Abstract: A method for making shaped articles at room ambient temperatures without the addition of extraneous heat comprising the sequential steps:(1) forming a plurality of particles comprising a foamed admixture of starch, biodegradable polymer and water;(2) at room ambient temperature, applying to the surface of the particles finely divided drops of unheated water to effect wetting and softening of the outer surfaces of the particles;(3) without the addition of heat, compressing the surfaces of the surface softened particles to effect cohesion between the wetted outer surfaces of the particles, densification of the particles and formation of a shaped article; and(4) without the addition of heat, maintaining the particles under such compression for a time sufficient to render the outer surface of the particles nontacky by adsorption of water into the particles and by evaporation of water from the surface of the particles and(5) forming a protective skin on the outer surface of the compressed, non-tacky particles by h

Abstract: A substantially odor-free loosefill packing material with a density of from 0.33 to about 0.44 pounds per cubic foot. The packing material contains from about 70 to about 95 weight percent of wheat starch, from about 9 to about 14 weight percent of partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol, from about 0.7 to about 2.0 weight percent of vegetable fat, from about 0.1 to about 0.4 weight percent of inorganic nucleating agent, from about 3 to about 5 weight percent of maltodextrin with a dextrose equivalent less than 20, and from about 6.0 to about 8.5 weight percent of water.

Abstract: A biodegradable composition suitable for the manufacture of low density loose-fill packing by extrusion, which is an aqueous dispersion comprising (1) finely divided particles of a gelatinizable starch product and (2) a water-soluble polymer dispersed in (3) water having dissolved therein (4) a copolymer of vinyl, methyl, ether and maleic anhydride.

Abstract: A method for improving the extrusion characteristics of finely divided aqueous starch-polymer mixtures comprising subjecting the admixture to deaeration and compaction to form a hard shaped form therefrom, milling the hard shaped form of starch and polymer admixture to form granules. Granules of selected size are then coated with a lubricating compound.