Abstract: Compatible polymer compositions and optically clear, degradable films containing from 55 to 90 wt % of a poly(hydroxy acid) polymer composition and from 10 to 45 wt % of one or more compatible thermoplastic polymers are disclosed. The films are prepared by melt processing the materials to obtain uniform composition, and forming the composition into a film of thickness from 0.01 to 2 mm. The films can be used in packaging and conventional applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are degradable materials including molded products, laminates, foams, nonwoven materials, adhesives, coatings and films, and particularly packaging films. The materials are made using polydioxaneone polymers comprising at least two different dioxaneone-based repeating units. Preferred polymers are polydioxanediones. First repeating units have less carbon atoms in constituent groups extending from the polymer backbone than second repeating units. Physical characteristics and degradation of the materials can be varied by varying the choice and/or relative proportions of first and second repeating units in the polydioxaneone polymers. Methods for preparing polydioxaneone polymers that can be used in the manufacture of the materials are also discussed, as are suitable monomers and methods for preparing such monomers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to degradable blends containing polylactide, a degradable impact modifier, and a degradable plasticizer for use in packaging films. The degradable impact modifier can be a degradable, non-toxic elastomer or a degradable, non-toxic, non-elastomeric polymer having a low glass transition temperature, such as polycaprolactone and poly(ethylene glycol). The degradable plasticizer can be any plasticizer having a relatively low molecular weight, a high degree of miscibility with polylactide, and non-toxicity. The film has excellent flexibility and impact strength for packaging applications.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production and purification of cyclic esters in which the purification includes the introduction of an aqueous solvent into a cyclic ester containing composition and allowing two phases to form. A first phase includes cyclic esters and any organic solvent, and a second phase includes the aqueous solvent and impurities.

Abstract: Disclosed are degradable materials which-include a nontoxic hydrolytically degradable polymer and nontoxic modifier, wherein the modifier is compatible with the polymer and the modifier is nonvolatile and nonfugitive. Also disclosed are processes for forming the various degradable materials, which include films, molded products, laminates, foams, powders, nonwovens, adhesives and coatings. The disclosed materials and processes are particularly useful for the production of commercial and consumer products in high volumes which are suitable for recycling after use or which are discarded into the environment in large volumes.

Abstract: Disclosed are degradable materials including molded products, laminates, foams, nonwoven materials, adhesives, coatings and films, and particularly packaging films. The materials are made using polydioxaneone polymers comprising at least two different dioxaneone-based repeating units. Preferred polymers are polydioxanediones. First repeating units have less carbon atoms in constituent groups extending from the polymer backbone than second repeating units. Physical characteristics and degradation of the materials can be varied by varying the choice and/or relative proportions of first and second repeating units in the polydioxaneone polymers. Methods for preparing polydioxaneone polymers that can be used in the manufacture of the materials are also discussed, as are suitable monomers and methods for preparing such monomers.

Abstract: Disclosed are products made of degradable materials which include a hydrolytically degradable polymer. The degradable materials can be internally or externally modified. The internally modified polymer composition has polymers modified by the use of comonomers having a relatively high molecular weight. The externally modified polymer composition includes a modifier, wherein the modifier is compatible with the polymer and the modifier is nontoxic, nonvolatile and nonfugitive. The various degradable materials include films, fibers, extruded and molded products, laminates, foams, powders, nonwovens, adhesives and coatings. The disclosed materials are particularly useful for the production of a variety of products in high volumes which are suitable for recycling after use or which are discarded into the environment in large volumes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to degradable blends containing polylactide, a degradable impact modifier, and a degradable plasticizer for use in packaging films. The degradable impact modifier can be a degradable, non-toxic elastomer or a degradable, non-toxic, non-elastomeric polymer having a low glass transition temperature, such as polycaprolactone and poly(ethylene glycol). The degradable plasticizer can be any plasticizer having a relatively low molecular weight, a high degree of miscibility with polylactide, and non-toxicity. The film has excellent flexibility and impact strength for packaging applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel integrated process for production of cyclic esters which includes recovery of starting materials, such as lactic acid from a dilute aqueous lactic acid-containing solution, by solvent extraction. The starting materials are then formed into cyclic esters by removal of water wherein the concentration of higher molecular weight oligomers is maintained below about 20 wt % of the reaction composition. The process further includes providing a recovery solvent for the reaction composition and separating the cyclic esters from the starting materials and higher molecular weight oligomers by liquid-liquid equilibrium separation. The present invention is further directed toward independent novel unit operations of the overall process. The present invention provides for the efficient production and recovery of cyclic esters due to integration of the various unit operations by use of appropriate solvents and recycle streams.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production and purification of cyclic esters in which the purification includes the introduction of an aqueous solvent into a cyclic ester containing composition and allowing two phases to form. A first phase includes cyclic esters and any organic solvent, and a second phase includes the aqueous solvent and impurities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for reducing the fouling of ion-selective membranes used in the electrodialytic purification of organic acids. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of nanofiltration and chelating agents for removal of impurities from an organic acid-containing feed material to reduce the fouling of ion-selective membranes used in electrodialysis.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the production, recovery and purification of cyclic esters. Such methods include producing a cyclic ester composition containing at least one impurity, contacting the cyclic ester composition with at least one adsorbent to remove the impurity and recovering the purified cyclic esters. Also included are methods of cyclic ester purification involving multiple adsorption operations. The methods of the present invention can produce highly purified cyclic esters. Such compositions are suitable for use in the manufacture of polymers having an average degree of polymerization in excess of about 1700.

Abstract: An antibacterial composition and method for use of such composition in packaging of moisture-containing foodstuffs in a manner to extend the shelf life of the foods comprises placing the foodstuff in intimate contact with the composition which comprises 5-40% wt. of a lactic acid-based compound and optionally a liquid organic plasticizer dispersed in a solid matrix of poly(lactic acid) or lactic acid copolymer having a number average molecular weight of 3,000 to 200,000.

Abstract: A method is provided for the synthesis of environmentally degradable block copolymers which includes the sequential polymerization of polymer-forming materials in the presence of one or more polymerization reaction accelerants and catalysts. The accelerants are a class of hydrogen-labile compounds which act as polymerization initiators and accelerate the polymerization rate significantly. The environmentally degradable block copolymers produced include those comprising segments of polymers of alkylene oxides, trimethylene carbonates, lactones and cyclic esters of hydroxycarboxylic acids.

Abstract: A process for producing metalized packaging films comprises the step of sputtering a metal, such as aluminum, gold, silver, copper, platinum, nickel, titanium or tantalum onto a biodegradable poly(hydroxy acid), preferably poly(lactic acid) film, which may then be adhered to a cellulosic substrate if desired.