Abstract: A polymer composition includes a first component being a hydroxy-functional polymer, a second component being a natural polymer and a third component being a thermoplastic polyester. The first component, second component and third component are compounded to form a polymer composition.

Abstract: Methods of making articles are provided in which a self-supporting structure formed of natural polymer has a self-adherent, moisture resistant thermoplastic film comprising gelatinized starch and a hydroxy-functional polyester on the structure surface. The self-supporting structure preferably is a starch and polyvinyl alcohol blend in an expanded form. The articles typically do not delaminate even when soaked in water, and are biodegradable.

Abstract: A polymer composition includes a first component being a hydroxy-functional polymer, a second component being a natural polymer and a third component being a thermoplastic polyester. The first component, second component and third component are compounded to form a polymer composition.

Abstract: A method of making a biodegradable polymer composition including the steps of providing a first component being either one of a thermoplastic poly(hydroxy ester ether) or a synthetic, hydroxy-functional polymer and providing a second component being a natural polymer. The method includes the steps of mixing the first component and second component together to form a mixture, compounding the mixture, and pelletizing the compounded mixture to form pellets of a biodegradable polymer composition.

Abstract: A polymer composition includes a first component being a hydroxy-functional polymer, a second component being a natural polymer and a third component being a thermoplastic polyester. The first component, second component and third component are compounded to form a polymer composition.

Abstract: A polymer composition includes a first component being a hydroxy-functional polymer, a second component being a natural polymer and a third component being a thermoplastic polyester. The first component, second component and third component are compounded to form a polymer composition.

Abstract: A polymer composition includes a first component being a hydroxy-functional polymer, a second component being a natural polymer and a third component being a thermoplastic polyester. The first component, second component and third component are compounded to form a polymer composition.

Abstract: A polymer composition uncludes a first component being a hydroxy-functional polymer, a second component being a natural polymer and a third component being a thermoplastic polyester. The first component, second component and third component are compounded to form a polymer composition.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention include a hydroxy-functional polyester and a natural polymer. Articles can be made from such a composition so as to have sufficiently strong tensile strengths as to form disposable utensils or to have sufficient stretchability so as to form thin wrap films. However, the compositions are more environmentally friendly than commodity plastics such as polyethylene or polystyrene. Granular starches derived from a grain, a root, a legume, or mixtures thereof, are particularly preferred as the natural polymers for inclusion in the compositions.

Abstract: Articles are provided in which a self-supporting structure formed of natural polymer has a self-adherent, moisture resistant hydroxy-functional polyester on the structure surface. The self-supporting structure preferably is a starch and polyvinyl alcohol blend in an expanded form. The articles typically do not delaminate even when soaked in water, and are biodegradable.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention include particular hydroxy-functional polyesters and a natural polymer. Among articles that can be made from such compositions are those with sufficiently strong tensile strengths as to form disposable utensils. However, the compositions are more environmentally friendly than commodity plastics such as polyethylene or polystyrene. Starches are particularly preferred as the natural polymers for inclusion in the compositions.

Abstract: Articles are provided in which a self-supporting structure formed of natural polymer has a self-adherent, moisture resistant hydroxy-functional polyester on the structure surface. The self-supporting structure preferably is a starch and polyvinyl alcohol blend in an expanded form. The articles typically do not delaminate even when soaked in water, and are biodegradable.

Abstract: Expanded articles have a compressible and resilient body including two biodegradable components. One component preferably is starch or a modified starch. Another component is a water insoluble, synthetic polymer, preferably a hydroxy-functional polyester. The article may be thermoformed, and has exterior surfaces with substantial resistance to moisture.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention include a hydroxy-functional polyester and a natural polymer. Articles can be made from such a composition so as to have sufficiently strong tensile strengths as to form disposable utensils or to have sufficient stretchability so as to form thin wrap films. However, the compositions are more environmentally friendly than commodity plastics such as polyethylene or polystyrene. Granular starches derived from a grain, a root, a legume, or mixtures thereof, are particularly preferred as the natural polymers for inclusion in the compositions.

Abstract: Biodegradable films include two biodegradable components. One component preferably is starch while the other component is a water insoluble, synthetic polymer, preferably a hydroxy-functional polyester.

Abstract: Expanded articles have a compressible and resilient body including two biodegradable components. One component preferably is starch or a modified starch. Another component is a water insoluble, synthetic polymer, preferably a hydroxy-functional polyester. The article may be thermoformed, and has exterior surfaces with substantial resistance to moisture.

Abstract: Biologically active agents to be encapsulated are continuously blended with a starchy material and water, subjected to high-shear mechanical action at a temperature above the gelatinization temperature of starch, and continuously recovered as an insolubilized matrix of starch that entraps discontinuous domains of the agent. Alternatively, the core material to be encapsulated is added and blended with the aqueous dispersion of starch after the starch and water have been subjected to an elevated temperature sufficient to gelatinize the starch. Rate of release of agents to the environment can be controlled by preselecting a set of conditions related to various processing parameters. Encapsulation of biologically active compositons provides protection against degradative environmental conditions, improves safety in handling, and slows the release of such compounds to the surrounding medium.

Abstract: Chemical biological agents to be encapsulated are blended into an aqueous dispersion of an unmodified starch comprising about 5% to about 25% by weight amylose. The dispersion, having an initial starch solids content of about 20% by weight, is characterized by completely disrupted starch granules and completely disassociated amylose molecules that are not significantly depolymerized. Subsequent drying is accomplished by reassociation of the amylose molecules which converts the dispersion into a protective matrix and binds the agents within the interstices of the reassociating starch chains. Rate of release of agents to the environment can be altered by varying the proportion of amylose in the starch. Encapsulation of biologically active compositions provides protection against degradative environmental conditions, improves safety in handling, and slows the release of such compounds to the surrounding medium.

Abstract: Ionic cellulose-containing substrates reacted with a fatty quaternary ammonium salt such as hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide have the proper balance of hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties to absorb oil from oil-containing emulsions. Suitable ionic cellulose-containing substrates include agricultural residues, wood dust, acid-derivatized cellulose, and cellulose graft copolymers. These products are useful for cleaning up oil spills and for removing entrained oil from waste water.

Abstract: Starch-based superabsorbents are extended by blending with highly modified, low molecular weight starches. The dextrinized starches synergistically interact with the superabsorbents thereby permitting dilution without a commensurate reduction in the water absorbency. While the principal utility of the blends is the absorption of aqueous fluids, when hydrated they yield soft, smooth gels useful as high-quality thickening agents.