Abstract: Sustainable thermoplastic carbohydrate-based polymeric materials, and sustainable plastic materials including an organic odor-reducing agent to counteract a slight burned carbohydrate odor resulting from inclusion of a carbohydrate-based polymeric material within the described materials. Such carbohydrate-based polymeric material may be starch-based, and the slight characteristic odor lent by such material may be that of a somewhat burned starch, such as a popcorn or caramel corn type odor. Applicant has found that this slight odor can be substantially removed by addition of a very small fraction of particular organic materials. 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (vanillin) has been found to be particularly effective, even in very small concentrations. Other freeze-dried fruit extracts (e.g., strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, etc.) may similarly be used. As little as 20 ppm of the organic odor-reducing agent is sufficient to substantially remove the characteristic burned starch odor.

Abstract: Described herein are strength characteristics and biodegradation of articles produced using one or more petrochemical-based polymers and one or more carbohydrate-based polymers. A compatibilizer can optionally be included in the article. In some cases, the article can include a film or bag.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for increasing strength of blown films, by forming the films using a film blowing apparatus where the film is formed from a blend of a first polymeric material and a renewable carbohydrate-based polymeric material having particular characteristics. By using such a blend, and ensuring that the film blowing apparatus is operated at a high blow up ratio of at least 2.0, and/or using a narrow die gap of no more than 500 microns, Applicant has discovered that increased strength in the film can be obtained, as compared to where (i) the renewable carbohydrate-based polymeric material is not included or (ii) where the film is blown at lower blow up ratios and/or wider die gaps.

Abstract: Composite blends of PBAT (or another similar polyester) with PLA and a carbohydrate-based polymeric material. While PLA is not compostable under home composting conditions (e.g., temperature of 28° C.) on its own, when blended in the manner described herein, it is compositable under such conditions. The addition of the PLA increases the rigidity of the composite blend, as PBAT on its own is so flexible as to be problematic for use in carryout bags, and the like. An exemplary blend may include 30-55% by weight of the carbohydrate-based polymeric material, up to 20%, or up to 15% by weight of PLA, with the balance of polymeric content being PBAT (e.g., 30-60% PBAT). Other components (e.g., an inorganic filler, such as calcium carbonate) may also be included in the blend.

Abstract: Described herein are blends of carbohydrate-based polymeric materials with other polymeric materials, where the carbohydrate-based polymeric material is intimately blended with the other polymeric material, so as to exhibit very small particles sizes (e.g., less than 2 ?m, or less than 1 ?m) for the carbohydrate-based polymeric material in the matrix of the other polymeric material. Such intimate dispersion of very small particles provides for far more of the particles dispersed more evenly throughout the matrix of the other polymeric material, which may enhance various performance characteristics of the blended composite material, and provide for more consistent achievement of such characteristics, from batch to batch. Methods of producing articles from such blends exhibiting such small particles and excellent dispersion are also disclosed. While suitable for use in a wide variety of fields, examples may include for the coating of paper cups, and as a capsule material for sustained release fertilizer.

Abstract: Described herein are blends of starch or starch-based materials with polymeric materials, where the starch or starch-based material is intimately blended with the polymeric material, so as to exhibit very small particles sizes (e.g., less than 2 ?m, or less than 1 ?m) for the starch or starch-based material in the matrix of the polymeric material. Such intimate dispersion of very small particles provides for far more of the particles dispersed more evenly throughout the matrix of the polymeric material, which may enhance various performance characteristics of the blended composite material. Methods of producing articles from such blends exhibiting such small particles and excellent dispersion are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for increasing strength of blown films, by forming the films using a film blowing apparatus where the film is formed from a blend of a first polymeric material and a renewable carbohydrate-based polymeric material having particular characteristics. By using such a blend, and ensuring that the film blowing apparatus is operated at a high blow up ratio of at least 2.0, and/or using a narrow die gap of no more than 500 microns, Applicant has discovered that increased strength in the film can be obtained, as compared to where (i) the renewable carbohydrate-based polymeric material is not included or (ii) where the film is blown at lower blow up ratios and/or wider die gaps.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biodegradable resinous composite and extruded sheets comprising polystyrene and a thermoplastic amorphous starch and use thereof.

Abstract: In the present invention, a flat emitter is formed by the formation of emitter material wires into a unitary non-porous flat emitter structure. The wires are formed with increased yield and tensile strength as a result of the manner of the formation of the emitter material or metal into the wires that is transferred to the flat emitter. To form the flat emitter, the wires are encapsulated and subjected to sufficient temperatures and pressure in a hot isostatic pressing treatment/process to increase the density of the wires into a solid sheet without the presence of voids or pores in the sheet. In forming the emitter sheet in this manner, the strength properties from the wires are retained within the sheet to provide the emitter with increased creep resistance and a consequently longer useful life in the x-ray tube.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for increasing strength of blown films, by forming the films using a film blowing apparatus where the film is formed from a blend of a first polymeric material and a renewable carbohydrate-based polymeric material having particular characteristics. By using such a blend, and ensuring that the film blowing apparatus is operated at a high blow up ratio of at least 2.0, and/or using a narrow die gap of no more than 500 microns, Applicant has discovered that increased strength in the film can be obtained, as compared to where (i) the renewable carbohydrate-based polymeric material is not included or (ii) where the film is blown at lower blow up ratios and/or wider die gaps.

Abstract: Sustainable thermoplastic carbohydrate-based polymeric materials, and sustainable plastic materials including an organic odor-reducing agent to counteract a slight burned carbohydrate odor resulting from inclusion of a carbohydrate-based polymeric material within the described materials. Such carbohydrate-based polymeric material may be starch-based, and the slight characteristic odor lent by such material may be that of a somewhat burned starch, such as a popcorn or caramel corn type odor. Applicant has found that this slight odor can be substantially removed by addition of a very small fraction of particular organic materials. 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (vanillin) has been found to be particularly effective, even in very small concentrations. Other freeze-dried fruit extracts (e.g., strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, etc.) may similarly be used. As little as 20 ppm of the organic odor-reducing agent is sufficient to substantially remove the characteristic burned starch odor.

Abstract: Composite blends of polyester containing plastic materials, and a starch-based polymeric material that increases the biodegradability of the polyesters of such a composite in simulated or actual marine conditions (e.g., simulated by ASTM D-6691). Enhanced rate or extent of biodegradation may also be exhibited in simulated or actual land-based disposal conditions. The starch-based polymeric materials are substantially amorphous, and are homogenously blended with the polyester plastic materials. While polyester plastics such as PBAT, PLA, PCL, and/or PBS may exhibit some biodegradability characteristics when composted and/or disposed of in landfill conditions at elevated temperatures, they exhibit limited if any biodegradability when disposed of in a marine environment. Even conventional blends of starch with such polyesters do not exhibit any significant marine biodegradability with respect to the polyester components therein.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for rendering biodegradable a plastic material that is not itself biodegradable, by blending the plastic material with a carbohydrate-based polymeric material that is formed from a) one or more starches and a plasticizer (e.g., glycerin), b) an additive known in the art as an OXO material and/or an additive that interacts with microbes that contribute to biodegradation of the non-biodegradable material. The carbohydrate-based polymeric material is less crystalline than the non-biodegradable materials, e.g., being substantially amorphous, and having a crystallinity of no more than 20%. When tested under conditions causing biodegradation, the blend biodegrades to an extent greater than the content of the carbohydrate-based polymer.

Abstract: In the present invention, a flat emitter is formed by the formation of emitter material wires into a unitary non-porous flat emitter structure. The wires are formed with increased yield and tensile strength as a result of the manner of the formation of the emitter material or metal into the wires that is transferred to the flat emitter. To form the flat emitter, the wires are encapsulated and subjected to sufficient temperatures and pressure in a hot isostatic pressing treatment/process to increase the density of the wires into a solid sheet without the presence of voids or pores in the sheet. In forming the emitter sheet in this manner, the strength properties from the wires are retained within the sheet to provide the emitter with increased creep resistance and a consequently longer useful life in the x-ray tube.

Abstract: Described herein are strength characteristics and biodegradation of articles produced using one or more “green” sustainable polymers and one or more carbohydrate-based polymers. A compatibilizer can optionally be included in the article. In some cases, the article can include a film, a bag, a bottle, a cap or lid therefore, a sheet, a box or other container, a plate, a cup, utensils, or the like.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for rendering biodegradable a plastic material that is not itself biodegradable, by blending the plastic material with a carbohydrate-based polymeric material that is formed from one or more starches, and a plasticizer (e.g., glycerin). The carbohydrate-based polymeric material is less crystalline than the starting starch materials, e.g., being substantially amorphous, and having a crystallinity of no more than 20%. Third party testing shows blends of such materials render the entire blend biodegradable, believed to be due to the low crystalline substantially amorphous carbohydrate-based polymeric material breaking the hygroscopic barrier associated with the non-biodegradable plastic material, so that when blended together, both the plastic material and the carbohydrate-based polymeric material are biodegradable.

Abstract: Described herein are strength characteristics and biodegradation of articles produced using one or more petrochemical-based polymers and one or more carbohydrate-based polymers. A compatibilizer can optionally be included in the article. In some cases, the article can include a film or bag.

Abstract: Described herein are strength characteristics and biodegradation of articles produced using one or more petrochemical-based polymers and one or more carbohydrate-based polymers. A compatibilizer can optionally be included in the article. In some cases, the article can include a film or bag.

Abstract: A lightweight, substantially unpadded, comfortable, push-in, wire-free bra has, when worn by a female wearer, a front including a pair of cups. Each cup defines upper inner and outer portions, lower inner and outer portions, a top, and a bottom, and is configured and dimensioned to hold substantially one breast of a female wearer. Each cup includes a sling portion that is designed to provide lateral support to the respective breast. In this manner, the sling portions bias the cup upper outer portions inwardly to provide push-in cleavage on the wearer's breasts. Straps are secured to the front for releasably supporting it on a female wearer with the breasts of the female wearer substantially within the cups.

Abstract: A brassiere having flexibility, durability, and improved comfort for the wearer is provided. The side panel of the bra comprises a folded fabric and two elastic bands. The folded fabric has two opposing longitudinal edges, a top edge, and a bottom edge. Each of the two elastic bands is positioned in the interior of the folded fabric along a respective longitudinal edge, which also includes notches for orienting the bands. The folded fabric is sewn together at each of the top and bottom edges such that the two elastic bands are held in place. One of the longitudinal edges may be formed by sewing the folded fabric together to form a seam using a pull-out stitch. Each of the two elastic bands may include either of a woven elastic band or a knitted elastic band.