Abstract: The present invention is a hydrolytically modified, biodegradable polymer and a method of making a hydrolytically modifiable a biodegradable polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a method of grafting polar groups onto biodegradable polymers and modified biodegradable polymer compositions produced by the method. The polymer compositions are useful as components in flushable and degradable articles. Water-sensitive polymer blends and method of making those polymer blends are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a hydrolytically modified, biodegradable polymer and a method of making a hydrolytically modifiable a biodegradable polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a method of grafting polar groups onto biodegradable polymers and modified biodegradable polymer compositions produced by the method. The polymer compositions are useful as components in flushable and degradable articles. Water-sensitive polymer blends and method of making those polymer blends are also disclosed.

Abstract: New methods for and patterns of applying meltsprayed materials in single-layer web and laminate constructions so as to control various characteristics in the webs and laminates is provided. The patterns of adhesive produce scrim or cell-like patterns that allow for control of desirable characteristics. For example, the loft of a laminate may be enhanced, as well as strength properties.

Abstract: Breathable, flushable, porous films and articles made therewith and a process for making these films. The present invention is directed to composites comprising a polymer that is water-soluble or water-degradable and a filler. The films are made by extruding the composite materials into a precursor film and, preferably, stretching the precursor film to achieve the desired breathability and water-dispersibility of the finished film. In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises a polymer of ethylene oxide and a filler such as calcium carbonate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing softer fibers and nonwoven webs that includes forming a mixture comprising (i) a thermoplastic and (ii) an additive selected from the group consisting of polyethylene waxes, glyceryl monostearate, sorbitan tristearate, CATALLOY KS357 MONTELL polyolefin resin, an amide having the chemical structure CH3(CH2)7CH═CH(CH2)xCONH2 where x is selected from 5-15 and mixtures thereof; forming the mixture into fibers and optionally creating a nonwoven web.

Abstract: A fiber composition which comprises a blend of modified polypropylene and modified poly(ethylene oxide). This fiber composition can be melt-processed to make fibers useful in flushable personal care products. A process for making this fiber composition is also provided.

Abstract: A fiber composition which comprises a blend of modified polypropylene and modified poly(ethylene oxide). This fiber composition can be melt-processed to make fibers useful in flushable personal care products. A process for making this fiber composition is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a hydrolytically modified, biodegradable polymer and a method of making a hydrolytically modifiable a biodegradable polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a method of grafting polar groups onto biodegradable polymers and modified biodegradable polymer compositions produced by the method. The polymer compositions are useful as components in flushable and degradable articles. Water-sensitive polymer blends and method of making those polymer blends are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a hydrolytically modified, biodegradable polymer and a method of making a hydrolytically modifiable a biodegradable polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a method of grafting polar groups onto biodegradable polymers and modified biodegradable polymer compositions produced by the method. The polymer compositions are useful as components in flushable and degradable articles. Water-sensitive polymer blends and method of making those polymer blends are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a water-responsive blend of a polylactide and a polyvinyl alcohol. The present invention includes films and personal care articles comprising a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol and a polylactide and includes a method of making such films and articles and a method of varying the water responsiveness of such films and articles. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions, films and articles comprise a blend of polyvinyl alcohol and modified polylactide. The compositions and films described herein are useful as a component in flushable and degradable articles.

Abstract: The present invention is a hydrolytically modified, biodegradable polymer and a method of making a hydrolytically modifiable a biodegradable polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a method of grafting polar groups onto biodegradable polymers and modified biodegradable polymer compositions produced by the method. The polymer compositions are useful as components in flushable and degradable articles. Water-sensitive polymer blends and method of making those polymer blends are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a hydrolytically modified, biodegradable polymer and a method of making a hydrolytically modifiable a biodegradable polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a method of grafting polar groups onto biodegradable polymers and modified biodegradable polymer compositions produced by the method. The polymer compositions are useful as components in flushable and degradable articles. Water-sensitive polymer blends and method of making those polymer blends are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a hydrolytically modified, biodegradable polymer and a method of making a hydrolytically modifiable a biodegradable polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a method of grafting polar groups onto biodegradable polymers and modified biodegradable polymer compositions produced by the method. The polymer compositions are useful as components in flushable and degradable articles. Water-sensitive polymer blends and method of making those polymer blends are also disclosed.

Abstract: New methods for and patterns of applying meltsprayed materials in single-layer web and laminate constructions so as to control various characteristics in the webs and laminates is provided. The patterns of adhesive produce scrim or cell-like patterns that allow for control of desirable characteristics. For example, the loft of a laminate may be enhanced, as well as strength properties.

Abstract: The present invention is a hydrolytically modified, biodegradable polymer and a method of making a hydrolytically modifiable a biodegradable polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a method of grafting polar groups onto biodegradable polymers and modified biodegradable polymer compositions produced by the method. The polymer compositions are useful as components in flushable and degradable articles. Water-sensitive polymer blends and method of making those polymer blends are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a hydrolytically modified, biodegradable polymer and a method of making a hydrolytically modifiable a biodegradable polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a method of grafting polar groups onto biodegradable polymers and modified biodegradable polymer compositions produced by the method. The polymer compositions are useful as components in flushable and degradable articles. Water-sensitive polymer blends and method of making those polymer blends are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber composition which comprises a blend of modified polypropylene and modified poly(ethylene oxide). This fiber composition can be melt-processed to make fibers useful in flushable personal care products. A process for making this fiber composition is also provided.

Abstract: A fiber composition which comprises a blend of modified polypropylene and modified poly(ethylene oxide). This fiber composition can be melt-processed to make fibers useful in flushable personal care products. A process for making this fiber composition is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a water-responsive blend of a polylactide and a polyvinyl alcohol. The present invention includes films and personal care articles comprising a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol and a polylactide and includes a method of making such films and articles and a method of varying the water responsiveness of such films and articles. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions, films and articles comprise a blend of polyvinyl alcohol and modified polylactide. The compositions and films described herein are useful as a component in flushable and degradable articles.

Abstract: Methods of making inverse phase compositions comprising a polyolefin, such as polyethylene, and poly(ethylene oxide) are described. The inverse phase compositions exhibit an inverse phase in which the volume minority constituent, the poly(ethylene oxide), forms a continuous phase and volume majority constituent, the polyolefin, forms a dispersed or discontinuous phase in the continuous poly(ethylene oxide) phase. The inverse phase compositions have beneficial water degradable properties and can be used in the manufacture of disposable personal hygiene articles. In at least one desirable embodiment, the polyolefin and the poly(ethylene oxide) are grafted with a polar, vinyl monomer in a reactive extrusion process.