Mineral fibre binder composition based on proteins, saccharide and a crosslinker, a method for making mineral fibre products and uses thereof

Abstract

The invention is directed to an aqueous binder composition for MMVF fibres comprising one or more protein(s) of non-plant origin; one or more saccharides, a crosslinker comprising at least two azetidinium functional groups, and one or more compounds selected from ammonia or amines and / or any salts thereof. Methods for producing MMVF fibres, MMVF fibre products and uses are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] ROCKWOOL A / S M / ROCK-212-PC _______________________________________________________________ Mineral fibre binder composition based on proteins, saccharide and a crosslinker, a method for making mineral fibre products and uses thereof ________________________________________________________________ Description Field of the Invention The present disclosure relates to an aqueous mineral fibre binder composition comprising one or more proteins, one or more saccharides, a crosslinker and one or more compounds selected from ammonia or amines and / or any salts thereof; a method of producing a bonded mineral fibre product; a mineral fibre product comprising mineral fibres bound by a binder and uses thereof. Background of the Invention Mineral wool products generally comprise man-made vitreous fibres (MMVF) such as, e.g., glass fibre, ceramic fibres, basalt fibres, slag wool, mineral wool and stone wool (rock wool), which are bonded together by a cured thermoset polymeric binder material. For use as thermal or acoustical insulation products, bonded mineral fibre mats are generally produced by converting a melt made of suitable raw materials to fibres in a conventional manner, for instance by internal centrifugation (spinning cup process) or by external centrifuging (cascade rotor process). The fibres are blown into a forming or spinning chamber and, while airborne and still hot, are sprayed with a binder solution and randomly deposited as a mat or web onto a travelling conveyor. The fibre mat is then transferred to a curing oven where heated air is blown through the mat to cure the binder and rigidly bond the mineral fibres together. 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. US2011 / 003522 A describes a soy protein based binder and a glass wool product comprising the binder. The fibres are formed in a spinning chamber by one or more rotating spinning cups where the molten glass is fiberized. The hot glass wool fibres are then sprayed with the soy protein based binder using an annular spray ring. Water may be sprayed on the fibres in the spinning chamber prior to addition of the binder in order to cool the newly spun fibres. For the purpose of the present application, the term "formaldehyde free" is defined to characterize a mineral wool or mineral fibre product where the emission is below 5 µg / m2 / h of formaldehyde from the mineral wool / fibre 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 emissions including factory emissions and / or process emissions, are defined as emission of gaseous and / or air-borne emissions that are a result of the production of mineral fibre products, and which are released into the surroundings form a production facility, e.g. via chimneys. 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 gelatine. 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 gelatine, an aqueous 6.67wt-% or 12.5 wt-% gelatine 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. 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. Summary of the Invention 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. These objects are solved by an aqueous binder composition comprising a) one or more protein(s) of non-plant origin; b) one or more saccharide(s) selected from monosaccharides, disaccharides, or oligosaccharides, or combinations or mixtures of two or more thereof, c) a crosslinker comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups, and d) one or more compounds selected from ammonia or amines and / or any salts thereof. The aqueous binder composition according to the present disclosure is based on a mixture of one or more saccharides and one or more proteins which - after curing - are crosslinked with the azetidinium functional crosslinker as outlined above. The unique crosslinking reactivity of the azetidinium functional crosslinker towards both proteins and saccharides is central to the present binder technology. In brief, and without being bound by theory, the electrophilic four membered azetidinium rings (see formula I further below) in the crosslinker can both self-crosslink and co-crosslink with the saccharides as well as with the 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. The mineral fibre aqueous binder composition of the present disclosure (may in the following be abbreviated to “the binder”) is defined to encompass an aqueous binder composition which is to be used for binding mineral fibres together to form a coherent product. The coherent product is formed after curing. The binder comprises no or very little toxic components and is thus formaldehyde free and / or at least formaldehyde free in the sense that no formaldehyde has been added to the binder composition. The emissions resulting from production and / or curing of the present aqueous binder composition are among the lowest of any of the currently available mineral fibre binders which also exhibits low formaldehyde emissions from the products made thereof. Furthermore, 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). Additionally, the majority of the ingredients in the MMVF binder composition are biobased, since at least components a) and b) are based on natural materials and / or materials of natural origin. Thus, the majority of the ingredients in the binder composition are also made from renewable sources since at least components a) and b) are based on compounds which can be derived from plants or animals which naturally occur in the nature. The overall trend observed is that unaged mechanical strengths of the binder composition 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 strength values generally increase with increased saccharide content. The present mineral fibre binder according to the present disclosure thus provides mineral fibre products, such as thermal or acoustic insulation products which exhibit the following advantages over the prior art: - surprisingly, improved mechanical strength properties in mineral fibre products bound by the binder which are the result of balance between protein and saccharide content when crosslinked with the azetidinium functional crosslinker - minimising the reaction losses in relation to binders with high carbohydrate content(s) - minimizing emissions of potential hazardous substances from production facilities - provides mineral fibre products, e.g. for thermal or acoustic insulation which can be classified as formaldehyde free, when tested in accordance with ISO 16000 - 1:2004 - minimises degree of pre-drying of the mineral fibre binder composition, which can be seen when using some binders with high contents of proteins, e.g. gelatines. - minimizing the content of crosslinker while optimizing the mechanical strength in mineral fibre products, which can be obtained by using the azetidinium functional crosslinker - surprisingly low water uptake in mineral fibre products bound by the cured binder composition, which renders the resulting mineral fibre product highly suitable for use as thermal and / or acoustic insulation products, In addition, the present mineral fibre binder according to the present disclosure thus provides a low carbon footprint; and / or is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional petrochemically based binders, such as phenol-formaldehyde based binders, e.g. because - the majority of the ingredients are of non-petrochemical origin - the majority of the ingredients are from renewable sources; in particular the protein source(s) and the saccharide source(s) are of natural origin, such as originating from animals and / or plants or of microbial origin or a product made of recombinant organisms, and are thus from renewable sources - extremely low emissions from production facilities when compared to traditional mineral fibre binder(s). The environmental benefits can thus be met without compromising other properties of the mineral fibre products, which are made with the binder composition according to the present disclosure, in particular - but not limited to - thermal and / or acoustic insulation products. Thus, the environmental benefits of low levels of binder related emissions can be met without compromising strength requirements (e.g. unaged strength, aged strength, compression strength, delamination strength, point load and / or wet strength) that are required from thermal and / or acoustic insulation products. 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. Thus, products made with mineral fibre binders described herein exhibit excellent strength properties, which are at least on par or even better than commonly known and widely used mineral fibre binders based on phenolic—formaldehyde resins. As mentioned above, the aqueous binder composition further comprises as component d) one or more compounds selected from ammonia or amines and / or any salts thereof. It has surprisingly been observed that the addition of component d) to the binder composition increases the unaged and aged mechanical strengths and / or wet strength of the cured products even further. The increased mechanical strengths can be seen even when adding low amounts of component d), e.g. as little as 0.1- 3.0 % by weight of binder component solids of component d), such as 0.1-2.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.2-1.5 % by weight of binder component solids. When adding ammonia or an organic amine, a significant increase in unaged mechanical strength (e.g. from index 137 to index 149 and 143, respectively) can be seen for the cured products according to the present disclosure when compared to applying a binder composition without component d). Similarly, when adding ammonia or an organic amine a significant increase in autoclave aged mechanical strength (e.g. from index 123 to index 148 and 146, respectively) can be seen for the cured products according to the present disclosure when compared to applying a binder composition as disclosed herein but where NaOH was used to neutralize pH, i.e. a binder composition without component d). Additionally, when adding ammonia or an organic amine the wet strength was on par with or showed a significant increase (e.g. from index 45 to index 50 and 59, respectively) for the cured products according to the present disclosure when compared to applying a binder composition as disclosed herein but where NaOH was used to neutralize pH, i.e. a binder composition without component d). The increased mechanical strength is believed to come from the crosslinking abilities of ammonia and amines, which NaOH does not have. For example, in a binder composition with lower protein content and higher saccharide content (e.g. P:S ratio of about 27:73), the addition of ammonia and amine bases (as alternatives to NaOH) generally resulted in unaged and aged strengths (especially autoclave aged strength), that were significantly above or on par (index 90 or higher) relative to a PUF reference binder. Also, the addition of ammonia and amines (as alternatives to NaOH) exhibited mechanical strengths (unaged, aged and / or wet strength) that were significantly above or on par with those of the same binder composition neutralized with NaOH. Ammonia and amines resulted in wet strengths at an acceptable level, i.e. no lower than index 30 relative to reference binder A (PUF). Additionally, it has also been observed that the addition of component d), such as ammonia, results in an unexpected reduction of emissions of CO2, CO and / or organic acids (such as formic acid, acetic acid, etc.) originating from curing of the binder. For example, a drastic decrease in curing emissions of carboxylic acids is seen when adding component d), such as ammonia or one or more amines. The reduction in emissions of carboxylic acids may reduce the risk of corrosion in metallic structures, e.g. flue gas ducts, production equipment and / or chimneys, which are in direct contact with the flue gas before leaving the production facility. The reduction in curing emissions of carboxylic acids can be up to 65-90% when compared to products made with a similar binder composition without component d). For example, reductions of curing emissions of formic acid are reduced about 67% when adding component d), such as ammonia or one or more amines. Acetic acid emissions are reduced about 65-87% when adding component d), such as ammonia or one or more amines. Similarly, the CO2 emissions from curing are reduced up to 25-30 % or even more when adding ammonia as component d) compared to a similar binder composition where component d) has not been added. Additionally, or alternatively, the addition of component d), such as ammonia, results in an unexpected reduction of emissions of CO2 which can be up to 33-50 % in emissions from the spinning chamber and / or fibre collector. Addition of small amounts of ammonia or an amine to the binder composition resulted in significant reductions of small organic acids (e.g. acetic acid, formic acid) in the simulated curing emissions. The addition of ammonia also resulted in reductions of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide in the simulated curing emissions. Similarly, the addition of ammonia resulted in reductions of carbon dioxide in the simulated spinning emissions. Reduced emissions are seen for binder compositions with higher as well as for binder compositions with lower protein contents. Although the addition of an amine to the binder composition resulted in significant reductions of small organic acids (e.g. acetic acid, formic acid) in the simulated curing emissions, the emissions of carbon dioxide increased slightly, and carbon monoxide remained on par with the binder composition comprising NaOH in the simulated curing emissions. Ammonia and / or amines are alkaline by nature and may thus also increase pH of the slightly acidic binder composition according to the present disclosure and may thus eliminate or at least reduce the use of other bases, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) etc., as pH adjusters. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the increased mechanical strength and / or wet strength as well as the reduced emissions of CO2 and / or carboxylic acids are caused by reaction between the basic ammonia and / or amine groups of component d) and acidic components in the binder composition, such as before and / or during curing. For example, the azetidinium functional crosslinker is slightly acidic by nature. Similarly, the protein component is slightly acidic by nature (e.g. due to its the protein’s content of amino acids with free carboxylic groups and / or dissolved amino acids with free carboxylic acid groups). The initial function of adding ammonia and / or an organic amine or other bases, such as alkali metal hydroxides like sodium hydroxide (NaOH), to the binder mixture is probably quite similar: reacting with acidic components (for example carboxylic acids) in a non-covalent way to bring the mixture to a neutral pH. For example, at neutral pH, carboxylic acid groups in the binder composition will be in ammonium carboxylate form, e.g. as ammonium carboxylate complexes, when formed from ammonia and / or amines, such as organic amines with one more primary amine functional group, organic amines with two or more secondary amine groups or amines carrying a combination of primary amine and secondary amine groups. If neutralized with an inorganic base, e.g. NaOH, carboxylates in the binder composition will be formed with cations from the inorganic base, e.g. sodium carboxylates. When curing the binder, the difference between using ammonia and / or an amine vs. an inorganic base, e.g. alkali metal hydroxides such as NaOH, is possibly due to the ammonium group(s) of the ammonium carboxylates that have the ability to generate covalent bonds with the rest of the binder components whereas this is not possible for the sodium cation. This difference will then result in a different end product in the cured binder. We believe that upon heating, a sodium carboxylate functionality could degrade into CO2, while an ammonium carboxylate functionality has a better chance of being incorporated into the binder network, e.g. by forming covalent bonds between the ammonium group(s) and the polymeric structure during curing. Also, it is believed that - in some cases – e.g. at high curing temperatures, the alkyl bonds in the amines could potentially break and result in slightly increasing the CO and / or CO2 emissions. The further crosslinking between amines and the protein moiety of the binder composition on the other hand, reduces the amount of free carboxylic acid groups, thus reducing the emission of the small carboxylic acids. Thus, it is believed that ammonium ions of ammonia or primary and / or secondary organic amine groups may assist in binding the acidic components of the binder composition such as carboxylic acid groups in amino acids in the protein component and / or in the azetidinium functional crosslinker and / or any dissolved carboxylic acids, e.g. formic acid and / or acetic acid present in the binder composition before and / or during curing. The organic ammonium group (originating from amines) of the ammonium carboxylates may then react and bind to the polymeric structure, e.g. while in the aqueous composition and / or during curing, and thereby provide further crosslinking between the binder components and / or bind carboxylic acids, that could otherwise be released as emissions. These reactions with the amine(s) are also believed to contribute to further crosslinking within the cured polymer which may contribute to the observed increased mechanical strengths (unaged and / or aged) and / or wet strength. The inorganic ammonium group (originating from ammonia) of the ammonium carboxylates may similarly react and bind to the polymeric structure, e.g. while in the aqueous composition and / or during curing, and thereby provide further crosslinking between the binder components and / or bind carboxylic acids, that could otherwise be released as carbon dioxide (CO2) and / or carbon monoxide (CO) and / or formic acid and / or acetic acid as emissions. These reactions with ammonia are also believed to contribute to further crosslinking within the cured polymer, which may contribute to the increased mechanical strengths and / or wet strength. Preferably, the content of component d) in the aqueous binder composition is in the range of 0.1-3.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.1-2.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.2-1.5 % by weight of binder component solids. The addition of even low amounts of component d) resulted in increased mechanical strength (aged and unaged) as well as wet strengths as already discussed above. Additionally, the addition of these low amounts of component d) resulted in reduced emissions of carboxylic acids, such as formic acid and / or acetic acid and / or CO2 from curing and / or from spinning chambers / fibre collectors as already discussed above. Preferably, component d) is selected from compounds having a pKa value of the corresponding (protonated) conjugate ammonium ions thereof which is at least 8, such as having a pKa of 8-12. When adding one or more compounds of component d) where the conjugate ammonium ion has an alkaline pKa, such as above 8, the addition of component d) can also adjust pH of the binder composition to the desired range, such as between 5-9, in particular a near neutral pH, such as 6-8, such as about 7. As already indicated above, ammonia and amines are bases, their conjugate ammonium ions are weak bases, and may substitute alkali hydroxides, e.g. NaOH, partly or fully as bases when adjusting pH by increasing pH towards the neutral or slightly alkaline range in the aqueous binder composition. Thereby, the addition of further bases may be reduced or even omitted which results in reduced overall production costs and reduces handling of potentially hazardous substances such as strong bases while maintaining the positive impacts on mechanicals strengths (unaged and / or aged) and / or wet strength and / or emissions as mentioned above. When component d) is also used to adjust pH of the aqueous binder composition it is preferably added the last or as one of the last components in order to avoid or reduce further pH adjustments of the aqueous binder composition. For example, the pKa values of the protonated conjugate acid, corresponding to the ammonium ions, of the one or more of the following compounds, clearly indicates that they can be used to adjust pH of the aqueous binder composition when added as component d): Ammonia pKa: 9.2 ethane-1,2-diamine (ethylenediamine) pKa: 9.0-10.7 (H1), 6.0-8.0 (H2) propane-1,3-diamine (1,3-diaminopropane) pKa : 9.8-11.5 (H1), 7.9-9.7 (H2) butane-1,4-diamine (putrescine) pKa: 10.2-11.2 (H1), 8.8-9.7 (H2) pentane-1,5-diamine (cadaverine) pKa : 9.1-11.0 (H1), 9.1-10.1 (H2) hexane-1,6-diamine (hexamethylenediamine) pKa: 9.9-11.8 (H1), 8.8-10.8 (H2) piperazine pKa: 9.1-10.4 (H1), 4.9-5.9 (H2) diethylenetriamine pKa: 9.4-10.2 (H1), 8.3-9.3 (H2), 3.5-4.3 (H3) tetraethylenepentamine pKa: 9.7 (H1), 9.1 (H2), 8.1 (H3), 4.7 (H4), 3.0 (H5) pKa values above are stated in relation to the protonated conjugate acid of the ammonia or amine compounds, i.e. of the corresponding ammonium or organic ammonium ions protonated version at each amine group of the molecule. Thus, where the amine is a diamine, triamine or poly amine the compounds may have 2 or more pKa values represented by H1, H2 etc. above. Preferably the one or more compounds in component d) is selected from ammonia and / or diamines, such as hexane-1,6-diamine, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, component d) is selected from ammonia and / or any inorganic ammonium (NH4+) containing salt of inorganic acids and / or organic acids. The addition of very low amounts of ammonia, such as 0.1-3.0 % or even as low as 0.1-1.5 % by weight or 0.2-1.5 % by weight of binder component solids, resulted in a high increase in unaged and aged mechanical strengths while also providing a high increase in wet strength and demonstrated an impact on lowering the emissions of CO2 and / or carboxylic acids, see also discussion further above. Inorganic ammonium containing salts of inorganic or organic acids may release ammonia, e.g. when increasing pH in the binder composition, such as by adding a base, e.g. NaOH, and / or when heating the binder composition, whereby the addition of ammonium salts will provide an impact on mechanical strengths (aged and / or unaged) as well as wet strength which is comparable to the addition of ammonia. Preferably component d) is or comprises ammonia. For example, an aqueous solution of ammonia may be added to the aqueous binder composition. A suitable aqueous ammonia solution may contain 20-30% by weight of ammonia (measured at 15.5 °C). Additionally, or alternatively, the component d) in the aqueous binder composition is or comprises one or more amines and / or any salt thereof and / or amino acids thereof and / or any mixtures thereof; such as monoamines, diamines and / or polyamines, such as linear, branched or cyclic alkyl amines, such as C1-C8 linear or branched alkyl amines or C3-C8 cyclic alkyl amines, such as C1-C8 linear or branched alkyl diamines or C3-C8 cyclic alkyl diamines, such as C1-C8 linear or branched alkyl monoamines or C3-C8 cyclic alkyl monoamines; and / or polyamines with repeating units composed of an amine group and a C1- C8 aliphatic spacer, such as with repeating units composed of an amine group with methyl, ethyl or propyl spacers, such as polyamines comprising 2, 3, 4, 5 ,6 or more ethyleneamine units; and / or linear or branched alkanolamines, such as C1-C8 linear or branched alkanolamines; and / or aromatic diamines or polyamines comprising an aryl moiety, such as benzene, phenol or naphthalene, where said aryl moiety has one, two or more substituents, such as substituent(s) comprising linear C1-C4 aminoalkyl substituents and / or C1-C4 alkanolamine substituents, such as two or more or three or more C1-C4 linear alkyl amine and / or C1-C4 alkanol amine substituents, and / or substituents with repeating units composed of an amine group and a C1-C8 aliphatic spacer, such as substituents with repeating units composed of an amine group with methyl, ethyl or propyl spacers, such as comprising 2, 3, 4, 5 ,6 or more ethyleneamine units; and / or any salt thereof and / or any mixtures thereof. The addition of even low amounts of one or more amines and / or any salt thereof, such as 0.1-3.0% or even as low as 0.1-1.5 % by weight or 0.2-1.5 % by weight of binder component solids, as component d) resulted in similar increases in mechanical strengths (aged and unaged) as well as wet strengths, see also the discussion above. Similarly, the addition of amines reduces the emissions of carboxylic acids, e.g. small carboxylic acids, such as formic acid and / or acetic acids, from the curing stage of mineral fibre productions. Preferably, component d) is or comprises one or more amines selected from m- xylylenediamine, ethanolamine, tris(2-aminoethyl) amine, n-butylamine or 1,6- hexanediamine or any salts thereof. Binder compositions with addition of these amines or any salts thereof exhibit mechanical strengths which are on par or show significant increases in mechanical strengths (aged and unaged) as well as wet strengths. Additionally, binder compositions with one or more of these amines reduce the emissions of carboxylic acids, e.g. small carboxylic acids, such as formic acid and / or acetic acids, from the curing stage of mineral fibre productions as also discussed above. Similarly to ammonia, the nitrogen atom in organic amines features a lone electron pair that can bind H+to form an organic ammonium ion R3NH+(where R represents identical or different organic substituents or H, wherein at least one of these 3 groups R is an organic substituent). The organic ammonium ion can form salts with anions inorganic acids and / or organic acids. Thus, salts of organic ammonium ions and anions of inorganic acids and / or organic acids may release amine(s) e.g. when increasing pH in the binder composition, such as by adding a base, e.g. NaOH, and / or when heating the binder composition, and thus may also provide an impact on mechanical strengths (aged and unaged) as well as wet strength which is comparable to the addition of the corresponding amine. The water solubility of amines, especially simple amines, may be enhanced by hydrogen bonding involving these lone electron pairs on the N atom in the amine moiety. The ammonium ions of amines (called organic ammonium) can also form salts with anions, such as anions of inorganic acids or organic acids, such as those acids listed further below. Typically, salts of organic ammonium compounds exhibit the following order of solubility in water: primary ammonium (RNH+3) > secondary ammonium (R2NH+2) > tertiary ammonium (R3NH+) (The two / three R substituents may be different or identical in secondary or tertiary amines, respectively). Small aliphatic amines display significant solubility in many solvents, including water, whereas those with large substituents are more lipophilic. Thus, primary amines and / or secondary amines, such as primary and / or secondary diamines, are preferred as they are easily soluble in the aqueous binder composition. In addition, the fewer the substituents on the amine groups, the more possibilities there are for the amine to react with the binder and / or with other binder components. The one or more salts of component(s) d) is / are preferably selected from salt(s) of inorganic acid anions with inorganic ammonium or organic ammonium ions, such as salts of inorganic ammonium or organic ammonium with anions of hypophosphorous acid (H3PO2), phosphoric acid (H3PO4), phosphorous acid (H3PO3), di-, tri- or polyphosphoric acids (H(HPO3)nOH- with n being 2, 3 or more), such as salts of inorganic ammonium or organic ammonium with anions of linear or cyclic polyphosphoric acids, such as salts of inorganic ammonium or organic ammonium with pyrophosphate(s) anions, metaphosphate anions or phytic acid anions; such as salts of inorganic ammonium or organic ammonium with pyrophosphate(s) anions, such as salts of inorganic ammonium or organic ammonium with metaphosphate anions, an / or salts of hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen bromide (HBr), sulphuric acid (H2SO4), sulphurous acid (H2SO3), nitric acid (HNO3) and / or nitrous acid (HNO2); and / or any mixture of 2,3,4,5 or more thereof. Suitable inorganic ammonium salts of inorganic acids include ammonium hypophosphite ([NH4]H2PO2); ammonium phosphate ((NH4)3PO4), monoammonium phosphate ((NH4)H2PO4), diammonium phosphate ((NH4)2HPO4), monoammonium phosphite ([NH4]H2PO3) , diammonium phosphite ([NH4]2HPO3), ammonium salts of di-, tri- or polyphosphoric acids (H(NH4PO3)nOH) ( with n being 2, 3 or more), such as ammonium salts of linear or cyclic polyphosphoric acids, such as tetraammonium pyrophosphate and / or triammonium metaphosphate; ammonium chloride ([NH4]Cl), ammonium bromide ([NH4]Br), ammonium hydrogen sulphate ([NH4]HSO4); ammonium sulphate ([NH4]2SO4), ammonium nitrate ([NH4]NO3) and / or any mixture of 2,3,4,5 or more thereof. Additionally, or alternatively, any corresponding organic ammonium salt of the amines discussed in the present disclosure with anion(s) of one or more of these inorganic acids and / or organic acids may be used. Preferred inorganic ammonium salts are one or more of the above mentioned inorganic phosphorous containing acids, such as ammonium hypophosphite ([NH4]H2PO2); ammonium phosphate ((NH4)3PO4), monoammonium phosphate ((NH4)H2PO4), diammonium phosphate ((NH4)2HPO4), monoammonium phosphite ([NH4]H2PO3), diammonium phosphite ([NH4]2HPO3) and / or any mixtures(s) thereof, in particular ammonium hypophosphite ([NH4]H2PO2). Additionally, or alternatively any corresponding organic ammonium salt of the amines discussed in the present disclosure with anion(s) of one or more of these inorganic acids may be used. Inorganic ammonium and / or organic ammonium salts of carbonates and / or bicarbonates may increase mechanical strengths (aged and / or unaged) and / or wet strength, but may be less preferred as the addition of carbonate salts may potentially lead to an increase in CO2 emissions e.g. from curing ovens and / or from spinning chambers and / or fibre collectors. Similarly, inorganic ammonium and / or organic ammonium salts of carboxylic acids, e.g. formic acid, acetic acid etc., may increase mechanical strengths (aged and / or unaged) and / or wet strength, but may be less preferred as the addition of carboxylic acid salts may potentially lead to an increase in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and / or carboxylic acid e.g. from curing ovens and / or from spinning chambers and / or fibre collectors. Preferably component d) is or comprises one or more amines, such as ethane- 1,2-diamine(ethylenediamine), propane-1,3-diamine(1,3-diaminopropane), butane-1,4-diamine (putrescine), pentane-1,5-diamine (cadaverine), hexane-1,6- diamine (hexamethylenediamine), piperazine (1,4-diazacyclohexane), 1,2- bis(aminomethyl)benzene (o-xylylenediamine), 1,3-bis(aminomethyl)benzene (m-xylylenediamine), 1,4-bis(aminomethyl)benzene (p-xylylenediamine), diethylenetriamine(N1-(2-aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine), triethylenetetramine(N1,N1′-(Ethane-1,2-diyl)di(ethane-1,2-diamine)), tris(2- aminoethyl)amine, (N1,N1-bis(2-aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine), tetraethylenepentamine (N1-(2-aminoethyl)-N2-{2-[(2- aminoethyl)amino]ethyl}ethane-1,2-diamine), pentaethylenehexamine (N′-[2-[2- [2-(2-aminoethylamino)ethylamino] ethylamino]ethyl] ethane-1,2-diamine), polyethylenimine (poly(iminoethylene)), cyclen ((1,4,7,10-tetrazacyclododecane), 1,4,7-triazacyclononane), hexamethylenetetramine (1,3,5,7- tetraazaadamantane), monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, n- butylamine, and / or any salt thereof; and / or any mixture of 2 or more thereof. Unaged mechanical strength and aged mechanical strength as well as wet strength is determined using the three-point bending test described in the experimental section. This laboratory test made on bars comprising mineral fibre shots isolated from mineral wool fabrication and the binder composition. This test is explained in greater detail in the experimental section. To provide satisfactory mechanical strengths (unaged, aged (in water bath or autoclave) the values obtained for the binder technology according to the present disclosure should preferably be no lower than index 75 in relation to the corresponding values of PUF (reference binder A). For wet strength the values obtained with the binder technology according to the present disclosure, the wet strength should preferably be no lower than index 30, such as no lower than index 50 or 75, in relation to the corresponding values of reference binder A. Compositions without saccharides may display unsatisfactorily low wet strength even with high contents of the azetidinium functional crosslinker. Compositions without protein, on the other hand, may require high concentration levels of the azetidinium functional crosslinker to achieve satisfactory unaged and aged mechanical strengths. This illustrates the necessity for including both proteins and saccharides in the binder composition. The improvements described for the mixed mineral fibre binder composition are to such an extent that they generally cannot be explained by additive effects but clearly shows a synergistic interaction in the resulting binder composition from the protein components and from the saccharide components when crosslinked with the azetidinium functional crosslinker. Thus, the binder composition preferably exhibits a weight ratio of protein to saccharide (P:S) of 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. When component d) is not considered, the protein content in the binder composition is preferably 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. When correcting for the addition of component d), i.e. considering all binder components including component d), the adjusted protein content is preferably in the range of 7.2-75 % by weight of binder component solids, or preferably 10.6-59 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 10.7-50 % by weight of binder component solids or more preferred 14.5-39 % by weight of binder component solids. When component d) is not considered, the saccharide content in the binder composition is preferably in the range of 19-89 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 31-84 % by weight of binder component solids, or preferably 39- 84 % by weight of binder component solids or more preferred 45-79 % by weight of binder component solids. When correcting for the addition of component d), i.e. considering all binder components including component d), the adjusted saccharide content is preferably in the range of 18.4-89 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 30-84 % by weight of binder component solids, or preferably 37.8-84 % by weight of binder component solids or more preferred 43.6-79 % by weight of binder component solids. Unless otherwise stated, it should be clear the indication of proteins, saccharides, crosslinker, and, where relevant, component d), throughout the description, e.g. with respect to the weight ratio of protein to saccharide (P:S), the protein content, the saccharide content, the crosslinker content and / or the content of component d), relates to these components of the inventive binder composition as defined, i.e. to a) the one or more protein(s) of non-plant origin; b) the one or more saccharide(s) selected from monosaccharides, disaccharides, or oligosaccharides, or combinations or mixtures of two or more thereof, and c) the crosslinker comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups, and, where relevant, d) one or more compounds selected from ammonia or amines and / or any salts thereof, respectively. 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, with the pre-drying degree arguably being the most important. Compositions without saccharides all display very low wet strength even with high polyazetidinium functional crosslinker (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). This illustrates the necessity for including both protein(s) and saccharide(s) in the binder compositions. When component d) is not considered, the present binder composition preferably has either A: the protein content in the binder composition is 7.5-75 % by weight of binder component solids and the saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 19-89 % by weight of binder component solids and wherein the crosslinker is present 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; or B: wherein the protein content in the binder composition is 11-59 % by weight of binder component solids, and the saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 31-84 % by weight of binder component solids and wherein the crosslinker is present 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.; or C: wherein the protein content in the binder composition is 11-50 % by weight of binder component solids and the saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 39-84 % by weight of binder component solids and wherein the crosslinker is present 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; or D: wherein the protein content in the binder composition is 15-39 % by weight of binder component solids and the saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 45-79 % by weight of binder component solids, and wherein the crosslinker is present 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 correcting for the addition of component d), i.e. considering all binder components including component d), the adjusted binder component solids content in the aqueous binder composition is preferably either A: wherein the protein content in the binder composition is 7.2-75 % by weight of binder component solids and the saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 18.4-89 % by weight of binder component solids and wherein the crosslinker is present 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 and wherein said binder composition further comprises the component d) in an amount of 0.1-3.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.1-2.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.2-1.5 % by weight of binder component solids; or B: wherein the protein content in the binder composition is 10.6-59 % by weight of binder component solids, and saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 30-84 % by weight of binder component solids and wherein the crosslinker is present 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, and wherein said binder composition further comprises the component d) in an amount of 0.1-3.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.1-2.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.2-1.5 % by weight of binder component solids ; or C: wherein the protein content in the binder composition is 10.6-50 % by weight of binder component solids and the saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 37.8-84 % by weight of binder component solids and wherein the crosslinker is present 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, and wherein said binder composition further comprises the component d) in an amount of 0.1-3.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.1-2.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.2-1.5 % by weight of binder component solids; or D: wherein the protein content in the binder composition is 14.5-39 % by weight of binder component solids and the saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 43.6-79 % by weight of binder component solids, and wherein the crosslinker is present 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, and wherein said binder composition further comprises the component d) in an amount of 0.1-3.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.1-2.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.2-1.5 % by weight of binder component solids. 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 base binder (comparative binder B) – i.e. index 30 or above, such as about half or above 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. 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 display very low aged strengths This illustrates the importance of including PAE as crosslinker. 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 2-6 % of binder component solids of PAE added to the binder composition, such as or 2.5-5 %, by weight of binder component solids PAE added to the binder composition, such as 2.9% PAE of binder component solids added to the binder composition. It appears that changing pH of the aqueous mineral fibre binder composition does not seem to significantly affect the mechanical properties the MMVF products made with the binder. Thus, the aqueous binder composition may have pH in the range of 4.5 to 9.5, such as 6.0 to 8.0. In order to reduce risk of corrosion or similar issues in the production equipment and / or reduce risk hazards to production staff which may come into contact with the aqueous binder composition, it is preferred that the aqueous binder composition has neutral pH or near neutral pH, such as pH of 6.5-7.5. The present disclosure also relates to a method of producing mineral fibres bound by a mineral fibre binder as described above and below. This method is described in further details below. The aqueous mineral fibre binder composition is simply prepared by adding the binder components to water. The binder components can simply be mixed with water to form the final binder composition prior to application to the mineral fibres. Typically, protein(s) and saccharide(s) are added as solids, concentrates, syrups and / or aqueous solutions to the water. The preparation of the mineral fibre binder composition can be performed by conventional means e.g. in a mixing tank or by inline mixing. The binder components can be mixed into water in any order. Preferably, the azetidinium functional crosslinker is added as the last component or one of the last components before adding component d), such as shortly or immediately before introducing the binder composition into the mineral fibres to avoid any unintentional setting, e.g. of gelatines, in the event that the mineral fibre binder composition is allowed to stand in a mixer, mixing tank or holding tank for an extended time interval before being added to the mineral fibres. The water may have a temperature of 20-70°C, such as 30-60°C when adding the protein(s) and / or saccharide(s) in order to ensure fast and effective dissolution thereof. If the mineral binder composition is held in a tank for an extended period before being used, either with or without the crosslinker added thereto, it may be preferred to maintain the binder composition at a temperature of 20-70°C, such as 30-60°C to avoid any unintentional setting. If collagen type proteins are used, such as gelatine(s), the elevated temperature of the water and / or binder composition ensures that the collagen type proteins e.g. gelatines, do not gel. Gelled gelatines in production equipment are unwanted as it can cause blocking of equipment, e.g. pipes, valves, nozzles etc., and may result in unwanted production stop(s) while cleaning of the blocked equipment. Alternatively, the binder composition can be prepared as a 2-component binder composition. In this case a first component comprises the one or more protein(s) and azetidinium functional crosslinker, and a second component comprises the one or more saccharide(s) and azetidinium functional crosslinker. First and second components are mixed before introducing the resulting binder composition into the mineral fibres, such as shortly or immediately before introducing the binder composition into the mineral fibres. The first and second components are e.g. mixed by mechanical means, such as in a mixer, a stirred mixing tank or by inline mixing. Hydrophobic agents, such as silicones and / or oils can be added to the binder composition, e.g. during mixing thereof, or the hydrophobic agents may alternatively be added separately to the binder composition, e.g. via a separate inline mixing port, prior to mixing the binder with the mineral fibres, such as immediately before adding the binder composition to the mineral fibres. Alternatively, the hydrophobic agent or agents may be added to the mineral fibres via dedicated injections means, such as a second set of injection nozzles. The present disclosure also relates to mineral fibre products bound by an aqueous mineral fibre binder composition as described above and below. When cured, a coherent product is formed. These products are described in further details below. Uses of the mineral fibre binder and methods in producing mineral fibre products are also described in further detail below. Protein component(s) of the binder The binder composition comprises, as component a), one or more protein(s) of non-plant origin. For the present disclosure, the term “non-plant protein” encompass 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), cnidaria (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 gelatine, such as partly hydrolysed gelatine; such as collagen type proteins of bovine, porcine, marine, microbial and / or recombinant sources, - 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 silkworms, 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. 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 gelatine from bovine, porcine, marine, microbial and / or recombinant sources. The one or more proteins preferably comprises collagen type proteins or partly hydrolysed collagen type proteins, such as gelatine or partly hydrolysed gelatine, 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 gelatine or hydrolysed gelatine also encompass food grade gelatines, technical grade gelatines, animal glues, bone glues or fish gelatine 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 gelatines or fish glues derived from fish, especially gelatines from fish harvested in cold water seas, may have a different chemical composition and / or structure when compared to collagen type proteins, e.g. gelatines, obtained from mammals or other animal sources. Thus, fish gelatine 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, at least one saccharide, component d) and the at least one crosslinker. When component d) is not considered, the binder composition preferably has a content of the at least one protein, preferably gelatine, 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. When corrected for the addition of component d), i.e. considering all binder components including component d), the binder composition preferably has a content of the at least one protein, preferably gelatine, in the range of 7.2-75 % by weight of binder component solids, or preferably 10.6-59 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 10.6-50 % by weight of binder component solids or more preferred 14.5- 39 % by weight 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. Gelatine is derived from chemical degradation of collagen. Gelatine may also be produced by recombinant techniques. Gelatine is water soluble and has a molecular weight of 10.000 to 500.000 g / mol (corresponding to 10-500 kDa), such as 30.000 to 300.000 g / mol (corresponding to 30-300 kDa) dependent on the grade of hydrolysis. Gelatine 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. Gelatine 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 gelatine, is composed of two alpha 1(1) and one alpha2(I) chains. Gelatine solutions may undergo coil-helix transitions. A type gelatines are produced by acidic treatment. B type gelatines are produced by basic treatment. The gelatine can also be further hydrolysed to smaller fragments of down to 3000 g / mol (3 kDa) or even as low as down to 1000 g / mol (1 kDa). On cooling a gelatine solution, collagen like helices may be formed. Gelatine may form helix structures. Thus, the cured binder comprising protein may comprise helix structures. Preferably, the at least one protein is a low strength gelatine, such as a gelatine having a gel strength of 20 to 125 Bloom (at 6.67 wt%). Alternatively, the at least one protein may be a medium strength gelatine, such as a gelatine having a gel strength of 125 to 180 Bloom (at 6.67 wt%). Alternatively, the at least one protein may be high strength gelatine, such as a gelatine having a gel strength of 180 to 300 Bloom (at 6.67 wt%). Proteins or gelatines, including technical grade proteins or gelatines, 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 gelatine is preferably food grade and / or technical grade gelatine 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 gelatines may also interact strongly with trivalent and tetravalent ions, for example aluminum salts. This is especially true for type B gelatines, which contain more carboxylic acid groups than type A gelatines. The binder composition may comprise at least two proteins, wherein a first protein is selected from collagen or collagen derivatives, preferably gelatine, 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. In a variant, 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 gelatine and / or partly hydrolysed gelatine, 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, when component d) is not considered. When corrected for the addition of component d), i.e. considering all binder components including component d), the binder composition preferably has a content of the at least one protein, preferably gelatine, in the range of 7.2-75 % by weight of binder component solids, or preferably 10.6-59 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 10.6-50 % by weight of binder component solids or more preferred 14.5-39 % 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, food grade and / or partially hydrolysed collagen-type proteins from porcine, bovine and / or fish sources, with average molecular weights below 100 kDa, or 30 kDa or even as low as 2-3 kDa or even lower such as down to 1 kDa. Pure gelatines 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 composition made with these gelatines as these gelatines tend to be setting quickly. Premature setting of gelatines can be a reduced or even avoided by mixing and / or storing the binder at elevated temperatures as discussed above. Saccharide component(s) Component b) in the aqueous binder composition is in the form of one or more saccharides. Thus, the one or more saccharide(s) is 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 maltoacis, in particular low molecular mass maltodextrins; - glucose syrup and / or combinations or mixtures of two or more thereof. 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 Mglucose is the molecular weight of D-glucose and Mn is 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 an hexamer – the smallest of the two maltodextrins). The saccharide component is preferably 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. When component d) is not considered, the saccharide component is preferably present in the aqueous binder composition in an amount in the range of 19-89 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 31-84 % by weight of binder component solids, or preferably 39-84 % by weight of binder component solids or more preferred 45-79 % by weight of binder component solids. When correcting for the addition of component d), i.e. considering all binder components including component d), the adjusted saccharide content is preferably in the range of 18.4- 89 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 30-84 % by weight of binder component solids, or preferably 37.8-84 % by weight of binder component solids or more preferred 43.6-79 % 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 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. This binder 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. When discussing mechanical strengths of the binder it is defined by the mechanical strengths of the cured mineral fibre product. Crosslinking component A crosslinker is used to crosslink the protein component(s) and / or carbohydrate components. The crosslinker comprises two or more azetidinium functional groups (AZR), see 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 or 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 is 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. Without being bound by theory, we believe that the unique crosslinking reactivity of the 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. 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 a satisfying level of unaged and aged strengths that are not significantly lower than PUF (comparative binder A). Binder compositions made without an azetidinium functional crosslinker, such as PAE, 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 importance 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 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. Thus, the binder composition 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. 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 the inventive binder comprising components a), b), c) and d), the one or more compounds selected from ammonia or amines and / or any salts thereof (component d)) are also considered as components of the binder component solids. While these starting materials may be volatiles, such as ammonia, they may be reacted at least in part. 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 disclosure, 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 disclosure includes binders containing cured and uncured regions. Additives The aqueous binder composition may further comprise one of more additives. The one or more 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 hydrophobic agents such as a silicone oil or silicone resin and / or fatty acid ester(s) of glycerol, one or more dust binding agent(s) such as oil(s), such as mineral oil(s), and / or one or more colouring agents. The aqueous binder composition may comprise an additive 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. Less preferred bases could include alkali metal or earth alkali metal carbonates, since the use of 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, phosphoric acid. Examples of organic acids may include acetic acid and / or citric acid. The one or more additives may comprise one or more hydrophobic agents such as silicone and / or one or more mineral oil(s) and / or fatty acid ester(s) of glycerol. The 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 silicone 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. As mentioned above, one or more oil(s) may be added to the aqueous binder composition. The oils provide 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 cutting in a mineral fibre slab. 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. Alternatively, the one or more oils may be added separately to the mineral fibres, such as in parallel to or after the addition of the aqueous mineral fibre binder. When component d) is not considered, the fatty acid ester and / or oil content is preferably 0.6 to 30% by weight, based on the binder component solids, more preferably 1 to 10 % by weight, based on the binder component solids, more preferably 2 to 7.5 % by weight, based on the binder component solids. When correcting for the addition of component d), i.e. considering all binder components including component d), the adjusted fatty acid ester and / or oil content is preferably 0.5 to 30% by weight, based on the binder component solids, more preferably 0.9 to 10 % by weight, based on the binder component solids, more preferably 1.9 to 7.5 % by weight, based on the binder component solids. The at least one fatty acid ester of glycerol is preferably 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 combinations thereof. 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. While the term fatty acid can in the present context 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, preferably of an even number of carbon atoms. Preferably, the aliphatic chain of the fatty acid is unbranched. 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 used in in form of fruit pulp fats 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. When component d) is not considered, the content of fatty acid ester of glycerol may be 0.6 to 30, such as 1 to 10, such as 2 to 7.5 wt.-percent based on binder component solids. When correcting for the addition of component d), i.e. considering all binder components including component d), the adjusted fatty acid ester and / or oil content is preferably 0.5 to 30%, such as 0.9 to 10 % such as 1.9 to 7.5 % by weight, based on the binder component solids. The additives can be added before or after mixing of the final aqueous binder composition. 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 B2O3 3 to 12. Some glass fibre compositions can contain Al2O3 less 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 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. 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 vitreous 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 which rotate about a substantially horizontal axis, or off a cascade of a plurality of fiberizing rotors (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(s) 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 composition 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 composition 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 reaches a solid state. The cured binder 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 fibres formed in the spinning chamber or fibre collector, 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 disclosure. 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. Product densities may be determined according to EN ISO 29470:2020. 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 fibre 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. The preferred 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 or equal to 19 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. 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 – 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. 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 disclosure as described above for the production of a mineral fibre product. The present disclosure is also directed to the use of an aqueous binder composition according to the present disclosure as described above for lowering the formaldehyde and / or ammonia and / or phenol emissions during production of a mineral fibre product. The present disclosure is also directed to the use of an aqueous binder composition according to the present disclosure as described above for lowering emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and / or carboxylic acids and / or carbon monoxide (CO), while also reducing emissions of 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 present disclosure is also directed to the use of one or more compounds selected from ammonia or amines and / or any salt thereof and / or combinations of 2 or more compounds thereof, such as in an aqueous mineral wool binder composition as outlined above and / or in a method according to any the present disclosure, for lowering emissions, such as of CO2 and / or carboxylic acids and / or carbon monoxide (CO), from curing and / or spinning processes in mineral wool production. 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 gelatine (80-100 bloom at 12.5%, CAM Moreu), 150 bloom technical gelatine (150-180 bloom at 12.5%, CAM Moreu), 0 bloom technical gelatine (CAM Moreu), hydrolysed technical gelatine (CAM Moreu), 80 bloom technical gelatine (80 bloom at 12.5%, 27 bloom at 6.67%, SelJel Jelatin), 20-40 bloom technical gelatine (20-40 bloom at 12.5%, Amstel), 50-70 bloom technical gelatine (50-70 bloom at 12.5%, Amstel), 80-100 bloom technical gelatine (80-100 bloom at 12.5%, Amstel), Peptiplus XB-UHV (partially hydrolysed gelatine, 10-14 kDa, GELITA AG), Peptiplus XP-UHV (partially hydrolysed gelatine, 10-16 kDa, GELITA AG), 51.1% Novotec CB800 (partially hydrolysed gelatine, 3kDa, GELITA AG), hydrolysed technical gelatine (GELITA Flex, GELITA AG), gelatine 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). Other reagents: 40% silane (Momentive Silquest® VS-142, aminoalkylsilane hydrolyzate in water, Momentive), 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), 50% aq. hypophosphorous acid (Alfa Aesar, 14142), 83.0% sodium hypophosphite (monohydrate, Sigma-Aldrich, S5012), 1,6-hexanediamine (Thermo Scientific, A120645000), ethanolamine (Sigma-Aldrich, 15014), n- butylamine (Sigma-Aldrich, 471305), m-Xylylenediamine (Sigma-Aldrich, X1202), tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (Sigma-Aldrich, 225630). 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 fibres) formed during the cascade spinning process of a stone melt in the production of stone wool fibres 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 the inventive binder comprising components a), b), c) and d), the one or more compounds selected from ammonia or amines and / or any salts thereof (component d)) are also considered as components of the binder component solids. While these starting materials may be volatiles, such as ammonia, they may be reacted at least in part. In the 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: 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 (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: ^^^^^ (%) = ^^^^^^, ^^^^^^^^^^^^ (%) − ^^^^^^, ^^^^^^ ( )^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^ℎ ^^^^^^^^ %^^^^^^, ^^^^^^^^^^^^ (%)× 100% 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: 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 (17.5% or 20% final binder solids solution, 0.2% silane of binder solids; final pH 9.6). 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 2-7-4 To a mixture of 51.1% Novotec CB800 (25.8 g) in water (55.2 g) at room temperature was added 75% aq. glucose syrup (52.5 g) (pH 4.9), followed by 20% Kymene GHP20 PAE (13.1 g) (pH 4.6).28% aq. ammonia (0.60 g) and 4% silane (2.76 g) were then added (pH 7.1). After stirring for 1-2 minutes further at room temperature, the resulting yellowish mixture was used in the subsequent experiments. The binder solids were measured as described above: 25.0% for 1 h at 225 °C. Binder example, example 3-2-3 A mixture of technical gelatine (12.9 g, 80 bloom CAM Moreu) in water (73.6 g) was stirred at 50 °C for approx. 15-30 min until a homogeneous mixture was obtained.75% aq. glucose syrup (47.1 g) was added (pH 5.5), followed by 20% Kymene GHP20 PAE (12.1 g) (pH 4.7).25% Aq. m-xylylenediamine (1.82 g) and 4% silane (2.53 g) were then added (pH 7.0). 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: 25.0% for 1 h at 225 °C. 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 were 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

[0003] 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 - - Gelatine, 120 bloom (IMAGEL LA) - - 89.9 - Technical gelatine, 80 bloom (CAM Moreu) - - - 90.0 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. gelatine, 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 7.0-7.3 7.2 7.3 7.3 7.4 8.2-8.7 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 temperature (°C) 1 / 200 1 / 175 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 557 437 566 512 425 358 225 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0078]

[0102]

[0092]

[0076]

[0064]

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

[0100]

[0159]

[0066]

[0055]

[0057]

[0065]

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

[0100] [0]

[0044]

[0048]

[0048]

[0067]

[0018] 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. gelatine, 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 6.9-7.0 6.9-7.0 6.9-7.0 7.1-7.3 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 temperature (°C) 1 / 200 1 / 175 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 557 400 847 743 725 640 393 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0072]

[0152]

[0133]

[0130]

[0115]

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

[0100]

[0191]

[0066]

[0093]

[0114]

[0107]

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

[0100]

[0028]

[0076]

[0115]

[0120]

[0101]

[0039] 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. gelatine, 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 7.1-7.2 7.1 7.0-7.1 7.0 7.0 7.3 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 temperature (°C) 1 / 200 1 / 175 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 557 528 778 775 643 631 551 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0095]

[0140]

[0139]

[0115]

[0113]

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

[0100]

[0197]

[0082]

[0125]

[0099]

[0104]

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

[0100]

[0105]

[0080]

[0111]

[0105]

[0117]

[0071] 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. gelatine, 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 7.0-7.3 6.7 6.8-7.4 6.9-7.0 7.1 7.2 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 temperature (°C) 1 / 200 1 / 175 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 557 426 714 763 638 696 642 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0076]

[0128]

[0137]

[0115]

[0125]

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

[0100]

[0194]

[0124]

[0170]

[0125]

[0112]

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

[0100]

[0117]

[0145]

[0167]

[0139]

[0110]

[0107] 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. gelatine, 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 7.0-7.2 7.1 7.0 7.0 6.9-7.0 7.2-7.3 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 temperature (°C) 1 / 200 1 / 175 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 557 633 886 789 752 668 622 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0114]

[0159]

[0142]

[0135]

[0120]

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

[0100]

[0280]

[0183]

[0171]

[0147]

[0114]

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

[0100]

[0168]

[0133]

[0139]

[0135]

[0117]

[0085] 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. gelatine, 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 6.9-7.0 6.9-7.0 6.9-7.0 6.9-7.0 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 temperature (°C) 1 / 200 1 / 175 1 / 200 1 / 225 2 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 557 330 538 638 606 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0060]

[0097]

[0115]

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

[0100]

[0096]

[0107]

[0125]

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

[0100]

[0087]

[0129]

[0139]

[0124] 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. gelatine, 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 6.9-7.0 7.6-8.0 9.0 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 temperature (°C) 1 / 200 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 557 778 706 659 638 590 627 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0140]

[0127]

[0118]

[0115]

[0106]

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

[0100]

[0161]

[0108]

[0115]

[0125]

[0118]

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

[0100]

[0119]

[0136]

[0165]

[0139]

[0152]

[0155] 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 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 - - Gelatine, 120 bloom (IMAGEL LA) - - 89.9 - Technical gelatine, 80 bloom (CAM Moreu) - - - 90.0 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 gelatine, 80 bloom (CAM Moreu) - 36.2 - - - - Technical gelatine, 150 bloom (CAM Moreu) - - 36.2 - - - Technical gelatine, 0 bloom (CAM Moreu) - - - 36.1 - - Gelatine, peptiplus XB-UHV (10-14 kDa) - - - - 36.2 - Marine collagen, 3 kDa (MM Ingredients) - - - - - 36.2 - - - - - - - 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 7.3 7.2 7.1 7.2 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 2-2-10 2-2-11 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatine, hydrolysed (CAM Moreu) 36.1 - - - - - Gelatine, 80 bloom (IMAGEL RL, 30-100 kDa) - 36.2 - - - - Technical gelatine, 20-40 bloom (Amstel) - - 36.2 - - - Gelatine, Novotec CB800 (3 kDa) - - - 36.0 - - Gelatine, hydrolysate (2 kDa) - - - - 36.2 - Gelatine, peptiplus XP-UHV (10-16 kDa) - - - - - 36.2 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 2-2-12 2-2-13 2-2-14 2-2-15 2-2-16 2-2-17 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatine, 80 bloom (SelJel) 36.1 - - - - - Technical gelatine, 50-70 bloom (Amstel) - 36.2 - - - - Fish glue (Kremer Pigmente) - - 36.1 - - - Gelatine from fish, 0 bloom (Sigma-Aldrich) - - - 36.1 - - Technical gelatine, 80-100 bloom (Amstel) - - - - 36.2 - Gelatine peptone, hydrolysed (Sigma-Aldrich) - - - - - 36.2 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 2-2-18 2-2-19 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatine, hydrolysed (Gelita) 36.1 - Technical gelatine, 40-110 bloom (Xiamen) - 36.2 - - - - - - - - - - - - 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 gelatine, 80 bloom (CAM Moreu) - 36.2 - - - - 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 7.2-7.3 6.8 7.3 7.2 7.1 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 2-3-10 2-3-11 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 2-3-12 2-3-13 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 gelatine, 80 bloom (CAM Moreu) - 36.2 36.7 36.5 36.6 36.7 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 7.2-7.3 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.2 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 2-4-10 2-4-11 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatine, 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 2-4-12 2-4-13 2-4-14 2-4-15 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatine, 80 bloom (CAM Moreu) 45.5 46.2 46.2 46.3 Maltodextrin (oligo, 3.6 kDa, DE = 4-7) 44.6 - - - 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 2-4-16 2-4-17 PUF 35:65 35:65 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatine, 80 bloom (CAM Moreu) - 25.3 28.2 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 gelatine, 80 bloom (CAM Moreu) - 36.2 36.1 37.2 37.2 37.9 Glucose syrup - 53.9 - - - - 5-(Hydroxymethyl)furfural - - 53.8 - - - Sorbitol (mono, 0.18 kDa, hydrogenated) - - - 53.0 - - Maltitol (di, 0.34 kDa, part hydrogenated) - - - - 53.0 - 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 7.2-7.3 7.0 7.2 7.3 6.9 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 2-6-2 2-6-3 2-6-4 2-6-5 Example (2-2-1) PUF 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 50:50 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatine, 80 bloom (CAM Moreu) - 36.2 36.3 36.0 36.0 36.2 Glucose syrup - 53.9 54.2 53.7 53.7 54.0 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 Sodium hydroxide - 0.9 - - - - Ammonia - - 0.5 - - - Potassium hydroxide - - - 1.4 - - 1,6-Hexanediamine - - - - 1.4 - Calcium hydroxide - - - - - 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 7.3 7.2 7.0 7.2 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) 641 878 957 917 917 914 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0137]

[0149]

[0143]

[0143]

[0143] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 312 384 461 411 455 391 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0123]

[0148]

[0132]

[0146]

[0125] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 328 486 471 501 459 477 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0148]

[0144]

[0153]

[0140]

[0145] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 596 266 298 282 354 273 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0045]

[0050]

[0047]

[0059]

[0046] LOI, unaged (%) 2.61 2.63 2.68 2.63 2.72 2.58 Bar weight (g per bar) 23.9 25.3 25.3 25.2 24.9 25.1 Binder solubility (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 6 13 17 15 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 gelatine, 80 bloom (CAM Moreu) 36.3 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 2-7 (1 / 1): Various proteins, various bases Example A 2-7-1 2-7-2 2-7-3 2-7-4 PUF 65:35 65:35 65:35 65:35 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM Moreu) - 25.3 25.4 - - Gelatin, Novotec CB800 (3 kDa) - - - 23.7 23.8 Glucose syrup - 69.4 69.6 70.8 71.1 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 4.7 4.8 4.7 4.7 Sodium hydroxide - 0.5 - 0.7 - Ammonia - - 0.3 - 0.3 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.6 7.4 7.3 7.2 7.1 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) 30.2 - - - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - - - - - Curing onset (°C) 155 203 199 190 191 Curing endset (°C) 172 226 225 206 218 Predrying (%) - 12 16 13 13 Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 17.5 25 25 25 25 Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 200 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 641 853 989 675 823 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0133]

[0154]

[0105]

[0128] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 312 413 429 278 281 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0132]

[0138]

[0089]

[0090] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 328 513 528 381 388 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0156]

[0161]

[0116]

[0118] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 596 403 442 347 281 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0067]

[0074]

[0058]

[0047] LOI, unaged (%) 2.61 2.62 2.65 2.67 2.75 Bar weight (g per bar) 23.9 25.7 26.0 25.3 25.3 Binder solubility (%) 0 0 0 0 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 6 17 17 15 19 [a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 3-1: Comparative examples (PUF, a sugar-based binder and protein based binders) Example A B 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 Gelatine, 120 bloom (IMAGEL LA) - - Technical gelatine, 80 bloom (CAM Moreu) - - Mimosa tannin - - Linseed oil - - Sodium hydroxide - - Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.6 7.5 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) 30.2 - Reaction loss, 2h / 225C (%) - 38.5 Curing onset (°C) 155 165 Curing endset (°C) 172 185 Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 20 20 Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 200 2 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 648 435 [Index][c]

[0100]

[0067] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 238 136 [Index][c]

[0100]

[0057] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 279 143 [Index][c]

[0100]

[0051] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 579 226 [Index][c]

[0100]

[0039] LOI, unaged (%) 2.63 2.63 Bar weight (g per bar) 23.7 23.2 Binder solubility (%) 0 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 8 22[a]Of binder solids.[b]Binder component solids.[c]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 3-2 (1 / 2): Various bases Example A 3-2-1 3-2-2 3-2-3 3-2-4 3-2-5 PUF 65:35 65:35 65:35 65:35 65:35 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM Moreu) - 25.3 25.4 25.2 25.3 25.3 Glucose syrup - 69.4 69.5 69.2 69.2 69.3 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 Sodium hydroxide - 0.5 - - - - Ammonia - - 0.3 - - - m-Xylylenediamine - - - 0.9 - - Ethanolamine - - - - 0.8 - Tris(2-aminoethyl)amine - - - - - 0.7 Butylamine - - - - - - 1,6-Hexanediamine - - - - - - 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 7.0 7.0 7.0 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 (%) 20 22.5 22.5 22.5 22.5 22.5 Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 200 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 648 680 680 808 781 754 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0105]

[0105]

[0125]

[0121]

[0116] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 238 185 243 245 251 214 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0078]

[0102]

[0103]

[0105]

[0090] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 279 294 347 304 313 313 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0105]

[0124]

[0109]

[0112]

[0112] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 579 314 259 381 330 318 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0054]

[0045]

[0066]

[0057]

[0055] LOI, unaged (%) 2.63 2.59 2.68 2.70 2.66 2.69 Bar weight (g per bar) 23.7 24.9 25.5 25.7 25.7 25.4 Binder solubility (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 8 20 18 13 19 15 [a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 3-2 (2 / 2): Various bases Example 3-2-6 3-2-7 65(5) 65(5) Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM Moreu) 25.2 25.3 Glucose syrup 69.1 69.3 PAE, Kymene GHP20 4.7 4.7 Sodium hydroxide - - Ammonia - - m-Xylylenediamine - Ethanolamine - - Tris(2-aminoethyl)amine - - Butylamine 1.0 - 1,6-Hexanediamine - 0.7 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 7.1 7.1 Reaction loss, 1h / 200C (%) - - Reaction loss, 1h / 225C (%) - - Curing onset (°C) - - Curing endset (°C) - - Predrying (%) - - Binder mixing and bar manufacture Binder solids (%) 22.5 22.5 Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 225 1 / 225 Bar properties Mechanical strength, unaged (N) 747 743 [Index][b]

[0115]

[0115] Mechanical strength, AC aged (N) 237 227 [Index][b]

[0100]

[0095] Mechanical strength, WB aged (N) 286 261 [Index][b]

[0103]

[0094] Mechanical strength, wet (N) 370 281 [Index][b]

[0064]

[0049] LOI, unaged (%) 2.67 2.70 Bar weight (g per bar) 25.8 25.4 Binder solubility (%) 0 0 Water absorption, 24 h (%) 15 18[a]Of binder solids.[b]Strength index relative to binder composition A. TABLE 4-1 (1 / 4): 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.

[0004] TABLE 4-1 (2 / 4): 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 PUF 100:0 65:35 50:50 35:65 25:75 0:100 Binder composition Binder component solids Tech. gelatine, 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 4-1 (3 / 4): Simulated emissions, alternative proteins and bases Example A 4-1-19 4-1-20 4-1-21 4-1-22 PUF 50(10) 50(10) 65(5) 65(5) Binder composition Binder component solids Tech. gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM Moreu) - 36.2 36.3 - - Gelatin, Novotec CB800 (3 kDa) - - - 23.7 23.8 Glucose syrup - 53.9 54.2 70.8 71.1 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 9.0 9.0 4.7 4.7 Sodium hydroxide - 0.9 - 0.5 - Ammonia - - 0.5 - 0.3 Other additives[a]Silane 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Binder properties pH of binder mixture 9.6 6.8-7.4 7.3 7.4 7.1 Simulated spinning chamber emissions (mg / g binder solids)[b]Drying time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 95 1 / 95 1 / 95 1 / 95 1 / 95 Ammonia 22 0 1 0 0 Methanol 9 0 0 0 0 Carbon dioxide 5 2 1 3 2 Formaldehyde 3 0 0 0 0 Phenol 2 0 0 0 0 Isocyanic acid 1 0 0 0 0 Acetaldehyde 0 0 0 0 0 Acetic acid 0 0 0 0 0 Carbon monoxide 0 0 0 0 0 Formic acid 0 0 0 0 0 Furfural 0 0 0 0 0 Nitrogen dioxide 0 1 0 1 0 Urea 0 1 1 1 1 Simulated curing emissions (mg / g binder solids)[c]Curing time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 200 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 Ammonia 49 0 0 0 0 Isocyanic acid 40 0 1 0 0 Carbon dioxide 33 36 27 49 35 Acetic acid 0 11 4 15 2 Carbon monoxide 0 3 3 5 4 Formaldehyde 0 0 0 0 0 Formic acid 0 6 2 9 3 Furfural 0 1 1 3 6 Hydrogen cyanide 0 0 0 0 0 Sulfur dioxide 0 0 0 0 0[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 4-1 (4 / 4): Simulated emissions, alternative bases Example A 4-1-23 4-1-24 4-1-25 4-1-26 4-1-27 4-1-28 PUF 65(5) 65(5) 65(5) 65(5) 65(5) 65(5) Binder composition Binder component solids Tech. gelatin, 80 bloom (CAM - 25.3 25.2 25.3 25.3 25.2 25.3 Moreu) Glucose syrup - 69.5 69.2 69.2 69.3 69.1 69.3 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 Sodium hydroxide - 0.5 - - - - - m-Xylylenediamine - - 0.9 - - - - Ethanolamine - - - 0.8 - - - Tris(2-aminoethyl)amine - - - - 0.7 - - Butylamine - - - - - 1.0 - 1,6-Hexanediamine - - - - - - 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 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.1 7.1 Simulated spinning chamber emissions (mg / g binder solids)[b]Drying time (h) and temperature (°C) 1 / 95 1 / 95 1 / 95 1 / 95 1 / 95 1 / 95 1 / 95 Ammonia 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 Methanol 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 Carbon dioxide 5 0 0 1 0 1 0 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 0 0 0 Acetic acid 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Carbon monoxide 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Formic acid 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Furfural 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Nitrogen dioxide 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Urea 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 Simulated curing emissions (mg / g binder solids)[c]Curing time (h) and temperature 1 / 200 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 1 / 225 (°C) Ammonia 49 0 0 0 0 0 0 Isocyanic acid 40 0 1 1 0 0 1 Carbon dioxide 33 32 39 42 41 39 38 Acetic acid 0 9 3 4 3 4 4 Carbon monoxide 0 5 5 6 5 5 5 Formaldehyde 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Formic acid 0 7 3 4 4 4 4 Furfural 0 1 6 6 6 6 6 Hydrogen cyanide 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sulfur dioxide 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 [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 (1 / 5): Production examples Example A 5-1-1 Specs PUF 35:65 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatine, 80 bloom (CAM Moreu) - - 25.5 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 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 / 5): Production examples Example A 5-1-2 5-1-3 Specs PUF 35:65 35:65 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatine, 80 bloom (CAM Moreu) - - 25.6 25.6 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 29470:2020 - 80.9 79.5 79.5 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 (3 / 5): Production examples Example 5-1-4 Specs 35:65 Binder composition Binder component solids Technical gelatine, 80 bloom (CAM Moreu) - 25.6 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 Moisture resistance (%) <5 3.9 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 130.4 7 days aging (kPa)[d]- 15.0 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 131.2 14 days aging (kPa)[d]14.0 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 132.1 28 days aging (kPa)[d]- 12.5 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 132.1 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 500 517 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 128.1[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 (4 / 5): Production examples (80 kg / m3) Example A 5-1-44 5-1-45 5-1-46 Binder Specs PUF ) Binder composition Binder component solids Gelatin, Novotec CB800 (3 kDa) - - 24.2 24.2 24.2 Glucose syrup - - 70.7 70.7 70.7 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - - 4.8 4.8 4.8 Sodium hydroxide - - - - - Ammonia - - 0.3 0.3 0.3 Other additives Silane[a]- 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Impregnation oil[b]- 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Silres 5140[b]- - 0.1 0.1 0.1 Binder properties pH of binder mixture - - 7 7 7 General product properties Ignition loss (%), EN 13820:2003 - 3.84 5.66 5.14 5.79 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 80.0 80.8 80.3 79.4 79.5 Water uptake (kg / m2), EN 1609 <1 0.16 0.17 0.16 0.17 Delamination σ Unaged (kPa), EN 1607:2013 10.0 17.1 13.9 14.9 12.3 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 80.0 81.1 78.3 80.1 79.0 15 min autoclave (kPa)[c]- 9.2 9.3 8.6 8.0 Moisture resistance (%) <5 0.3 0.7 1.2 0.8 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 78.5 78.1 79.4 79.5 7 days aging (kPa)[d]- 11.6 10.8 10.9 8.1 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 77.4 78.2 78.9 78.8 28 days aging (kPa)[d]- 10.4 8.1 8.6 6.8 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - 77.6 78.6 78.5 79.6 Compression σ10 Unaged (kPa), EN ISO 29469:2022 20.0 31.7 27.9 27.5 23.8 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 80.0 80.1 77.8 80.4 80.0 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 200 360 273 258 224 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 80.0 82.9 82.0 78.4 79.5[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 (5 / 5): Production examples (125 kg / m3) Example A 4-1-47 Binder Specs PUF Binder composition Binder component solids Gelatin, Novotec CB800 (3 kDa) - - 23.8 Glucose syrup - - 71.1 PAE, Kymene GHP20 - - 4.7 Sodium hydroxide - - - Ammonia - - 0.3 Other additives Silane[a]- 0.2 0.2 Impregnation oil[b]- 0.1 0.1 Silres 5140[b]- - 0.1 Binder properties pH of binder mixture - - 7 General product properties Ignition loss (%), EN 13820:2003 3.3 2.8 3.6 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 125 124 126 Water uptake (kg / m2), EN 1609 <1 - - Delamination σ Unaged (kPa), EN 1607:2013 10 30 18 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 125 124 126 15 min autoclave (kPa)[c]- - - Moisture resistance (%) <5 - - 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 - - - Compression σ10 Unaged (kPa), EN ISO 29469:2022 50 75 54 Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 125 124 126 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 - - - Density (kg / m3), EN ISO 29470:2020 - - -[a]Of binder solids.[b]Of stone wool.[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 The present mineral fibre binder is 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, we believe 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. The present mineral fibre binder composition comprises no or very little toxic components and is thus formaldehyde 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, 2 and 3 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 1-6: 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). This illustrates the necessity for including both protein and saccharides in the binder compositions. 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 base 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. 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 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 with varying P:S ratios. 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. Tables 2-2: Alternative proteins, collagen type The tables show the results from the screening of 17 alternative, collagen type proteins. 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. 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. 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: 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 and 3-2: Alternative bases Table 2-6 shows the results from the screening of five alternative bases to sodium hydroxide used in other examples: two alkali metal hydroxides (potassium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide), one alkaline earth metal hydroxide (calcium hydroxide), a diamine (1,6-hexanediamine) and ammonia in a binder composition with a higher protein content (a protein to saccharide ratio (P:S) of about 40:60). Table 3-2 shows the results from the screening of sodium hydroxide, ammonia and five organic amines (m-xylylenediamine, ethanolamine, tris(2-aminoethyl) amine, n-butylamine and 1,6-hexanediamine) as bases in a binder composition with a lower protein content and a higher saccharide content (P:S of about 27:73). In a binder composition with higher protein content (e.g. P:S of about 40:60), all alternative bases (alternatives to NaOH) resulted in unaged and aged strengths that were significantly above those of the PUF binder (comparative binder A). Ammonia and 1,6-hexanediamine appeared to result in slightly higher autoclave aged strengths and wet strengths than the hydroxides. In a binder composition with lower protein content and higher saccharide content (e.g. P:S ratio of about 27:73), the addition of ammonia and amine bases (as alternatives to NaOH) generally resulted in unaged and aged strengths (especially autoclave aged strength), that were significantly above or on par (index 90 or higher) relative to reference binder A (PUF). Also, the addition of ammonia and amine bases (as alternatives to NaOH) that were significantly above or on par and with those of the same binder composition neutralized with NaOH (example 3-2- 1). All alternative bases resulted in wet strengths at an acceptable level (the wet strength should preferably be no lower than index 30 relative to reference binder A(PUF). The increased mechanical strength comes from the crosslinking abilities of ammonia and amines, which NaOH does not have. • Optimum overall: Any of the alkali metal hydroxides (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide) and alkaline earth metal hydroxides (calcium hydroxide). Strength advantages were generally observed for ammonia and the organic amines with m-xylylenediamine exhibiting the highest unaged and aged mechanical strengths and wet strength. 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. Also the tables show simulated spinning chamber emissions and simulated curing emissions as for six selected mineral binder compositions to which ammonia or one of five organic amines (m-xylylenediamine, diamine, ethanolamine, tris(2- aminoethyl) amine, n-butylamine and 1,6-hexanediamine) were added. 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 (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 (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. Addition of small amounts of ammonia or an amine to the binder composition resulted in significant reductions of small organic acids (e.g. acetic acid, formic acid) in the simulated curing emissions. The addition of ammonia also resulted in reductions of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide in the simulated curing emissions. Similarly, the addition of ammonia resulted in reductions of carbon dioxide in the simulated spinning emissions. Reduced emissions are seen for binder compositions with higher as well as for binder compositions with lower protein contents. Although the addition of an amine to the binder composition resulted in significant reductions of small organic acids (e.g. acetic acid, formic acid) in the simulated curing emissions, the emissions of carbon dioxide increased slightly, and carbon monoxide remained on par with the binder composition comprising NaOH (example 4-1-23) in the simulated curing emissions (Table 4-1 (3 / 4)). At high curing temperatures, the alkyl bonds in the amines could potentially break at high temperatures and slightly increase the CO / CO2 emission in some cases, while the further crosslinking between amines and the protein moiety of the binder composition reduces the amount of free carboxylic acid groups, thus reducing the emission of the small carboxylic acids The spinning chamber emissions remained largely unchanged when adding an amine. • 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 4-1-4 and 4-1-5).Replacing sodium hydroxide with low amounts (0.1-3.0 % or such as 0.2-1.5 % by weight of binder component solids) of ammonia results in lower curing emissions of CO / CO2, acetic acid and formic acid, while replacing sodium hydroxide with organic amines also results in lower curing emissions of acetic acid and formic acid. Table 5: Production examples The table displays the results from trial productions where products comprising mineral fibre binder compositions according to the present invention 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 5-1 (example 5-1-1) 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 5-1 (examples 5-1-2 and 5-1-3) 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 5-1 (example 5-1-4) passed all specifications in water uptake, unaged compression and unaged point load. A PUF reference for direct comparison was not obtained during the trial.

[0005] The following items relates to embodiments and preferred embodiments of the disclosure. Item 1. A mineral fibre aqueous binder composition, which aqueous binder composition comprises a) one or more protein(s) of non-plant origin, b) one or more saccharide(s) selected from monosaccharides, disaccharides, or oligosaccharides, or combinations or mixtures of two or more thereof; and c) a crosslinker comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups, and d) one or more compounds selected from ammonia or amines and / or any salts thereof. Item 2. The aqueous binder composition according to item 1, 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 gelatine, such as partly hydrolysed gelatine; 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 silkworms, 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 3. The aqueous binder composition according to item 1 or 2, wherein the at least one protein is selected from collagen or collagen derivatives, such as gelatine, such as partly hydrolysed gelatine, technical grade gelatine, such as bone glue, jelly glue, animal glue or food grade gelatines; such as collagen or gelatine of bovine or porcine origin or marine origin. Item 4. The aqueous binder composition according to any of items 1 to 3, wherein the one or more proteins comprises collagen type proteins or partly hydrolysed collagen type proteins, such as gelatine 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. Item 5. The aqueous binder composition according to any of items 1 to 4, wherein the one or more saccharide(s) are 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 6. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, 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 7. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the one or more saccharide(s) are selected from reducing saccharides or non-reducing saccharides. Item 8. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the one or more saccharide(s) are selected from a saccharide having a dextrose equivalent (DE) of 0 to 100. Item 9. The aqueous binder composition according to any preceding items, wherein the one or more saccharide(s) is dextrose or a source comprising dextrose, 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 10. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the one or more saccharide(s) is a glucose syrup having a DE of 85 to less than 100. Item 11. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, 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 12. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the one or more saccharides is a hexose, such as glucose, such as dextrose, such as fructose, and / or a pentose such as xylose. Item 13. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, 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 14. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the protein content in the binder composition is 7.2-75 % by weight of binder component solids, or preferably 10.6-59 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 10.6-50 % by weight of binder component solids or more preferred 14.5-39 % by weight of binder component solids. Item 15. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 18.4-89 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 30-84 % by weight of binder component solids, or preferably 37.8-84 % by weight of binder component solids or more preferred 43.6-79 % by weight of binder component solids. Item 16. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, 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 17. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, 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 18. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, 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 19. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein said binder composition comprises the azetidinium functional crosslinker 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. Item 20. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the binder composition does not comprise a protein from vegetable source(s) such as soybeans (soy protein). Item 21. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, A: wherein the protein content in the binder composition is 7.2-75 % by weight of binder component solids and the saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 18.4-89 % by weight of binder component solids and wherein the crosslinker is present 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 and wherein the content of component d) is in the range of 0.1-3.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.1-2.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.2-1.5 % by weight of binder component solids; or B: wherein the protein content in the binder composition is 10.6-59 % by weight of binder component solids, and saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 30-84 % by weight of binder component solids and wherein the crosslinker is present 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, and wherein the content of component d) is in the range of 0.1-3.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.1-2.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.2-1.5 % by weight of binder component solids; or C: wherein the protein content in the binder composition is 10.6-50 % by weight of binder component solids and the saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 37.8-84 % by weight of binder component solids and wherein the crosslinker is present 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 and wherein the content of component d) is in the range of 0.1-3.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.1-2.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.2-1.5 % by weight of binder component solids; or D: wherein the protein content in the binder composition is 14.5-39 % by weight of binder component solids and the saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 43.6-79 % by weight of binder component solids, and wherein the crosslinker is present 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, and wherein the content of component d) is in the range of 0.1-3.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.1-2.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.2-1.5 % by weight of binder component solids. Item 22. The aqueous binder composition according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the binder composition further comprises one or more additives 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 agent(s) and / or adhesion promoter(s), such as a silane; one or more hydrophobic agents such as a silicone oil or silicone resin and / or fatty acid ester(s) of glycerol, one or more dust binding agent(s), such as oil(s), such as mineral oil(s) and / or one or more colouring agents. Item 23. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the binder composition further comprises at least one mineral oil and / or one or more fatty acid ester of glycerol, wherein the oil content is preferably 0.6 to 30, preferably 1 to 10, more preferably 2 to 7.5 % by weight, based on the binder component solids. Item 24. The aqueous binder composition according to item 23 wherein the at least one fatty acid ester of glycerol is 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 combinations thereof. Item 25. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the content of component d) is in the range of 0.1-3.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.1-2.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.2-1.5 % by weight of binder component solids. Item 26. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein component d) is selected from compounds having a pKa value of the corresponding protonated conjugate ammonium ions thereof which is at least 8, such as having a pKa of 8-12. Item 27. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, component d) is selected from ammonia and / or any inorganic ammonium containing salt of inorganic acids and / or organic acids. Item 28a. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the precedingitems, wherein component d) is or comprises one or more amines and / or any salt thereof and / or amino acids thereof and / or any mixtures thereof; such as monoamines, diamines and / or polyamines, such as linear, branched or cyclic alkyl amines, such as C1-C8 linear or branched alkyl amines or C3-C8 cyclic alkyl amines, such as C1-C8 linear or branched alkyl diamines or C1-C8 cyclic alkyl diamines, such as C1-C8 linear or branched alkyl monoamines or C3-C8 cyclic alkyl monoamines; and / or polyamines with repeating units composed of an amine group and a C1- C8 aliphatic spacer, such as with repeating units composed of an amine group with methyl, ethyl or propyl spacers, such as polyamines comprising 2, 3, 4, 5 ,6 or more ethyleneamine units; and / or linear or branched alkanolamines, such as C1-C8 linear or branched alkanolamines; and / or aromatic diamines or polyamines comprising an aryl moiety, such as benzene, phenol or naphthalene, where said aryl moiety has one, two or more substituents, such as substituent(s) comprising linear C1-C4 aminoalkyl substituents and / or C1-C4 alkanolamine substituents, such as two or more or three or more C1-C4 linear alkyl amine and / or C1-C4 alkanol amine substituents, and / or substituents with repeating units composed of an amine group and a C1-C8 aliphatic spacer, such as substituents with repeating units composed of an amine group with methyl, ethyl or propyl spacers, such as comprising 2, 3, 4, 5 ,6 or more ethyleneamine units; and / or any salt thereof and / or any mixtures thereof. Item28b. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein component d) is or comprises one or more amines selected from m-xylylenediamine, ethanolamine, tris(2-aminoethyl) amine, n-butylamine or 1,6- hexanediamine or any salts thereof. Item 29. The aqueous binder composition according to items 27 or 28, wherein the one or more salts of component(s) d) is / are selected from salt(s) of inorganic acid anions and inorganic ammonium or organic ammonium ions, such as salts of inorganic ammonium or organic ammonium with anions of hypophosphorous acid (H3PO2), phosphoric acid (H3PO4), phosphorous acid (H3PO3), di-,tri- or polyphosphoric acids (H(HPO3)nOH- with n being 2,3 or more), such as salts of inorganic ammonium or organic ammonium with anions of linear or cyclic polyphosphoric acids, such as salts of inorganic ammonium or organic ammonium with pyrophosphate(s) anions, metaphosphate anions or phytic acid anions; such as such as salts of inorganic ammonium or organic ammonium with metaphosphate anions; and / or salts of hydrogen chloride (HCl) hydrogen bromide (HBr), sulphuric acid (H2SO4); sulphurous acid (H2SO3), nitric acid (HNO3) and / or nitrous acid (HNO2), and / or any mixture of 2,3,4,5 or more thereof. Item 30a. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein component d) is selected from ammonia and / or diamines, such as hexane-1,6-diamine, or mixtures thereof. Item 30b. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein component d) is or comprises ammonia. Item 31. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein component d) is or comprises one or more amines, such as ethane-1,2-diamine(ethylenediamine), propane-1,3-diamine(1,3- diaminopropane), butane-1,4-diamine (putrescine), pentane-1,5-diamine (cadaverine), hexane-1,6-diamine (hexamethylenediamine), piperazine (1,4-diazacyclohexane), 1,2-bis(aminomethyl)benzene (o- xylylenediamine), 1,3-bis(aminomethyl)benzene (m-xylylenediamine), 1,4- bis(aminomethyl)benzene (p-xylylenediamine), diethylenetriamine(N1-(2- aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine), triethylenetetramine(N1,N1′-(Ethane-1,2- diyl)di(ethane-1,2-diamine)), tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (N1,N1-Bis(2- aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine), tetraethylenepentamine (N1-(2- Aminoethyl)-N2-{2-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]ethyl}ethane-1,2-diamine), pentaethylenehexamine (N′-[2-[2-[2-(2-aminoethylamino)ethylamino] ethylamino]ethyl] ethane-1,2-diamine), polyethylenimine (Poly(iminoethylene)), cyclen (1,4,7,10-Tetrazacyclododecane), 1,4,7- triazacyclononane), hexamethylenetetramine (1,3,5,7- Tetraazaadamantane), monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, n-butylamine, and / or any salt thereof; and / or any mixture of 2 or more thereof. Item 32. A method of producing a bonded mineral fibre product which comprises the steps of contacting the mineral fibres with an aqueous binder composition according to any of the items 1 to 31 and curing the binder. Item 33. The method of producing a bonded mineral fibre product according to item 32 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 a 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 the fibre collector - curing the binder composition mixed with the mineral fibres. Item 34. The method of producing a mineral fibre product according to items 32 or 33, wherein the curing is carried out at temperatures from 180-280 °C, preferably 200-270 °C, more preferably 220-265 °C. Item 35. 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 31. Item 36. 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 32 to 34. Item 37. A mineral fibre product according to item 35 or 36, 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 38. A mineral fibre product according to any of the items 35 to 37, 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, such as greater than or equal to 10 kPa, according to EN 1607. Item 39. A mineral fibre product according to any of items 35 to 38, 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 40. A mineral fibre product according to any of items 35 to 39, 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 41. A mineral fibre product obtainable by a method according to any one of items 32 to 34. Item 42. Use of an aqueous binder composition according to any of the items 1 to 31 for the production of a mineral fibre product. Item 43. Use of an aqueous binder composition according to any of the items 1-31 for lowering of emissions, such as such as of carbon dioxide (CO2) and / or carboxylic acids and / or carbon monoxide (CO), while also reducing emissions of formaldehyde and / or ammonia and / or phenol during production of a mineral fibre product. Item 44. Use of an aqueous binder composition according to any of the items 1-31 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 45. Use of one or more compounds selected from ammonia or amines and / or any salts thereof in an aqueous mineral wool binder composition according to any of the items 1-31 and / or in a method according to any of items 32-34, for lowering emissions, such as of carbon dioxide (CO2), carboxylic acids, such as acetic acid and / or formic acid, and / or carbon monoxide (CO) from curing and / or spinning processes in mineral wool production. Item 46. A mineral fibre product according to any of the items 35 to 37 or 39 to 41, 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.

Claims

1. Claims 1. A mineral fibre aqueous binder composition, which aqueous binder composition comprises a) one or more protein(s) of non-plant origin, b) one or more saccharide(s) selected from monosaccharides, disaccharides, or oligosaccharides, or combinations or mixtures of two or more thereof; c) a crosslinker comprising two or more azetidinium functional groups, and d) one or more compounds selected from ammonia or amines and / or any salts thereof.

2. The aqueous binder composition according to claim 1, 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 gelatine, such as partly hydrolysed gelatine; 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 silkworms, 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.

3. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the content of component d) is in the range of 0.1-3.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.1-2.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.2-1.5 % by weight of binder component solids.

4. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein component d) is selected from compounds having a pKa value of the corresponding protonated conjugate ammonium ions thereof at least 8, such as having a pKa of 8-12.

5. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein component d) is or comprises ammonia and / or any inorganic ammonium containing salt of inorganic acids and / or organic acids.

6. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein component d) is or comprises one or more amines and / or any salt thereof and / or amino acids thereof and / or any mixtures thereof; such as monoamines, diamines and / or polyamines, such as linear, branched or cyclic alkyl amines, such as C1-C8 linear or branched alkyl amines or C3-C8 cyclic alkyl amines, such as C1-C8 linear or branched alkyl diamines or C3-C8 cyclic alkyl diamines, such as C1-C8 linear or branched alkyl monoamines or C3-C8 cyclic alkyl monoamines and / or polyamines with repeating units composed of an amine group and a C1- C8 aliphatic spacer, such as with repeating units composed of an amine group with methyl, ethyl or propyl spacers, such as polyamines comprising 2, 3, 4, 5 ,6 or more ethyleneamine units; and / or linear or branched alkanolamines, such as C1-C8 linear or branched alkanolamines; and / or aromatic diamines or polyamines comprising an aryl moiety, such as benzene, phenol or naphthalene, where said aryl moiety has one, two or more substituents, such as substituent(s) comprising linear C1-C4 aminoalkyl substituents and / or C1-C4 alkanolamine substituents, such as two or more or three or more C1-C4 linear alkyl amine and / or C1-C4 alkanol amine substituents, and / or substituents with repeating units composed of an amine group and a C1-C8 aliphatic spacer, such as substituents with repeating units composed of an amine group with methyl, ethyl or propyl spacers, such as comprising 2, 3, 4, 5 ,6 or more ethyleneamine units; and / or any salt thereof and / or any mixtures thereof.

7. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more salts of component(s) d) is / are selected from salt(s) of inorganic acid anions with inorganic ammonium or organic ammonium ions, such as salts of inorganic ammonium or organic ammonium with anions of hypophosphorous acid (H3PO2), phosphoric acid (H3PO4), phosphorous acid (H3PO3), di-, tri- or polyphosphoric acids (H(HPO3)nOH with n being 2, 3 or more), such as salts of inorganic ammonium or organic ammonium with anions of linear or cyclic polyphosphoric acids, such as salts of inorganic ammonium or organic ammonium with pyrophosphate(s) anions, metaphosphate anions or phytic acid anions; such as such as salts of inorganic ammonium or organic ammonium with metaphosphate anions, and / or salts of hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen bromide (HBr), sulphuric acid (H2SO4); sulphurous acid (H2SO3), nitric acid (HNO3), and / or nitrous acid (HNO2); and / or any mixture of 2, 3, 4, 5 or more thereof.

8. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein component d) is selected from ammonia and / or diamines, such as hexane-1,6-diamine.

9. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein component d) is or comprises one or more amines, such as ethane-1,2-diamine(ethylenediamine), propane-1,3-diamine(1,3- diaminopropane), butane-1,4-diamine (putrescine), pentane-1,5-diamine (cadaverine), hexane-1,6-diamine (hexamethylenediamine), piperazine (1,4-diazacyclohexane), 1,2-bis(aminomethyl)benzene (o- xylylenediamine), 1,3-bis(aminomethyl)benzene (m-xylylenediamine), 1,4- bis(aminomethyl)benzene (p-xylylenediamine), diethylenetriamine(N1-(2- aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine), triethylenetetramine(N1,N1′-(ethane-1,2- diyl)di(ethane-1,2-diamine)), tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (N1,N1-Bis(2- aminoethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine), tetraethylenepentamine (N1-(2- Aminoethyl)-N2-{2-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]ethyl}ethane-1,2-diamine), pentaethylenehexamine (N′-[2-[2-[2-(2-aminoethylamino)ethylamino] ethylamino]ethyl] ethane-1,2-diamine), polyethylenimine (poly(iminoethylene)), cyclen (1,4,7,10-tetrazacyclododecane), 1,4,7- triazacyclononane, hexamethylenetetramine (1,3,5,7- tetraazaadamantane), n-butylamine (1-aminobutane), monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine and / or any salt thereof; and / or any mixture of 2 or more thereof.

10. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one protein is selected from collagen or collagen derivatives, such as gelatine, such as partly hydrolysed gelatine, technical grade gelatine, such as bone glue, jelly glue, animal glue or food grade gelatines; such as collagen or gelatine of bovine or porcine origin or marine origin.

11. 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 gelatine or partly hydrolysed gelatine, 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.

12. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more saccharide(s) are 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.

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

14. The aqueous binder composition according to any preceding claims, 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.

15. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, 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.

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

17. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, 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.

18. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the protein content in the binder composition is 7.2-75 % by weight of binder component solids, or preferably 10.6-59 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 10.6-50 % by weight of binder component solids or more preferred 14.5-39 % by weight of binder component solids.

19. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 18.4-89 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 30-84 % by weight of binder component solids, or preferably 37.8-84 % by weight of binder component solids or more preferred 43.6-79 % by weight of binder component solids.

20. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, 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.

21. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said binder composition comprises the azetidinium functionalcrosslinker 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.

22. The aqueous binder composition according to any of the preceding claims, A: wherein the protein content in the binder composition is 7.2-75 % by weight of binder component solids and the saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 18.4-89 % by weight of binder component solids and wherein the crosslinker is present 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 and wherein said binder composition further comprises the component d) in an amount of 0.1-3.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.1-2.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.2-1.5 % by weight of binder component solids; or B: wherein the protein content in the binder composition is 10.6-59 % by weight of binder component solids, and saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 30-84 % by weight of binder component solids and wherein the crosslinker is present 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, and wherein said binder composition further comprises the component d) in an amount of 0.1-3.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.1-2.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.2-1.5 % by weight of binder component solids ; or C: wherein the protein content in the binder composition is 10.6-50 % by weight of binder component solids and the saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 37.8-84 % by weight of binder componentsolids and wherein the crosslinker is present 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, and wherein said binder composition further comprises the component d) in an amount of 0.1-3.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.1-2.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.2-1.5 % by weight of binder component solids; or D: wherein the protein content in the binder composition is 14.5-39 % by weight of binder component solids and the saccharide content in the binder composition is in the range of 43.6-79 % by weight of binder component solids, and wherein the crosslinker is present 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, and wherein said binder composition further comprises the component d) in an amount of 0.1-3.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.1-2.0 % by weight of binder component solids, such as 0.2-1.5 % by weight of binder component solids.

23. A method of producing a bonded mineral fibre product which comprises the steps of contacting the mineral fibres with an aqueous binder composition according to any of the claims 1 to 22 and curing the binder.

24. The method of producing a mineral fibre product according to claim 23, wherein the curing is carried out at temperatures from 180-280 °C, preferably 200-270 °C, more preferably 220-265 °C.

25. 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 claims 1 to 22.

26. Use of an aqueous binder composition according to any of the claims 1-22 for lowering of emissions, such as of carbon dioxide (CO2) and / or carboxylic acids and / or carbon monoxide (CO), while also reducing emissions of formaldehyde and / or ammonia and / or phenol during production of a mineral fibre product.

27. Use of an aqueous binder composition according to any of the claims 1-22 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.

28. Use of one or more compounds selected from ammonia or amines and / or any salts thereof in an aqueous mineral wool binder composition according to any of the claims 1-22 and / or in a method according to any of claims 23- 24, for lowering emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), carboxylic acids, such as acetic acid and / or formic acid, and / or carbon monoxide (CO) from curing and / or spinning processes in mineral wool production.

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