Abstract: An amorphous polylactic acid polymer having a weight average molecular weight in the range of about 35,000 to 180,000 is described. The polylactic acid polymer composition can be hammer milled without cryogenics result in the form of particles wherein 90% of the particles have particle size of about 250 ?m or less and the material has a glass transition temperature of between about 55° C. to about 58° C. and a relative viscosity of about 1.45 to about 1.95 centipoise. The polymer composition can be used to form an aqueous suspension. The material is ideally suited for use in preparing particleboard. A method is disclosed for preparing such polylactic acid polymers. The method involves obtaining an amorphous polylactic acid polymer having a weight average molecular weight of between about 115,000 to about 180,000. Treating the polylactic acid polymer to reduce the molecular weight to between about 35,000 to 45,000 such that it has a glass transition temperature of between about 55° C. and 58° C.

Abstract: An amorphous polylactic acid polymer having a weight average molecular weight in the range of about 35,000 to 180,000 is described. The polylactic acid polymer composition can be hammer milled without cryogenics result in the form of particles wherein 90% of the particles have particle size of about 250 ?m or less and the material has a glass transition temperature of between about 55° C. to about 58° C. and a relative viscosity of about 1.45 to about 1.95 centipoise. The polymer composition can be used to form an aqueous suspension. The material is ideally suited for use in preparing particleboard. A method is disclosed for preparing such polylactic acid polymers. The method involves obtaining an amorphous polylactic acid polymer having a weight average molecular weight of between about 115,000 to about 180,000. Treating the polylactic acid polymer to reduce the molecular weight to between about 35,000 to 45,000 such that it has a glass transition temperature of between about 55° C. and 58° C.

Abstract: An amorphous polylactic acid polymer having a weight average molecular weight in the range of about 35,000 to 180,000 is described. The polylactic acid polymer composition can be hammer milled without cryogenics result in the form of particles wherein 90% of the particles have particle size of about 250 ?m or less and the material has a glass transition temperature of between about 55° C. to about 58° C. and a relative viscosity of about 1.45 to about 1.95 centipoise.

Abstract: New adhesives and methods for preparing them are disclosed that include polylactic acid irradiated with gamma radiation, such as by a Co60 source. Irradiation times are used that improve the characteristics of the adhesive materials. Generally, the dose of radiation is from about 5 kGy to about 200 kGy of gamma irradiation. The adhesives generally have melting temperatures in the range of at least about 140 to about 148° C. such that they can be conveniently used in conventional glue guns and other glue equipment. The disclosed adhesives can provide bond strengths in the range of about 1,600 psi or more to about 2,500 psi or more. The disclosed adhesives can include a crosslinking agents. They can be used to join a wide range of substrates including wood, metal, plastic, ceramic, glass or combinations of substrates. They can be conveniently prepared by heating a polylactic acid (polylactic acid) preparation and mixing the molten polylactic acid with one or more crosslinkers when present.

Abstract: Protective coatings and methods for forming them are disclosed wherein the coatings have increased abrasion, impact and scratch resistance as compared to known coatings. The coatings are made from environmentally friendly materials such as polylactic acid which can be derived from corn. The materials can be used to provide a protective coating on their substrate materials including especially wood for flooring and furniture. The coatings can have a hardness as measured on the Shore D Scale that can reach at least 75 to about 85 and enhanced resistance to abrasions, impact or scratches and can be used to coat flooring or furniture surfaces. The coatings can contain from about 1 to about 10 mass percent of triallyl isocyanurate with respect to polylactic acid.

Abstract: New adhesives and methods for preparing them are disclosed that include polylactic acid irradiated with gamma radiation, such as by a Co60 source. Irradiation times are used that improve the characteristics of the adhesive materials. Generally, the dose of radiation is from about 5 kGy to about 200 kGy of gamma irradiation. The adhesives generally have melting temperatures in the range of at least about 140 to about 148° C. such that they can be conveniently used in conventional glue guns and other glue equipment. The disclosed adhesives can provide bond strengths in the range of about 1,600 psi or more to about 2,500 psi or more. The disclosed adhesives can include a crosslinking agents. They can be used to join a wide range of substrates including wood, metal, plastic, ceramic, glass or combinations of substrates. They can be conveniently prepared by heating a polylactic acid (polylactic acid) preparation and mixing the molten polylactic acid with one or more crosslinkers when present.

Abstract: Protective coatings and methods for forming them are disclosed wherein the coatings have increased abrasion, impact and scratch resistance as compared to known coatings. The coatings are made from environmentally friendly materials such as polylactic acid which can be derived from corn. The materials can be used to provide a protective coating on their substrate materials including especially wood for flooring and furniture. The coatings can have a hardness as measured on the Shore D Scale that can reach at least 75 to about 85 and enhanced resistance to abrasions, impact or scratches and can be used to coat flooring or furniture surfaces. The coatings can contain from about 1 to about 10 mass percent of triallyl isocyanurate with respect to polylactic acid.