Abstract: The invention pertains to a layered high-void-fraction material comprising a composite surface layer comprising structural material and a polyester derived from an aliphatic polyol with 2-15 carbon atoms and an aliphatic polycarboxylic acid with 3 to 15 carbon atoms, wherein the surface layer is connected to a high-void-fraction layer of structural material. As compared to a high-void-fraction material without the composite surface layer, the material has, among others, improved surface properties, and improved bending stiffness, while insolation properties for both sound and heat are maintained. The material may be used, e.g., as insulating material, as filtration material, or in hydroponics.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a biodegradable container or plate material comprising a layer of cellulose-based material provided with a composite surface layer comprising cellulose-based material and a polyester derived from an aliphatic polyalcohol with 2-15 carbon atoms and an aliphatic polycarboxylic acid with 3 to 15 carbon atoms, wherein the polycarboxylic acid comprises at least 50 wt. % of tricarboxylic acid. The biodegradable container or plate material according to the invention shows one or more, in particular a combination of, the following properties: light weight, high (wet) strength, a desirable degree of flexibility, good (temporary) resistance against water, oil, and fat, and attractive visual and tactile characteristics.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for manufacturing a glycerol-tricarboxylic acid polyester foam which comprises the steps of combining glycerol and a tri-carboxylic acid to provide a liquid reaction mixture and contacting the reaction mixture with a substrate under polymerization conditions, wherein the substrate has a top layer comprising one or more of metal, metal oxide, and metal halide. The invention also pertains to a glycerol-tricarboxylic polyester foam, in particular a glycerol-citric acid polyester foam, which has a closed cell foam structure wherein at least 90 vol. % of the foam, preferably at least 95% of the foam, is built up from cells having a diameter below 2 mm. The foamed polyester of the present invention is “green”, biodegradable, and non-toxic, and can be cleanly combusted. It finds application in, int. al., packaging materials, insulation materials, and materials with a short life cycle.

Abstract: A composite material comprising 10-98 wt. % of a bio-based particulate or fibrous filler and at least 2 wt. % of a polyester derived from an aliphatic polyalcohol with 2-15 carbon atoms and a polyacid, wherein the polyacid comprises at least 10 wt. % of tricarboxylic acid. Preferably, the filler is in the form of particles, fibers, and/or random or non-random layers. A plant-based filler may be used, in particular a cellulosic or lignocellulosic material, more in particular one or more materials selected from wood chips, wood flakes, sawdust, pulp, e.g., pulp of (recycled) paper or other fiber pulp, and plant-derived fibers such as cotton, linen, flax, and hemp. An animal-derived filler, in particular an animal-derived fiber such as wool, hair, silk, or feathers may also be used. Preferably the polyalcohol is selected from one or more of glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, 1,2-propane diol, 1,3-propane diol, and 1,2-ethane diol, in particular glycerol.

Abstract: A composite material comprising 20-98 wt. % of a synthetic particulate or fibrous filler and at least 2 wt. % of a polyester derived from an aliphatic polyalcohol with 2-15 carbon atoms and a polyacid, wherein the alcohol comprises at least 50 mole % of glycerol, and the acid comprises at least 50 wt. % of tricarboxylic acid. Preferably, the filler is in the form of particles, fibers, and/or random or non-random layers. Preferably, the filler is based on one or more of ceramic, including glass, in particular glass fibers, polymer, in particular polymer fibers, and carbon, in particular carbon fibers. The use of glass fiber based sheet-like material as filler is a particular embodiment of the invention. The composite material according to the invention has fire-retardant properties, which makes it particularly suitable for applications where fire-retardancy is an issue.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for manufacturing a glycerol-tricarboxylic acid polyester foam which comprises the steps of combining glycerol and a tri-carboxylic acid to provide a liquid reaction mixture and contacting the reaction mixture with a substrate under polymerization conditions, wherein the substrate has a top layer comprising one or more of metal, metal oxide, and metal halide. The invention also pertains to a glycerol-tricarboxylic polyester foam, in particular a glycerol-citric acid polyester foam, which has a closed cell foam structure wherein at least 90 vol. % of the foam, preferably at least 95% of the foam, is built up from cells having a diameter below 2 mm. The foamed polyester of the present invention is “green”, biodegradable, and non-toxic, and can be cleanly combusted. It finds application in, int. al., packaging materials, insulation materials, and materials with a short life cycle.

Abstract: A composite material comprising 10-98 wt. % of a bio-based particulate or fibrous filler and at least 2 wt. % of a polyester derived from an aliphatic polyalcohol with 2-15 carbon atoms and a polyacid, wherein the polyacid comprises at least 10 wt. % of tricarboxylic acid. Preferably, the filler is in the form of particles, fibers, and/or random or non-random layers. A plant-based filler may be used, in particular a cellulosic or lignocellulosic material, more in particular one or more materials selected from wood chips, wood flakes, sawdust, pulp, e.g., pulp of (recycled) paper or other fiber pulp, and plant-derived fibers such as cotton, linen, flax, and hemp. An animal-derived filler, in particular an animal-derived fiber such as wool, hair, silk, or feathers may also be used. Preferably the polyalcohol is selected from one or more of glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, 1,2-propane diol, 1,3-propane diol, and 1,2-ethane diol, in particular glycerol.