Abstract: Coated seeds and methods for reducing seed dust and increasing seed flowability are disclosed. The coated seeds include a seed and a coating composition. The coating composition includes a binder comprising an ethylene copolymer and a lubricant comprising a wax composition. In some embodiments, the ethylene copolymer includes an ethylene monomer and at least one comonomer. The comonomer is selected from acrylic acid, acetic acid, derivatives thereof, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the wax comprises a Fischer-Tropsch wax, a carnauba wax, a polyethylene wax, a soy wax, a paraffin wax, a scale wax, a slack wax, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer structure in which one or more layers contain an acrylic polymer, and one or more layers contain biopolymers. The acrylic polymer and biopolymer could be in different layers of the structure, or in the same layer of the structure. The combination of acrylic polymer and biopolymer in the same multi-layer structure provides improved properties, such as improved adhesion, improved mechanical properties, and improvements in the ease of manufacturing. An inner layer containing a biopolymer gains significantly improved UV resistance, abrasion resistance, and surface appearance, when covered with an outer acrylic layer. The multi-layer structure may be in the form of a sheet, a film, a tube or pipe, or a profile, and could used by itself or as a cap-layer over another substrate.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a disposable body warmer that exhibits sufficient physical properties (strength) of the inner bag during use, and that is excellent in biodegradability after use. The disposable body warmer is prepared by allowing an exothermic composition comprising potassium chloride and/or sodium chloride to be contained in an inner bag comprising an oxidative degradation agent.

Abstract: Solid-state shear pulverization, as can be used to disperse a pro-oxidant component in a polymer component and affect subsequent polymer biodegradation.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods which are adapted to impart color to concrete or mineral substrate surfaces. Specifically, the present invention relates to a composition and methods adapted to treat concrete surfaces which have the advantage of using a non-corrosive acid-based solution.

Abstract: A biodegradable thermoplastic polymer masterbatch composition comprising a blend of at least one biodegradable thermoplastic polymer containing high loading of a particulate filler uniformly dispersed therein. The amount of the biodegradable thermoplastic polymer is generally from about 25% to about 50% by weight and the amount of the filler is from about 75% to about 50% by weight, based upon the total amount of one biodegradable polymer and the at least one filler. The uniform dispersion of the fillers is desirably obtained by adding small particles of the filler to a melt of the biodegradable polymer and blending using high shear equipment with special screw geometry. The masterbatch composition is then physically blended with additional biodegradable thermoplastic polymer and extrusion processed into final articles such as blown and cast films, molded products, and the like.

Abstract: Compostable hydrocarbon polymers, composites, and articles anaerobically biodegrade in landfills in a relatively short time. Composite polymeric articles and sheets such as indoor or outdoor signs, billboards, banners, images, protective barriers, backdrops and wall coverings have very useful service durations and yet are landfill biodegradable.

Abstract: Compositions of vinyl acetate polymers such as polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) are rendered compostable by a monomeric adduct of an organotitanate or zirconate as a prodegradant. PVAc sheets and composites are compostable in landfills.

Abstract: Compositions of vinyl halide polymers such as PVC are rendered compostable by a prodegradant system of a monomeric adduct of an organotitanate or zirconate and an organotin. PVC sheets and composites are compostable in landfills.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for increasing the rate of oxo-biodegradation of a carbon-containing polymer which process at least comprises the step of adding a component containing at least one 1,2-oxo-hydroxy-moiety as an oxidation catalyst to the carbon-containing polymer. The invention further relates to a composition with an increased rate of oxo-biodegradability that is obtained by the process of the invention and to the product with increased rate of oxo-biodegradability made from the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for improving the degradation of natural and/or synthetic polymers or a polymer article made from such polymer(s) by light and/or heat and/or humidity, comprising the incorporation of a compound of formula (I) into said natural and/or synthetic polymers: Formula (I); wherein m is 1 or 2, n is 1 to 100, X is selected from certain benzophenone-derived moieties and R, R1; R2 are each selected from list of certain residues; novel compounds of said formula (I) and polymeric articles of improved degradability in the presence of light and/or heat and/or humidity being made of a composition comprising: A) a natural and/or a synthetic polymer and B) a degradation accelerator being a compound of said formula (I).

Abstract: A polymer article having accelerated degradability triggered by light and/or heat and/or humidity and made of a composition containing (A) a natural and/or a synthetic polymer and (B) a degradation accelerator of the formula (I), wherein n is 1, 2 or 4; X is >C=0, >S(O)2 or >C(X1)(X2); X1 and X2 independently of one another are hydrogen, C1-C20alkyl, C3-C12cycloalkyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1, 2 or 3 C1-C4alkyl; or phenyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1, 2 or 3 C1-C4alkyl; Y is C1-C30alkyl, C2-C30alkenyl, C3-C12cycloalkyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1, 2 or 3 C1C4alkyl; C5-C12cycloalkenyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1, 2 or 3 C1C4alkyl; a bicyclic or tricyclic hydrocarbyl having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, C7-C4phenylalkyl unsubstituted or substituted on the phenyl by 1, 2 or 3 C1-C4alkyl; diphenylmethyl unsubstituted or substituted on the phenyl by 1, 2 or 3 C1-C4alkyl; triphenylmethyl unsubstituted or substituted on the phenyl by 1, 2 or 3 C1-C4alkyl; C2-C30acyl, —COOY0, C1-C30sulfonyl,

Abstract: Compositions of vinyl halide polymers such as PVC are rendered compostable by a prodegradant system of an organotitanate or zirconate and an organotin. PVC sheets and composites are compostable in landfills.

Abstract: The present invention provides a degradable extruded netting. The netting comprises a plurality of interconnected strands with at least some of the strands comprising a degradable composition comprising a polyolefin, a metal carboxylate, and an aliphatic poly hydroxy-carboxyl acid. In at least one embodiment, at least 10% of the strands are made of the degradable composition. The present invention also relates to a method for making degradable extruded netting. The method comprises extruding strands of polymeric material to form a netting wherein at least some of the strands are formed of the degradable composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable extruded netting. The netting comprises a plurality of interconnected strands with at least some of the strands comprising a biodegradable composition comprising polylactic acid polymer and biodegradable plasticizer. In at least one embodiment, at least 10% of the strands are made of the biodegradable composition. The present invention also relates to a method for making biodegradable extruded netting. The method comprises extruding strands of polymeric material to form a netting wherein at least some of the strands are formed of the biodegradable composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable plastic composition comprising rice powder and/or corn powder, which can be characterized in comprising 100 parts by weight of polyolefin matrix resin; 5 to 400 parts by weight of grain powder selected from the group consisting of rice powder, corn powder and mixture thereof. The biodegradable plastic composition according to the present invention can be manufactured in various forms such as injection molding product, sheet molding and blow molding product, which have excellent physical properties and product stability. The efficiency of waste disposable of the product manufactured with the composition can be remarkably improved since the rive powder or the corn powder contained in the composition can be degraded by microbes in the nature after a certain period. Therefore, the problems of soil, air, and sea pollution caused by burial or incineration of the wastes of conventional plastic molding product can be minimized.

Abstract: The present invention is a biodegradable resin composition having excellent physical properties such as strength, water-resistance, molding workability, thermal-resistance, and suitable for a molded article for various electric products. The biodegradable resin composition of the present invention contains a biodegradable resin and filler coated with a biodegradable coating resin in which the filler coated with the biodegradable coating resin is contained within the biodegradable resin. Preferable aspects are such as an aspect that the filler is at least one of mica, talc and montmorillonite, an aspect that a filler content of the biodegradable resin is in the range of 5 mass % to 50 mass %, an aspect that an average diameter of the filler is in the range of 0.01 ?m to 200 ?m, and an aspect that the biodegradable resin is polylactic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides a decomposable resin composition, which is stable at the time of use and which quickly decomposes when discarded. According to the present invention, there is provided a resin composition comprising an agent generating an acid or a base upon response to light or heat together with a hydrolyzable and biodegradable resin. The decomposable resin composition can promote decomposition of the polymer by generating an acid or a base in the resin by carrying out light irradiation and/or a heat treatment at a desired time and can control the decomposition speed of the polymer by controlling the generation amount of an acid or a base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light-degradable material for producing disposable medical appliances having main components of polypropylene resin and composite allochromatic agent, wherein the composite allochromatic agent is composed of photoinitiator and sensitizer. The photoinitiator contains ferric citrate (FeC6H5O7) and ferrous pentadione (FeC5H8O2), and the sensitizer contains hexachloroacetone (Cl6C3O) and acetylbenzene (C8H8O). The material of present invention is neither toxic nor polluted in producing or in using, and can rapidly change color while being irradiated by UV rays. Reuse of these medical appliances can be thereby avoided. When they are thrown away in nature, they will keep degrading and decay to powder within 45˜75 days. They are desired substitutes of present material for producing disposable medical appliances.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing polymers containing a degradant component that increases the rate of polymer degradation. The process involves adding a degradant component to a fluid polymer immediately after the polymer is synthesized and while the polymer is still fluid to form a blend of the fluid polymer component and degradant component and mixing the blend of the fluid polymer component and degradant component to distribute the degradant component substantially homogeneously throughout the fluid polymer component.

Abstract: A photocatalytic powder for environmental clarification, comprising finely divided titanium dioxide particles having a coating of porous calcium phosphate formed on at least part of the surface of each titanium dioxide particle, wherein an anionic surface active agent is present at least on the interface between said coating of porous calcium phosphate and the titanium dioxide particle. This photocatalytic powder is produced by dispersing finely divided titanium dioxide particles in an aqueous slurry containing an anionic surface active agent, and then forming a coating of porous calcium phosphate on at least part of the surface of each titanium dioxide particle. This photocatalytic powder is used, for example, by supporting it in an organic polymer shaped article.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an additive degradable/compostable package, the combination of a metal carboxylate and an aliphatic poly hydroxy-carboxyl acids, which is added to polyolefin resins in the production of specific products. The addition of the additive degradable/compostable package produces a packaging product which is degradable/compostable. The additive package may include calcium oxide (CaO) to make the modified polyolefin resin more processable. Further, stabilizers or oxidizers may be added to the additive package. The additive package is specifically modified or tailored to the application of the packaging product, e.g. trash bag, compost bag, merchant bag, diaper liner, wrapping film, agricultural film, landfill cover or foamed planks. The present invention further includes the method or process of producing the degradable/compostable concentrates and the improvement of the process of making the degradable/compostable packaging products by the addition of calcium oxide (CaO).

Abstract: A polyolefin composition which is photolyzable, includes polyolefin; and an effective amount of a photolytic agent which is an alkoxydimethylsilylferrocene having a general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R represents C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 in which n ranges from 4 to 10, and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 represent H or SICH.sub.3).sub.2 OR and may be the same or different. The polyolefin is preferably selected from the group consisting essentially of a low density polyethylene, a high density polyethylene, a polypropylene, an ethylene-propylene copolymer, an ethylene-butene copolymer, an ethylene-hexene copolymer, an ethylene-octene copolymer, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and mixtures thereof. The alkoxydimethylsilylferrocene is preferably present in an amount ranging from 0.001 weight % to 0.5 weight %, most preferably, in an amount ranging from 0.005 weight % to 0.2% weight %.

Abstract: A starch-based composition for preparing an environment degradable .alpha.-olefinic polymer molding material, which includes 95-99 wt % of starch, 0.2-0.8 wt % of a titanate coupling agent having the following formula (I), 0-2 wt % of paraffin and 0-2 wt % of fatty acid: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are hydrogen, or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together are .dbd.O.

Abstract: A shot-gun cartridge case is disclosed which is made by extrusion or equivalent pressure forming of high density polyolefin-based composition containing biodegradable starch, a fatty acid ester to initiate peroxide attack on the double bonds of the polyolefin and an anti-oxidant stabilizing compound. The composition is stable to biological and chemical degradation until the cartridge is fixed, upon which fixing, the anti-oxidant stabilizing compound is partially destroyed or dispersed so that degradation of said composition takes place.

Abstract: The invention provides a compostable thermoplastic polymer composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer, a transition metal salt selected from cobalt, manganese, copper, cerium, vanadium and iron, and a fatty acid or ester having 10 to 22 carbon atoms providing unsaturated species and free acid. The composition will oxidatively degrade to an embrittled state within at least 14 days at 60.degree. C. and a relative humidity of at least eighty percent. The invention also provides degradable multilayered polyolefin structures incorporating a transition metal in the form of a salt, degradable and compostable multilayered barrier films, degradable, radiation-resistant compositions and articles, and methods of forming and using such compositions, structures and articles.

Abstract: In the present invention, the lowering of physical properties is minimized by bonding matrix resin and starch chemically using a coupling agent in the presence of an organic acid catalyst, at the same time lowering of the production cost is achieved by simplyfing the process. In the prior arts, the problems associated with low physical properties caused by starch incorporation were approached only in terms of enhanced physical interacting strength between matrix resin and starch.The purposes of the present invention are to provide a biodegradable polyethylene composition chemically bonded with starch comprising 100 parts by weight of matrix resin, 5-400 parts by weight of biodegradable incorporating material, 0.01-10 parts by weight of coupling agent, 0.01-1.0 parts by weight of radical initiator, 0.01-5 parts by weight of Lewis acid catalyst, 0.01-10 parts by weight of autoxidizing agent and 0.01-10 parts by weight of plasticizer and to provide a process for preparing thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable film prepared by chemical bonding of starch and polyethylene chains using polyethylene, which is polyolefin having the most widest general application, coupling agent such as maleic anhydride, methacrylic anhydride or maleimide which bonds with starch and polyethylene, and acid catalytic comonomer like acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid and to a process for preparing thereof.The present invention was accomplished varying coupling agent such as maleic anhydride, methacrylic anhydride or maleimide at an amount of 0.01-10 weight %, acid catalytic comonomer such as acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid at an amount of 0.01-10 weight % and radical initiator at an amount of 0.01 1.0 weight % based on the amount of polyethylene, and the reactive extrusion was appelied to lower the production cost by process simplification.There was no difference in tensile strength and tensile elongation of the prepared biodegradable films comprising up to 20 wt.

Abstract: A method for continuous preparation of a starch-based biodegradable polymer. A homogeneous mixture of starch, an ethylene acrylic acid co-polymer, and a salt of stearic acid are premixed before addition of an aqueous lubricant material. An increase in temperature gelatinizes the starch and melts the co-polymer. Excess moisture is removed under reduced pressure and a plastic material is extruded.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to melt blown polyolefin film which is produced cheaply by melt blowing polyolefin resins which contain 25 to 60 wt% fillers selected from the fillers including an inorganic carbonate, synthetic carbonates, nepheline syenite, talc, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum trihydrate, diatomaceous earth, mica, natural or synthetic silicas and calcined clays or mixtures thereof, having a particle size less than 150 mesh.A further aspect of the present invention is directed to polyolefin resins, especially polyethylene, which are chemically degradable by the incorporation of the combination of the above group of fillers and a metal carboxylate. The metal carboxylates of the present invention are inclusive of a large number of metals, such as cerium, cobalt, iron, and magnesium.

Abstract: For the purpose of improving the quality and especially the mechanical properties of single- or multi-ply sheets with at least one ply, consisting at least in part of thermoplastically processable starch, the sheets are stretched monoaxially or biaxially after they have been produced.

Abstract: The improved resin composition including a polyolefin, a transition metal containing oxidation catalyst and 0-500 ppm of a radical inhibitor can be used to fabricate a sheet and a container that have good oxygen barrier quality on its own without being combined with expensive other resins that have oxygen barrier quality.

Abstract: Shelf stable nonwoven fabrics and films are made from polyolefin compositions which comprise a polyolefin which contains no more than a minor amount of a phenolic antioxidant, a water-sensitive stabilizer, a transition metal organic salt and an oxidizable unsaturated compound.

Abstract: A method and composition of packaging an adhesive composition, especially a thermoplastic or thermosetting hot melt adhesive. The method comprises the steps of providing one substantially uniform separate portion of the adhesive composition; sufficiently solidifying said portion for packaging; and substantially completely surrounding said sufficiently solidified portion with a biodegradable polymeric packaging material. The packaging material being meltable together with the adhesive composition and blendable into said molten adhesive composition, the kind and amount of said biodegradable packaging material being chosen so as not to disadvantageously affect the properties of the adhesive composition when blended into the molten adhesive and applied to a substrate.

Abstract: There is a need for degradable films, particularily in agricultural mulch applications. The present invention provides for films having a controlled life from 30 to 160 days. The film comprises photodegradable sheet material having a thickness from 0.1 to 10, preferably, from 0.2 to 5, most preferably from 0.3 to 1.0, mils and comprising a polyolefin sheet and from 50 to 1,000 parts per million of cerium salt of a C.sub.16-20 fatty acid and from 1,000 to 20,000 parts per million of titanium dioxide having a particle size less than 0.05 microns.

Abstract: A synthetic thermoplastic polymeric compound is structurally stable during its useful life and which upon introduction into a suitable environment, degrades under chemical, photochemical and biodegradation mechanisms into innocuous products. Stabilizers may be incorporated into the thermoplastic polymer to help maintain the structural and functional integrity through the useful life of the product. Degradation is then brought about by the synergistic interaction of the biodegradable component, an oxidizable component, transition metal additives and an aromatic ketone incorporated into the thermoplastic polymer. In the degradation process, the biodegradable component is metabolized to expose the thermoplastic polymer surface to chemical attack. In addition, the oxidizable component in conjunction with the catalytic system effects oxidative breakdown of the thermoplastic polymer to give lower molecular weight fragments that are susceptible to enzymatic attack in the decomposition environment.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polymer product of a thermoplastic material including a thermoplastic polymer and polymeric composting promoting agent selected from the group consisting of nonmetallic metal complexing agents, nonoxidizing-metal metal complexing agents, and mixtures thereof, in a composting effective amount to convert in the presence of oxidizing metal compounds to an active oxidant to thermally degrade the thermoplastic polymer of the thermoplastic material under composting conditions to a low molecular weight material with enhanced biodegradability, the nonmetallic metal complexing agents and the nonoxidizing-metal metal complexing agents being neither photoactivators nor prooxidants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable plastic made from a combination of at least one synthetic plastic polymer, at least one natural polymer and a natural polymer attacking agent and articles made therefrom.

Abstract: A degradable plastic film comprising film forming ethylene copolymers and lignin incorporated in the form of pulverulent powder having a grain diameter of about 1 to 5 microns. The films are homogeneous and possess a thickness of about 15 to 25 microns. The films may be made doubly decomposable by adding photoactive or oxidizing agents.

Abstract: An extrudable elastomeric composition including an elastomeric A-B-A' block copolymer where A and A' are each a thermoplastic polymer endblock and where B is a conjugated diene monomer unit having a low degree of residual ethylenic unsaturation; a polyolefin; and an effective amount of a transition metal compound which is substantially uniformly distributed in the blend containing the polyolefin and block copolymer so that the extrudable elastomeric composition is adapted form an elastic sheet that is degraded after less than about 30 days continuous exposure to a thermally oxidative environment. The transition metal compound may be a salt or complex of cobalt and/or manganese and is added in an amount that will provide at least about 0.01 percent, by weight, of the transition metal in the extrudable composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compostable and biodegradable thermoplastic compositions comprising a thermoplastic polymer, a hydrolytically unstable antioxidant, a pro-oxidant, an accelerator, and a property modifier. The hydrolytically unstable antioxidants effectively prevent the thermoplastic polymer from breakdown by oxidative or thermal degradation under dry conditions. Under wet conditions, the hydrolytically unstable antioxidant becomes ineffective and the thermoplastic polymers breakdown to low molecular weight materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a compostable thermoplastic polymer composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer, a transition metal salt selected from cobalt, manganese, copper, cerium, vanadium and iron, and a fatty acid or ester having 10 to 22 carbon atoms providing unsaturated species and free acid. The composition will oxidatively degrade to an embrittled state within at least 14 days at 60.degree. C. and a relative humidity of at least eighty percent.

Abstract: An oxidized polyethylene wax or other wax in the form of a salt with a metal selected from groups IB, IIB, IIA, IIIA, IIIB, VIB, VIIB and VIIIB of the Periodic Table of the Elements acts as a photoactivator in a polymer composition and degrades the latter. The quantity of the additive can vary from 0.1 to 2.0% by weight, relative to the weight of the composition. The additive can be added directly or, more suitably, via a masterbatch.

Abstract: Blends of polypropylene, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) or poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-3-hydroxyvalerate) and metal stearates are both photodegradable and biodegradable.

Abstract: A polymeric composition which degrades in the presence of oxygen either photochemically or thermo-oxidatively comprising a blend of polyethylene, e.g. low density polyethylene and cerium (III) stearate.This composition is especially useful in degradable food wrap and packaging and as an agricultural mulch film.

Abstract: Polymer compositions comprising a vinyl polymer and a combination of at least two metal complexes wherein the complexing agent of the first complex is attached to the metal through oxygen and the metal is a transition metal, and the complexing agent of the second complex is attached to the metal through sulphur and the metal is a transition metal or a metal of group II or IV of the periodic table of the elements, wherein the molar ratio of the second metal complex to the first metal complex is 0.5 or less. A film obtained from such polymer compositions and its use agricultural processes are also claimed.

Abstract: Composition based on thermoplastic polymers, especially .alpha.-olefine polymers, such as polyethylene or ethylene copolymers, to which have been added, to promote degradation, a biologically degradable substance, an iron compound possibly complex and soluble in the composition, an oxidizable substance having one or several double bonds, selected from fatty acids and/or fatty acid esters, as well a further possible compound of a transition metal with the exception of iron as a catalyst. Said compositions demonstrate a markedly improved degradation capability when exposed to heat and/or ultraviolet light and/or sunlight and/or when in conditions promoting decomposition.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of carboxylic acids incorporated as a catalyst in poly(orthoester)s and other acid labile polymers such that upon exposure to aqueous environments the acid catalyzes the erosion of the polymer matrix. The rate of release of a drug substance incorporated into or surrounded by the poly(orthoester) or other acid labile polymer can be controlled in that the drug is released as the polymer is eroded in response to the catalytic action of the acid incorporated therein.

Abstract: A photo-degradable styrene resin composition which comprises a styrene resin and at least one photo-degradable agent selected from the group consisting of benzophenone, anthraquinone, fluorenone, xanthone, phenylalkylketones, phenacyl halides and derivatives of these compounds, and optionally at least one photo-degradable accelerator.

Abstract: A degradable composition is made from a polymer of a mono olefin having 2--3 carbon atoms or styrene and an additive comprising (1) a derivative of an organic compound of a metal which has at least two valence states and (2) a benzoyl derivative of an organic compound or a triazole.