, fructose, ribose, arabinose, lyxose, allose, altrose, mannose, gulose, iodose, galactose and / or talose; - disaccharides, such as sucrose, lactose, maltose, trehalose and / or cellubiose; - oligosaccharides, such as trisaccharides, such as melezitose, raffinose, maltotriose; tetrasaccharides, pentasaccharides or hexasaccharides, such as maltodextrins, in particular low molecular mass maltodextrins; - glucose syrup and / or mixtures of two or more thereof. When present, the one or more saccharides preferably results in that the weight ratio of protein to saccharide (P:S) in the aqueous binder composition is between 10:90 and 75:25, such as between 15:85 and 60:40, or such as between 15:85 and 50:50, or such as between 20:80 and 40:60. In compositions having an azetidinium functional crosslinker (AZE), such as polyamidoamine epichlorhydrin (PAE) as the at least one crosslinker it has been found that without saccharides the cured binder may display very low wet strength even with high PAE contents. Compositions without protein, on the other hand, require high PAE levels (≥9%) to achieve a satisfying level of unaged and aged strengths that are not significantly lower than PUF (comparative binder A). Mixtures of two or more saccharides may comprise two, three, four, five, six or more different saccharides. Alternatively, the mixture may comprise an unknown mixture of mono- , di- and / or oligosaccharides, resulting from e.g. enzymatic decomposition of polysaccharides into mono, di and / or oligosaccharides. Additionally or alternatively, the mixture of saccharides may arise from oxidation and / or hydrolysis of polysaccharides. Preferably, the one or more saccharide(s) has a molecular mass of 0.15 -1.5 kDa, such as 0.15 -1.2 kDa. The one or more saccharide(s) may be selected from reducing saccharides or non- reducing saccharides. The one or more saccharide(s) may be selected from a saccharide having a dextrose equivalent (DE) of 0 to 100. A preferred saccharide is a glucose syrup, preferably a glucose syrup having a DE of 60 to less than 100, in particular of 60 to 99, more particular 90 to less than 100 or such as 85 to 99. Preferably, the one or more saccharide(s) is dextrose or a dextrose source having a DE of 85 to less than 100. Preferably, the one or more saccharide(s) is sucrose, such as sucrose in combination with a dextrose source, such as glucose syrup or dextrose, having a DE of 60 to 100. Preferably, the component (b) is a hexose, such as fructose, and / or a pentose such as xylose. In the present context, monosaccharide is defined as a saccharide or a sugar, indicating that it is a molecule composed of only one saccharide unit. At times monosaccharides are referred to as “simple sugars” or just “sugars”. Monosaccharides are the monomeric units of oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. Polysaccharides contain more than 10 monosaccharide units, whereas oligosaccharides contain 3 to 10 saccharide units joined by glycosidic linkages. Most monosaccharides and oligosaccharides are obtained by hydrolysis of polysaccharides into smaller units by means of heat, acid and / or enzymes. Most common monosaccharides include glucose (dextrose), fructose (levulose), ribose, xylose, galactose and glyceraldehyde. All monosaccharides are reducing sugars, i.e. capable of acting as a reducing agent, along with some disaccharides, some oligosaccharides and some polysaccharides. Monosaccharides can be divided into two groups, namely aldoses, which have an aldehyde group, and the ketoses, which have a ketone group. Ketoses must first tautomerize to aldoses before they can act as reducing sugars. In an alkaline solution, a reducing sugar forms some aldehyde or ketone, which allows it to act as a reducing agent. In such a reaction, the sugar becomes a carboxylic acid. Examples of disaccharides being reducing sugars are lactose, maltose and cellobiose, which are reducing sugars, whereas disaccharides such as sucrose and trehalose are non-reducing sugars. An example of a trisaccharide being a reducing sugar is maltotriose, whereas the trisaccharide raffinose is a non-reducing sugar. Starch may be used as a raw material for various carbohydrates such as glucose syrups (also known as corn syrups in US) and dextrose. Starch and / or saccharides are abundant in various plant species, whereby plants may be a source for obtaining saccharides e.g. by extracting saccharides directly from plants or by extracting starch from plant material and then further process the starch to obtain saccharides, e.g. as described further below. For commercial manufacture of crystalline dextrose, an aqueous slurry of starch, is subjected to hydrolysis by means of acid and / or enzyme(s). Depending on the reaction conditions employed in the hydrolysis of starch, a variety of mixtures of glucose and intermediates is obtained which may be characterized by their DE number. DE is an abbreviation for Dextrose Equivalent and is defined as the content of reducing sugars, expressed as the number of grams of anhydrous D-glucose per 100 g of dry matter in the sample, when determined by the method specified in International Standard ISO 5377- 1981 (E). This method measures reducing end groups and attaches a DE number of 100 to pure glucose (=dextrose) and a DE of 0 to pure starch. Sucrose actually has a DE of zero even though it is a disaccharide, because the reducing groups of both monosaccharides are connected, so there are no remaining reducing groups. Hydrolytic cleavage of the starch may be stopped at different stages of the process resulting in carbohydrate mixtures (sugar syrups) having different DE numbers, i.e. having different molecular weight distribution and different reactivity. The starting point for the process is purified starch milk, i.e. a native starch such as corn or cassava potato, which has been treated by e.g. cleaning, milling, washing and made into a slurry preparation. Only glucose syrup of high DE can crystallise easily and yield a product in powder or granular form. A most popular crystallised product is dextrose monohydrate with application in medicine and chewing tablets. Dextrose monohydrate is pure glucose (DE 100). The number of reducing groups are inversely proportional to the molecular weight of solid products (DE(%)= (Mglucose / Mn* 100, where Mglucoseis the molecular weight of D-glucose and Mnis the “molecular weight” of the syrup solids). Lactose is derivable from the condensation of galactose and glucose. Maltose is produced by hydrolysis of starch using the enzyme β-amylase. Sucrose is typically obtained by being extracted and refined from either sugarcane or sugar beet, and / or can be prepared synthetically. Maltodextrin is an oligosaccharide derived from any starch via hydrolysis with acid and / or enzyme(s). Maltodextrins consist of D-glucose units connected in chains of variable length. Most maltodextrin molecules are maltooligosaccharides, i.e. maltodextrin products are mixtures of maltooligosaccharides, which mixtures have average DE values of between 3 to 20. A lower DE value means the polymer chains are longer (contain more glucose units) whereas a higher DE value means the chains are shorter. Continued hydrolysis of starch with an acid and / or enzymes results in syrups known as glucose syrups (corn syrups). With lower DE numbers, the syrup gradually loses its tendency to crystallise. Below approximately 45 DE, the syrup can be concentrated into a stable, non-crystallising liquid, for instance, standard 42 DE syrup which finds widespread use in canned fruit preserves, ice cream, bakery products, jam, candy, and all kinds of confectionery. The more high-molecular components of the starch hydrolysate (sugar syrup) do not contribute significantly to the formation of the cross-linked binder network. It has been shown that the high-molecular species in the crude hydrolysate do not negatively influence the binder properties in terms of hydrolytic stability and durability. Preferably, the molecular mass (kDa) of the saccharides is less than 1 kDa (less than a hexamer – the smallest of the two maltodextrins). The saccharide component is preferable selected from mono-, di- and trisaccharides, in particular dextrose, fructose, xylose, ribose, galactose, glyceraldehyde, sucrose, lactose, maltose, raffinose, and the hydrates, especially monohydrates, thereof, or mixtures of two or more thereof. Such mixtures are preferably maltodextrins or glucose syrups, and more preferably glucose syrups with a dextrose equivalent value of DE = 30 to less than 100, such as DE = 60 to less than 100, such as DE = 60 to 99, such as DE = 85 to 99, such as DE = 95 to 99. The term “dextrose” as used in this application is defined to encompass glucose and the hydrates, especially monohydrates, thereof such as D- glucose. The saccharide component is preferably having a DE value of 60 to less than 100, in particular 60 to 99, more particular 85 to 99. The saccharide component is preferably a source containing dextrose and having a DE value of 90 to less than 100. The saccharide component is alternatively selected from hexoses, in particular allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, gulose, idose, galactose, talose, psicose, fructose, sorbose and / or tagatose; and / or pentoses, in particular arabinose, lyxose, ribose, xylose, ribulose and / or xylulose; and / or tetroses, in particular erythrose, threose, and / or erythrulose. The saccharide component is alternatively selected from a hexose such as fructose, and / or a pentose such as xylose. The saccharide component is preferably present in the aqueous binder composition in an amount in the range of 17.1-88.1 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 27.9- 83.2 % by weight of binder component solids, or preferably 35.1-83.2 % by weight of binder component solids or more preferred 40.5-78.2 % by weight of binder component solids. Since saccharides are comparatively inexpensive compounds and are produced from renewable materials, the inclusion of high amounts of saccharide component(s) in the aqueous binder composition allows for an ecological and economic advantageous production of the binder. The mineral fibre binders according to the present disclosure including saccharide preferably exhibits unaged and aged mechanical strengths (other than wet strength) that are at index 75 or higher than those of the conventional phenol-formaldehyde (PUF) binders. The high levels of unaged and aged strength were generally observed for the use of shorter chain non-reducing or reducing carbohydrates, in particular mono-, di- and trisaccharides as well as a maltodextrin with an average molecular weight up to 0.9-1.2 kDa (which approximately corresponds to a hexasaccharide) or glucose syrups; Similarly high levels of unaged and aged strength were generally observed when using glucose syrup and for combinations of mono and disaccharides, such as dextrose combined with sucrose, e.g. where dextrose may be added as a glucose syrup. Longer carbohydrates with higher average molecular weights starting from a 3.6 kDa, which includes maltodextrin and including potato starch, oxidized starch and psyllium) resulted in significant losses in unaged and aged mechanical strengths as well as lower wet strengths. Amongst the shorter chain saccharides, the use of sucrose (disaccharide, 0.34 kDa, DE = 0) as saccharide in the binder composition provides very high unaged and aged mechanical strengths as well as very high wet strengths. Mixtures of sucrose and dextrose (e.g. in form of glucose syrup as dextrose source) as the saccharide component in the binder composition exhibits the highest levels unaged and aged mechanical strengths as well as the highest wet strengths. The high levels of strength, such as especially seen in values for wet strength, appear to relate to using the combination of dextrose and sucrose rather than a specified weight ratio of dextrose to sucrose. The weight ratio of dextrose to sucrose (D:S) may thus be in the range of 5:95 to 95:5. The dextrose source is e.g. crystalline dextrose, such as dextrose monohydrate or a glucose syrup, such as glucose syrup having a DE of 60 to 100, in particular of 60 to 99, more particular 90 to less than 100 or such as 85 to 99. In a preferred aqueous binder composition according to the present disclosure the one or more saccharide(s) is a glucose syrup having a DE of 85 to less than 100. After curing, this binder composition comprising glucose syrup as a saccharide component, provided one of the highest unaged and aged mechanical strength results as well as the highest wet strengths of all the saccharides tested. Additional additives The aqueous binder composition may further comprise one or more additional additives. The one or more additional additives are preferably selected from a group of one or more pH adjusters, such as one or more bases and / or one or more acids; one or more hardener(s), coupling agents or adhesion promoter(s), such as a silane; one or more additional hydrophobic agents such as a silicone oil and / or silicone resin, one or more dust binding agent(s) such as oil(s), such as mineral oil(s) and / or fatty acid esters of glycerol, and / or one or more colouring agents. The aqueous binder composition may comprise one or more further additives selected from a group of mineral oils, silicone and / or silane and / or acids or bases or salts thereof. Suitable pH adjusters may comprise bases or acids or a combination thereof. Suitable bases may comprise alkali metal or earth alkali metal hydroxides, e.g. lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide or mixtures thereof. Alternatively or additionally, bases could include or alkali metal or earth alkali metal carbonates, but carbonate containing bases may release CO2 during mixing and / or curing. Suitable acids may include inorganic acids or organic acids. Examples of inorganic acids may include hydrochloric acid sulfuric acid, and / or phosphoric acid. Examples of organic acids may e.g. include acetic acid and / or citric acid. The one or more additives may comprise one or more additional hydrophobic agents such as silicone, such as a silicone oil and / or silicone resin, and / or one or more mineral oil(s) An example of a suitable silicone containing additional hydrophobic agent additive is e.g. Silres® 5140 from Wacker. The one or more additional hydrophobic agents may be added separately to the mineral fibre product, such as in parallel to or after the addition of the aqueous mineral fibre binder composition. The additional additives may be hydrophobic components such as one or more reactive or non-reactive silicones and may be added to the binder composition. Preferably, the one or more reactive or non-reactive silicone compounds is selected from the group consisting of silicone constituted of a main chain composed of organosiloxane residues, especially diphenylsiloxane residues, alkylsiloxane residues, preferably dimethylsiloxane residues, bearing at least one hydroxyl, carboxyl or anhydride, amine, epoxy or vinyl functional group capable of reacting with at least one of the constituents of the binder composition and is preferably present in an amount of 0.01-1.5 weight-%, preferably from 0.01-1.0 weight-%, more preferably 0.015 -0.5 weight-%, based on the MMVF content . Preferably the one or more additives may comprise one or more hardeners or adhesion promoters, or coupling agents such as a silane, such as an aminosilane. Hardeners or adhesion promoters, such as silanes, are preferably present in an amount of 0.01 to 5 % by weight, preferably from 0.05 to 1 % by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 0.8 % by weight, based on the binder component solids. Preferably, the one or more silane is an amino-functional silane such as Dynasylan®HYDROSIL 1151 from Evonik Industries or Silquest VS-142 from Momentive. One or more oil(s) may be added to the aqueous binder composition. The oils provide additional hydrophobicity to the mineral fibre product and also has the ability to adhere in the product dust that might be created during production of or working with the mineral fibre product, e.g. when handling and / or processing a mineral fibre product at the production line, e.g. when sawing or cutting in mineral fibre to produce slabs; or e.g. at the construction site when cutting in a mineral fibre product to adapt the shape to the place it is to be installed. The one or more oils may be selected from mineral oil(s) such as BS 30 / 90, LOTUS group and / or one or more fatty acid ester(s) of glycerol. The one or more oils may be added separately to the mineral fibre product, such as in parallel to or after the addition of the aqueous mineral fibre binder composition. The oil content is preferably 0.5-29.7 % by weight, based on the binder component solids, more preferably 1-10 % by weight, based on the binder component solids, more preferably 1.8-7.4 % by weight, based on the binder component solids. The additional additives can be added before or after mixing of the final aqueous binder composition. Binder component solids content - definition The content by weight of each of the components in a given binder solution, such as an aqueous solution of binder components, before curing is based on the anhydrous mass of the components, i.e. without solvents, in particular water. The following formula can be used: In case of calculating the binder component solids of a single binder component, e.g. dextrose only, the binder component A will be dextrose. In case of calculating the binder component solids content of a saccharide mixture in any of the given binders comprising saccharide, A can be e.g. dextrose and B can be e.g. fructose. In case of a PUF binder, formaldehyde and, if used, ammonia are also considered as components of the binder. While these starting materials are volatiles, they are reacted at least in part during the preparation of the PUF resin. Binder solids – definition and procedure The content by weight of binder after curing is termed “binder solids”. Disc-shaped stone wool samples (diameter: 5 cm; height 1 cm) were cut out of stone wool and heat-treated at 590 °C for at least 30 minutes to remove all organics. The solids of a binder were measured by distributing a sample of the binder (approx. 2 g) onto a heat treated stone wool disc in a tin foil container. The tin foil container containing the stone wool disc was weighed before and directly after addition of the binder. Two such binder loaded stone wool discs in tin foil containers were produced and they were then heated for 1 h at 200 °C. After cooling and storing at room temperature for 10 minutes, the samples were weighed and the binder solids were calculated as an average of the two results. For the purpose of the present application, the term “cured or partly cured binder” refers to a binder which has at least been cured to a certain degree, e.g. by thermally treating in a curing apparatus, but has not necessarily been treated to achieve full curing in all regions of the product. Accordingly, the term “cured or partly cured binder” for the purpose of the present application includes binders that may contain cured and uncured regions. A method of producing a mineral fibre product The present disclosure is also directed to a method of producing a bonded mineral fibre product, which comprises the steps of contacting mineral fibres with an aqueous binder composition according to the disclosure, and curing the binder. The aqueous binder composition and the components thereof has been described above. All indications discussed above for the aqueous binder composition of course also apply to the aqueous binder composition used in the method of the present disclosure. The mineral fibres employed may be for instance any of man-made vitreous fibres (MMVF), glass fibres or glass wool, ceramic fibres, basalt fibres, slag fibres, stone fibres or stone wool and others. The mineral fibres are preferably of the types generally known as rock, stone or slag fibres, most preferably stone fibres. These fibres may be present as a wool product, e.g. like a stone wool product. The man-made vitreous fibres can have any suitable oxide composition. Stone fibres typically comprise the following oxides, in percent by weight: SiO2: 30 to 51 Al2O3: 12 to 25 CaO: 8 to 30 MgO: 2 to 25 Fe2O3: 2 to 15 Na2O+K2O: not more than 10 CaO+MgO: 10 to 30 In the above, the iron oxide may be a mixture of FeO and Fe2O3 but is quoted herein as Fe2O3. The man-made vitreous fibres preferably have the following levels of elements, calculated as oxides in wt%: SiO2: at least 30, 32, 35 or 37; not more than 51, 48, 45 or 43 Al2O3: at least 12, 16 or 17; not more than 30, 27 or 25 CaO: at least 8 or 10; not more than 30, 25 or 20 MgO: at least 2 or 5; not more than 25, 20 or 15 FeO (including Fe2O3): at least 4 or 5; not more than 15, 12 or 10 FeO+MgO: at least 10, 12 or 15; not more than 30, 25 or 20 Na2O+K2O: zero or at least 1; not more than 10 CaO+MgO: at least 10 or 15; not more than 30 or 25 TiO2: zero or at least 1; not more than 6, 4 or 2 TiO2+FeO: at least 4 or 6; not more than 18 or 12 B2O3: zero or at least 1; not more than 5 or 3 P2O5: zero or at least 1; not more than 8 or 5 Others: zero or at least 1; not more than 8 or 5 Glass fibres typically comprise the following oxides, in percent by weight: SiO2 50 to 70 Al2O3 10 to 30 CaO not more than 27 MgO not more than 12 Glass fibres can also contain the following oxides, in percent by weight: Na2O+K2O 8 to 18, in particular Na2O+K2O greater than CaO+MgO, and B2O33 to 12. Some glass fibre compositions can contain Al2O3less than 2%. The mineral fibres preferably have an mean geometric fibre diameter of 1-6 µm, such as 1-5 µm, or preferably 1-4 µm or preferably 1-2 µm. The method of producing a bonded mineral fibre product preferably comprises the steps of: - making a melt of raw materials, - fiberizing the melt by means of a fibre forming apparatus to form mineral fibres, wherein the mineral fibres formed are preferably directed into a spinning chamber, - providing the mineral fibres in the form of a collected web, - applying the aqueous binder composition on the mineral fibres before, during or after the provision of the collected web to form a mixture of mineral fibres and binder composition, wherein the aqueous binder composition is preferably applied by spraying before the provision of the collected web, preferably in the spinning chamber - curing the binder composition mixed with the mineral fibres. Man-made vitreous fibres can be made from a mineral melt. A mineral melt is provided in a conventional manner by providing mineral materials and melting them in a furnace. This furnace can be any of the types of furnaces known for production of mineral melts for man-made vitreuos fibres, for instance a shaft furnace such as a cupola furnace, a tank furnace, a submerged electrical furnace, or a cyclone furnace. Any suitable method may be employed to form man-made vitreous fibres from the mineral melt by fiberization. The fiberization can be by a spinning cup process in which melt is centrifugally extruded through orifices in the walls of a rotating cup (spinning cup, also known as internal centrifugation). Alternatively, the fiberization can be by centrifugal fiberization by projecting the melt onto and spinning off the outer surface of one fiberizing rotor, or off a cascade of a plurality of fiberizing rotors, which rotate about a substantially horizontal axis (cascade spinner). The melt is thus formed into a cloud of fibres entrained in air and the fibres are collected as a web on a conveyor and carried away from the fiberizing apparatus. The web of fibres is then consolidated, which can involve cross-lapping and / or longitudinal compression and / or vertical compression and / or winding around a mandrel to produce a cylindrical product for pipe insulation. Other consolidation processes may also be performed, such as producing granulates. The step of contacting the mineral fibres with the aqueous binder composition can be effected by applying the aqueous binder composition on the mineral fibres with conventional means, for instance by spraying. The amount of binder and / or additive may be the same for each spinner or it may be different. The binder composition is applied to the fibres preferably when they are a cloud entrained in air. Alternatively, it can be applied after collection on the conveyor but this is less preferred. As used herein, the term "collected web" is intended to include any mineral fibres that have been collected together on a surface, i.e. they are no longer entrained in air, e.g. the fiberized mineral fibres, granulate, tufts or recycled web waste. The collected web could be a primary web that has been formed by collection of fibres on a conveyor belt and provided as a starting material without having been cross- lapped or otherwise consolidated. Alternatively, the collected web could be a secondary web that has been formed by crosslapping, or otherwise consolidating a primary web, e.g. as described above. Preferably, the collected web is a primary web. In a variant of the method, the binder may be mixed with the mineral fibres after the provision of the collected web in the following steps: - subjecting the collected web of mineral fibres to a disentanglement process, - suspending the mineral fibres in a primary air flow, - mixing binder composition with the mineral fibres before, during or after the disentanglement process to form a mixture of mineral fibres and binder. The disentanglement process comprises feeding the collected web of mineral fibres from a duct with a lower relative air flow to a duct with a higher relative air flow. In this variant, the disentanglement is believed to occur, because the fibres that enter the duct with the higher relative air flow first are dragged away from the subsequent fibres in the web. This type of disentanglement is particularly effective for producing open tufts of fibres, rather than the compacted lumps that can result in an uneven distribution of materials in the product. According to a particularly preferred variant of the method, the disentanglement process comprises feeding the collected web to at least one roller which rotates about its longitudinal axis and has spikes protruding from its circumferential surface. The rotating roller will usually also contribute at least in part to the higher relative air flow. Often, rotation of the roller is the sole source of the higher relative air flow. The mineral fibres and optionally the binder may be fed to the roller from above. It is also preferred for the disentangled mineral fibres and optionally the binder to be thrown away from the roller laterally from the lower part of its circumference. Preferably, the mineral fibres are carried approximately 180 degrees by the roller before being thrown off. The binder may be mixed with the mineral fibres before, during or after the disentanglement process. It is preferred to mix the binder with the fibres prior to the disentanglement process. It is also feasible that the binder be pre-mixed with a collected web of mineral fibres before the disentanglement process. Further mixing could occur during and after the disentanglement process. Alternatively, the binder could be supplied to the primary air flow separately and mixed in the primary air flow. The mixture of mineral fibres and binder is collected from the primary air flow by any suitable means. The primary air flow is preferably directed into the top of a cyclone chamber, which is open at its lower end and the mixture is collected from the lower end of the cyclone chamber. The mixture of mineral fibres and binder is preferably thrown from the disentanglement process into a forming chamber. Having undergone the disentanglement process, the mixture of mineral fibres and the binder may be collected, consolidated and cured. Preferably, the mixture of mineral fibres and the binder is collected on a foraminous conveyor belt having suction means positioned below it. The method may be performed as a batch process. However, the preferred method is performed at a MMVF production line feeding a primary or secondary MMVF web to the consolidation step before curing, which provides a particularly cost efficient and versatile method to provide MMVF products having favourable mechanical properties and thermal insulation properties in a wide range of densities. After consolidation, the consolidated web of fibres is passed into a curing device to cure the binder. The curing process may commence immediately after application of the binder to the fibres. The curing is defined as a process whereby the binder composition undergoes a physical and / or chemical reaction, which in case of a chemical reaction usually increases the molecular weight of the compounds in the binder composition and thereby increases the viscosity of the binder composition, usually until the binder composition reaches a solid state. The cured binder composition binds the fibres to form a structurally coherent matrix of fibres. The curing process preferably comprises drying by pressure. The pressure may be applied by blowing air or gas through and / or over the mixture of mineral fibres and binder. In a variant, the curing process comprises a drying process. For example, the curing process comprises drying by pressure. The pressure may be applied by blowing air or gas to the mixture of mineral fibres and binder. The blowing process may be accompanied by heating or cooling or it may be at ambient temperature. The curing preferably takes place in a curing device such as in a conventional curing oven or a heat press. The curing of a binder composition in contact with the mineral fibres in a heat press has the particular advantage that it enables the production of high-density products. The curing of the aqueous binder composition, which is in contact with the mineral fibres can be carried out within a wide temperature range. Preferably, the curing is carried out at temperatures from 180 to 280°C, preferably at temperatures from 200 to 270°C, more preferably at temperatures from 220 to 265°C. For example, the curing takes place for a time of 30 seconds to 20 minutes, such as 1 to 15 minutes, such as 2 to 10 minutes. Typically, curing takes place at a temperature of 180 to 280 °C for a time of 30 seconds to 20 minutes. The aqueous binder composition is preferably applied in the close vicinity of the fibre forming apparatus, such as a cascade spinning apparatus or a cup spinning apparatus, in either case immediately after the fibre formation. Thus, the aqueous binder composition is preferably applied to the mineral fibers formed in the spinning chamber, preferably by spraying. The fibres with applied binder are thereafter usually conveyed onto a conveyor belt as a web, such as a collected web. The web, such as a collected web may be subjected to longitudinal or length compression after the fibre formation and before substantial curing has taken place. There are various types of centrifugal spinners used as a fibre forming apparatus for fiberizing mineral melts. A conventional centrifugal spinner is a cascade spinner, which comprises a sequence of a top (or first) rotor and a subsequent (or second) rotor and optionally other subsequent rotors (such as third and fourth rotors). Each rotor rotates about a different substantially horizontal axis with a rotational direction opposite to the rotational direction of the or each adjacent rotor in the sequence. The different horizontal axes are arranged such that melt which is poured on to the top rotor is thrown in sequence on to the peripheral surface of the or each subsequent rotor, and fibres are thrown off the or each subsequent rotor, and optionally also off the top rotor. For example, a cascade spinner or other spinner is arranged to fiberize the melt and the fibres are entrained in air as a cloud of the fibres. Many fibre forming apparatuses comprise a disc or cup that spins around a substantially vertical axis. It is then conventional to arrange several of these spinners in-line, i.e. substantially in the first direction, for instance as described in GB-A-926,749, US-A- 3,824,086 and WO-A-83 / 03092. There is usually a stream of air associated with the one or each fiberizing rotor whereby the fibres are entrained in this air as they are formed off the surface of the rotor. Preferably, the aqueous binder composition and / or additives are added to the cloud of fibres by known means. The amount of binder and / or additive may be the same for each spinner or it may be different. As used herein, the term "collected web" is intended to include any mineral fibres that have been collected together on a surface, i.e. they are no longer entrained in air, e.g. the fiberized mineral fibres, granulate, tufts or recycled web waste. The collected web could be a primary web that has been formed by collection of fibres on a conveyor belt and provided as a starting material without having been cross-lapped or otherwise consolidated. Alternatively, the collected web could be a secondary web that has been formed by cross- lapping or otherwise consolidating a primary web. Preferably, the collected web is a primary web. Mineral fibre product The present disclosure is also directed to a mineral fibre product comprising mineral fibres bound by a binder resulting from the curing of an aqueous binder composition according to the present invention. The mineral fibre product is preferably obtainable by the method according to the disclosure. The aqueous binder composition and the method have been described above. All indications discussed above for the aqueous binder composition and the method such as the mineral fibres also apply to the mineral fibre product. The density of the mineral fibre product is preferably in the range of 10-1200 kg / m3, such as 30-800 kg / m3, such as 40-600 kg / m3, such as 50-250 kg / m3, such as 60-200 kg / m3. Preferably, the mineral fibre product is an insulation product, such as a thermal or acoustical insulation product, in particular having a density of 10 to 200 kg / m3. Alternatively, the mineral fibre product is a facade panel, in particular having a density of 1000-1200 kg / m3. The loss on ignition (LOI) of the mineral fiber product is preferably within the range of 0.1 to 25.0 %, such as 0.3 to 18.0 %, such as 0.5 to 12.0 %, such as 0.7 to 8.0 % by weight or more preferred as 1.0 to 6.0 % by weight. A preferred cured mineral fibre product has an average density of 75-85 kg / m3(according to EN ISO 29470:2020) and one or more of: - a compression strength, such as unaged compression strength, at 10% σ10 (kPa) according to EN ISO 29469:2022 greater than or equal to 15 kPa, such as greater than or equal to 19 kPa and / or - a delamination strength, such as unaged delamination strength, σmt greater than or equal to 7.5 kPa according to EN 1607, such as greater than or equal to 10 kPa. Another preferred cured mineral fibre product has an average density of more than 90 kg / m3, such as a density in the range of 100-250 kg / m3, and one or more of: - a compression strength, such as unaged compression strength, at 10% σ10 (kPa) according to EN ISO 29469:2022 –greater than or equal to 40 kPa, such as greater than or equal to 50 kPa and / or - a delamination strength, such as unaged delamination strength, σmt greater than or equal to 7.5 kPa, such as greater than or equal to 10 kPa, according to EN 1607. The mineral fibre product can be in any conventional configuration, for instance a mat or slab, and can be cut and / or shaped (e.g. into pipe sections) before, during or after curing of the binder. The mineral fibre product can thus be a granulate or a shaped product, such as a slab, a pad or a blanket, a rolled up blanket or a shaped item, such as a tubular segment. Applications The present disclosure is also directed to the use of an aqueous binder composition according to the present invention as described above for the production of a hydrophobic mineral fibre product. The present disclosure is also directed to the use of one or more hydrophobizing agent(s) to impart hydrophobicity of mineral fibre products, wherein said hydrophobizing agent(s) is / are selected from the group consisting of steroid esters in an aqueous binder composition comprising a) at least one protein, and b) at least one cross-linker, such as one or more crosslinkers selected from a crosslinker comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups or a phenol containing compounds, wherein said aqueous binder composition is applied in the production of mineral fibre products. The present disclosure is also directed to the use of a hydrophobizing agent, wherein the hydrophobizing agent is used in combination with one or more further hydrophobizing agent(s) selected from iv. hydrocarbon blends comprising linear alkanes having 18 to 85 carbon atoms; such as blends of C18-C50 alkanes, such as paraffin waxes, such as paraffin waxes having a melting point in the range of 45 to 70 °C, preferably 53 to 63 °C; and / or blends of hydrocarbons having 25 to 85 carbon atoms, such as including linear alkanes, such as (white) vaseline and / or (white) petrolatum / petroleum jelly; v. fatty acid esters of glycerol, such as in form of fruit pulp fats or fats from seeds or kernels, such as palm oil, olive oil, avocado oil; seed-kernel fats such as lauric acid oils, such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, babassu oil and other palm seed oils, other sources of lauric acid oils; palmitic-stearic acid oils such as cocoa butter, shea butter, borneo tallow and related fats (vegetable butters); palmitic acid oils such as cottonseed oil, kapok and related oils, pumpkin seed oil, corn (maize) oil, cereal oils; oleic-linoleic acid oils such as sunflower oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, hempseed oil, teaseed oil, safflower and niger seed oils, grape-seed oil, poppyseed oil, leguminous oil such as soybean oil, peanut oil, lupine oil; cruciferous oils such as rapeseed oil, mustard seed oil; conjugated acid oils such as tung oil and related oils, oiticica oil and related oils; substituted fatty acid oils such as castor oil, chaulmoogra, hydnocarpus and gorli oils, vernonia oil; animal fats such as land-animal fats such as lard, beef tallow, mutton tallow, horse fat, goose fat, chicken fat; marine oils such as whale oil and fish oil or mixtures thereof; vi. wax monoesters; such as wax monoesters selected from monoesters made from fat alcohols having 10 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 14 to 22 carbon atoms, and fatty acids having 6 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 22 carbon atoms; such as naturally occurring waxes comprising wax monoesters of fat alcohols and fatty acids, such as such as bees wax, carnauba wax, rice bran wax and / or, candelilla wax; and / or mixtures of 2, 3, 4 or more thereof. The present disclosure is also directed to the use of one or more hydrophobizing agent(s) to reduce the water uptake of a product, in which mineral fibers are bonded by a binder resulting from the curing of the aqueous binder composition according to the disclosure as described above. The present disclosure is also directed to the use of an aqueous binder composition as described above for lowering the formaldehyde and / or ammonia and / or phenol emissions during production of a mineral fibre product. The use is preferably carried out in a method according to the disclosure as described above. The method of reducing the formaldehyde emission and / or the ammonia emission and / or phenol emission is preferably a method of producing a mineral fibre product according to the disclosure. The use of an inventive aqueous binder composition in the production of formaldehyde free mineral fibre products where the emission is below 5 µg / m2 / h of formaldehyde from the mineral fibre product, preferably below 3 µg / m2 / h, when measured in accordance with ISO 16000 -1:2004. The aqueous binder composition, the method and the mineral fibre product according to the present disclosure have been described above.

[0002] Examples In the following examples, several binders which fall under the definition of the present disclosure were prepared and compared to binders according to the prior art. Unless specifically stated otherwise all amounts in % specified above and / or below are % by weight. Experimental methods and definitions Reagents Proteins, collagen-type: IMAGEL® LA gelatine (Type A, porcine, 120 bloom at 6.67%, GELITA AG), IMAGEL® RL gelatine (Type A, porcine, 80 bloom at 6.67%, 30-100 kDa, GELITA AG), 80 bloom technical gelatin (80-100 bloom at 12.5%, CAM Moreu), 150 bloom technical gelatin (150-180 bloom at 12.5%, CAM Moreu), 0 bloom technical gelatin (CAM Moreu), hydrolysed technical gelatin (CAM Moreu), 80 bloom technical gelatin (80 bloom at 12.5%, 27 bloom at 6.67%, SelJel Jelatin), 20-40 bloom technical gelatin (20- 40 bloom at 12.5%, Amstel), 50-70 bloom technical gelatin (50-70 bloom at 12.5%, Amstel), 80-100 bloom technical gelatin (80-100 bloom at 12.5%, Amstel), Peptiplus XB- UHV (partially hydrolysed gelatin, 10-14 kDa, GELITA AG), Peptiplus XP-UHV (partially hydrolysed gelatin, 10-16 kDa, GELITA AG), 51.1% Novotec CB800 (partially hydrolysed gelatin, 3kDa, GELITA AG), hydrolysed technical gelatin (GELITA Flex, GELITA AG), gelatin hydrolysate (2 kDa, Sigma-Aldrich, G0262), marine collagen (3 kDa, MM Ingredients), 44.9% fish glue (Kremer Pigmente), gelatine from fish (0 bloom, Sigma- Aldrich, G7041), gelatine peptone (Sigma-Aldrich, 70176), 40-110 bloom technical gelatine (40-110 bloom at 12.5%, Xiamen). Proteins, non-collagen-type: Gliadin (Sigma-Aldrich, G3375), whey protein isolate (Arla, SP-9226), silkworm sericin (Sigma-Aldrich, S5201), egg albumin (hen egg albumin powder, Eggs Product), modified gluten (Crespel-Deiters), crespotec bind gluten (Crespel-Deiters), casein (Sigma-Aldrich, C5890), yeast protein (Angel yeast, AnPro), carob germ protein (Nexira Unipectin, Vigidum Pro 200), yeast extract (Sigma-Aldrich, 70161), soy protein acid hydrolysate (Sigma-Aldrich, 51574), soybean flour (type I, Sigma-Aldrich, S9633). Carbohydrates: 75 % aq. glucose syrup (DE-value of 95 to less than 100, C*sweet D 02767 ex, Cargill), 90.9% glucose (monohydrate, Cargill), sucrose (dissacharide, 0.34 kDa, DE = 0, Sigma-Aldrich, S9378), 96.6% melezitose (trisaccharide, monohydrate, 0.50 kDa, DE = 0, Sigma-Aldrich, 63620), 95% lactose (disaccharide, monohydrate, 0.34 kDa, DE = 52, Sigma-Aldrich, 61339), fructose (monosaccharide, 0.18 kDa, DE ~ 100, Sigma- Aldrich, F0127), 84.9% raffinose (trisaccharide, pentahydrate, 0.50 kDa, DE = 0, Sigma- Aldrich, R0250), 95% maltose (disaccharide, monohydrate, 0.34 kDa, DE = 52, Sigma- Aldrich, 63418), xylose (monosaccharide, 0.15 kDa, DE ~ 100, Sigma-Aldrich, W360600), 96.6% maltotriose (trisaccharide, hydrate, 0.50 kDa, DE = 36, Sigma-Aldrich, 851493), maltodextrin (oligosaccharide, 0.9-1.2 kDa, DE = 15-20, Sigma-Aldrich, 419680), maltodextrin (oligosaccharide, 3.6 kDa, DE = 4-7, Sigma-Aldrich, 419672), soluble potato starch (polysaccharide, DE = 0, Sigma-Aldrich, S2004), oxidized starch (polysaccharide, Hosome, O-SO), psyllium (polysaccharide, DE = 0, Matas). Carbohydrate derivatives: 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (Sigma-Aldrich, W501808), sorbitol (Sigma-Aldrich, S1876), maltitol (Sigma-Aldrich, M8892), 50% gluconic acid (Sigma- Aldrich, G1951). Crosslinkers: 20% PAE (polyamide epichlorohydrin resin, Kymene, GHP20), mimosa tannin (Tannin Seta Sun, Baeck GmbH). Hydrophobic additives: Lanolin (Ewalan25, Wagner Lanolin), lanolin (Lanis USP23, Imperial Oel), lanolin salve (mixture of lanolin and Vaseline, Michell’s Bradford), linseed oil (leinöl firnis, Oli Natura), cholesteryl acetate (Sigma-Aldrich, 151114), cholesteryl stearate (Sigma-Aldrich, C79409), Vaseline white (Sigma-Aldrich, 16415), paraffin wax 53-58C (paraffin wax with melting point 53-58 °C, Sigma-Aldrich, 327204), paraffin wax 58-63C (paraffin wax with melding point 58-63 °C, Sigma-Aldrich, 327212), beeswax (TER Chemicals), sumac wax (TER Chemicals). Other reagents: 40% silane (Momentive Silquest® VS-142, aminoalkylsilane hydrolyzate in water, Momentive), 28% aq. ammonia (VWR, 21190.246), 40% Silres 5140 (NH type silicone resin, emulsion of an aminofunctional polydimethylsiloxane, Wacker), impregnation oil (Process oil 815, Brenntag or BS 30 / 90, LOTUS group), 28% aq. ammonia (VWR, 21190.246). All other components were obtained in high purity from Sigma-Aldrich or TCI. All components for which a concentration is not detailed above were assumed completely pure and anhydrous for simplicity. General experimental methods Measurements of pH were performed using a Mettler Toledo SevenCompactTM S220 pH meter equipped with a Mettler Toledo InLab® Expert Pro-ISM pH electrode and temperature probe. Crude stone shots (predominantly rounded particles which have the same melt composition as the stone wool fibers) formed during the cascade spinning process of a stone melt in the production of stone wool fibers were obtained from a ROCKWOOL factory in the Netherlands. Cleaned and sifted stone shots appropriate for the manufacture of composite bars were produced from these crude stone shots by ProChem GmbH, Germany. In brief, the stone shots were heat treated overnight at 590 °C to remove any trace organics. After cooling, the stone shots were sifted through 0.50 mm and 0.25 mm sieves. The coarse and fine fractions were discarded, and the remaining stone shots were washed thoroughly several times in demineralized water. The sifted and cleaned stone shots were dried and where then stored in a closed bag until use. In the following stone shots obtained are simply termed shots. Three different batches of purified shots were used for producing the results in tables 1- 3. A Kenwood KCC90 Cooking Chef mixing machine with induction heating capacity was used for mixing shots and binders for the manufacture of composite bars. Heat resistant silicone forms for manufacture of bars (4×5 slots per form; slot top dimension: length = 5.6 cm, width = 2.5 cm; slot bottom dimension: length = 5.3 cm, width = 2.2 cm; slot height = 1.1 cm) were obtained from F&H of Scandinavia A / S (used in all the examples in tables 1) or custom made to the same dimensions from Dongguan Linkaiz Crafts Gifts Co, Ltd. (used in all the examples in tables 2). Three-point bending tests were recorded on a Bent Tram SUT 3000 / 520 test machine (test speed: 10.0 mm / min; rupture level: 50 N; nominal strength: 30 N / mm2; support distance: 40 mm; max deflection 20 mm; nominal E-modulus 10000 N / mm2). The bars were placed with the “top face” up (i.e. the face with the dimensions length = 5.6 cm, width = 2.5 cm) in the machine. New tin foil containers for use in measurement of binder solids and of loss of ignition of composite bars were heat-treated at 590 °C for 15 minutes prior to use to remove all organics. An open-end, heated tube oven apparatus was used for the generation of simulated spinning chamber and curing emissions. The emissions generated from binder samples placed within the tube oven at a given temperature were measured by drawing a constant flow of air across the sample through heated tubes to a MKS 2030 FTIR gas analyzer. Series 2000 Multigas Analyzer software (version 10.4) was used to analyze the spectral data. Binder component solids content – definition The content by weight of each of the components in a given binder solution before curing is based on the anhydrous mass of the components, i.e. without solvents, in particular water. The following formula can be used: ^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ (%) ^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^ (^^) + ^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^^^ ( )= ^^^^^ ^^ + ⋯^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^ℎ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ (^^) ×100%In case of calculating the binder component solids of a single binder component, e.g. dextrose only, the binder component A will be dextrose. In case of calculating the binder component solids content of a saccharide mixture in any of the given binders comprising saccharide, A can be e.g. dextrose and B can be e.g. fructose. In case of a PUF binder, for example, formaldehyde and ammonia are also considered as components of the binder. While these starting materials are volatiles, they are reacted at least in part during the preparation of the PUF resin. Binder solids – definition and procedure The content of binder after curing is termed “binder solids”. Small samples of heat-treated stone wool (heat-treated at 590 °C for at least 30 minutes to remove all organics) were placed in three small tin foil containers (approx.2 g heat- treated stone wool in each). A sample of the binder mixture (approx.2 g) was distributed onto the heat-treated stone wool in each container. The tin foil containers containing the heat-treated stone wool were weighed before and directly after addition of the binder mixture. The samples were then treated at the times and temperatures detailed in the examples and tables. After cooling and storing at room temperature for 10 minutes, the samples were weighed, and the binder solids were calculated as an average of the three results. Afterwards the binder solids content is expressed in weight percent. Reaction loss - definition The reaction loss is defined as the difference between the binder component solids content and the binder solids. Curing characteristics – DMA (dynamic mechanical analysis) measurements A 17.5-30% binder solids binder solution was obtained as described in the examples and tables. Cut and weighed glass Whatman™ glass microfiber filters (GF / B, 150 mm Ø, cat. no.1821150) (2.5×1 cm) were submerged into the binder solution for 10 seconds. The resulting binder-soaked filter was then dried in a “sandwich” consisting of (1) a 0.60 kg 8×8×1 cm metal plate, (2) four layers of standard filter papers, (3) the binder soaked glass microfiber filter, (4) four layers of standard filter papers, and (5) a 0.60 kg 8×8×1 cm metal plate for approximately 2×2 minutes by applying a weight of 3.21 kg on top of the “sandwich”. In a typical experiment, the cut Whatman™ glass microfiber filter would weigh 0.035 g before application of the binder and 0.125 g after application and drying. The DMA measurements were acquired on a Mettler Toledo DMA 1 calibrated against a certified thermometer at ambient temperature and the melting points of certified indium and tin. The apparatus was operated in single cantilever bending mode; titanium clamps; clamp distance 1.0 cm; temperature segment type; temperature range 40-280 °C; heating rate 3 °C / min; displacement 20 μm; frequency 1 Hz; single frequency oscillation mode. Curing onset and endset as well as minimum and maximum values for complex modulus E* were evaluated using STARe software Version 16.40. Pre-drying characteristics – DMA (dynamic mechanical analysis) measurements Some binders display a pre-drying strength in the 60-100 °C interval and then a final curing at more elevated temperatures in the DMA measurements performed as described above. The pre-drying strength of a given binder was calculated using the minimum and maximum values for the complex modulus E* according to the following formula:^^^^^^ − ^^^^^^^^^^^^ (%)^^∗^^^^^^, ^^^^^^ − ^^^^^^^^^^^ ( ) ∗ ( )= ^ ^^^^^^ − ^^ ^^^^^^, ^^^^^^ − ^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^(^^∗^^^^^^, ^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^(^^^^^^) − ^^∗^^^^^^, ^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^(^^^^^^)) + ((^^∗^^^^^^, ^^^^^^ − ^^^^^^^^^^^^(^^^^^^) − ^^∗^^^^^^, ^^^^^^ − ^^^^^^^^^^^^(^^^^^^))× 100%Manufacture of composite bars A 17.5-30% binder solids solution was obtained as described in the examples and tables below. A sample of the binder solution (15%: 81.8 g, 17.5%: 70.1 g, 20%: 61.4 g, 22.5%: 56.4 g, 25%: 49.1 g, 27.5%: 44.6 g, 30%: 40.9 g) was added to shots (460.0 g) in a mixing bowl at room temperature. The resulting mixture was then mixed for approx. 0.5-2 minutes using a mixing machine (for comparative binder C, the shots were pre-heated to 50 °C and the mixing was likewise performed at 50 °C to avoid gelling). The resulting mixture was then filled into 16 slots in a heat resistant silicone form for making bars. During the manufacture of each composite bar, the mixtures placed in the slots were pressed as required and then evened out with a plastic spatula to generate an even bar surface. The bars were cured using the time and temperature conditions detailed in the tables. After cooling to room temperature, the composite bars were stored in a climate chamber at 22 °C / 50% rh. Ageing treatment of composite bars Ageing treatment of composite bars was performed by subjecting the bars to autoclave treatment (15 min / 120 °C / 1.2 bar) or water bath treatment (3 h / 80 °C) followed by cooling to room temperature. After initial drying at ambient conditions for one day, the composite bars were stored in a climate chamber at 22 °C / 50% rh. Measurement of mechanical strengths of unaged, autoclave aged or water bath aged composite bars The maximum load force required to break composite bars was recorded in a three-point bending test. For each data point, an average value was calculated on the basis of four bars that had been subjected to identical treatment. The composite bars were stored in a climate chamber at 22 °C / 50% rh for at least three days prior to measuring the maximum load force. Measurement of mechanical strengths of wet composite bars The wet strengths of the composite bars were obtained by measuring the maximum load force required to break the composite bars used for measuring 24 h water uptakes (see below). The three-point bending tests were carried out immediately after measuring the water uptake of the bars. For each data point, an average value was calculated on the basis of three bars. Measurement of loss of ignition (LOI) of composite bars The loss of ignition (LOI) of the composite bars was measured in small tin foil containers by treatment at 590 °C. The tin foil container was weighed and four bars (usually after being broken in the three-point bending test) were placed into the tin foil container. The ensemble was weighed and was then heat-treated at 590 °C for 30 minutes. After cooling to room temperature, the weight was recorded again and the loss of ignition (LOI) was calculated using the following formula: ^^^^^^ (%) ^^^^^^^^ℎ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^ ℎ^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ (^^) − ^^^ ( )= ^^^^^ℎ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^ ℎ^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^ℎ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^ ℎ^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ (^^)× 100%Binder solubility The binder solubility is calculated as the difference in the loss of ignition (LOI) of composite bars after water bath ageing compared to the LOI of the composite bars before ageing: Water absorption measurements The water absorption of the binders was measured by weighing three bars and then submerging the bars in water (approx.250 mL) in a beaker (565 mL, bottom Ø = 9.5 cm; top Ø = 10.5 cm; height = 7.5 cm). After 24 h, the bars were lifted up and allowed to drip off for one minute. The bars were held (gently) with the length side almost vertical so that the droplets would drip from a corner of the bar. The bars were then weighed, and the water absorption was calculated using the following formula:^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^. (%)^^^^^^^^ℎ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^^ ( ) ( )= ^ ^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^ − ^^^^^^^^ℎ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^ℎ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ (^^)× 100%Measurements of simulated spinning chamber emissions A 17.5-25% binder mixture was obtained as described in the examples and tables. Immediately prior to commencing each emission measurement, approximately 0.70 g of the binder mixture was distributed evenly on binder-free stone wool samples in a small ceramic crucible. Background emissions were obtained by starting the emission measurements in the oven heated to 95 °C a few minutes before inserting the sample. The sample was then loaded into the tube oven and a temperature probe was inserted close to the sample to measure the actual temperature. Gas phase emissions IR spectra were then recorded with a 5 second sample frequency during a period of about 1 hour at 95 °C. The recorded individual emission concentration time series obtained from the start of the measurement to the disappearance of the signal from water evaporation (generally about 40 minutes) were integrated to yield the simulated spinning chamber emissions of components such as ammonia, methanol, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, phenol, isocyanic acid, acetaldehyde, acetic acid, carbon monoxide, formic acid, furfural, and urea. Two to three measurements were performed for each binder composition and the emission results were averaged. Measurements of simulated curing emissions The simulated curing emissions were obtained in an analogous manner to the simulated spinning chamber emissions. However, the samples were first either subjected to measurement of simulated spinning chamber emissions or to a similar treatment in an oven (1 hour at 95 °C). The measurements were recorded at the curing temperatures and times listed in the tables, with the background emissions obtained at the same temperatures for a few minutes prior to inserting the sample. The recorded individual emission concentration time series obtained during the measurement were integrated to yield the simulated curing emissions of components such as ammonia, isocyanic acid, carbon dioxide, acetic acid, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, formic acid, furfural, hydrogen cyanide, methane, and sulfur dioxide. Two to three measurements were performed for each binder composition and the emission results were averaged. Comparative binder compositions from the prior art Comparative binder A (phenol-formaldehyde resin modified with urea, a PUF-resol) A phenol-formaldehyde resin is prepared by reacting 37% aq. formaldehyde (606 g) and phenol (189 g) in the presence of 46% aq. potassium hydroxide (25.5 g) at a reaction temperature of 84°C preceded by a heating rate of approximately 1°C per minute. The reaction is continued at 84 °C until the acid tolerance of the resin is 4 and most of the phenol is converted. Urea (241 g) is then added and the mixture is cooled. The acid tolerance (AT) expresses the number of times a given volume of a binder can be diluted with acid without the mixture becoming cloudy (the binder precipitates). Sulfuric acid is used to determine the stop criterion in a binder production and an acid tolerance lower than 4 indicates the end of the binder reaction. To measure the AT, a titrant is produced from diluting 2.5 mL conc. sulfuric acid (>99 %) with 1 L ion exchanged water. 5 mL of the binder to be investigated is then titrated at room temperature with this titrant while keeping the binder in motion by manually shaking it; if preferred, use a magnetic stirrer and a magnetic stick. Titration is continued until a slight cloud appears in the binder, which does not disappear when the binder is shaken. The acid tolerance (AT) is calculated by dividing the amount of acid used for the titration (mL) with the amount of sample (mL): AT = (Used titration volume (mL)) / (Sample volume (mL)) Using a portion of the urea-modified phenol-formaldehyde resin obtained (100.0 g), a binder is made by addition of 28% aq. ammonia (7.47 g) and ammonium sulfate (1.20 g) followed by water (100.9 g). The binder solids were then measured as described above: 22.0% for 1 h at 200 °C (thus 30.2% reaction loss). The mixture was then diluted with the required amount of water and 4% Momentive VS-142 silane (15-20% final binder solids solution, 0.2% silane of binder solids; final pH 9.6-9.8). Comparative binder B (carbohydrate-based binder) A mixture of 75% aq. glucose syrup (173.2 g), ammonium sulfamate (5.20 g), 50% aq. hypophosphorous acid (2.60 g) and urea (6.50 g) in water (241.0 g) was stirred at room temperature until a clear solution was obtained. 28% aq. ammonia (1.43 g) was then added dropwise to pH 7.5. The binder solids were measured as described above: 20.5% for 2 h at 225 °C (thus 38.5% reaction loss). The mixture was then diluted with the required amount of water and 4% Momentive VS-142 silane (17.5% or 20% final binder solids solution, 0.2% silane of binder solids; final pH 7.5). Comparative binder C (protein-based binder) To 0.5 M NaOH (38.5 g) stirred at room temperature was added mimosa tannin (11.0 g). After stirring at room temperature for 5-10 min further, the resulting deep-brown mixture (pH 9.0) was used in the subsequent experiments. A mixture of gelatine (28.0 g, IMAGEL LA) in water (85.2 g) was stirred at 50 °C for approx.15-30 min until all gelatine had dissolved (pH 5.4). Linseed oil (1.47 g) followed by a portion of the above mimosa extract mixture (6.30 g; thus efficiently 1.40 g tannin) and 4% silane (1.47 g, thus efficiently 0.06 g silane) were added (pH 6.1).1M NaOH (2.03 g) was then added (pH 7.1). After stirring for 1-2 minutes further at 50 °C, the resulting brown mixture was used in the subsequent experiments. Comparative binder D (protein-based binder) To 0.5 M NaOH (38.5 g) stirred at room temperature was added mimosa tannin (11.0 g). After stirring at room temperature for 5-10 min further, the resulting deep-brown mixture (pH 9.0) was used in the subsequent experiments. A mixture of technical gelatine (28.0 g, 80 bloom CAM Moreu) in water (85.6 g) was stirred at 50 °C for approx.15-30 min until all gelatine had dissolved (pH 5.8). Linseed oil (1.47 g) followed by a portion of the above mimosa extract mixture (6.30 g; thus efficiently 1.40 g tannin) and 4% silane (1.47 g, thus efficiently 0.06 g silane) were added (pH 6.6).1M NaOH (1.66 g) was then added (pH 7.3). After stirring for 1-2 minutes further at 50 °C, the resulting brown mixture was used in the subsequent experiments. Binder compositions according to the present disclosure Binder example, example 1-5-3 and 2-2-1 A mixture of technical gelatine (19.8 g, 80 bloom CAM Moreu) in water (50.6 g) was stirred at 50 °C for approx. 15-30 min until a homogeneous mixture was obtained. 75% aq. glucose syrup (39.4 g) was added (pH 5.7), followed by 20% Kymene GHP20 PAE (24.7 g) (pH 4.7).1M NaOH (11.72 g) and 4% silane (2.72 g) were then added (pH 7.2). After stirring for 1-2 minutes further at 50 °C, the resulting yellowish mixture was used in the subsequent experiments. The binder solids were measured as described above: 25.4% for 1 h at 225 °C (thus 30.1% reaction loss). Binder example, example 1-9-2 A mixture of technical gelatine (12.7 g, 80 bloom CAM Moreu) in water (59.8 g) was stirred at 50 °C for approx. 15-30 min until a homogeneous mixture was obtained. Lanolin (Ewalan25, 0.87 g) was added and the mixture was stirred vigorously for approx.5-10 minutes.75% aq. glucose syrup (25.2 g) was added (pH 5.7), followed by 20% Kymene GHP20 PAE (15.8 g) (pH 4.6).1M NaOH (8.24 g) and 4% silane (1.74 g) were then added (pH 7.4). After stirring for 1-2 minutes further at 50 °C, the resulting yellowish mixture was used in the subsequent experiments. The binder solids were measured as described above: 20.0% for 1 h at 225 °C. Binder example, example 1-9-10 A mixture of technical gelatine (12.7 g, 80 bloom CAM Moreu) in water (67.0 g) was stirred at 50 °C for approx.15-30 min until a homogeneous mixture was obtained. Linseed oil (0.87 g) and Vaseline white (0.87 g) were added and the mixture was stirred vigorously for approx.5-10 minutes.75% aq. glucose syrup (25.2 g) was added (pH 5.7), followed by 20% Kymene GHP20 PAE (15.8 g) (pH 4.7).1M NaOH (8.0 g) and 4% silane (1.74 g) were then added (pH 7.3). After stirring for 1-2 minutes further at 50 °C, the resulting yellowish mixture was used in the subsequent experiments. The binder solids were measured as described above: 20.0% for 1 h at 225 °C. Binder example, example 3-2-6 To 0.5 M NaOH (38.5 g) stirred at room temperature was added mimosa tannin (11.0 g). After stirring at room temperature for 5-10 min further, the resulting deep-brown mixture (pH 9.0) was used in the subsequent experiments. A mixture of technical gelatine (28.0 g, 150 bloom CAM Moreu) in water (89.5 g) was stirred at 50 °C for approx.15-30 min until all gelatine had dissolved (pH 5.7). Linseed oil (1.47 g) and cholesteryl stearate (1.47 g) were added and the mixture was stirred vigorously for approx.5-10 minutes. A portion of the above mimosa extract mixture (6.30 g; thus efficiently 1.40 g tannin) and 4% silane (1.47 g, thus efficiently 0.06 g silane) then were added (pH 6.4), followed by 1M NaOH (2.05 g) (pH 7.3). After stirring for 1-2 minutes further at 50 °C, the resulting brown mixture was used in the subsequent experiments. Binder example, example 3-2-7 To 0.5 M NaOH (38.5 g) stirred at room temperature was added mimosa tannin (11.0 g). After stirring at room temperature for 5-10 min further, the resulting deep-brown mixture (pH 9.0) was used in the subsequent experiments. A mixture of technical gelatine (28.0 g, 150 bloom CAM Moreu) in water (84.4 g) was stirred at 50 °C for approx.15-30 min until all gelatine had dissolved (pH 5.7). Lanolin salve (Mitchell’s Bradford, 1.47 g) was added and the mixture was stirred vigorously for approx. 5-10 minutes. A portion of the above mimosa extract mixture (6.30 g; thus efficiently 1.40 g tannin) and 4% silane (1.47 g, thus efficiently 0.06 g silane) then were added (pH 6.8), followed by 1M NaOH (0.89 g) (pH 7.3). After stirring for 1-2 minutes further at 50 °C, the resulting brown mixture was used in the subsequent experiments. Production example Binder mixing, example 4-1-1 A mixture of technical gelatine (75 kg, 80 bloom CAM Moreu) in water (585 L) was stirred at 50 °C for approx. 15-30 min until a homogeneous mixture was obtained. Glucose monohydrate (225 kg) was added, followed by 20% Kymene GHP20 PAE (68 kg).25% aq. NaOH (5.3 kg) and 40% silane (1.4 kg) were then added (pH 7). The resulting yellowish mixture was then used in production of stone wool products. Alternatively, the components could be mixed in an in-line fashion. Binder and additive dosing The above binder mixture was diluted as appropriate / required with water and dosed to the cascade spinner. To decrease dust form the resulting stone wool product and to render the stone wool product suitably hydrophobic, impregnation oil (Process oil 815, Brenntag or BS 30 / 90, LOTUS group) and hydrophobizing agent (Silres 5140, Wacker) were each added in-line and / or separately in an amount that corresponds to 0.1% and 0.2%, respectively, of the stone wool weight. MMVF Stone wool slabs were produced on a production line using external centrifugation spinners. The produced fibres have a geometric mean diameter of 1-2 µm and a fibre composition expressed in percent by weight: SiO2: 30 to 51 Al2O3: 12 to 25 CaO: 8 to 30 MgO: 2 to 25 Fe2O3 total: 2 to 15 Na2O+K2O: not more than 10 CaO+MgO: 10 to 30 The melt was formed into a cloud of fibres entrained in air and an aqueous binder composition comprising protein and a crosslinker (for composition, see table 4-1 below) was added to the fibre cloud and collected as a web on a conveyor and subsequently consolidated, by cross-lapping and / or longitudinal compression and / or vertical compression to adjust the density of the web, see values for density etc. in table 4-1. Curing The stone wool product was cured with air heated to a temperature that resulted in an inner / surface temperature of the wool in the vicinity of 230-270 °C. Test methods used in production examples was according to the following standards (as indicated in the tables): Ignition loss(%): EN 13820:2003 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 Water uptake (kg / m2), EN 1609:2013 Delamination σ: EN 1607:2013 Compression strength σ10: EN ISO 29469:2022 Point Load at 5 mm def. (N): EN 12430:2013 TABLE 1-1: Comparative examples (PUF, a sugar based binder and protein based binders) Example A B C D Binder composition Binder component solids Formaldehyde 32.0 - - - Phenol 27.0 - - - Potassium hydroxide 1.7 - - - Urea 34.4 - - - Ammonia 3.2 0.3 - - Ammonium sulfate 1.8 - - - Glucose syrup - 90.6 - - Ammonium sulfamate - 3.6 - - Hypophosphorous acid - 0.9 - - Urea - 4.5 - - Gelatin, 120 bloom (IMAGEL LA) - - 89.9 - Technical gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - - - 90.0 Moreu) Mimosa tannin - - 4.5 4.5 Linseed oil - - 4.7 4.7 Sodium hydroxide - - 0.9 0.8 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.6 7.5 7.1 7.3 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) 30.2 - - - Reaction loss, 2h / 225C (%) - 38.5 - - Curing onset (°C) 155 165 70 - Curing endset (°C) 172 185 81 - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 17.5 17.5 25[b]25[b]Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 200 2 / 225 1 / 175 1 / 175 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 557 468 733 445 [Index][c]

[0100]

[0084]

[0132]

[0080] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 217 195 665 289 [Index][c]

[0100]

[0090]

[0306]

[0133] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 218 172 346 168 [Index][c]

[0100]

[0079]

[0159]

[0077] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 436 248 19 6 [Index][c]

[0100]

[0057] [4] [1] LOI, unaged (%) 2.62 2.63 2.57 2.47 Bar weight (g per bar) 25.1 24.4 26.2 26.2 Binder solubility (%) 0 0 15 36 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 10 24 17 23[a]Of binder solids.[b]Binder component solids.[c]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 1-2: 0% PAE series Example A 1-2-1 1-2-2 1-2-3 1-2-4 1-2-5 1-2-6 PUF 100:0 65:35 50:50 35:65 25:75 0:100 Binder composition Binder component solids Tech. gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - 99.5 56.2 40.9 27.2 18.8 - Moreu) Glucose syrup - - 43.6 58.9 72.7 81.1 100.0 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - - - - - - - Sodium hydroxide - 0.5 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.1 - Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.6 7.0- 7.2 7.3 7.3 7.4 8.2- 7.3 8.7 Reaction loss, 1h / 175C (%) - - - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) 30.2 - - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - 16.0 - - - - 41.4 Curing onset (°C) 155 - - - - - - Curing endset (°C) 172 - - - - - - Predrying (%) - - - - - - - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 17.5 25 20 20 20 20 17.5 Curing time (h) and 1 / 200 1 / 175 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 temperature (°C) Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged 557 437 566 512 425 358 225 (N)

[0100]

[0078]

[0102]

[0092]

[0076]

[0064]

[0040] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, AC aged 217 346 143 120 124 142 86 (N)

[0100]

[0159]

[0066]

[0055]

[0057]

[0065]

[0040] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, WB aged 218 0 95 105 104 146 39 (N)

[0100] [0]

[0044]

[0048]

[0048]

[0067]

[0018] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, wet (N) 436 3 30 97 107 198 79 [Index][b]

[0100] [1] [7]

[0022]

[0025]

[0045]

[0018] LOI, unaged (%) 2.62 2.43 2.67 2.62 2.59 2.67 2.55 Bar weight (g per bar) 25.1 24.9 24.3 23.7 23.9 25.2 24.3 Binder solubility (%) 0 100 2 0 0 2 13 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 10 21 15 13 19 17 26[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 1-3: 3% PAE series Example A 1-3-1 1-3-2 1-3-3 1-3-4 1-3-5 1-3-6 PUF 100:0 65:35 50:50 35:65 25:75 0:100 Binder composition Binder component solids Tech. gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - 96.5 54.2 39.4 26.2 18.1 - Moreu) Glucose syrup - - 42.4 57.3 70.6 78.8 96.9 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.9 Sodium hydroxide - 0.7 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.6 7.1 7.0 6.9- 6.9- 6.9- 7.1- 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.3 Reaction loss, 1h / 175C (%) - 11.8 - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) 30.2 - - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - 15.7 - - - - 41.7 Curing onset (°C) 155 - - - - - - Curing endset (°C) 172 - - - - - - Predrying (%) - - - - - - - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 17.5 25 20 20 20 20 17.5 Curing time (h) and 1 / 200 1 / 175 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 temperature (°C) Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged 557 400 847 743 725 640 393 (N)

[0100]

[0072]

[0152]

[0133]

[0130]

[0115]

[0071] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, AC aged 217 415 144 202 247 232 122 (N)

[0100]

[0191]

[0066]

[0093]

[0114]

[0107]

[0056] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, WB aged 218 62 166 251 262 220 86 (N)

[0100]

[0028]

[0076]

[0115]

[0120]

[0101]

[0039] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, wet (N) 436 3 41 113 212 192 63 [Index][b]

[0100] [1]

[0012]

[0026]

[0049]

[0044]

[0014] LOI, unaged (%) 2.62 2.49 2.68 2.61 2.64 2.56 2.64 Bar weight (g per bar) 25.1 26.1 26.4 26.7 25.7 26.3 23.9 Binder solubility (%) 0 65 0 0 0 0 3 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 10 16 14 12 18 17 25[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 1-4: 5% PAE series Example A 1-4-1 1-4-2 1-4-3 1-4-4 1-4-5 1-4-6 PUF 100:0 65:35 50:50 35:65 25:75 0:100 Binder composition Binder component solids Tech. gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - 94.5 52.8 38.3 25.3 17.5 - Moreu) Glucose syrup - - 41.9 56.5 69.5 77.4 94.9 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 Sodium hydroxide - 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.3 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.6 7.1- 7.1 7.0- 7.0 7.0 7.3 7.2 7.1 Reaction loss, 1h / 175C (%) - - - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) 30.2 - - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - 13.7 - - - - 41.2 Curing onset (°C) 155 73 187 193 203 - 214 Curing endset (°C) 172 82 221 228 226 - 234 Predrying (%) - 100 61 27 12 - 0 Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 17.5 25 20 20 20 20 17.5 Curing time (h) and 1 / 200 1 / 175 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 temperature (°C) Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged 557 528 778 775 643 631 551 (N)

[0100]

[0095]

[0140]

[0139]

[0115]

[0113]

[0099] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, AC aged 217 428 178 272 214 226 209 (N)

[0100]

[0197]

[0082]

[0125]

[0099]

[0104]

[0096] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, WB aged 218 229 175 241 228 254 154 (N)

[0100]

[0105]

[0080]

[0111]

[0105]

[0117]

[0071] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, wet (N) 436 5 36 134 153 189 200 [Index][b]

[0100] [1] [8]

[0031]

[0035]

[0043]

[0046] LOI, unaged (%) 2.62 2.61 2.58 2.58 2.56 2.51 2.95 Bar weight (g per bar) 25.1 26.7 25.6 25.8 25.8 25.2 25.0 Binder solubility (%) 0 37 5 1 0 0 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 10 13 16 17 15 18 23[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 1-5: 9% PAE series Example A 1-5-1 1-5-2 1-5-3 1-5-4 1-5-5 1-5-6 PUF 100:0 65:35 50:50 35:65 25:75 0:100 Binder composition Binder component solids Tech. gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - 89.8 49.9 36.2 23.9 16.5 - Moreu) Glucose syrup - - 40.1 53.9 66.3 73.7 90.3 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 Sodium hydroxide - 1.3 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.7 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.6 7.0- 6.7 6.8- 6.9- 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.0 Reaction loss, 1h / 175C (%) - 6.6 - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) 30.2 - - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - 15.2 26.7 30.1 35.7 42.8 Curing onset (°C) 155 - 184 196 199 - - Curing endset (°C) 172 - 203 215 219 - - Predrying (%) - - 88 40 12 - - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 17.5 25 20 20 20 20 17.5 Curing time (h) and 1 / 200 1 / 175 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 temperature (°C) Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged 557 426 714 763 638 696 642 (N)

[0100]

[0076]

[0128]

[0137]

[0115]

[0125]

[0115] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, AC aged 217 420 270 369 271 243 210 (N)

[0100]

[0194]

[0124]

[0170]

[0125]

[0112]

[0097] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, WB aged 218 256 316 363 303 240 233 (N)

[0100]

[0117]

[0145]

[0167]

[0139]

[0110]

[0107] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, wet (N) 436 5 32 148 200 196 284 [Index][b]

[0100] [1] [7]

[0034]

[0046]

[0045]

[0065] LOI, unaged (%) 2.62 2.55 2.70 2.61 2.59 2.62 2.84 Bar weight (g per bar) 25.1 26.2 26.2 26.1 25.6 26.2 26.5 Binder solubility (%) 0 25 3 0 0 0 7 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 10 16 17 16 18 18 21[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 1-6: 16% PAE series Example A 1-6-1 1-6-2 1-6-3 1-6-4 1-6-5 1-6-6 PUF 100:0 65:35 50:50 35:65 25:75 0:100 Binder composition Binder component solids Tech. gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - 82.0 46.7 34.1 22.7 15.7 - Moreu) Glucose syrup - - 35.5 48.1 59.6 66.6 82.4 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 16.4 16.4 16.4 16.5 16.5 16.5 Sodium hydroxide - 1.6 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.1 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.6 7.0- 7.1 7.0 7.0 6.9- 7.2- 7.2 7.0 7.3 Reaction loss, 1h / 175C (%) - - - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) 30.2 - - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - 15.2 39.6 Curing onset (°C) 155 - - 196 - - 204 Curing endset (°C) 172 - - 215 - - 221 Predrying (%) - - - 42 - - 0 Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 17.5 25 20 20 20 20 17.5 Curing time (h) and 1 / 200 1 / 175 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 temperature (°C) Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged 557 633 886 789 752 668 622 (N)

[0100]

[0114]

[0159]

[0142]

[0135]

[0120]

[0112] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, AC aged 217 607 398 372 320 248 203 (N)

[0100]

[0280]

[0183]

[0171]

[0147]

[0114]

[0094] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, WB aged 218 367 289 303 295 255 185 (N)

[0100]

[0168]

[0133]

[0139]

[0135]

[0117]

[0085] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, wet (N) 436 3 51 114 204 198 251 [Index][b]

[0100] [1]

[0012]

[0026]

[0047]

[0045]

[0058] LOI, unaged (%) 2.62 2.54 2.63 2.58 2.54 2.56 2.62 Bar weight (g per bar) 25.1 26.3 25.8 25.6 25.6 25.1 25.6 Binder solubility (%) 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 10 11 15 17 18 13 22[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 1-7: Temperature studies, 9% PAE series A 1-7-1 1-7-2 1-7-3 1-7-4 Example (1-5- 4) PUF 35:65 35:65 35:65 35:65 Binder composition Binder component solids Tech. gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - 23.9 23.9 23.9 23.9 Moreu) Glucose syrup - 66.3 66.3 66.3 66.3 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 Sodium hydroxide - 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.6 6.9- 6.9- 6.9- 6.9- 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 Reaction loss, 1h / 175C (%) - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) 30.2 - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - 35.7 35.7 35.7 35.7 Curing onset (°C) 155 199 199 199 199 Curing endset (°C) 172 219 219 219 219 Predrying (%) - 12 12 12 12 Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 17.5 20 20 20 20 Curing time (h) and 1 / 200 1 / 175 1 / 200 1 / 225 2 / 225 temperature (°C) Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged 557 330 538 638 606 (N)

[0100]

[0060]

[0097]

[0115]

[0109] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, AC aged 217 209 232 271 215 (N)

[0100]

[0096]

[0107]

[0125]

[0099] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, WB aged 218 190 282 303 271 (N)

[0100]

[0087]

[0129]

[0139]

[0124] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, wet (N) 436 20 99 200 172 [Index][b]

[0100] [5]

[0023]

[0046]

[0039] LOI, unaged (%) 2.62 3.07 2.77 2.59 2.50 Bar weight (g per bar) 25.1 25.5 25.8 25.6 26.3 Binder solubility (%) 0 20 0 0 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 10 17 15 18 15[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 1-8: pH studies, 9% PAE series A 1-8-1 1-8-2 1-8-3 1-8-4 1-8-5 1-8-6 Example (1-5- 4) PUF 65:35 50:50 35:65 35:65 35:65 35:65 Binder composition Binder component solids Tech. gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - 51.7 37.7 25.1 23.9 24.4 24.1 Moreu) Glucose syrup - 39.1 53.0 65.5 66.3 65.7 65.8 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 9.1 9.1 9.1 9.0 9.0 9.0 Sodium hydroxide - 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.8 0.9 1.1 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.6 4.8 4.7 5.0 6.9- 7.6- 9.0 7.0 8.0 Reaction loss, 1h / 175C (%) - - - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) 30.2 - - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - 26.6 31.3 34.9 35.7 - - Curing onset (°C) 155 - - 199 199 - 199 Curing endset (°C) 172 - - 222 219 - 223 Predrying (%) - - - 16 12 - 18 Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 17.5 20 20 20 20 20 20 Curing time (h) and 1 / 200 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 temperature (°C) Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged 557 778 706 659 638 590 627 (N)

[0100]

[0140]

[0127]

[0118]

[0115]

[0106]

[0113] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, AC aged 217 350 235 249 271 257 232 (N)

[0100]

[0161]

[0108]

[0115]

[0125]

[0118]

[0107] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, WB aged 218 259 297 359 303 331 337 (N)

[0100]

[0119]

[0136]

[0165]

[0139]

[0152]

[0155] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, wet (N) 436 38 93 187 200 175 260 [Index][b]

[0100] [9]

[0021]

[0043]

[0046]

[0040]

[0060] LOI, unaged (%) 2.62 2.67 2.62 2.59 2.59 2.54 2.58 Bar weight (g per bar) 25.1 25.4 26.0 26.0 25.6 26.4 25.1 Binder solubility (%) 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 10 20 17 14 18 21 14[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 1-9 (1 / 3): Hydrophobic additives Example A 1-9-1 1-9-2 1-9-3 1-9-4 1-9-5 1-9-6 (1-5-3) PUF 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Tech. gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - 36.2 35.3 35.3 35.3 34.4 32.9 Moreu) Glucose syrup - 53.9 52.6 52.7 52.7 51.4 49.1 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 9.0 8.8 8.8 8.8 8.6 8.2 Lanolin (Ewalan25) - - 2.4 - - - - Lanolin (Lanis USP23) - - - 2.4 - - - Lanolin salve (Michell’s Bradford) - - - - 2.4 4.7 4.5 Linseed oil - - - - - - 4.5 Cholesteryl stearate - - - - - - - Vaseline white - - - - - - - Paraffin wax, 53-58C - - - - - - - Sodium hydroxide - 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.6 6.8-7.4 7.4 7.3 7.2 7.3 7.5 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) 30.2 - - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - 30.1 - - - - - Curing onset (°C) 155 196 - - - - - Curing endset (°C) 172 215 - - - - - Predrying (%) - 40 - - - - - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 17.5 20 20 20 20 20 20 Curing time (h) and temperature 1 / 200 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 (°C) Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 557 763 769 677 651 576 493 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0137]

[0138]

[0122]

[0117]

[0103]

[0089] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 217 369 275 262 169 234 189 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0170]

[0127]

[0121]

[0078]

[0108]

[0087] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 218 363 339 280 288 245 193 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0167]

[0156]

[0128]

[0132]

[0112]

[0089] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 436 148 161 183 151 113 86 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0034]

[0037]

[0042]

[0035]

[0026]

[0020] LOI, unaged (%) 2.62 2.61 2.59 2.57 2.51 2.55 2.57 Bar weight (g per bar) 25.1 26.1 26.1 26.1 26.5 25.5 26.5 Binder solubility (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 10 16 6 6 7 7 7[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 1-9 (2 / 3): Hydrophobic additives Example 1-9-7 1-9-8 1-9-9 1-9- 1-9- 1-9- 10 11 12 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Tech. gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM 34.4 34.4 32.9 34.4 32.9 32.9 Moreu) Glucose syrup 51.4 54.1 49.1 51.4 49.1 49.1 PAE, Kymene GHP20 8.6 8.6 8.2 8.6 8.2 8.2 Lanolin (Ewalan25) - - - - - - Lanolin (Lanis USP23) - - - - - - Lanolin salve (Michell’s Bradford) - 2.4 - - - - Linseed oil 2.4 2.4 4.5 2.4 4.5 4.5 Cholesteryl stearate 2.4 - - - 4.5 - Vaseline white - - 4.5 2.4 - - Paraffin wax, 53-58C - - - - - 4.5 Sodium hydroxide 0.9 - 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 7.3 7.3 7.3 7.3 7.3 7.5 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) - - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - - - - - - Curing onset (°C) - - - - - - Curing endset (°C) - - - - - - Predrying (%) - - - - - - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 20 20 20 20 20 20 Curing time (h) and temperature 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 (°C) Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 723 593 536 663 648 536 [Index][b]

[0130]

[0106]

[0096]

[0119]

[0116]

[0096] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 179 152 196 173 211 195 [Index][b]

[0082]

[0070]

[0090]

[0080]

[0097]

[0090] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 277 222 191 222 215 204 [Index][b]

[0104]

[0102]

[0088]

[0102]

[0099]

[0094] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 160 134 96 116 119 106 [Index][b]

[0037]

[0031]

[0022]

[0027]

[0027]

[0024] LOI, unaged (%) 2.54 2.48 2.55 2.50 2.63 2.51 Bar weight (g per bar) 26.0 25.6 26.3 26.1 25.6 25.8 Binder solubility (%) 0 1 0 0 0 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 8 8 8 9 9 9[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 1-9 (3 / 3): Hydrophobic additives Example 1-9- 1-9- 1-9- 1-9- 1-9- 13 14 15 16 17 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Tech. gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM 35.3 34.4 34.4 35.3 34.3 Moreu) Glucose syrup 52.6 51.4 51.4 52.6 51.4 PAE, Kymene GHP20 8.8 8.6 8.6 8.8 8.6 Lanolin (Ewalan25) - - - - - Lanolin (Lanis USP23) - - - - - Lanolin salve (Michell’s Bradford) - - - - - Linseed oil - 2.4 - 2.5 4.7 Cholesteryl stearate 2.4 - 4.7 - - Vaseline white - - - - - Paraffin wax, 53-58C - 2.4 - - - Sodium hydroxide 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.9 0.9 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 7.2 7.3 7.3 7.3 7.4 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - - - - - Curing onset (°C) - - - - - Curing endset (°C) - - - - - Predrying (%) - - - - - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 20 20 20 20 20 Curing time (h) and temperature 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 (°C) Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 740 692 613 645 618 [Index][b]

[0133]

[0124]

[0110]

[0116]

[0111] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 182 133 236 184 256 [Index][b]

[0084]

[0061]

[0109]

[0085]

[0118] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 359 224 199 241 260 [Index][b]

[0165]

[0103]

[0091]

[0111]

[0119] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 222 154 110 135 113 [Index][b]

[0051]

[0035]

[0025]

[0031]

[0026] LOI, unaged (%) 2.53 2.42 2.59 2.56 2.62 Bar weight (g per bar) 26.1 26.0 24.9 26.1 25.6 Binder solubility (%) 0 1 2 0 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 10 10 12 13 13[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 2-1: Comparative examples (PUF, a sugar based binder and protein based binders) Example A B C D Binder composition Binder component solids Formaldehyde 32.0 - - - Phenol 27.0 - - - Potassium hydroxide 1.7 - - - Urea 34.4 - - - Ammonia 3.2 0.3 - - Ammonium sulfate 1.8 - - - Glucose syrup - 90.6 - - Ammonium sulfamate - 3.6 - - Hypophosphorous acid - 0.9 - - Urea - 4.5 - - Gelatin, 120 bloom (IMAGEL LA) - - 89.9 - Technical gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - - - 90.0 Moreu) Mimosa tannin - - 4.5 4.5 Linseed oil - - 4.7 4.7 Sodium hydroxide - - 0.9 0.8 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.6 7.5 7.1 7.3 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) 30.2 - - - Reaction loss, 2h / 225C (%) - 38.5 - - Curing onset (°C) 155 165 70 - Curing endset (°C) 172 185 81 - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 20 20 25[b]25[b]Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 200 2 / 225 1 / 175 1 / 175 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 641 558 728 644 [Index][c]

[0100]

[0087]

[0114]

[0100] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 312 270 707 500 [Index][c]

[0100]

[0087]

[0227]

[0160] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 328 251 389 287 [Index][c]

[0100]

[0077]

[0118]

[0088] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 596 329 16 13 [Index][c]

[0100]

[0055] [3] [2] LOI, unaged (%) 2.61 2.71 2.59 2.51 Bar weight (g per bar) 23.9 24.2 24.7 25.4 Binder solubility (%) 0 0 8 24 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 6 20 16 23[a]Of binder solids.[b]Binder component solids.[c]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 2-2 (1 / 4): Alternative proteins, collagen-type Example A 2-2-1 2-2-2 2-2-3 2-2-4 2-2-5 PUF 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - 36.2 - - - - Moreu) Technical gelatin, 150 bloom (CAM - - 36.2 - - - Moreu) Technical gelatin, 0 bloom (CAM - - - 36.1 - - Moreu) Gelatin, peptiplus XB-UHV (10-14 - - - - 36.2 - kDa) Marine collagen, 3 kDa (MM - - - - - 36.2 Ingredients) - - - - - - - Glucose syrup - 53.9 54.0 53.9 54.0 54.0 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 Sodium hydroxide - 0.9 0.8 1.0 0.8 0.8 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.6 7.2- 7.3 7.2 7.1 7.2 7.3 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) 30.2 - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - 30.1 - - - - Curing onset (°C) 155 196 - - - - Curing endset (°C) 172 215 - - - - Predrying (%) - 40 - - - - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 17.5 25 25 25 30 25 Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 200 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 641 878 852 808 795 787 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0137]

[0139]

[0126]

[0124]

[0123] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 312 384 322 458 342 284 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0123]

[0103]

[0147]

[0110]

[0091] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 328 486 493 435 421 408 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0148]

[0150]

[0133]

[0128]

[0124] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 596 266 288 234 271 242 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0045]

[0048]

[0039]

[0045]

[0041] LOI, unaged (%) 2.61 2.63 2.64 2.61 2.71 2.76 Bar weight (g per bar) 23.9 25.3 25.4 25.0 24.6 24.8 Binder solubility (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 6 13 14 9 15 17[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 2-2 (2 / 4): Alternative proteins, collagen-type Example 2-2-6 2-2-7 2-2-8 2-2-9 2-2- 2-2- 10 11 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatin, hydrolysed (CAM 36.1 - - - - - Moreu) Gelatin, 80 bloom (IMAGEL RL, 30- - 36.2 - - - - 100 kDa) Technical gelatin, 20-40 bloom - - 36.2 - - - (Amstel) Gelatin, Novotec CB800 (3 kDa) - - - 36.0 - - Gelatin, hydrolysate (2 kDa) - - - - 36.2 - Gelatin, peptiplus XP-UHV (10-16 - - - - - 36.2 kDa) Glucose syrup 53.9 54.0 54.0 53.7 54.0 54.0 PAE, Kymene GHP20 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 Sodium hydroxide 1.0 0.9 0.8 1.3 0.9 0.8 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 7.1 7.4 7.4 7.1 7.0 7.2 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) - - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - - - - - - Curing onset (°C) - - - - - - Curing endset (°C) - - - - - - Predrying (%) - - - - - - Binder mixing and bar manufacture - Binder solids (%) 25 25 25 27.5 30 30 Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 778 768 757 757 753 749 [Index][b]

[0121]

[0120]

[0118]

[0118]

[0117]

[0117] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 316 334 401 321 254 360 [Index][b]

[0101]

[0107]

[0129]

[0103]

[0081]

[0115] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 375 370 461 342 294 345 [Index][b]

[0114]

[0113]

[0141]

[0104]

[0090]

[0105] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 261 199 237 197 195 248 [Index][b]

[0044]

[0033]

[0040]

[0033]

[0033]

[0042] LOI, unaged (%) 2.76 2.70 2.60 2.97 2.82 2.71 Bar weight (g per bar) 25.2 25.3 26.0 24.9 24.5 24.5 Binder solubility (%) 0 0 0 3 0 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 9 14 13 18 12 20[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 2-2 (3 / 4): Alternative proteins, collagen-type Example 2-2- 2-2- 2-2- 2-2- 2-2- 2-2- 12 13 14 15 16 17 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatin, 80 bloom (SelJel) 36.1 - - - - - Technical gelatin, 50-70 bloom - 36.2 - - - - (Amstel) Fish glue (Kremer Pigmente) - - 36.1 - - - Gelatine from fish, 0 bloom (Sigma- - - - 36.1 - - Aldrich) Technical gelatin, 80-100 bloom - - - - 36.2 - (Amstel) Gelatine peptone, hydrolysed (Sigma- - - - - - 36.2 Aldrich) Glucose syrup 53.9 54.0 53.9 53.9 54.0 54.0 PAE, Kymene GHP20 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 Sodium hydroxide 1.0 0.8 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 7.3 7.4 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.0 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) - - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - - - - - - Curing onset (°C) - - - - - - Curing endset (°C) - - - - - - Predrying (%) - - - - - - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 30 25 30 30 25 25 Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 720 707 674 656 636 558 [Index][b]

[0112]

[0110]

[0105]

[0102]

[0099]

[0087] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 307 253 239 233 245 191 [Index][b]

[0098]

[0081]

[0077]

[0075]

[0079]

[0061] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 354 408 292 297 400 255 [Index][b]

[0108]

[0124]

[0089]

[0091]

[0122]

[0078] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 221 264 140 147 216 144 [Index][b]

[0037]

[0044]

[0023]

[0025]

[0036]

[0024] LOI, unaged (%) 2.65 2.60 2.85 2.74 2.52 2.85 Bar weight (g per bar) 24.0 25.1 24.5 24.6 24.7 25.1 Binder solubility (%) 0 0 1 0 0 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 20 13 23 22 24 10[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 2-2 (3 / 4): Alternative proteins, collagen-type Example 2-2- 2-2- 18 19 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatin, hydrolysed (Gelita) 36.1 - Technical gelatin, 40-110 bloom - 36.2 (Xiamen) - - - - - - - - - - - - Glucose syrup 53.9 54.0 PAE, Kymene GHP20 9.0 9.0 Sodium hydroxide 0.9 0.8 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 7.1 7.3 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - - Curing onset (°C) - - Curing endset (°C) - - Predrying (%) - - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 25 30 Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 517 506 [Index][b]

[0081]

[0078] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 237 224 [Index][b]

[0076]

[0072] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 293 295 [Index][b]

[0089]

[0090] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 180 174 [Index][b]

[0030]

[0029] LOI, unaged (%) 2.67 2.64 Bar weight (g per bar) 24.3 24.5 Binder solubility (%) 3 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 10 19[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 2-3 (1 / 3): Alternative proteins, non-collagen-type A 2-3-1 2-3-2 2-3-3 2-3-4 2-3-5 Example (2-2- 1) PUF 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - 36.2 - - - - Moreu) Gliadin (Sigma-Aldrich) - - 36.3 - - - Whey protein isolate, SP-9226 (Arla) - - - 36.2 - - Silkworm sericin - - - - 36.1 - Egg albumin - - - - - 36.1 - - - - - - - Glucose syrup - 53.9 54.1 54.0 53.9 53.8 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 Sodium hydroxide - 0.9 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.1 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.6 7.2- 6.8 7.3 7.2 7.1 7.3 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) 30.2 - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - 30.1 - - - - Curing onset (°C) 155 196 - - - - Curing endset (°C) 172 215 - - - - Predrying (%) - 40 - - - - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 17.5 25 25 30 25 30 Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 200 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 641 878 615 517 450 425 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0137]

[0096]

[0081]

[0070]

[0066] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 312 384 219 255 159 176 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0123]

[0070]

[0082]

[0051]

[0056] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 328 486 243 266 221 151 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0148]

[0074]

[0081]

[0067]

[0046] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 596 266 231 240 145 183 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0045]

[0039]

[0040]

[0024]

[0031] LOI, unaged (%) 2.61 2.63 2.68 2.71 2.63 2.37 Bar weight (g per bar) 23.9 25.3 25.0 24.0 25.7 24.0 Binder solubility (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 6 13 17 22 14 22[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 2-3 (2 / 3): Alternative proteins, non-collagen-type Example 2-3-6 2-3-7 2-3-8 2-3-9 2-3- 2-3- 10 11 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Modified gluten 36.2 - - - - - Crespotec bind gluten - 36.2 - - - - Casein - - 36.1 - - - Yeast protein (Angel Yeast, AnPro) - - - 36.2 - - Carob germ protein - - - - 35.8 - Yeast extract - - - - - 36.1 Glucose syrup 54.1 54.1 53.9 54.0 53.4 53.9 PAE, Kymene GHP20 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 8.9 9.0 Sodium hydroxide 0.7 0.7 1.0 0.8 1.9 1.0 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 7.2 7.0 7.3 7.1 7.2 7.0 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) - - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - - - - - - Curing onset (°C) - - - - - - Curing endset (°C) - - - - - - Predrying (%) - - - - - - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 25 25 32.5 25 28 20 Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 418 389 370 352 351 267 [Index][b]

[0065]

[0061]

[0058]

[0055]

[0055]

[0042] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 195 148 120 223 214 140 [Index][b]

[0063]

[0047]

[0038]

[0071]

[0069]

[0045] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 192 153 105 235 234 92 [Index][b]

[0059]

[0047]

[0032]

[0072]

[0071]

[0028] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 154 136 94 158 168 24 [Index][b]

[0026]

[0023]

[0016]

[0027]

[0028] [4] LOI, unaged (%) 2.75 2.68 2.87 2.68 2.84 2.36 Bar weight (g per bar) 24.4 24.4 23.7 23.9 24.9 24.1 Binder solubility (%) 1 0 0 0 0 3 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 17 15 21 16 14 17[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 2-3 (3 / 3): Alternative proteins, non-collagen-type Example 2-3- 2-3- 12 13 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Soy protein acid hydrolysate 35.9 - Soybean flour - 36.2 - - - - - - - - - - - - Glucose syrup 53.6 54.0 PAE, Kymene GHP20 9.0 9.0 Sodium hydroxide 1.5 0.7 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 7.0 7.3 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - - Curing onset (°C) - - Curing endset (°C) - - Predrying (%) - - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 25 25 Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 219 208 [Index][b]

[0034]

[0032] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 155 117 [Index][b]

[0050]

[0038] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 150 144 [Index][b]

[0046]

[0044] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 153 78 [Index][b]

[0026]

[0013] LOI, unaged (%) 2.24 2.50 Bar weight (g per bar) 24.0 23.6 Binder solubility (%) 1 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 12 27[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 2-4 (1 / 4): Alternative carbohydrates A 2-4-1 2-4-2 2-4-3 2-4-4 2-4-5 Example (2-2- 1) PUF 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - 36.2 36.7 36.5 36.6 36.7 Moreu) Glucose syrup - 53.9 - 27.2 - - Sucrose (di, 0.34 kDa, DE = 0) - - 53.4 26.5 - - Melezitose (tri, 0.50 kDa, DE = 0) - - - - 53.5 - Lactose (di, 0.34 kDa, DE = 52) - - - - - 53.4 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 Sodium hydroxide - 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.6 7.2- 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.3 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) 30.2 - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - 30.1 - - - - Curing onset (°C) 155 196 - - - - Curing endset (°C) 172 215 - - - - Predrying (%) - 40 - - - - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 17.5 25 25 25 25 25 Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 200 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 641 878 953 948 898 862 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0137]

[0149]

[0148]

[0140]

[0134] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 312 384 505 463 400 355 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0123]

[0162]

[0140]

[0128]

[0114] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 328 486 530 509 521 464 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0148]

[0162]

[0155]

[0167]

[0141] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 596 266 351 323 309 295 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0045]

[0059]

[0054]

[0052]

[0049] LOI, unaged (%) 2.61 2.63 2.58 2.64 2.71 2.61 Bar weight (g per bar) 23.9 25.3 25.6 25.1 25.1 25.4 Binder solubility (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 6 13 11 13 11 15[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 2-4 (2 / 4): Alternative carbohydrates Example 2-4-6 2-4-7 2-4-8 2-4-9 2-4- 2-4- 10 11 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM 35.3 36.7 36.7 34.5 36.7 44.5 Moreu) Fructose (mono, 0.18 kDa, DE ~ 100) 54.9 - - - - - Raffinose (tri, 0.50 kDa, DE = 0) - 53.5 - - - - Maltose (di, 0.34 kDa, DE = 52) - - 53.4 - - - Xylose (mono, 0.15 kDa, DE ~ 100) - - - 55.6 - - Maltotriose (tri, 0.50 kDa, DE = 36) - - - - 53.3 - Maltodextrin (oligo, 0.90-1.2 kDa, DE - - - - - 45.7 = 15-20) PAE, Kymene GHP20 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 Sodium hydroxide 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.9 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.3 7.3 7.2 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) - - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - - - - - - Curing onset (°C) - - - - - - Curing endset (°C) - - - - - - Predrying (%) - - - - - - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 25 25 25 25 25 25 Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 860 853 813 807 756 731 [Index][b]

[0134]

[0133]

[0127]

[0126]

[0118]

[0114] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 430 385 322 415 305 328 [Index][b]

[0138]

[0123]

[0103]

[0133]

[0098]

[0105] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 532 530 448 511 391 345 [Index][b]

[0162]

[0162]

[0137]

[0156]

[0119]

[0105] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 248 311 254 275 163 34 [Index][b]

[0042]

[0052]

[0043]

[0046]

[0027] [6] LOI, unaged (%) 2.72 2.76 2.65 2.64 2.94 2.50 Bar weight (g per bar) 25.6 25.4 24.5 25.5 24.8 25.5 Binder solubility (%) 0 0 0 0 0 3 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 12 12 14 6 13 13[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 2-4 (3 / 4): Alternative carbohydrates Example 2-4- 2-4- 2-4- 2-4- 12 13 14 15 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM 45.5 46.2 46.2 46.3 Moreu) Maltodextrin (oligo, 3.6 kDa, DE = 4- 44.6 - - - 7) Potato starch, soluble (poly, DE = 0) - 43.8 - - Oxidized starch (poly) - - 43.8 - Psyllium (poly, DE = 0) - - - 43.9 - - - - - - - - - - PAE, Kymene GHP20 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 Sodium hydroxide 0.9 0.9 1.0 0.9 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 7.2 7.2 7.3 7.1 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - - - - Curing onset (°C) - - - - Curing endset (°C) - - - - Predrying (%) - - - - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 25 25 25 25 Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 477 395 376 271 [Index][b]

[0074]

[0062]

[0059]

[0042] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 257 262 223 267 [Index][b]

[0081]

[0084]

[0071]

[0086] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 249 236 173 130 [Index][b]

[0076]

[0072]

[0053]

[0040] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 17 12 9 4 [Index][b][3] [2] [2] [1] LOI, unaged (%) 2.51 2.66 2.46 2.99 Bar weight (g per bar) 24.0 24.7 23.7 23.2 Binder solubility (%) 9 23 14 26 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 17 14 20 12[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 2-4 (4 / 4): Alternative carbohydrates Example A 2-4- 2-4- 16 17 PUF 35:65 35:65 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - 25.3 28.2 Moreu) Glucose syrup - 69.4 - Sucrose (di, 0.34 kDa, DE = 0) - - 66.6 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 4.7 4.7 Sodium hydroxide - 0.5 0.5 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.6 7.4 7.2 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) 30.2 - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - - - Curing onset (°C) 155 203 - Curing endset (°C) 172 226 - Predrying (%) - 12 - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 17.5 25 25 Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 200 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 641 848 963 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0132]

[0150] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 312 442 479 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0142]

[0154] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 328 577 546 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0176]

[0166] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 596 404 514 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0068]

[0086] LOI, unaged (%) 2.61 2.70 2.32 Bar weight (g per bar) 23.9 25.6 25.3 Binder solubility (%) 0 1 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 6 16 17[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 2-5: Alternative carbohydrate derivatives A 2-5-1 2-5-2 2-5-3 2-5-4 2-5-5 Example (2-2- 1) PUF 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - 36.2 36.1 37.2 37.2 37.9 Moreu) Glucose syrup - 53.9 - - - - 5-(Hydroxymethyl)furfural - - 53.8 - - - Sorbitol (mono, 0.18 kDa, - - - 53.0 - - hydrogenated) Maltitol (di, 0.34 kDa, part - - - - 53.0 - hydrogenated) Gluconic acid - - - - - 44.3 - - - - - - - PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 8.2 Sodium hydroxide - 0.9 1.1 0.8 0.9 7.8 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.6 7.2- 7.0 7.2 7.3 6.9 7.3 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) 30.2 - - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - 30.1 39.7 - - - Curing onset (°C) 155 196 - - - - Curing endset (°C) 172 215 - - - - Predrying (%) - 40 - - - - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 17.5 25 30 30 30 27.5 Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 200 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 641 878 752 343 300 99 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0137]

[0117]

[0054]

[0047]

[0015] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 312 384 177 244 332 74 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0123]

[0057]

[0078]

[0106]

[0024] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 328 486 293 140 131 79 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0148]

[0089]

[0043]

[0040]

[0024] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 596 266 444 45 10 0 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0045]

[0074] [8] [2] [0] LOI, unaged (%) 2.61 2.63 2.69 2.51 3.07 2.71 Bar weight (g per bar) 23.9 25.3 25.0 24.9 24.3 24.9 Binder solubility (%) 0 0 0 15 39 37 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 6 13 15 16 18 18[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 2-6 (1 / 2): Alternative bases A 2-6-1 2-6-3 2-6-5 Example (2-2- 1) PUF 50:50 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - 36.2 36.0 36.2 Moreu) Glucose syrup - 53.9 53.7 54.0 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 9.0 9.0 9.0 Sodium hydroxide - 0.9 - - Potassium hydroxide - - 1.4 - Calcium hydroxide - - - 0.8 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.6 7.2- 7.2 7.2 7.3 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) 30.2 - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - 30.1 - - Curing onset (°C) 155 196 - - Curing endset (°C) 172 215 - - Predrying (%) - 40 - - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 17.5 25 25 25 Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 200 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 641 878 917 914 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0137]

[0143]

[0143] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 312 384 411 391 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0123]

[0132]

[0125] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 328 486 501 477 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0148]

[0153]

[0145] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 596 266 282 273 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0045]

[0047]

[0046] LOI, unaged (%) 2.61 2.63 2.63 2.58 Bar weight (g per bar) 23.9 25.3 25.2 25.1 Binder solubility (%) 0 0 0 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 6 13 15 19[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 2-6 (2 / 2): Alternative bases Example 2-6-6 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM 36.3 Moreu) Glucose syrup 54.1 PAE, Kymene GHP20 9.0 Sodium hydroxide - Lithium hydroxide 0.5 - - - - - - Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 7.2 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - Curing onset (°C) - Curing endset (°C) - Predrying (%) - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 25 Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 868 [Index][b]

[0135] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 408 [Index][b]

[0131] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 520 [Index][b]

[0159] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 272 [Index][b]

[0046] LOI, unaged (%) 2.64 Bar weight (g per bar) 25.0 Binder solubility (%) 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 15[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 3-1: Comparative examples (PUF and protein-based binder) Example A D Binder composition Binder component solids Formaldehyde 32.0 - Phenol 27.0 - Potassium hydroxide 1.7 - Urea 34.4 - Ammonia 3.2 - Ammonium sulfate 1.8 - Technical gelatin, 150 bloom - 90.3 (CAM Moreu) Mimosa tannin - 4.5 Linseed oil - 4.7 Sodium hydroxide - 0.5 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.8 7.3 Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder component solids (%) 15[b]25 Curing time (h) and temperature 1 / 200 1 / 175 (°C) Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 403 631 [Index][c]

[0100]

[0157] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 170 607 [Index][c]

[0100]

[0357] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 181 230 [Index][c]

[0100]

[0127] LOI, unaged (%) 2.52 2.66 Bar weight (g per bar) 24.7 26.8 Binder solubility (%) 0 27 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 16 21[a]Of binder solids (binder composition A) or of binder component solids (all other binders).[b]Binder solids.[c]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 3-2 (1 / 3): Protein-based binder with lanolins and oil-derived hydrocarbons Example A D 3-2-1 3-2-2 3-2-3 3-2-4 3-2-5 PUF Binder composition Binder component solids Tech. gelatin, 150 bloom (CAM - 90.3 90.2 90.2 86.2 86.2 86.1 Moreu) Mimosa tannin - 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.3 4.3 4.3 Linseed oil - 4.7 - - 4.5 - 4.5 Paraffin wax, 53-58C - - - - 4.5 - - Paraffin wax, 58-62C - - 4.7 - - - - Cholesteryl stearate - - - 4.7 - - - Lanolin salve (Michell’s Bradford) - - - - - 9.0 - Cholesteryl acetate - - - - - - 4.5 Sodium hydroxide - 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.8 7.3 7.3 7.3 7.2 7.3 7.3 Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder component solids (%) 15[b]25 25 25 25 25 25 Curing time (h) and temperature 1 / 200 1 / 175 1 / 175 1 / 175 1 / 175 1 / 175 1 / 175 (°C) Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 403 631 694 661 660 656 643 [Index][c]

[0100]

[0157]

[0172]

[0164]

[0164]

[0163]

[0160] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 170 607 616 615 707 691 605 [Index][c]

[0100]

[0357]

[0362]

[0362]

[0416]

[0406]

[0356] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 181 230 177 199 234 174 187 [Index][c]

[0100]

[0127]

[0098]

[0110]

[0129]

[0096]

[0103] LOI, unaged (%) 2.52 2.66 2.54 2.61 2.54 2.54 2.97 Bar weight (g per bar) 24.7 26.8 26.5 27.0 26.5 26.4 26.9 Binder solubility (%) 0 27 46 29 33 43 37 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 16 21 17 15 14 17 15[a]Of binder solids (binder composition A) or of binder component solids (all other binders).[b]Binder solids.[c]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 3-2 (2 / 3): Protein-based binder with lanolins and oil-derived hydrocarbons; Example 3-2-6 3-2-7 3-2-8 3-2-9 3-2- 3-2- 10 11 Binder composition Binder component solids Tech. gelatin, 150 bloom (CAM 86.2 86.1 92.1 86.2 90.3 86.2 Moreu) Mimosa tannin 4.3 4.3 4.6 4.3 4.5 4.3 Linseed oil 4.5 4.5 - 4.5 - 4.5 Vaseline wax 4.5 - - - - - Cholesteryl stearate - 4.5 - - - - Lanolin salve (Michell’s - - 2.9 - 4.7 4.5 Bradford) Lanolin (Ewalan25) - - - 4.5 - - - - - - - - - Sodium hydroxide 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.4 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 7.3 7.3 7.3 7.3 7.2 7.2 Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder component solids (%) 25 25 25 25 25 25 Curing time (h) and temperature 1 / 175 1 / 175 1 / 175 1 / 175 1 / 175 1 / 175 (°C) Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged 638 626 613 593 581 538 (N)

[0158]

[0155]

[0152]

[0147]

[0144]

[0133] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, AC aged 675 628 564 550 585 545 (N)

[0397]

[0369]

[0332]

[0324]

[0344]

[0321] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, WB aged 196 271 377 174 266 288 (N)

[0108]

[0150]

[0208]

[0096]

[0147]

[0159] [Index][b]LOI, unaged (%) 2.61 2.92 2.50 2.65 2.60 2.51 Bar weight (g per bar) 26.8 27.1 25.9 27.2 26.4 25.7 Binder solubility (%) 42 30 16 41 27 14 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 16 14 15 16 16 13[a]Of binder solids (binder composition A) or of binder component solids (all other binders).[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 3-2 (3 / 3): Protein-based binder with animal and plant derived waxes Example 3-2- 3-2- 11 12 Binder composition Binder component solids Tech. gelatin, 150 bloom (CAM 86.2 86.1 Moreu) Mimosa tannin 4.3 4.3 Linseed oil 4.5 4.5 Beeswax 4.5 - Sumac wax - 4.5 - - - - - - - - - Sodium hydroxide 0.5 0.5 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 7.3 7.3 Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder component solids (%) 25 25 Curing time (h) and temperature 1 / 175 1 / 175 (°C) Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged 606 495 (N)

[0150]

[0123] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, AC aged 596 523 (N)

[0351]

[0307] [Index][b]Mechanical strength, WB aged 174 196 (N)

[0096]

[0108] [Index][b]LOI, unaged (%) 2.62 2.60 Bar weight (g per bar) 27.2 26.7 Binder solubility (%) 28 27 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 17 16[a]Of binder solids (binder composition A) or of binder component solids (all other binders).[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 4-1 (1 / 2): Simulated spinning chamber and curing emissions Example A B C Simulated spinning chamber emissions (mg / g binder solids)[a]Drying time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 95 1 / 95 1 / 95 Ammonia 22 0 1 Methanol 9 0 0 Carbon dioxide 5 0 0 Formaldehyde 3 0 0 Phenol 2 0 0 Isocyanic acid 1 0 0 Acetaldehyde 0 0 0 Acetic acid 0 0 0 Carbon monoxide 0 0 0 Formic acid 0 0 0 Furfural 0 2 1 Urea 0 1 1 Simulated curing emissions (mg / g binder solids)[b]Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 200 2 / 225 1 / 175 Ammonia 49 0 3 Isocyanic acid 40 5 0 Carbon dioxide 33 196 0 Acetic acid 0 4 1 Carbon monoxide 0 49 0 Formaldehyde 0 1 0 Formic acid 0 2 0 Furfural 0 2 1 Hydrogen cyanide 0 1 0 Methane 0 0 0 Sulfur dioxide 0 14 0[a]Only emissions present in ≥ 1 mg / g solids are included.[b]Only emissions present in ≥ 5 mg / g solids are included.

[0003] TABLE 4-1 (2 / 2): Simulated spinning chamber and curing emissions A 4-1-1 4-1-2 4-1-3 4-1-4 4-1-5 4-1-6 Example (1-5- (1-5- (1-5- (1-5- (1-5- (1-5- 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) PUF 100:0 65:35 50:50 35:65 25:75 0:100 Binder composition Binder component solids Tech. gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - 89.8 49.9 36.2 23.9 16.5 - Moreu) Glucose - - 40.1 53.9 66.3 73.7 90.3 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 Sodium hydroxide - 1.3 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.7 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Simulated spinning chamber emissions (mg / g binder solids)[b]Drying time (h) and 1 / 95 1 / 95 1 / 95 1 / 95 1 / 95 1 / 95 1 / 95 temperature (°C) Ammonia 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 Methanol 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 Carbon dioxide 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 Formaldehyde 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 Phenol 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Isocyanic acid 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Acetaldehyde 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 Acetic acid 0 0 7 1 4 0 0 Carbon monoxide 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 Formic acid 0 0 2 0 4 0 0 Furfural 0 0 3 2 0 1 1 Urea 0 1 0 0 2 1 1 Simulated curing emissions (mg / g binder solids)[c]Curing time (h) and 1 / 200 1 / 175 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 temperature (°C) Ammonia 49 3 16 2 9 0 0 Isocyanic acid 40 0 26 4 2 0 0 Carbon dioxide 33 5 284 84 40 31 28 Acetic acid 0 1 5 7 4 9 6 Carbon monoxide 0 1 132 11 12 3 4 Formaldehyde 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 Formic acid 0 0 0 2 0 6 9 Furfural 0 1 0 6 7 9 11 Hydrogen cyanide 0 0 17 1 2 0 0 Methane 0 0 3 0 7 0 0 Sulfur dioxide 0 0 0 1 0 0 1[a]Of binder solids.[b]Only emissions present in ≥ 1 mg / g solids are included.[c]Only emissions present in ≥ 5 mg / g solids are included. TABLE 5-1: Production examples Example A 5-1-1 Spec PUF 35:65 s Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - - 25.5 Moreu) Glucose syrup - - 69.5 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - - 4.6 Sodium hydroxide - - 0.4 Other additives Silane[a]- 0.2 0.2 Impregnation oil[b]- 0.1 0.1 Silres 5140[b]- - 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture - - 7 General product properties Ignition loss (%), EN 13820:2003 - 4.63 4.19 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 80.0 79.5 78.4 Water uptake (kg / m2), EN 1609 <1 0.10 0.10 Delamination σ Unaged (kPa), EN 1607:2013 10.0 17.4 11.3 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 80.0 78.1 76.8 15 min autoclave (kPa)[c]- 7.9 7.5 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 76.4 76.8 7 days aging (kPa)[d]- 10.1 7.9 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 77.5 76.7 28 days aging (kPa)[d]- 9.8 6.1 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 77.6 76.9 Compression σ10 Unaged (kPa), EN ISO 29469:2022 20.0 29.1 22.6 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 80.0 77.5 77.1 15 min autoclave (kPa)[c]- 21.8 18.5 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 78.3 76.2 7 days aging (kPa)[d]- 23.9 18.4 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 78.0 75.5 28 days aging (kPa)[d]- 21.2 16.8 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 79.2 76.5 Point load Load at 5 mm def. (N), EN 12430:2013 - 251 215 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 75.8 78.1[a]Of binder solids.[b]Of stone wool.[c]1 bar, 121±2°C, 95±5 % RH.[d]70±2°C, 95±5 % RH. TABLE 5-1 (2 / 3): Production examples Example A 5-1-2 5-1-3 Spec PUF 35:65 35:65 s Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - - 25.6 25.6 Moreu) Glucose syrup - - 69.7 69.7 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - - 4.3 4.3 Sodium hydroxide - - 0.4 0.4 Other additives Silane[a]- 0.2 0.2 0.2 Impregnation oil[b]- 0.1 0.1 0.1 Silres 5140[b]- - 0.2 0.1 Binder properties pH of binder mixture - - 7 7 General product properties Ignition loss (%), EN 13820:2003 - 4.42 6.82 5.57 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 80.0 78.3 81.4 80.6 Water uptake (kg / m2), EN 1609 <1 0.11 0.38 0.16 Delamination σ Unaged (kPa), EN 1607:2013 10.0 14.5 13.3 11.6 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 80.0 79.3 80.4 80.0 15 min autoclave (kPa)[c]- 8.8 9.2 8.4 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 77.1 81.6 79.7 7 days aging (kPa)[d]- Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 28 days aging (kPa)[d]- Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - Compression σ10 Unaged (kPa), EN ISO 29469:2022 20.0 25.1 28.7 26.4 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 80.0 79.9 80.8 80.8 15 min autoclave (kPa)[c]- Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 7 days aging (kPa)[d]- Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 28 days aging (kPa)[d]- Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - Point load Load at 5 mm def. (N), EN 12430:2013 200 229 257 265 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO - 80.9 79.5[a]Of binder solids.[b]Of stone [c]1 bar, 121±2°C, 95±5 % [d]70±2°C, 95±5 % RH. TABLE 5-1 (3 / 3): Production examples Example 5-1-4 Spec 35:65 s Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - 25.6 Moreu) Glucose syrup - 69.7 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 4.3 Sodium hydroxide - 0.4 Other additives Silane[a]- 0.2 Impregnation oil[b]- 0.1 Silres 5140[b]- 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture - 7 General product properties Ignition loss (%), EN 13820:2003 - 4.84 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 125 129.9 Water uptake (kg / m2), EN 1609 <1 0.86 Delamination σ Unaged (kPa), EN 1607:2013 10 18.1 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 125 132.4 15 min autoclave (kPa)[c]- 11.9 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 3.9 7 days aging (kPa)[d]- 130.4 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 28 days aging (kPa)[d]- Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - Compression σ10 Unaged (kPa), EN ISO 29469:2022 50 60.8 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 125 133 15 min autoclave (kPa)[c]- Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 7 days aging (kPa)[d]- Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 28 days aging (kPa)[d]- Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - Point load Load at 5 mm def. (N), EN 12430:2013 500 587 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO - 127[a]Of binder solids.[b]Of stone [c]1 bar, 121±2°C, 95±5 % RH.[d]70±2°C, 95±5 % RH. General comments and discussion of test results General comments The present mineral fibre binder composition Some of the present mineral fibre binder compositions are based on a mixture of saccharides and proteins, crosslinked with the azetidinium functional crosslinker (PAE). The binder composition is adjusted to a desired pH, typically around neutral pH with a base, e.g. sodium hydroxide. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the unique crosslinking reactivity of azetidinium functional crosslinker, in particular PAE, towards both proteins and saccharides is central to the presented binder technology. In brief, the electrophilic four membered azetidinium rings in the PAE resin can both self-crosslink and co-crosslink with the saccharides and proteins to generate covalent bonds. This occurs by nucleophilic attack on the α-position of the azetidinium ring of a nucleophile from the saccharide or protein leading to ring opening and formation of a covalent bond. Some of the mineral fibre binder compositions are based on a mixture of proteins and phenol containing crosslinker, e.g. tannin, The present mineral fibre binder compositions comprises no or very little toxic components and is thus not only formaldehyde free, but also ammonia free. The low level of emissions resulting from application of the binder can be handled in conventional abatement systems and thus reduces or even eliminates the need for installing new abatement equipment, such as, for example catalyst(s) to reduce or eliminate emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC), e.g. formaldehyde; and / or nitrogen containing compounds, for example ammonia and / or nitrogen oxides (NOx). Furthermore, the low emissions from production using in the present mineral fibre binder can be handled by conventional abatement systems. Tables 1 and 2 show the results from laboratory studies of various compositions of the present mineral fibre binder. Table 1-1, 2-1 and 3-1 contain details about the comparative binders, and for ease of overview, the composite bar results in all the tables are given both as absolute values as well as in relative index values compared to those of the PUF reference, i.e. comparative binder A. Tables 4 show the simulated spinning chamber emissions and simulated curing emissions for the comparative binders as well as for a selection of the present mineral fibre binder compositions. The section about production examples comprises experimental details from test productions where a test composition of present mineral fibre binder was used to prepare a stone wool insulation test product, which was later subjected to various tests. Table 5 displays the results from the tests made on the test production insulation product. Discussion Tables 1-2 to 1-7: Various protein, carbohydrate and PAE contents All of the examples in these tables were produced using the 80 bloom technical gelatine (CAM Moreu) as the protein component and glucose syrup (Cargill) as the saccharide component. The bars made with the present mineral fibre binder (with varying P:S ratios and / or varying PAE crosslinker content) were all cured for 1 h at 225 °C. The overall trend observed is that the unaged mechanical strengths of the present mineral fibre binders increase with increasing protein content. The same trend is also seen to a lower degree for autoclave aged and water bath aged strengths. Conversely, the wet strengths generally increase with increased saccharide content. The optimum in terms of mechanical strengths is thus a balance between protein and saccharide content. The reaction losses generally increase with increasing saccharide content. The optimum in terms of atom economy is thus towards high protein content. The curing onsets and endsets generally increase with increasing saccharide content. Conversely, the degree of pre-drying generally decreases with increasing saccharide content. The optimum in terms of curing properties is thus a compromise between the two factors. Compositions without saccharides all display very low wet strength even with high PAE contents. Compositions without protein, on the other hand, require high PAE levels (≥9%) to achieve unaged and aged strengths that are not significantly lower than PUF (comparative binder A). Although many of the present mineral fibre binder compositions display unaged and aged strengths equal to or even significantly above those of the PUF binder (Comparative binder A), none of the compositions achieve wet strengths at PUF-levels. Many do, however, achieve wet strength levels comparable to the wet strength of the sugar based binder (comparative binder B) – i.e. index 30 or above, such as about half (or index 50) or above, of that of the PUF binder and about ten times higher than that of the protein based binder (comparative binder C), which is satisfactory. Binders comprising protein a saccharide and azetidinium functional crosslinker (PAE) With the exception for the binder compositions used in table 3-2, only one of the tested mineral fibre binder compositions made without PAE provides unaged strengths at PUF level, and all of the binder compositions without PAE (With the exception for the binder compositions used in table 3-2) display very low aged strengths (table 1-2). This illustrates the importance of including PAE as crosslinker. When comparing the ensuing tables (table 1-3 to 1-6), the strength results generally increase with increasing PAE content. However, compositions displaying unaged and aged strengths at and above PUF levels in can already be achieved with only 2.9% PAE added (table 1-3). Optimum overall: A ratio between protein and saccharide content around 40:60 to 15:85, with a PAE content down to 2.9% of binder component solids and e.g. below 9% of binder component solids. Table 1-7: Temperature studies The results illustrate that over-curing (2 h at 225 °C, corresponding to curing conditions for comparative binder B) as well as under-curing (1 h at 200 °C- corresponding to curing conditions for comparative binder A; or 1 h at 175 °C, corresponding to curing conditions for comparative binder C) result in significant decreases in mechanical strengths. Over- curing will inevitably also lead to increased curing emissions. • Optimum overall: The optimal curing temperature conditions appears to be approx.225 °C. Table 1-8: pH studies The studies were performed at various pH levels (5, 7 and 9) for a number of the tested compositions of present mineral fibre binder compositions with varying P:S ratios in a binder composition comprising protein, saccharide and an azetidinium functional crosslinker. No general trends were observed in terms of unaged, or aged mechanical strengths as well as in curing onsets, endsets and pre-drying. The wet strength did, however, appear to increase at high pH level (pH 9), which is probably due to higher efficiency of the PAE resin at higher pH levels. Although not yet confirmed in the present mineral binder system, it was, however, the experience from the reference C binder system that curing emissions generally increase with increasing pH levels. • Optimum overall: Appears insensitive to pH, so anywhere between pH 5 and pH 9. Table 1-9 and 3-2: Hydrophobic additives The results show that very significant decreases in water uptakes in the bars – with no or little impacts on unaged and aged strengths – can be obtained by inclusion of small amounts (2-5%) of fatty acid esters of sterol, represented by cholesterol type fats, illustrated as lanolins (or wool grease as it is also called), either alone or in combination with one or more additional hydrophobic additives. Significant decreases in water uptakes can also be achieved with small amounts (2-9%) of cholesteryl stearate or lanoline, weither added alone or in combination with vaseline, low melting point paraffin wax, and / or in combination with fatty acid esters of glycerol, e.g. linseed oil. Sterol esters as hydrophobizing agents provide provide satisfactory reduction in water uptake and thereby provide a hydrophobic mineral fibre product, which exhibit satisfactory mechanical strengths (unaged, aged (in water bath or autoclave). The obtained values for the binder technology according to the present disclosure are on par with or no lower than index 75 in relation to the corresponding values of PUF (reference binder A). Additionally or alternatively, the obtained strength values for the binder technology according to the present disclosure are on par with or no lower than index 75 in relation to the corresponding values of the same binder without hydrophobizing agent(s) and / or a known protein based binder as disclosed in WO 2022 / 175310 A (similar to reference binder D). In some cases, however, some minor decreases in mechanical strengths were observed. • Optimum overall: The inclusion of small amounts (2-5% by weight of binder component solids) of lanolins, either alone or in combination with of small amounts (2-5% by weight of binder component solids) of vaseline, low melting point paraffin wax, and / or fatty acid esters of glycerol, e.g. linseed oil. Tables 2-2: Alternative proteins, collagen type The tables show the results from the screening of 17 alternative, collagen type proteins in a binder composition comprising protein, saccharide and an azetidinium functional crosslinker. The results generally show that unaged and aged mechanical strengths at and even significantly above PUF (comparative binder A) strength levels can be obtained using a wide range of technical grade or partially hydrolysed collagen-type proteins from porcine, bovine and fish sources, with molecular weights down to around 2-3 kDa. More extensively hydrolysed gelatines with smaller molecule sizes will generally impact especially the aged strengths and wet strengths negatively. Pure gelatines with considerably higher molecular weights (30-100 kDa) may also be used, but do not perform as well as the technical or partially hydrolysed gelatines. This may for example be a result of these gelatines setting too quickly. • Optimum overall: Technical grade or partially hydrolysed collagen-type proteins from porcine, bovine or fish sources, with molecular weights down to around 2-3 kDa (and preferably below 30-100 kDa). Tables 2-3: Alternative proteins, non-collagen type The tables show the results from the screening of 12 alternative, non-collagen type proteins in a binder composition comprising protein, saccharide and an azetidinium functional crosslinker. These alternative proteins comprise gliadin (one of the two major proteins in gluten), whey protein (from bovine milk), sericin (a silkworm protein), egg albumin, two modified gluten proteins, casein (from bovine milk), two yeast proteins, carob germ protein and two soy protein samples. Whey protein (from bovine milk) was the only alternative protein that only caused around 20% reductions in unaged and aged strengths compared to PUF. All other alternative non-collagen proteins caused even more significant losses in mechanical strengths. • Conclusion: Non-collagen type proteins do not perform as well as collagen-type proteins. Tables 2-4: Alternative carbohydrates The tables show the results from the screening of 14 alternative carbohydrates in a binder composition comprising protein, saccharide and an azetidinium functional crosslinker. The alternative carbohydrates range from monosaccharides (fructose, xylose, 0.15-0.18 kDa), disaccharides (sucrose, lactose, maltose, 0.34 kDa), and trisaccharides (melezitose, raffinose, maltotriose 0.50 kDa) via maltodextrins (oligomers, 0.9-3.6 kDa) to carbohydrate polymers (starch, oxidized starch and psyllium) and comprise both non- reducing and reducing carbohydrates (DE = 0 to 100). Unaged and aged mechanical strengths equal to or higher than those of PUF (comparative binder A) were generally observed for the use of shorter chain non-reducing and reducing carbohydrates: mono-, di- and trisaccharides as well as a maltodextrin (0.9- 1.2 kDa, approximately corresponding to a hexasaccharide). Longer carbohydrates (starting from a 3.6 kDa maltodextrin and including potato starch, oxidized starch and psyllium) resulted in significant losses in unaged and aged mechanical strengths as well as in wet strengths. Amongst the shorter chain carbohydrates, the use of sucrose (disaccharide, 0.34 kDa, DE = 0) and mixtures of sucrose and glucose syrup provided the highest unaged and aged mechanical strengths as well as the highest wet strengths of all the carbohydates tested. • Optimum overall: Short chain non-reducing or reducing saccharides (up to around 0.9-1.2 kDa, approximately corresponding to hexasaccharides). The best results were obtained when using sucrose (example 2-4-2 comprising 36.7 %-wt. protein and 53.4%-wt. sucrose, and example 2-4-17 comprising 28.2 %-wt. protein and 66.6 %-wt. sucrose). The example with high sucrose content (example 2-4-17) even displayed wet strengths that were only slightly below those of PUF. Tables 2-5: Alternative carbohydrate derivatives The tables show the results from the screening of four alternative saccharide derivatives in a binder composition comprising protein, saccharide derivatives and an azetidinium functional crosslinker: sorbitol (reduced / hydrogenated carbohydrate), maltitol (partially reduced / hydrogenated carbohydrate), hydroxymethyl furfural (dehydrated carbohydrate) and gluconic acid (oxidized carbohydrate). Very low unaged, water bath aged and wet strengths were obtained with sorbitol, maltitol, and gluconic acid. Hydroxymethyl furfural resulted in higher unaged strength than PUF, but lower than when using glycose syrup. The wet strength was higher than for the use of glycose syrup, but the autoclave aged and water bath aged strengths were significantly lower. Gluconic acid and hydroxymethyl furfural do not appear advantageous for the binder strength – at least not when present in substantial amounts. • Optimum overall: None of the reduced, oxidized or dehydrated carbohydrate derivatives provided promising results. Hence, in a preferred embodiment, the one or more saccharide(s) contained in the inventive aqueous binder composition are preferably selected from non-oxidized saccharides, more preferably selected from non-oxidized saccharides, non-dehydrated saccharides and non-reduced saccharides. Tables 2-6: Alternative bases The tables show the results from the screening of five alternative bases in a binder composition comprising protein, saccharide and an azetidinium functional crosslinker: two alkali metal hydroxides (potassium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide), one alkaline earth metal hydroxide (calcium hydroxide). All alternative bases resulted in unaged and aged strengths that were significantly above those of the PUF binder (comparative binder A). • Optimum overall: Any of the alkali metal hydroxides (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide) and alkaline earth metal hydroxides (calcium hydroxide). Tables 4-1: Simulated spinning chamber and curing emissions The tables show the simulated spinning chamber emissions (only emissions present in ≥ 1 mg / g solids) and simulated curing emissions (only emissions present in ≥ 5 mg / solids) for the three comparative binder systems PUF (comparative binder A), a sugar based binder (Comparative binder B) and a protein based binder (comparative binder C) as well as for six selected mineral binder compositions with varying protein and saccharide proportions. In the simulated spinning chamber emissions, none of the emissions present in the PUF binder (ammonia, methanol, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, phenol or isocyanic acid) were detected in the six selected mineral binder compositions with varying protein and saccharide proportions. However, small amounts of other emissions such as acetaldehyde, acetic acid, carbon monoxide, formic acid, furfural and / or urea were observed – most notably in the composition with the highest protein content. In the simulated curing emissions, the ammonia and isocyanic acid emissions which were present in high amounts when curing the PUF binder (comparative binder A) were generally strongly decreased in the mineral binder compositions with varying protein and saccharide proportions. Furthermore, the emission levels of these two components appeared to decrease with increasing saccharide content in the tested compositions of present mineral fibre binder. At high saccharide contents in the mineral fibre binder composition (protein-saccharide 25:75 and above), the carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emission levels were comparable to those observed for the PUF binder (comparative binder A) – and thus considerably lower than the emission levels observed for the sugar based binder composition (comparative example B). At lower saccharide contents, the carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emission levels progressively increased to high levels. Small / trace amounts of other emissions such as acetic acid, formaldehyde, formic acid, furfural, hydrogen cyanide, methane and / or sulfur dioxide where in addition observed in the tested compositions of present mineral fibre binder. Hydrogen cyanide increased when the protein component was present in a higher amount than the saccharides, while the emissions of furfural and the small organic acids appeared to increase with increasing saccharide content. • Optimum overall: The optimum balance between the various spinning chamber emissions and curing emissions were observed at a ratio between protein and saccharide content of around 25:75 to 15:85 (examples 3-1-4 and 3-1-5). Table 5-1: Production examples The table displays the results from trial productions where products comprising mineral fibre binder compositions according to the present disclosure were produced on an existing production line. In addition, conventional products were produced which included a conventional phenol-urea-formaldehyde binder (PUF). The 80 kg products with a binder composition according to the disclosure in the first table 4-1 (example 4-1-1) were not quite as strong as the PUF reference in unaged delamination, compression and point load. The LOI of the products with the mineral fibre binder according to the disclosure was, however, significantly lower than that of the PUF reference (15% when including the contribution from the silicone resin), and the densities were generally also a bit lower. Despite this, the products with the mineral fibre binder according to the disclosure still passed all the specifications, including water uptake (which was just as low as for the PUF product). Importantly, the products produced with a binder composition according to the present disclosure displayed an aging profile that was at least similar to – and in some cases better than – that of PUF. The 80 kg products with a binder composition according to the disclosure shown in the second table 4-1 (examples 4-1-2 and 4-1-3) were significantly stronger than the PUF reference in unaged compression and point load. The densities were, however, slightly higher than for the PUF product, and the binder content is expected higher too. The 150 kg products with a binder composition according to the disclosure shown in the third table 4-1 (example 4-1-4) passed all specifications in water uptake, unaged compression and unaged point load. A PUF reference for direct comparison was not obtained during the trial.

[0004] The following items relates to embodiments and preferred embodiments of the invention. Item 1. An aqueous binder composition comprising a) at least one protein, b) at least one cross-linker and c) at least one hydrophobizing agent comprising one or more steroid esters. Item 2. The aqueous binder composition according to item 1, wherein the one or more steroid esters is / are sterol monoesters. Item 3. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the one or more steroid ester(s) of component c) is / are selected from fatty acid esters of sterols; in particular esters of sterols with C4-C28 fatty acids, in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of sterols; such as i. fatty acid esters of zoosterols, such as cholesterol or lanosterol, or mixtures thereof; such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of zoosterols, in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of zoosterols, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol; such as in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol or mixtures of 2 or more thereof, such as lanolin or cholesteryl stearate; ii. fatty acid esters of phytosterols, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of phytosterols, in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of phytosterols, such as fatty acid esters of brassicasterol, campesterol, campestanol, cycloartenol, stigmasterol, stigmastanol and / or β-sitosterol such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters thereof, in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters thereof; iii. fatty acid esters of mycosterols, in particular ergosterol, or mixtures thereof, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of mycosterols, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of ergosterol; such as C12-C24 fatty acid esters of mycosterols, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of ergosterol, such as C12-C24 fatty acid esters of ergosterol; and / or mixtures of two or more thereof. Item 4. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids. Item 5. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the at least one hydrophobizing agent is selected from lanolin, monoesters of cholesterol with a fatty acid having 14 to 22 carbon atoms and / or mixtures thereof, preferably cholesterol stearate, wherein the at least one hydrophobizing agent is preferably lanolin or cholesterol stearate. Item 6. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the hydrophobizing agent is a pure grade hydrophobizing agent. Item 7. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the hydrophobizing agent added to the binder composition is in form of a liquid composition, a solid, a salve, a paste or a melt, and / or wherein the hydrophobizing agent added to the binder composition is not emulsified. Item 8. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the hydrophobizing agent added to the binder composition is in form of a liquid composition, a solid, a salve, a paste or a melt, and / or wherein the hydrophobizing agent added to the binder composition is emulsified. Item 9. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the at least one hydrophobizing agent is or comprises fatty acid esters of zoosterols, such as cholesterol and / or lanosterol, or mixtures thereof; such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of cholesterol and / or lanosterol, in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of cholesterol and / or lanosterol, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol; such as in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol or mixtures of 2 or more thereof, such as lanolin or and / or cholesteryl stearate. Item 10. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the at least one hydrophobizing agent is or comprises lanolin and / or cholesteryl stearate. Item 11. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the one or more protein(s) of component a) is / are selected from protein(s) of non-plant origin. Item 12. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items wherein the one or more protein(s) are selected from - collagen or collagen derivatives, such as of animal origin, microbial origin and / or obtainable by use of recombinant technology, such as gelatin, such as partly hydrolysed gelatin; such as collagen type protein(s) of bovine, porcine, marine and / or recombinant origin; - animal based proteins other than collagen type proteins, such as proteins from milk (casein, whey); proteins from eggs, such as albumin; proteins from marine animal sources; proteins from jellyfish; proteins from insects, such as silk worms, such as sericin; - proteins originating from microorganisms, such as by means of recombinant techniques, such as natural and / or genetically modified proteins from fungi, algae, such as microalgae, or bacteria, in particular yeasts, such as yeast protein, yeast extract and / or undenatured or hydrolyzed or at least partly denatured mycoprotein; or mixtures of two or more thereof. Item 13. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the one or more proteins comprises collagen type proteins or partly hydrolysed collagen type proteins, such as gelatin or partly hydrolysed gelatin, and where said protein(s) have an average molecular weight of 1-100 kDa, such as 1.5 – 50 kDa, or preferably 2-30 kDa, or preferably 1-30 kDa. Item 14. The aqueous binder composition according to any of items 11 to 13, wherein the one or more proteins additionally comprises one or more proteins selected from the group consisting of proteins from vegetable sources, including gluten, proteins from legumes, cereals, whole grains, nuts, seeds and fruits, like protein from buckwheat, oats, rye, millet, maize (corn), rice, wheat, bulgur, sorghum, amaranth, quinoa, soybeans (soy protein), lentils, kidney beans, white beans, mung beans, chickpeas, cowpeas, lima beans, pigeon peas, lupines, wing beans, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, pecans, walnuts, rapeseeds, cotton seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds; proteins produced by recombinant techniques; or mixtures thereof. Item 15. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the at least one cross-linker of component c) comprises one or more crosslinkers selected from - a crosslinker comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups and / or a - a crosslinker comprising a phenol containing compound. Item 16. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the at least one crosslinker comprises two or more azetidinium functional groups, such as a polymer comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups, such as a homopolymer or a copolymer polymer comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups, wherein said polymer preferably comprising one, two or more non-azetidinium monomer units incorporated into the polymer structure. Item 17. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the binder composition comprises a crosslinker comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups which is present in an amount of 0.8-19.9 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 1.2-17.9 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-15.93 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-8.96 % by weight of binder component solids. Item 18. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the protein content in the binder composition is 6.3-74.6 % by weight of binder component solids, or preferably 9.3- 58.71 % by weight of binder component solids, or more preferred 9.3-49.8 % by weight of binder component solids or more preferred 12.7- 38.81 % by weight of binder component solids. Item 19. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, further comprising as component d) one or more saccharide(s), preferably selected from - monosaccharides, such as dextrose (glucose), xylose, fructose, ribose, arabinose, lyxose, allose, altrose, mannose, gulose, iodose, galactose and / or talose; - disaccharides, such as sucrose, lactose, maltose, trehalose and / or cellubiose; - oligosaccharides, such as trisaccharides, such as melezitose, raffinose, maltotriose; tetrasaccharides, pentasaccharides or hexasaccharides, such as maltodextrins, in particular low molecular mass maltodextrins; - glucose syrup and / or mixtures of two or more thereof. Item 19a. The aqueous binder composition according to item 19, wherein the at least one cross-linker comprises a crosslinker comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups when said component d) is included. Item 20. The aqueous binder composition according to item 19, wherein the one or more saccharide(s) have a molecular mass of 0.15 -1.5 kDa, such as 0.15 -1.2 kDa. Item 21. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the items 19 or 20, wherein the one or more saccharide(s) is dextrose or a source comprising dextrose, such as dextrose monohydrate, such as glucose syrup, said dextrose source having a DE of 60 to 100, in particular of 60 to 99, more particular 90 to less than 100 or such as 85 to 99. Item 22. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the items 19 to 21, wherein the or more saccharide(s) is or comprises sucrose, such as only sucrose or sucrose in combination with a source comprising dextrose, such as glucose syrup or dextrose, said dextrose source having a DE of 60 to 100, wherein the weight ratio of dextrose to sucrose (D:S) is preferably in the range of 5:95 to 95:5. Item 23. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the items 19 to 22, wherein the one or more saccharides is a hexose, such as fructose, and / or a pentose such as xylose. Item 24. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the items 19 to 23, wherein the saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 16.1-88.6 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 26.3-83.6 % by weight of binder component solids, or preferably 33.1-83.6 % by weight of binder component solids or more preferred 38.2 – 78.61% by weight of binder component solids. Item 25. The aqueous binder composition according to any of preceding items 19 to 24 wherein the weight ratio of protein to saccharide (P:S) is between 10:90 and 75:25, such as between 15:85 and 60:40, or such as between 15:85 and 50:50, or such as between 20:80 and 40:60. Item 26. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items 19 to 25, wherein A: a protein content in the binder composition is 6.37-74.63 % by weight of binder component solids and a saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 16.1-88.6 % by weight of binder component solids; and wherein the crosslinker is present in an amount of 0.8-19.9 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 1.2-17.9 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-15.93 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-8.96 % by weight of binder component solids; and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids; or B: a protein content in the binder composition is 9.3-58.7 % by weight of binder component solids, and a saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 26.3-83.6 % by weight of binder component solids; and wherein the crosslinker is present in an amount of 0.8-19.9 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 1.2-17.9 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-15.93 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-8.96 % by weight of binder component solids; and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids; or C: a protein content in the binder composition is 9.3-49.8 % by weight of binder component solids and a saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 33.1-83.6 % by weight of binder component solids; and wherein the crosslinker is present in an amount of 0.8-19.9 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 1.2-17.9 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-15.93 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-8.96 % by weight of binder component solids; and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids; or D: a protein content in the binder composition is 12.7-38.81 % by weight of binder component solids and a saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 38.2-78.61 % by weight of binder component solids; and wherein the crosslinker is present in an amount of 0.8-19.9 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 1.2- 17.9 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-15.93 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-8.96 % by weight of binder component solids; and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids. Item 27. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items 1 to 15, wherein the at least one crosslinker comprises a phenol containing compound, such as a phenol containing compound selected from the group consisting of simple phenol compounds, such as hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxybenzoic aldehydes, hydroxyacetophenones, hydroxyphenylacetic acids, cinnamic acids, cinnamic acid esters, cinnamyl aldehydes, and cinnamyl alcohols; phenolic aldehydes, such as benzaldehydes, such as methyl vanillin or ethyl vanillin; coumarins, such as isocoumarins; chromones; flavonoids; chalcones, such as dihydrochalcones; aurones; flavanones, such as flavanonols; flavans; leucoanthocyanidins; flavan-3-ols; flavones; anthocyanidins; deoxyanthocyanidins; anthocyanins; biflavonyls; benzophenones; xanthones; stilbenes; betacyanins; polyphenols and / or polyhydroxyphenols, such as lignans, neolignans (dimers or oligomers from coupling of monolignols such as p- coumaryl alcohol, coniferyl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol), lignins (synthesized primarily from the monolignol precursors p-coumaryl alcohol, coniferyl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol), tannins, such as tannates (salts of tannins), condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins), hydrolysable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, tannic acid, phlobabenes, such as phlorotannins; sulfonated phenolic containing compounds; and combinations and / or mixtures of 2, 3, 4 or more thereof. Item 28. The aqueous binder composition according to any preceding item, in particular according to any of the items 1 to 17 or 27, wherein the content of the at least one protein, preferably gelatin, is 40 to 97 wt.% of binder component solids, preferably 50 to 95 wt.% of binder component solids, more preferably 60 to 95 wt.%, based on binder component solids. Item 29. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the items 27 to 28, wherein the content of the at least one crosslinker, such as phenol containing compound, in particular tannin, is in the range of 1 to 23 wt.%, more preferably 2 to 13 wt.%, most preferably 3 to 9 wt.% based on binder component solids. Item 30. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the items 27 to 29, wherein E: the content of the at least one protein, preferably gelatin, is 40 to 97 wt.% of binder component solids; and wherein the content of the at least one crosslinker, such as phenol containing compound, in particular tannin, is in the range of 1 to 23 wt.% of binder component solids, and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids, or F: the content of the at least one protein, preferably gelatin, is 50 to 95 wt.% of binder component solids, and wherein the content of the at least one crosslinker, such as phenol containing compound, in particular tannin, is in the range of 2 to 13 wt.%, of binder component solids, and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids, or G: the content of the at least one protein, preferably gelatin, is 60 to 95 wt.%, of binder component solids; and wherein the content of the at least one crosslinker, such as phenol containing compound, in particular tannin, is in the range of 3 to 9 wt.%, of binder component solids, and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids. Item 31. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, comprising one or more one further hydrophobizing agent(s) selected from iv. hydrocarbon blends comprising linear alkanes having 18 to 85 carbon atoms; such as blends of C18-C50 alkanes, such as paraffin waxes, such as paraffin waxes having a melting point in the range of 45 to 70 °C, preferably 53to 63 °C; and / or blends of hydrocarbons having 25 to 85 carbon atoms, such as including linear alkanes, such as (white) vaseline and / or (white) petrolatum / petroleum jelly; v. fatty acid esters of glycerol, such as in form of fruit pulp fats or fats from seeds or kernels, such as palm oil, olive oil, avocado oil; seed-kernel fats such as lauric acid oils, such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, babassu oil and other palm seed oils, other sources of lauric acid oils; palmitic-stearic acid oils such as cocoa butter, shea butter, borneo tallow and related fats (vegetable butters); palmitic acid oils such as cottonseed oil, kapok and related oils, pumpkin seed oil, corn (maize) oil, cereal oils; oleic-linoleic acid oils such as sunflower oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, hempseed oil, teaseed oil, safflower and niger seed oils, grape-seed oil, poppyseed oil, leguminous oil such as soybean oil, peanut oil, lupine oil; cruciferous oils such as rapeseed oil, mustard seed oil; conjugated acid oils such as tung oil and related oils, oiticica oil and related oils; substituted fatty acid oils such as castor oil, chaulmoogra, hydnocarpus and gorli oils, vernonia oil; animal fats such as land-animal fats such as lard, beef tallow, mutton tallow, horse fat, goose fat, chicken fat; marine oils such as whale oil and fish oil or mixtures thereof; vi. wax monoesters; such as wax monoesters selected from monoesters made from fat alcohols having 10 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 14 to 22 carbon atoms, and fatty acids having 6 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 22 carbon atoms; and / or blends thereof; such as naturally occurring waxes comprising wax monoesters of fat alcohols and fatty acids, such as such as bees wax, carnauba wax, rice bran wax and / or, candelilla wax; and / or mixtures of 2, 3, 4 or more thereof. 32. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein a first hydrophobizing agent is or comprises the fatty acid esters of zoosterols, such as cholesterol and / or lanosterol, or mixtures thereof; such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of cholesterol and / or lanosterol, in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of cholesterol and / or lanosterol, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol; such as in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol or mixtures of 2 or more thereof, such as lanolin and / or cholesteryl stearate; and wherein one or more further hydrophobizing agent(s) is / are selected from iv. hydrocarbon blends comprising linear alkanes having 18 to 85 carbon atoms; such as blends of C18-C50 alkanes, such as paraffin waxes, such as paraffin waxes having a melting point in the range of 45 to 70 °C, preferably 53 to 63 °C; and / or blends of hydrocarbons having 25 to 85 carbon atoms, such as including linear alkanes, such as (white) vaseline and / or (white) petrolatum / petroleum jelly; v. fatty acid esters of glycerol, such as in form of fruit pulp fats or fats from seeds or kernels, such as palm oil, olive oil, avocado oil; seed-kernel fats such as lauric acid oils, such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, babassu oil and other palm seed oils, other sources of lauric acid oils; palmitic-stearic acid oils such as cocoa butter, shea butter, borneo tallow and related fats (vegetable butters); palmitic acid oils such as cottonseed oil, kapok and related oils, pumpkin seed oil, corn (maize) oil, cereal oils; oleic-linoleic acid oils such as sunflower oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, hempseed oil, teaseed oil, safflower and niger seed oils, grape-seed oil, poppyseed oil, leguminous oil such as soybean oil, peanut oil, lupine oil; cruciferous oils such as rapeseed oil, mustard seed oil; conjugated acid oils such as tung oil and related oils, oiticica oil and related oils; substituted fatty acid oils such as castor oil, chaulmoogra, hydnocarpus and gorli oils, vernonia oil; animal fats such as land-animal fats such as lard, beef tallow, mutton tallow, horse fat, goose fat, chicken fat; marine oils such as whale oil and fish oil or mixtures thereof; vi. wax monoesters; such as wax monoesters selected from monoesters made from fat alcohols having 10 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 14 to 22 carbon atoms, and fatty acids having 6 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 22 carbon atoms; such as naturally occurring waxes comprising wax monoesters of fat alcohols and fatty acids, such as such as bees wax, carnauba wax, rice bran wax and / or, candelilla wax; and / or mixtures of 2, 3, 4 or more thereof. Item 33. The aqueous binder composition according to any of items 31 or 32, wherein the content of the one or more further hydrophobizing agent(s) is / are 0.6 to 15 wt.%, more preferably 1 to 10 wt.%, more preferably 1.5 to 7.5 wt.%, even more preferably 2 to 6 wt.% of binder component solids. Item 34. A method of producing a mineral fibre product which comprises the steps of contacting mineral fibres with an aqueous binder composition according to any one of the items 1 to 33, and curing the binder. Item 35. The method of producing a mineral fibre product according to item 34, wherein the curing is carried out at temperatures of from 100°C to 280 °C, such as 150°C to 270 °C or preferably 175 to 260°C. Item 36. A mineral fibre product comprising mineral fibres bound by a binder resulting from the curing of an aqueous binder composition according to any one of claims 1 to 33, preferably obtainable by a method according to items 34 or 35. Item 37. A method of producing an aqueous binder composition according to any of the items 1 to 33, comprising the step of adding the at least one hydrophobizing agent in form of a liquid composition, a solid, a salve, a paste or a melt, such as in an emulsified form, to an aqueous binder composition comprising a) the at least one protein, and b) the at least one cross-linker. Item 38. Use of an aqueous binder composition according to any of the items 1 to 33 for the production of a hydrophobic mineral fibre product. Item 39. Use of at least one hydrophobizing agent to impart hydrophobicity of mineral fibre products, wherein said hydrophobizing agent(s) is / are selected from steroid esters, in an aqueous binder composition comprising a) at least one protein, and b) at least one cross-linker, such as one or more crosslinker(s) selected from a crosslinker comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups or phenol containing compounds wherein said aqueous binder composition is applied in the production of mineral fibre products. Item 40. Use of a hydrophobizing agent according to items 38 or 39, wherein the hydrophobizing agent is used in combination with one or more further hydrophobizing agent(s) selected from iv. hydrocarbon blends comprising linear alkanes having 18 to 85 carbon atoms; such as blends of C18-C50 alkanes, such as paraffin waxes, such as paraffin waxes having a melting point in the range of 45 to 70 °C, preferably 53to 63 °C; and / or blends of hydrocarbons having 25 to 85 carbon atoms, such as including linear alkanes, such as (white) vaseline and / or (white) petrolatum / petroleum jelly; v. fatty acid esters of glycerol, such as in form of fruit pulp fats or fats from seeds or kernels, such as palm oil, olive oil, avocado oil; seed-kernel fats such as lauric acid oils, such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, babassu oil and other palm seed oils, other sources of lauric acid oils; palmitic-stearic acid oils such as cocoa butter, shea butter, borneo tallow and related fats (vegetable butters); palmitic acid oils such as cottonseed oil, kapok and related oils, pumpkin seed oil, corn (maize) oil, cereal oils; oleic-linoleic acid oils such as sunflower oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, hempseed oil, teaseed oil, safflower and niger seed oils, grape-seed oil, poppyseed oil, leguminous oil such as soybean oil, peanut oil, lupine oil; cruciferous oils such as rapeseed oil, mustard seed oil; conjugated acid oils such as tung oil and related oils, oiticica oil and related oils; substituted fatty acid oils such as castor oil, chaulmoogra, hydnocarpus and gorli oils, vernonia oil; animal fats such as land-animal fats such as lard, beef tallow, mutton tallow, horse fat, goose fat, chicken fat; marine oils such as whale oil and fish oil or mixtures thereof; vi. wax monoesters; such as wax monoesters selected from monoesters made from fat alcohols having 10 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 14 to 22 carbon atoms, and fatty acids having 6 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 22 carbon atoms; such as naturally occurring waxes comprising wax monoesters of fat alcohols and fatty acids, such as such as bees wax, carnauba wax, rice bran wax and / or, candelilla wax; and / or mixtures of 2, 3, 4 or more thereof. Item 41. Use according to items 38 to 40 to reduce the water uptake of a product, in which mineral fibers are bonded by a binder resulting from the curing of the aqueous binder composition according to any of claims 1-33. Item 42. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items 16-26, wherein the crosslinker comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups is a polymer comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups, such as a homopolymer or a copolymer, said polymer preferably comprising one, two or more non-azetidinium monomer units incorporated into the polymer structure. Item 43. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the items 16-26 or 42, wherein the crosslinker is a thermosetting crosslinking polymer comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups; and / or wherein the crosslinker is preferably a polyamidoepihalohydrin polymer or a polyaminoamidoepihalohydrin polymer. Item 44. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the items 16-26 or 42-43, wherein the crosslinker is obtainable by reacting polyamidoamine resin with a halohydrin, preferably epichlorohydrin and / or epibromohydrin, and / or wherein the polyamidoamine resin is obtainable by reacting a polyamine and a polycarboxylic acid, and / or wherein the polyazetidinium polymer is the reaction product of epichlorohydrin or epibromohydrin, or a mixture thereof, and a polyamidoamine, which polyamidoamine is obtainable by reacting a diamine or a triamine, such as diethylenetriamine, or a mixture thereof, with the polycarboxylic acid, such as succinic acid, adipic acid, oxalic acid, phthalic acid, or a mixture of two or more thereof. Item 45. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the items 16-26 or 42-44, wherein said binder composition comprises the azetidinium functional crosslinker in an amount of 0.9-19.8% by weight of binder component solids, such as 1.3-17.8 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.8-15.8 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.8-8.9 % by weight of binder component solids. Item 46. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items 1 to 33 or 42 to 45, wherein the binder composition does not comprise a protein from vegetable source(s) such as soybeans, such as soy protein. Item 47. The method of producing a bonded mineral fibre product according to any of items 34 - 35 or 37 wherein the method comprises the steps of: - making a melt of raw materials, - fiberizing the melt by means of a fibre forming apparatus to form mineral fibres, wherein the mineral fibres formed are preferably directed into a spinning chamber and / or fibre collector, - providing the mineral fibres in the form of a collected web, - applying the aqueous binder composition on the mineral fibres before, during or after the provision of the collected web to form a mixture of mineral fibres and binder composition, wherein the aqueous binder composition is preferably applied by spraying before the provision of the collected web, preferably in the spinning chamber and / or fibre collector - curing the binder composition mixed with the mineral fibres. Item 48. The method of producing a mineral fibre product according to any of items 34 - 35, 37 or 47, wherein the curing is carried out at temperatures from 180-280 °C, preferably 200-270 °C, more preferably 220-265 °C. Item 49. A mineral fibre product comprising mineral fibres bound by a binder resulting from the curing of an aqueous binder composition according to any of the items 1 to 33 or 42-46. Item 50. A mineral fibre product comprising mineral fibres bound by a binder resulting from the curing of an aqueous binder composition according to the method of any of the items 34-35, 37 or 47-48. Item 51. A mineral fibre product according to any of items 36 or 49-50, wherein the density is in the range of 10-1200 kg / m3, such as 20-800 kg / m3, such as 10-600 kg / m3, or 30-600 kg / m3, such as 40-400 kg / m3, such as 50-250 kg / m3, such as 10-200 kg / m3or such as 40-200 kg / m3. Item 52. A mineral fibre product according to any of the items 36 or 49-51, wherein said cured mineral fibre product has an average density of 75-85 kg / m3and one or more of: - a compression strength, such as unaged compression strength, at 10% σ10 (kPa), according to EN ISO 29469:2022 – Second edition, greater than or equal to 15 kPa, such as greater than or equal to 19 kPa, and / or - a delamination strength, such as unaged delamination strength, σmt greater than or equal to 7.5 kPa according to EN 1607. Item 53. A mineral fibre product according to any of items 36 or 49-52, wherein the product is a mineral wool insulation product, such as a mineral wool thermal insulation product or a mineral wool acoustical insulation product. Item 54. A mineral fibre product according to any of items 36 or 49-53, wherein the product is a granulate or a shaped product, such as a slab, a pad or a blanket, a rolled up blanket or a shaped item, such as a tubular segment. Item 55. A mineral fibre product obtainable by a method according to any one of items 34-35, 37 or 47-48. Item 56. Use of an aqueous binder composition according to any of the items 1 to 33 or 42-46 for the production of a hydrophobic mineral fibre product. Item 57. Use of an aqueous binder composition according to any of the items 1-33 or 42- 46 for lowering of emissions, such as formaldehyde and / or ammonia and / or phenol emissions during production of a mineral fibre product. Item 58. Use of an aqueous binder composition according to any of the items 1-33 or 42- 46 for production of formaldehyde free mineral fibre products where the emission is below 5 µg / m2 / h of formaldehyde from the mineral fibre product, preferably below 3 µg / m2 / h, when measured in accordance with ISO 16000 -1:2004. Item 59. A mineral fibre product according to any of the previous items 36, 49 to 51 or 53 to 55, wherein the cured mineral fibre product has an average density of more than 90 kg / m3, such as a density in the range of 100-250 kg / m3, and one or more of: - a compression strength, such as unaged compression strength, at 10% σ10 (kPa) according to EN ISO 29469:2022 – Second edition greater than or equal to 40 kPa, such as greater than or equal to 50 kPa and / or - a delamination strength, such as unaged delamination strength, σmt greater than or equal to 7.5 kPa, such as greater than or equal to 10 kPa, according to EN 1607. Item 60. Use of at least one hydrophobizing agent to impart hydrophobicity of mineral fibre products, wherein said hydrophobizing agent(s) is / are selected from the group consisting of steroid esters and applied in an aqueous binder composition comprising a) at least one protein, and b) at least one cross-linker, such as one or more crosslinker(s) comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups or one or more crosslinker(s) selected from phenol containing compounds, wherein said aqueous binder composition is applied in the production of mineral fibre products. Item 61. Use of a hydrophobizing agent according to item 56 or 60, wherein the hydrophobizing agent is used in combination with one or more further hydrophobizing agent(s) selected from iv. hydrocarbon blends comprising linear alkanes having 18 to 85 carbon atoms; such as blends of C18-C50 alkanes, such as paraffin waxes, such as paraffin waxes having a melting point in the range of 45 to 70 °C, preferably 53 to 63 °C; and / or blends of hydrocarbons having 25 to 85 carbon atoms, such as including linear alkanes, such as (white) vaseline and / or (white) petrolatum / petroleum jelly; v. fatty acid esters of glycerol, such as in form of fruit pulp fats or fats from seeds or kernels, such as palm oil, olive oil, avocado oil; seed-kernel fats such as lauric acid oils, such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, babassu oil and other palm seed oils, other sources of lauric acid oils; palmitic-stearic acid oils such as cocoa butter, shea butter, borneo tallow and related fats (vegetable butters); palmitic acid oils such as cottonseed oil, kapok and related oils, pumpkin seed oil, corn (maize) oil, cereal oils; oleic-linoleic acid oils such as sunflower oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, hempseed oil, teaseed oil, safflower and niger seed oils, grape-seed oil, poppyseed oil, leguminous oil such as soybean oil, peanut oil, lupine oil; cruciferous oils such as rapeseed oil, mustard seed oil; conjugated acid oils such as tung oil and related oils, oiticica oil and related oils; substituted fatty acid oils such as castor oil, chaulmoogra, hydnocarpus and gorli oils, vernonia oil; animal fats such as land-animal fats such as lard, beef tallow, mutton tallow, horse fat, goose fat, chicken fat; marine oils such as whale oil and fish oil or mixtures thereof; vi. wax monoesters; such as wax monoesters selected from monoesters made from fat alcohols having 10 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 14 to 22 carbon atoms, and fatty acids having 6 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 22 carbon atoms; such as naturally occurring waxes comprising wax monoesters of fat alcohols and fatty acids, such as such as bees wax, carnauba wax, rice bran wax and / or, candelilla wax; and / or mixtures of 2,3,4 or more thereof.

Claims

1. Claims 1. An aqueous binder composition comprising a) at least one protein, b) at least one cross-linker and c) at least one hydrophobizing agent comprising one or more steroid esters.

2. The aqueous binder composition according to claim 1, wherein the one or more steroid esters is / are sterol monoesters.

3. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more steroid ester(s) of component c) is / are selected from fatty acid esters of sterols; in particular esters of sterols with C4-C28 fatty acids, in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of sterols; such as i. fatty acid esters of zoosterols, such as cholesterol or lanosterol, or mixtures thereof; such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of zoosterols, in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of zoosterols, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol; such as in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol or mixtures of 2 or more thereof, such as lanolin or cholesteryl stearate; ii. fatty acid esters of phytosterols, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of phytosterols, in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of phytosterols, such as fatty acid esters of brassicasterol, campesterol, campestanol, cycloartenol, stigmasterol, stigmastanol and / or β-sitosterol, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters thereof, in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters thereof; iii. fatty acid esters of mycosterols, in particular ergosterol, or mixtures thereof, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of mycosterols, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of ergosterol; such as C12-C24 fatty acid esters of mycosterols, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of ergosterol, such as C12-C24 fatty acid esters of ergosterol; and / or mixtures of two or more thereof.

4. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids.

5. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one hydrophobizing agent is selected from lanolin, monoesters of cholesterol with a fatty acid having 14 to 22 carbon atoms and / or mixtures thereof, preferably cholesterol stearate, wherein the at least one hydrophobizing agent is preferably lanolin or cholesterol stearate.

6. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrophobizing agent is a pure grade hydrophobizing agent.

7. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrophobizing agent added to the binder composition is in form of a liquid composition, a solid, a salve, a paste or a melt, and / or wherein the hydrophobizing agent added to the binder composition is not emulsified.

8. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrophobizing agent added to the binder composition is in form of a liquid composition, a solid, a salve, a paste or a melt, and / or wherein the hydrophobizing agent added to the binder composition is emulsified.

9. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one hydrophobizing agent is or comprises fatty acid esters of zoosterols, such as cholesterol and / or lanosterol, or mixtures thereof; such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of cholesterol and / or lanosterol, in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of cholesterol and / or lanosterol, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol; such as in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol or mixtures of 2 or more thereof, such as lanolin or and / or cholesteryl stearate.

10. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one hydrophobizing agent is or comprises lanolin and / or cholesteryl stearate.

11. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more protein(s) of component a) is / are selected from protein(s) of non-plant origin.

12. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims wherein the one or more protein(s) are selected from - collagen or collagen derivatives, such as of animal origin, microbial origin and / or obtainable by use of recombinant technology, such as gelatin, such as partly hydrolysed gelatin; such as collagen type protein(s) of bovine, porcine, marine and / or recombinant origin; - animal based proteins other than collagen type proteins, such as proteins from milk (casein, whey); proteins from eggs, such as albumin; proteins from marine animal sources; proteins from jellyfish; proteins from insects, such as silk worms, such as sericin; - proteins originating from microorganisms, such as by means of recombinant techniques, such as natural and / or genetically modified proteins from fungi, algae, such as microalgae, or bacteria, in particular yeasts, such as yeast protein, yeast extract and / or undenatured or hydrolyzed or at least partly denatured mycoprotein; or mixtures of two or more thereof.

13. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more proteins comprises collagen type proteins or partly hydrolysed collagen type proteins, such as gelatin or partly hydrolysed gelatin, and where said protein(s) have an average molecular weight of 1-100 kDa, such as 1.5 – 50 kDa, or preferably 2-30 kDa or preferably 1-30 kDa.

14. The aqueous binder composition according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the one or more proteins additionally comprises one or more proteins selected from the group consisting of proteins from vegetable sources, including gluten, proteins from legumes, cereals, whole grains, nuts, seeds and fruits, like protein from buckwheat, oats, rye, millet, maize (corn), rice, wheat, bulgur, sorghum, amaranth, quinoa, soybeans (soy protein), lentils, kidney beans, white beans, mung beans, chickpeas, cowpeas, lima beans, pigeon peas, lupines, wing beans, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, pecans, walnuts, rapeseeds, cotton seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds; proteins produced by recombinant techniques; or a combination thereof.

15. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cross-linker of component c) comprises one or more crosslinkers selected from - a crosslinker comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups and / or - a crosslinker comprising a phenol containing compound.

16. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one crosslinker comprises two or more azetidinium functional groups, such as a polymer comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups, such as a homopolymer or a copolymer polymer comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups, wherein said polymer preferably comprising one, two or more non-azetidinium monomer units incorporated into the polymer structure.

17. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the binder composition comprises a cross-linker comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups which is present in an amount of 0.8-19.9 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 1.2-17.9 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-15.93 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-8.96 % by weight of binder component solids.

18. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the protein content in the binder composition is 6.3-74.6 % by weight of binder component solids, or preferably 9.3- 58.71 % by weight of binder component solids, or more preferred 9.3-49.8 % by weight of binder component solids or more preferred 12.7-38.81 % by weight of binder component solids.

19. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising as component d) one or more saccharide(s), preferably selected from - monosaccharides, such as dextrose (glucose), xylose, fructose, ribose, arabinose, lyxose, allose, altrose, mannose, gulose, iodose, galactose and / or talose; - disaccharides, such as sucrose, lactose, maltose, trehalose and / or cellubiose; - oligosaccharides, such as trisaccharides, such as melezitose, raffinose, maltotriose; tetrasaccharides, pentasaccharides or hexasaccharides, such as maltodextrins, in particular low molecular mass maltodextrins;- glucose syrup and / or mixtures of two or more thereof.

20. The aqueous binder composition according to claim 19, wherein the one or more saccharide(s) have a molecular mass of 0.15 -1.5 kDa, such as 0.15 -1.2 kDa.

21. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the claims 19 or 20, wherein the one or more saccharide(s) is dextrose or a source comprising dextrose, such as dextrose monohydrate, such as glucose syrup, said dextrose source having a DE of 60 to 100, in particular of 60 to 99, more particular 90 to less than 100 or such as 85 to 99.

22. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the claims 19 to 21, wherein the or more saccharide(s) is or comprises sucrose, such as only sucrose or sucrose in combination with a source comprising dextrose, such as glucose syrup or dextrose, said dextrose source having a DE of 60 to 100, wherein the weight ratio of dextrose to sucrose (D:S) is preferably in the range of 5:95 to 95:

5.

23. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the claims 19 to 22, wherein the one or more saccharides is a hexose, such as fructose, and / or a pentose such as xylose.

24. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the claims 19 to 23, wherein the saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 16.1-88.6 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 26.3-83.6 % by weight of binder component solids, or preferably 33.1-83.6 % by weight of binder component solids or more preferred 38.2 – 78.61% by weight of binder component solids.

25. The aqueous binder composition according to any of preceding claims 19 to 24 wherein the weight ratio of protein to saccharide (P:S) is between 10:90 and 75:25, such as between 15:85 and 60:40, or such as between 15:85 and 50:50, or such as between 20:80 and 40:

60.

26. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims 19 to 25, whereinA: a protein content in the binder composition is 6.37-74.63 % by weight of binder component solids and a saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 16.1-88.6 % by weight of binder component solids; and wherein the crosslinker is present in an amount of 0.8-19.9 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 1.2-17.9 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-15.93 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-8.96 % by weight of binder component solids; and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids; or B: a protein content in the binder composition is 9.3-58.7 % by weight of binder component solids, and a saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 26.3-83.6 % by weight of binder component solids; and wherein the crosslinker is present in an amount of 0.8-19.9 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 1.2-17.9 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-15.93 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-8.96 % by weight of binder component solids; and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids; or C: a protein content in the binder composition is 9.3-49.8 % by weight of binder component solids and a saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 33.1-83.6 % by weight of binder component solids; and wherein the crosslinker is present in an amount of 0.8-19.9 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 1.2-17.9 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-15.93 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-8.96 % by weight of binder component solids; and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids; or D: a protein content in the binder composition is 12.7-38.81 % by weight of binder component solids and a saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 38.2-78.61 % by weight of binder component solids; and wherein the crosslinker is present in an amount of 0.8-19.9 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 1.2- 17.9 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-15.93 % by weight of binder component solids or preferably 1.7-8.96 % by weight of binder component solids; and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%,preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids.

27. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 15, wherein the at least one crosslinker comprises a phenol containing compound, such as a phenol containing compound, selected from the group consisting of simple phenol compounds, such as hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxybenzoic aldehydes, hydroxyacetophenones, hydroxyphenylacetic acids, cinnamic acids, cinnamic acid esters, cinnamyl aldehydes, and cinnamyl alcohols; phenolic aldehydes, such as benzaldehydes, such as methyl vanillin and / or ethyl vanillin; coumarins, such as isocoumarins; chromones; flavonoids; chalcones, such as dihydrochalcones; aurones; flavanones, such as flavanonols; flavans; leucoanthocyanidins; flavan-3-ols; flavones; anthocyanidins; deoxyanthocyanidins; anthocyanins; biflavonyls; benzophenones; xanthones; stilbenes; betacyanins; polyphenols and / or polyhydroxyphenols, such as lignans, neolignans (dimers or oligomers from coupling of monolignols such as p- coumaryl alcohol, coniferyl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol), lignins (synthesized primarily from the monolignol precursors p-coumaryl alcohol, coniferyl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol), tannins, such as tannates (salts of tannins), condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins), hydrolysable tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, complex tannins, tannic acid, phlobabenes, such as phlorotannins; sulfonated phenolic containing compounds; and combinations and / or mixtures of 2, 3, 4 or more thereof.

28. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the claims 1 to 17 or 27, wherein the content of the at least one protein is 40 to 97 wt.% of binder component solids, preferably 50 to 95 wt.% of binder component solids, more preferably 60 to 95 wt.%, based on binder component solids.

29. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the claims 27 to 28, wherein the content of the at least one crosslinker is in the range of 1 to 23 wt.% , preferably 2 to 13 wt.%, more preferably 3 to 9 wt.%, based on binder component solids.

30. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the claims 27 to 29, wherein E: the content of the at least one protein, preferably gelatin, is 40 to 97 wt.% of binder component solids; and wherein the content of the at least one crosslinker, such as phenolcontaining compound, in particular tannin, is in the range of 1 to 23 wt.% of binder component solids, and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids, or F: the content of the at least one protein, preferably gelatin, is 50 to 95 wt.% of binder component solids, and wherein the content of the at least one crosslinker, such as phenol containing compound, in particular tannin, is in the range of 2 to 13 wt.%, of binder component solids, and the content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids, or G: the content of the at least one protein, preferably gelatin, is 60 to 95 wt.%, of binder component solids; and wherein the content of the at least one crosslinker, such as phenol containing compound, in particular tannin, is in the range of 3 to 9 wt.%, of binder component solids, and content of the at least one hydrophobizing agent is in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 11 wt.% or 2 to 10 wt.%, based on binder component solids.

31. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, comprising one or more further hydrophobizing agent(s) selected from iv. hydrocarbon blends comprising linear alkanes having 18 to 85 carbon atoms; such as blends of C18-C50 alkanes, such as paraffin waxes, such as paraffin waxes having a melting point in the range of 45 to 70 °C, preferably 53 to 63 °C; and / or blends of hydrocarbons having 25 to 85 carbon atoms, such as including linear alkanes, such as (white) vaseline and / or (white) petrolatum / petroleum jelly; v. fatty acid esters of glycerol, such as in form of fruit pulp fats or fats from seeds or kernels, such as palm oil, olive oil, avocado oil; seed-kernel fats such as lauric acid oils, such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, babassu oil and other palm seed oils, other sources of lauric acid oils; palmitic-stearic acid oils such as cocoa butter, shea butter, borneo tallow and related fats (vegetable butters); palmitic acid oils such as cottonseed oil, kapok and related oils, pumpkin seed oil, corn (maize) oil, cereal oils; oleic-linoleic acid oils such as sunflower oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, hempseed oil, teaseed oil, safflower and niger seed oils, grape-seed oil, poppyseed oil, leguminous oil such as soybean oil, peanut oil, lupine oil; cruciferous oils such as rapeseed oil, mustard seed oil; conjugated acidoils such as tung oil and related oils, oiticica oil and related oils; substituted fatty acid oils such as castor oil, chaulmoogra, hydnocarpus and gorli oils, vernonia oil; animal fats such as land-animal fats such as lard, beef tallow, mutton tallow, horse fat, goose fat, chicken fat; marine oils such as whale oil and fish oil or mixtures thereof; vi. wax monoesters; such as wax monoesters selected from monoesters made from fat alcohols having 10 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 14 to 22 carbon atoms, and fatty acids having 6 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 22 carbon atoms; and / or blends thereof; such as naturally occurring waxes comprising wax monoesters of fat alcohols and fatty acids, such as such as bees wax, carnauba wax, rice bran wax and / or, candelilla wax; and / or mixtures of 2 ,3, 4 or more thereof.

32. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a first hydrophobizing agent is or comprises the fatty acid esters of zoosterols, such as cholesterol and / or lanosterol, or mixtures thereof; such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of cholesterol and / or lanosterol, in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of cholesterol and / or lanosterol, such as C4-C28 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol; such as in particular C12-C24 fatty acid esters of cholesterol or lanosterol or mixtures of 2 or more thereof, such as lanolin and / or cholesteryl stearate; and wherein one or more further hydrophobizing agent(s) is selected from iv. hydrocarbon blends comprising linear alkanes having 18 to 85 carbon atoms; such as blends of C18-C50 alkanes, such as paraffin waxes, such as paraffin waxes having a melting point in the range of 45 to 70 °C, preferably 53 to 63 °C; and / or blends of hydrocarbons having 25 to 85 carbon atoms, such as including linear alkanes, such as (white) vaseline and / or (white) petrolatum / petroleum jelly; v. fatty acid esters of glycerol, such as in form of fruit pulp fats or fats from seeds or kernels, such as palm oil, olive oil, avocado oil; seed-kernel fats such as lauric acid oils, such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, babassu oil and other palm seed oils, other sources of lauric acid oils; palmitic-stearic acid oils such as cocoa butter, shea butter, borneo tallow and related fats (vegetable butters); palmitic acid oils such as cottonseed oil, kapok and related oils, pumpkin seed oil, corn (maize) oil, cereal oils; oleic-linoleic acid oils such as sunflower oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, hempseed oil, teaseed oil, safflower and niger seed oils,grape-seed oil, poppyseed oil, leguminous oil such as soybean oil, peanut oil, lupine oil; cruciferous oils such as rapeseed oil, mustard seed oil; conjugated acid oils such as tung oil and related oils, oiticica oil and related oils; substituted fatty acid oils such as castor oil, chaulmoogra, hydnocarpus and gorli oils, vernonia oil; animal fats such as land-animal fats such as lard, beef tallow, mutton tallow, horse fat, goose fat, chicken fat; marine oils such as whale oil and fish oil or mixtures thereof; vi. wax monoesters; such as wax monoesters selected from monoesters made from fat alcohols having 10 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 14 to 22 carbon atoms, and fatty acids having 6 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 22 carbon atoms; such as naturally occurring waxes comprising wax monoesters of fat alcohols and fatty acids, such as such as bees wax, carnauba wax, rice bran wax and / or, candelilla wax; and / or mixtures of 2, 3, 4 or more thereof.

33. The aqueous binder composition according to any of claims 31 or 32, wherein the content of the one or more further hydrophobizing agent(s) is0.6 to 15 wt.%, more preferably 1 to 10 wt.%, more preferably 1.5 to 7.5 wt.%, even more preferably 2 to 6 wt.%, based on binder component solids.

34. A method of producing a mineral fibre product which comprises the steps of contacting mineral fibres with an aqueous binder composition according to any one of the claims 1 to 33, and curing the binder.

35. The method of producing a mineral fibre product according to claim 34, wherein the curing is carried out at temperatures of from 100°C to 280 °C, such as 150°C to 270 °C or preferably 175 to 260°C.

36. A mineral fibre product comprising mineral fibres bound by a binder resulting from the curing of an aqueous binder composition according to any one of claims 1 to 33, preferably obtainable by a method according to claim 34 or claim 35.

37. A method of producing an aqueous binder composition according to any of the claims 1 to 33, comprising the step of adding the at least one hydrophobizing agent in form of aliquid composition, a solid, a salve, a paste or a melt, such as in an emulsified form, to an aqueous binder composition comprising a) the at least one protein, and b) the at least one cross-linker.

38. Use of an aqueous binder composition according to any of the claims 1 to 33 for the production of a hydrophobic mineral fibre product.

39. Use of at least one hydrophobizing agent to impart hydrophobicity of mineral fibre products, wherein said hydrophobizing agent(s) is / are selected from the group consisting of steroid esters and applied in an aqueous binder composition comprising a) at least one protein, and b) at least one cross-linker, such as one or more crosslinker(s) comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups or one or more crosslinker(s) selected from phenol containing compounds, wherein said aqueous binder composition is applied in the production of mineral fibre products.

40. Use of a hydrophobizing agent according to claim 38 or 39, wherein the hydrophobizing agent is used in combination with one or more further hydrophobizing agent(s) selected from iv. hydrocarbon blends comprising linear alkanes having 18 to 85 carbon atoms; such as blends of C18-C50 alkanes, such as paraffin waxes, such as paraffin waxes having a melting point in the range of 45 to 70 °C, preferably 53 to 63 °C; and / or blends of hydrocarbons having 25 to 85 carbon atoms, such as including linear alkanes, such as (white) vaseline and / or (white) petrolatum / petroleum jelly; v. fatty acid esters of glycerol, such as in form of fruit pulp fats or fats from seeds or kernels, such as palm oil, olive oil, avocado oil; seed-kernel fats such as lauric acid oils, such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, babassu oil and other palm seed oils, other sources of lauric acid oils; palmitic-stearic acid oils such as cocoa butter, shea butter, borneo tallow and related fats (vegetable butters); palmitic acid oils such as cottonseed oil, kapok and related oils, pumpkin seed oil, corn (maize) oil, cereal oils; oleic-linoleic acid oils such as sunflower oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, hempseed oil, teaseed oil, safflower and niger seed oils, grape-seed oil, poppyseed oil, leguminous oil such as soybean oil, peanut oil, lupine oil; cruciferous oils such as rapeseed oil, mustard seed oil; conjugated acid oils such as tung oil and related oils, oiticica oil and related oils; substituted fatty acid oilssuch as castor oil, chaulmoogra, hydnocarpus and gorli oils, vernonia oil; animal fats such as land-animal fats such as lard, beef tallow, mutton tallow, horse fat, goose fat, chicken fat; marine oils such as whale oil and fish oil or mixtures thereof; vi. wax monoesters; such as wax monoesters selected from monoesters made from fat alcohols having 10 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 14 to 22 carbon atoms, and fatty acids having 6 to 34 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 22 carbon atoms; such as naturally occurring waxes comprising wax monoesters of fat alcohols and fatty acids, such as such as bees wax, carnauba wax, rice bran wax and / or, candelilla wax; and / or mixtures of 2, 3, 4 or more thereof.

41. Use according to any of claims 38 to 40 to reduce the water uptake of a product, in which mineral fibers are bonded by a binder resulting from the curing of the aqueous binder composition according to any of claims 1-33.

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