Abstract: The invention provides a stretch blow molded container formed from a thermoplastic resin material which comprises polyglycolic acid having(a) a repeating unit represented by the following formula (1): ##STR1## (b) a melt viscosity, .eta.* [as measured at a temperature of (the melting point, Tm of the polymer+20.degree. C.) and a shear rate of 100/sec] of 500-100,000 Pa.multidot.s;(c) a melting point, Tm of at least 180.degree. C.;(d) a melt enthalpy, .DELTA.Hm of at least 20 J/g; and(e) a density of at least 1.50 g/cm.sup.3 as measured in an unoriented, crystallized form,wherein the stretch blow molded container has tensile strength (in a circumferential direction) of at least 100 MPa and a carbon dioxide permeability (as measured at a temperature of 23.degree. C. and 80% relative humidity; in terms of the thickness of 50 .mu.m) of 300 cc/m.sup.2 .multidot.day.multidot.atm or smaller at the body sidewall thereof, and a production process thereof.

Abstract: A process for the production of biodegradable aliphatic polyester particles by (co)polymerizing 2-oxetanone or a mixture containing at least 80% by weight of 2-oxetanone and up to 20% by weight of a cyclic ester or cyclic ether other than 2-oxetanone in the presence of a polymerization initiator supported on a carrier in which an ion polymerization initiator is supported on poly(2-oxetanone) in a liquid medium having a solubility parameter of about 15 to about 18 MPa.sup.1/2 and being capable of dissolving 2-oxetanone, and in a polymerizing apparatus having an internal surface formed of a material which is free of polarity or whose polarity is very small, to form a particulate aliphatic polyester; and a biodegradable aliphatic polyester melt-extrusion film, which comprises the biodegradable aliphatic polyester having a weight average molecular weight of 20,000 to 2,000,000, and having a water vapor transmission rate of 300 to 700 g/m.sup.2 .multidot.24 hours.multidot.25 .mu.

Abstract: Biodegradable articles such as diaper topsheets, diaper backsheets, garbage bags, tampon applicators, disposable syringes and the like that are made from trans-1,4-polyisoprene and like trans-polymers. These articles can also be made from blends of these trans-polymers with other biodegradable components such as starch.

Abstract: A composite film bag 1 for packaging comprises a composite film of a water-insoluble film 2 and a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol film 3 which are adhered to one another to such an extent that the former film 2 can easily be peeled off from the latter film 3 and which are formed into a bag so that the water-insoluble film 2 serves as an outer layer of the bag and the water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol film 3 serves as an internal layer thereof. A powdery or liquid agricultural chemical agent 6 is packed in the composite film bag 1 and the opening of the bag is sealed. Upon practical use, the outer water-insoluble film 2 is peeled off to expose the internal film 3 and the internal film 3 as such, while containing the agricultural chemical agent 6, is introduced into water. Thus, the internal film is dissolved in water and in turn the content 6 thereof is released and accordingly dissolved in water. The composite film bag 1 is not broken at all even when it is exposed to a low temperature condition.

Abstract: Shaped articles having a substrate of a degradable synthetic polymeric material and a discontinuous liquid repellant hydrophobic and/or oleophobic surface layer.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer composition primarily comprising polylactic acid or a copolymer of lactic acids and the other hydroxycarboxylic acids than lactic acids, industrial fabrics which can be degraded into nontoxic water and carbon dioxide within a relatively short period under the natural environment, and flexible containers, water shielding sheets and resin coated-cloth ventilation tubes which are prepared from the industrial fabrics.

Abstract: A toy whose entertainment value is altered when placed in water includes an outer package dissolvable in water which has an inner, sealed compartment to hide at least one novelty item therein. The outer package is comprised of a water soluble material which is sufficiently opaque to preclude visual inspection of any item disposed within the compartment, and in the preferred embodiment, is comprised of two sheets of such a material bonded together about their peripheral edge by a water soluble binding agent. The package has an outer peripheral edge or silhouette, generally corresponds in shape to the object, character, animal, animate or inanimate, etc., which is depicted on either or both exterior surfaces of the package. The novelty item(s) held within the compartment are made from a material, such as plastic, metal, etc., which is non-expandable when the package is placed in water.

Abstract: Corrugated beverage containers and holders are which employ recyclable materials, but provide fluting structures for containing insulating air. These products are easy to hold and have a lesser impact on the environment than polystyrene containers.

Abstract: An improved paperboard multiple can carrier made of multilayered laminated paperboard which has at least two layers of recycled paper and two layers of virgin paper. Tearing of the paperboard is prevented by multiple indentations or notches circumferentially extending around the orifices through which cans and fingers are inserted.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polyesters, fibers and films, nonwovens from the fibers and disposable products of the polyesters such as diapers. The products are degradable under the conditions typically existing in waste composting processes, have low ingredient costs and yet provide strength and toughness properties adequate for end uses such as in disposable diapers. The polyesters are based upon polyethylene terephthalate copolymerized with a non-aromatic diacid, such as adipic and glutaric acids, and containing alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulfo groups, such as a metal 5-sulfoisophthalic acid derivative.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polyesters, fibers and films, nonwovens from the fibers and disposable products of the polyesters such as diapers. The products are degradable under the conditions typically existing in waste composting processes, have low ingredient costs and yet provide strength and toughness properties adequate for end uses such as in disposable diapers. The polyesters are based upon polyethylene terphthalate copolymerized with a cycloaliphatic diacid, preferably hexahydroterephthalic acid, and containing alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulfo groups, such as a metal 5-sulfoisophthalic acid derivative.

Abstract: In a conventional cigarette packet with an inner wrapping of tin foil and paper, at least one surface of the tin foil is treated with a photocorrosive substance to the end of enhancing its biodegradability.

Abstract: A toy whose entertainment value is altered when placed in water includes an outer package dissolvable in water which has an inner, sealed compartment to hide at least one novelty item therein. The outer package is comprised of a water soluble material which is sufficiently opaque to preclude visual inspection of any item disposed within the compartment, and in the preferred embodiment, is comprised of two sheets of such a material bonded together about their peripheral edge by a water soluble binding agent. The package has an outer peripheral edge or silhouette, generally corresponds in shape to the object, character, animal, animate or inanimate, etc., which is depicted on either or both exterior surfaces of the package. The novelty item(s) held within the compartment are made from a material, such as plastic, metal, etc., which is non-expandable when the package is placed in water.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of providing a polymeric based compost bag formed with a relatively high percentage of thermal oxidative degradation catalyst, such as a transition metal salt, and, preferably, a process stabilizer. The stabilizer permits the use of high levels of the thermal oxidative degradation catalyst without the risk of premature accelerated degradation during manufacturing and storing. According to the present invention, the compost bags are packaged in containers which are impervious to gases and vapors thus depriving the pro-oxidant of the oxygen necessary to degrade the polymer. The package may also provide a barrier to the loss of stabilizer during storage. Also disclosed is a kit for the disposal of waste.

Abstract: A container for packaging electronic components which are susceptible to damage from electrostatic discharge or fields comprises a container made of paperboard or paper having an electrically conductive coating of electrostatic shielding material on the exterior surface thereof, and a coating of inorganic non-carbonaceous electrostatic dissipative material on the interior surface thereof. The electrically conductive coating preferably has an electrical surface resistivity of less than about 10.sup.5 ohms/square, and the inorganic, non-carbonaceous, electrostatic dissipative coating has an electrical surface resistivity of greater than about 10.sup.5 ohms/square. The electrostatic shielding material is preferably a carbonaceous material, and the non-carbonaceous, electrostatic dissipative material preferably comprises particles of amorphous silica or silica-containing material coated with antimony-doped tin oxide.

Abstract: The method includes the steps of mixing the sand and the decomposable binder to form a dough-like consistency, forming the dough-like mixture into a sheet. Cutting the sheet into silhouette shapes and then drying the shapes to form a rigid article suitable for a variety of purposes. The preferred article is coated with a decomposable waterproof sealant. Method of forming planar frangible targets as well as formed three-dimensionsl tableware and food containers are disclosed.

Abstract: A degradable bottle and can carrier comprising a body having a plurality of openings for receiving the bottles or cans. The body is made of a plastic material which is degradable upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation. A water soluble ultraviolet absorber is applied to the exposed surface of the carrier such that the carrier is protected from degrading under ultraviolet radiation until such time that the carrier is discarded and becomes wet by rainfall, water or snow.

Abstract: A capsule for the controlled release of an active material, e.g. into soil, is described. The capsule comprises an insoluble tubular housing (11) containing a number of water soluble or biodegradable partition walls (13) defining one or more hermetically sealed compartments, (12) filled with the active material (14), e.g. an insecticide. When the capsule is in contact with water or an aqueous medium the partition walls (13) slowly dissolve or degrade thus releasing the active material after a predetermined delay.

Abstract: A group of degradable polymer compositions including admixtures of ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymer with defined proportions of high density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene or polypropylene is disclosed. The compositions are useful for forming article carriers, containers, closures, foodtrays and the like, which show excellent mechanical and structural properties and controlled environmental degradability.

Abstract: This invention is a system for field disposal of human feces through the use of composting containers that prevent the spread of intestinal bacteria, including virulent pathogens, which otherwise would occur when wilderness visitors practice shallow burial of feces. This is accomplished by providing biodegradable containers and following a pre-set method of disposal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for transportation of materials such as industrial wastes from a source thereof to a temporary storage and/or a permanent disposal site or the like, utilizing batch containers of maximum space-saving configurations and taking advantage of the fact that such waste materials invariably densify volume-wise during handling such as during transit from the source to the storage facility. The containers of the invention are of temporarily shape-competent fiberboard type construction or the like; but are in any case fabricated of material which is moisture-vulnerable, whereby subsequent to transport and disposal thereof they soften down and allow the contents of contiguous containers to spread out and settle down and thereby close any previously existing empty spaces therebetween.

Abstract: A fin-stabilized container formed from foldable sheet material, particularly suited for aerial planting of seeds or seedlings. A cone or pyramid of sheet material is folded so as to form three or more fins at the trailing end and closure means for a container cavity at the forward end.

Abstract: Water-soluble wind stabilization segments are used to stabilize the winding of coils wound in a figure-8 configuration with a radial opening provided on the side of the winding such that the winding may be unwound from the inside out. The water-soluble stabilization segments dissolve when the winding is immersed in water, thereby obviating the need to physically remove such stabilization segments prior to unwinding the wound package.

Abstract: A corrodible container for the storage of a corrosion inhibitor to be suitably located in the coolant system of an automotive vehicle or other environment wherein the container has at least a portion thereof formed of substantially the same material as the material forming the heat exchange device in a coolant system so as to corrode when the coolant is partially or wholly replaced by a corrosive liquid such as water. More specifically, an aluminum radiator has a tendency to corrode rapidly where corrosive water is present and the container for the corrosion inhibitor has at least a portion thereof formed of aluminum foil or aluminum sheet material with a thinner portion so that the foil or thinner portion will corrode through to release the corrosion inhibitor into the coolant to minimize corrosion of the heat exchanger and coolant system.

Abstract: A coherent surgical-staple stack comprising a plurality of staples, bonded together in a parallel contiguous relationship by a biodegradable, absorbable plastic.

Abstract: There is disclosed an environmentally degradable plastic composition comprising an organic polymeric material having dispersed therein at least one amine compound as a readily autoxidizable organic substance.

Abstract: There is disclosed a degradable article made from photodegradable polymeric or plastic compositions comprising at least one organic polymer or copolymer and at least two different aromatic carbonyl photosensitizers.

Abstract: A bag constructed of biodegradable material in the form of high dry-strength and no wet-strength paper combined with water-soluble plastic material laminated to a portion of the exterior of the bag. The bag is of a size to receive a bedpan as specifically disclosed but it may also be of a size to receive an emesis pan or the like when inserted therein with the bag completely enclosing the pan to maintain the aseptic characteristics of a sterile pan by completely preventing any possible contact between the pan and the patient or excreta from a patient thereby eliminating the necessity of cleaning and sterilizing bedpans, emesis pans and the like which results in substantial saving of time, labor and cost of caring for a patient. The bag, after use, is easily separated from the pan and flushed into the sewer system through a conventional commode with the water soluble plastic being dissolved by the flushing water and the paper becoming disintegrated so that the plumbing system will not become clogged.

Abstract: A plastic container for planting tree seedlings in a mechanized process, and being in the shape of a projectile suitable for penetration into soil. The planting container is highly oriented in its longitudinal direction with a number of longitudinal grooves positioned on the inside, outside or both sides thereof. The grooves include slits and holes to permit drainage, egress of growing roots, and aiding in the self-destruction of the container after being injected into the ground with a seedling. The self-destruction can be further promoted by the use of stress cracking agents within the plastic material comprising the planting container.

Abstract: A closure lid for capping the open top of a container. The container is of a type adapted to receive a potable liquid, usually one which is dispensed within a relatively close distance of the point at which it will be imbibed. Such containers with the closure lids emplaced thereon are used for "carry-out" services, as from a luncheonette, or for "carry-about" services, as from an on-the-premises beverage source such as a coffee brewer, a milk container, a carbonated or non-carbonated liquid vessel or a supply of hot water for tea or chocolate. It is customary to cap such containers with closure lids for carry-out purposes and to remove the lids when the potable is to be consumed; indeed it is quite usual to supply lids with the containers -- although not attached -- when the containers are sold to carry-out stores and to on-the-premises facilities where there are a large number of persons.

Abstract: Novel blends comprising biodegradable thermoplastic dialkanoyl polymer, e.g., poly(alkylene adipate), and additional material such as naturally occurring biodegradable product, e.g., tree bark; and to the novel shaped articles therefrom. In one aspect, the invention is directed to novel shaped containers fabricated from material comprising biodegradable thermoplastic dialkanoyl polymer, said containers possessing a germination medium, and optionally, a seed or seedling in such medium.

Abstract: Blends comprising biodegradable thermoplastic oxyalkanoyl polymer, e.g., epsilon-caprolactone polymer, and naturally occurring biodegradable product, e.g., tree bark. These novel blends are useful in the production of shaped articles such as mulch film, transplanter containers, package containers, and the like.