Abstract: A polyurethane is described which is a reaction product of at least one isocyanate containing material having at least two isocyanate groups and at least one compound having at least two hydrogen atoms capable of reacting with the isocyanate. The compound having the at least two hydrogen atoms contains a hydroxyalkanoate, which is preferably a thermally decomposable or a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate. The polyurethane of the present invention can be used in a number of applications and preferably has improved properties such as, but not limited to, improved flexibility and/or improved hydrophobicity. The polyurethanes of the present invention are preferably biodegradable and easily recycled.

Abstract: Methods of forming intermediates from PHAs are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of forming intermediates from PHAs are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of forming intermediates from PHAs are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of forming intermediates from PHAs are disclosed.

Abstract: An alkanoic acid ester monomer is provided having a number average molecular weight of about 1000 or less. Coalescing agents, plasticizers, and green solvents including the monomer are also provided as are methods of making the monomer. In addition, methods of coalescing components, plasticizing compositions, and dissolving solutes using the monomer are also provided.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions including hot melt adhesive compositions, biodegradable wax compositions, and protective coating compositions are provided and include a low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate, a terminally-modified polyhydroxyalkanoate, or both. The compositions are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Methods of protecting an article, such as a food product like cheese, are also provided and include coating or encapsulating the article with a composition containing a low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate, a terminally-modified polyhydroxyalkanoate, or both.

Abstract: Nutritional or therapeutic compositions are provided for increasing ketone body levels in the blood of mammals by providing a source of ketone bodies in the form of linear or cyclic oligomers and/or derivatives of 3-hydroxyacids. The 3-hydroxyacid can be in the form of a linear oligomer of 3-hydroxyacids other than linear homo-oligomers of 3-hydroxybutyric acid if administered in combination with acetoacetate, cyclic oligomers of 3-hydroxyacids, esters of the linear or cyclic oligomers, esters of 3-hydroxyacids other than 3-hydroxybutyric acid, and combinations thereof. An oligomer generally refers to a polymer of three or more hydroxyacids. Preferred 3-hydroxyacids include 3-hydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxyvalerate, 3-hydroxyhexanoate, and 3-hydroxyheptanoate. Oligomers of odd-carbon number 3-hydroxyacids such as 3-hydroxyvalerate have advantages since they have a higher energy content than oligomers of 3-hydroxyacids having an even-number of carbons.

Abstract: Molding compositions including low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoates are provided. The use of the low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoates as a binder in molding compositions provides improved binder removal in the finished molded product, and offers a wide range of physical properties suitable for use in a variety of processing conditions. The composition preferably includes a powdered material, such as a metal powder, ceramic powder, or blend, admixed with a low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate binder. The compositions are useful in powder processing techniques, such as injection molding, slip casting, tape casting, or extrusion. Methods of forming low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoates are also described.

Abstract: A polyurethane is described which is a reaction product of at least one isocyanate containing material having at least two isocyanate groups and at least one compound having at least two hydrogen atoms capable of reacting with the isocyanate. The compound having the at least two hydrogen atoms contains a hydroxyalkanoate, which is preferably a thermally decomposable or a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate. The polyurethane of the present invention can be used in a number of applications and preferably has improved properties such as, but not limited to, improved flexibility and/or improved hydrophobicity. The polyurethanes of the present invention are preferably biodegradable and easily recycled.

Abstract: Nutritional or therapeutic compositions are provided for increasing ketone body levels in the blood of mammals by providing a source of ketone bodies in the form of linear or cyclic oligomers and/or derivatives of 3-hydroxyacids. The 3-hydroxyacid can be in the form of a linear oligomer of 3-hydroxyacids other than linear homo-oligomers of 3-hydroxybutyric acid if administered in combination with acetoacetate, cyclic oligomers of 3-hydroxyacids, esters of the linear or cyclic oligomers, esters of 3-hydroxyacids other than 3-hydroxybutyric acid, and combinations thereof. An oligomer generally refers to a polymer of three or more hydroxyacids. Preferred 3-hydroxyacids include 3-hydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxyvalerate, 3-hydroxyhexanoate, and 3-hydroxyheptanoate. Oligomers of odd-carbon number 3-hydroxyacids such as 3-hydroxyvalerate have advantages since they have a higher energy content than oligomers of 3-hydroxyacids having an even-number of carbons.