Abstract: A process for dissolving a binder off a fiber web bonded therewith includes treating the fiber web, which is bonded with a polymeric binder having carboxylate groups crosslinked via alkaline earth metal cations, with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal salt to form a sparingly soluble salt or complex between the anion of the alkali metal salt and the alkaline earth metal cations, and then removing the fiber freed of the binder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polyester comprising repeating units having the structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and aryl having 6 to 10 carbon atoms and R.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and aryl having 6 to 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Compostable polymeric sheets of biodegradable or environmentally degradable polymers are included. These composite sheets may be made by extrusion and are compostable in municipal solid waste treatment facilities.The composite film is formed by coextrusion of top and bottom water insoluble thermoplastic films having a water soluble polymer therebetween and stretching the composite along line space substantially uniformally across and through the depth of the composite for weakening the strength of the composite while maintaining its water impermeability.

Abstract: Photodegradable polymers comprising B-alkoxy substituted vinyl ketone functionality and thermoplastic articles formed therefrom.

Abstract: A biologically degradable film is prepared consisting of a synthetic polymer and a biologically degradable polymer. The biologically degradable polymer is divided into small particles in an aqueous suspension by means of enzymes that split and release small molecules from the surface of the biopolymer particles. After achieving desired particle size, an emulsion is formed with vegetable oil and the particles coated with enzyme protein become coated with vegetable oil, which at the same time interrupts the degradation of the biopolymer particles by the enzyme. The coated particles with the oil are separated from the suspension to remove small molecules after which the particles are re-dried and then pulverized. The final film is prepared in a film extruder in which the biopolymer is mixed with the synthetic polymer and possibly other additives that are generally used informing polymer films.

Abstract: Moisture-shrinkable films can be extrusion blown from modified starch-poly(methyl acrylate) graft compolymers. The films shrink when exposed at room temperature to relative humidities approaching 100%. The films have potential application in shrink-wrapping irregularly shaped articles without application of heat; they are easily removed by water washing.

Abstract: Uncured rubber compositions containing fused aromatic furazan oxides exhibit improved processability and reduced viscosity. Useful furazan oxides have both carbons of the furazan ring as part of a fused aromatic ring and include benzofurazan oxide and its methyl and methoxy analogs. Improvements in processability, green strength and liquification of NR can be achieved through use of these furazan oxides in uncured rubber compositions.

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 provides oral dosage forms of therapeutic agents such as digestive enzymes which are subject to degradation and loss of activity at gastric pH. and compositions and methods for preparing same. Capsules of their components are formulated from a composition comprising a plastic homogeneous mass of gastric fluid impervious material such as cellulosic derivatives or collagenous material; from 10-65% by weight of a diluent selected from the group consisting of water, a lipid having a melting point above mammalian body temperature and a water miscible solvent; 4-60% by weight of procollagen; and 30-86% by weight of collagen or elastin. The composition is formed into finished capsules of relatively homogeneous composition comprising 10-50% by weight of procollagen and 40-96% by weight of a material selected from the group consisting of collagen and elastin, and having less than 4% by weight of fat and water-soluble protein.

Abstract: Preparation of hydrolyzable polyester resin comprising reacting polycarboxylic acid and polyhydric alcohol components, which is characterized by using, as at least part of said polyhydric alcohol component, a metallic salt of hydroxy carboxylic acid of the formula defined and effecting the polycondensation at a temperature which is no more than the decomposition temperature of said metallic salt. The polyester resins are useful as resinous vehicle of varnishes and antifouling paints.

Abstract: Film-forming formulations comprising starch, ethylene acrylic acid copolymer, and optionally polyethylene, can be blown into films upon neutralization of a portion of the copolymer acid functionality. The resultant biodegradable films have potential application as agricultural mulch, garbage bags, and various types of packaging.

Abstract: A process for preparing an environmentally stable plastic composition having narrow molecular weight distribution by visbreaking a propylene polymer using an activated portion of the propylene polymer as a prodegradant. The process includes forming the prodegradant by activating a portion of the propylene polymer either by exposure to ionizing radiation or by oxidation.

Abstract: A stable, liquid seed coating composition is provided, including a binding agent, an active ingredient and a coloring agent in a liquid medium including water and a polyol.

Abstract: There is disclosed an environmentally degradable plastic composition comprising an organic polymeric material having dispersed therein at least one ethylenically unsaturated alcohol or ethylenically unsaturated ester derived therefrom as a readily autoxidizable organic substance.

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 an environmentally degradable plastic composition comprising an organic polymeric material having dispersed therein at least one trialkyl ortho ester as a readily autoxidizable organic substance.

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

Abstract: Plastic polyolefins which are resistant to photodegradation are combined with polyisobutylene to improve photodegradability.

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: Polymer compositions which have accelerated rates of degradation on exposure to ultraviolet radiation, e.g. direct sunlight in an outdoor environment, comprise a blend of a major proportion of a normal, standard synthetic polymer, e.g. polyethylene, and a minor proportion of a graft or block copolymer of a ketone group containing monomer, e.g. methyl vinyl ketone, graft or block copolymerized onto a backbone polymer e.g. of polyethylene. The composition can be molded, extruded and otherwise fabricated in the normal way to produce disposable, photodegradable plastic articles such as containers, wrapping films and the like.

Abstract: A degradable synthetic resin composition comprising a polyolefin, about 0.2 to 10% by weight of an organic degradation promotor and, optionally, about 10 to 60% by weight of an inorganic filler, and films for use in the agricultural environment prepared therefrom.

Abstract: A process for producing a photodegradable rubber foamed products of excellent softness, which comprises mixing 1,2-polybutadiene with 0.1 to 3.0% of a photosensitizer and with a thermally decomposable foaming agent, irradiating with ultraviolet ray of a wavelength of 240 to 400 m.mu. for 10 minutes or less to form a cross-linked material having a gel fraction of 30 to 80% (in boiling toluene; 7 hours), and heating to 150 to 230.degree. C. to form a foamed product. In particularly preferred embodiments of this invention, the foaming agent is p,p'-oxybis (benzenesulfonylhydrazide).

Abstract: A biodegradable composition contains a high proportion, i.e., over 50% of biodegradable starch. The composition is particularly useful for making trays for holding meat. These trays are liquid repellant but gas permeable.

Abstract: The invention provides means for controlling the degradation of vinyl polymers by incorporating therein at least one non-ionic organo-soluble complex of a metal having an atomic number from 22 to 29, 40 to 47 or 57 to 79, the complex being activatable by light and optionally heat to give a more photo-oxidatively active form of the said metal, in an amount such as to cause degradation of the polymer at the end of the desired life of the composition.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel degradable plastic composition consisting of an organic polymeric material, said material having dispersed therein at least one organic derivative of a transition metal and at least one readily autoxidizable organic material.

Abstract: Polymers of the type commonly used in packaging are rendered degradable through the action of sunlight by adding thereto up to 3% of an olefinically unsaturated compound containing at least two double bonds, such as 1,6-diphenylhexatriene.

Abstract: Polystyrene compositions, including polystyrene film and foamed polystyrene, containing as a photodegradability enhancing agent an organic carbonyl-containing compound, preferably benzoin; and such compositions containing in addition to said agent, a pro-oxidant metal salt or an acetylacetonate thereby imparting markedly enhanced photodegradability characteristics to said compositions.

Abstract: A plastic composition degradable under the influence of weather or light, comprising a plastic material and finely divided titanium dioxide with a specific surface of more than about 20 m.sup.2 /g. Preferably the titanium dioxide is obtained by hydrolyzing titanium sulfate in aqueous solution, has a predominantly anatase structure, a lightening power of less than about 400, a specific surface of about 60 to 400 m.sup.2 /g and is present in about 0.5 to 5% by weight of the composition, and the plastic material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamides and ABS-polymers.

Abstract: An environmentally degradable polymer based composition which has been exposed to actinic or ionizing radiation and which comprises an ethylene polymer base resin, and a synergistic combination of an auto-oxidative polymer or low molecular weight organic compound, certain polyvalent metal salts, and an antioxidant additive for the ethylene polymer; and a process for making such composition.

Abstract: There is disclosed the preparation of a gradable polymeric composition by the chemical modification of a polymeric material such as a polymer or copolymer. The preparation comprises reacting in the presence of free radicals the polymeric material with a non-polymeric organic reagent having a structure which contains both a hydrocarbon residue and a polymeric material-degradation-sensitizing group.

Abstract: There are disclosed novel photodegradable polymeric or plastic compositions comprising at least one organic polymer or copolymer and at least two different aromatic carbonyl photosensitizers.

Abstract: There is disclosed the preparation of a degradable polymeric material consisting essentially of an organic polymeric base containing a degradation-promoting amount of a partially degraded organic polymer. The organic polymeric base and the degradation-promoting additive may be derived from the same or different polymers. The invention is especially useful in controlling the environmental deterioration of plastics. The rate of deterioration is a function of the environmental conditions such as light, oxygen, and temperature; the concentration of the additive; and the chemical structure(s) of both the base and the additive.

Abstract: The use of dicyclopentadienyl iron, or derivatives thereof, in physical mixture with polyvinyl chloride plastics to produce polyvinyl chloride plastic having reduced smoke generating properties.

Abstract: There are disclosed novel degradable plastic compositions consisting essentially of an organic polymer containing at least one organic chelating agent. The agent is one which chelates metal so as to form a metal complex which acts to accelerate polymer degradation in the presence of oxygen, electromagnetic radiation, and/or elevated temperature. This invention is especially useful in the preparation of degradable packaging materials such as films, bags, containers, etc.

Abstract: A novel resin composition is obtained by blending a hydrophilic pullulan with 2 to 98 wt %, based on the total resin weight, of a hydrophobic thermoplastic resin.In case the amount of the thermoplastic resin is 2 to 50 wt %, there is obtained a resin composition consisting essentially of the pullulan which is excellent in water resistance, while in case the amount of the thermoplastic resin is 50 to 98 wt %, there is obtained a resin composition consisting essentially of the thermoplastic resin which has been improved in water and moisture absorptivity.

Abstract: Resin compositions having enhanced photodegradable characteristics are prepared by incorporating minor quantities of a cobalt salt such as cobalt naphthenate in a polymer blend containing at least 90 weight % of a film-forming ethylene polymer, and from about 1 to 10 weight % of a polyethylene-like polymer containing trans carbon-to-carbon double bonds in the polymer chain; such polyethylene-like polymer having been prepared by thermal cracking of specified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers under the conditions set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 3,520,955.

Abstract: Disclosed are photodegradable and thermostable polymeric compositions based on a vinyl or vinylidene polymer such as polyethylene or polypropylene, at least one compound of a transition metal which is soluble in said polymer and which has photodegrading properties with respect to the polymer and at least one halogenated p-quinoid compound.

Abstract: Condensation polymers such as polyamides polyesters, polyurethanes, polyepoxides, polyamide esters, polyureas and polyamino-acids which are photodegradable on exposure to U.V. light, due to the presence in the copolymer backbone of units of structure ##STR1## in small amounts.

Abstract: Plastic compositions containing polyolefins and substituted nitrogen heterocyclic compounds having the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is nitrogen or CH, and R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are from the group hydrogen; a straight or branched chain alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; cyano; nitro; lower alkoxy; fluorine, dialkylamino, phenyl, halo-phenyl, benzyl and halo-benzyl, have been found to be photodegradable plastic materials for use, for example, as wrapping films and agricultural mulching films.

Abstract: Polyolefins capable of photodegradation are prepared by incorporating in the polyolefin an additive containing chlorine, bromine, or iodine and either a nitrogen or a sulfur group.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel degradable plastic composition, said composition being degradable in the absence of electromagnetic radiation and consisting essentially of an organic polymer having dispersed therein at least one transition-metal derivative of at least one highly unsaturated organic acid, such as a tallate, linoleate, linolenate, etc. of one or more transition metals, particularly a transition metal such as cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, and nickel.

Abstract: Photodegradable hydrocarbon polymers that are susceptible to attack by common microorganisms after exposure to sunlight in a natural atmospheric environment. The polymers include polystyrene and polyethylene polymers and copolymers modified with one or more chemical additives to initiate and to enhance photodegradation.

Abstract: Plastic compositions containing polyolefins and dinaphthylphthalate compounds having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 independently are from the group hydrogen; a straight or branched chain alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; cyano; nitro; lower alkoxy; fluorine, dialkylamino, phenyl, halo-phenyl, benzyl and halo-benzyl, have been found to be photodegradable plastic materials for use, for example, as wrapping films and agricultural mulching films.

Abstract: Photodegradable polyethylene or polystyrene compositions of copolymers thereof containing up to 500 ppm of iron in the form of a ferrous carboxylic acid salt having a substituted alkyl chain of at least 6 carbon atoms.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preparing chemically modified styrene polymers and copolymers which comprises treating a polystyrene or a styrene copolymer with an acyl halide in the presence of a Lewis acid so as to introduce ketone groups into the treated polymer or copolymer in an amount sufficient to promote environmental photodegradation of the treated polymer or copolymer. The resulting modified polymers may be used as degradable packaging materials, or as additives to promote the environmental degradation of polystyrene and related materials.

Abstract: A novel composition comprising an aryl ketone, a borate or phosphate ester of an alkanolamine, and a polyolefin, said composition being particularly subject to a controlled degradation.

Abstract: A biodegradable composition comprises a synthetic resin, a biodegradable granular filler such as natural starch and preferably a substance autoxidizable to yield a peroxide which attacks the carbon to carbon linkages in the resin.

Abstract: Polyolefins capable of photodegradation are prepared by incorporating in the polyolefin an additive containing chlorine, bromine, or iodine and either a nitrogen or a sulfur group.

Abstract: Polyolefins capable of photodegradation are prepared by incorporating in the polyolefin an additive which contains chlorine, bromine, or iodine directly linked to the nitrogen atom of an amide or imide group.

Abstract: Photodegradable polyolefin compositions are described which comprise from 5 to 500 ppm of iron in the form of an alkali metal, preferably potassium, trioxalatoferrate and from 5 .times. 10.sup.-.sup.5 to 5 .times. 10.sup.-.sup.3 mol per 100 g of polyolefin of a photosensitizing organic compound having a triplet energy of at least 30 Kcal/mol, such as certain aromatic ketones or aldehydes, certain organic nitro derivatives or dyestuffs, or certain aromatic hydrocarbons.