Abstract: A container for cosmetic products and a method of manufacturing the same. The container, such as a jar, has a wall formed by a first layer of a compostable material which comprises in combination a biodegradable polymer which forms a continuous matrix and, mixed therein, particles of a hydrophilic material capable of swelling inside the matrix upon water absorption. The container further comprises a second layer of a compostable material which comprises a biodegradable polymer which forms a continuous matrix and which is essentially free from particles of a hydrophilic material capable of swelling inside the matrix, or contains essentially less of them than the first layer. The container is degradable in compost, disintegration of the container wall, at 58° C., occurring within 12 weeks.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a container and a closure comprised of a dual layer biodegradable composite material. In addition, the invention concerns a method for forming such container and closure, as well as use thereof. In particular, the present invention concerns a container suitable to be used with liquid cosmetic product, especially for such exposed for hot moist environmental conditions.

Abstract: A composite material, methods of producing it and articles manufactured therefrom. The composite material comprises a first component formed by a renewable polymer and a second component formed by a reinforcing material. The first component comprises a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group of biodegradable polyesters and mixtures thereof, and the second component comprises particles of a hydrophilic material, having a sieved size of less than 0.5 mm. The composite material further comprising regions of elasticity to provide for compostable objects and articles having properties of flexibility or semi-rigidity in at least one dimension. The flexible composite material can be used in thin-walled extruded articles, exhibiting increased flexibility or softness in transversal direction.

Abstract: A compressed article formed by a composite material comprising a thermoset polymer and a wood material, a method of producing the same and the use of the novel articles. The composite material has a continuous matrix of a hardened thermoset polymer and, distributed within the matrix, wood chips which are at least partially encased by the thermoset polymer, said article having a water absorbency of less than 1% by weight upon immersion into water over a time period of at least 168 h at room temperature. The articles can be used in structures that are frequently contacted with water.

Abstract: A container for cosmetic products and a method of manufacturing the same. The container, such as a jar, has a wall formed by a first layer of a compostable material which comprises in combination a biodegradable polymer which forms a continuous matrix and, mixed therein, particles of a hydrophilic material capable of swelling inside the matrix upon water absorption. The container further comprises a second layer of a compostable material which comprises a biodegradable polymer which forms a continuous matrix and which is essentially free from particles of a hydrophilic material capable of swelling inside the matrix, or contains essentially less of them than the first layer. The container is degradable in compost, disintegration of the container wall, at 58° C., occurring within 12 weeks.

Abstract: A composition comprising a continuous thermoplastic polymer matrix having a melting point greater than 110° C. and, distributed within the matrix, particles of hydrophilic natural fiber material having a sieved size of less than 1.0 mm, the weight ratio of the thermoplastic polymer to the wood particles being from 99:1 to 35:65. An improvement in biodegradability of biopolymers, such as PLA, can be achieved. On the other hand, the addition of wood fibers enhances the material's ability to resist thermal deformation. The present compositions can be used for manufacturing hollow structures, by injection blow molding, of bottles with a wall thickness between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, in particular from 0.3 to 1 mm or continuous extruded products with a wall thickness from 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm.

Abstract: A compressed article formed by a composite material comprising a thermoset polymer and a wood material, a method of producing the same and the use of the novel articles. The composite material has a continuous matrix of a hardened thermoset polymer and, distributed within the matrix, wood chips which are at least partially encased by the thermoset polymer, said article having a water absorbency of less than 1% by weight upon immersion into water over a time period of at least 168 h at room temperature. The articles can be used in structures that are frequently contacted with water.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel low-temperature thermoplastic wood-biopolymer composite comprised of small wood particles and a polycaprolactone (PCL) homopolymer for use in medical procedures including orthopedic casting or splinting. The material is made from a thermoplastic composite that softens when heated to approximately 60° C., after which it can be formed directly on the patient. The composite then retains its shape as it cools down. The material is composed of epsilon caprolactone homopolymer reinforced with discontinuous short length wood particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sports protection device (e.g. a shin pad) for protecting a portion of a wearer's body (e.g. their shin). The sports protection device comprises a lining layer for facing the wearer's body (shin) and an opposing composite layer superimposed on said lining layer. The composite layer comprises wood particles within a thermoplastic polymer matrix. The lining and composite layers are shaped to substantially match the contour of the portion of the wearer's body (shin). A moldable blank for forming a sports protection device is also provided.

Abstract: A composite material in the form of a linear structure having a width, a length and a thickness, the composite material having a first component formed by a polymer and a second component formed by a reinforcing material, wherein the first component is a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group of biodegradable polymers and mixtures thereof, and the second component is platy wood particles. The composite material being formable at a temperature of about 50 to 70° C. and being capable of being employed as a blank for an orthopedic splint.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel low-temperature thermoplastic wood-biopolymer composite comprised of small wood particles and a polycaprolactone (PCL) homopolymer for use in medical procedures including orthopedic casting or splinting. The material is made from a thermoplastic composite that softens when heated to approximately 60° C., after which it can be formed directly on the patient. The composite then retains its shape as it cools down. The material is composed of epsilon caprolactone homopolymer reinforced with discontinuous short length wood particles.

Abstract: Novel composite materials, methods of producing the same and uses thereof. The composite materials which have the shape of three-dimensional object comprise a first component formed by a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group of biodegradable polyesters and mixtures thereof, and a second component formed by particles of a woody material, having a smallest dimension greater than 0.1 mm which reinforce the polyester. The material also has regions of elasticity or softness to provide for objects having properties of flexibility or semi-rigidity in at least one dimension. The material semi-rigid materials can be molded and worked at temperatures below 70° C. and are suitable for splints and circumferential casts.

Abstract: Aerated composite materials in the shape of a three-dimensional objects and methods of producing the same. The composite comprises a thermoplastic biodegradable polyester mixed with reinforcing agents selected from particles of woody materials having a smallest dimension greater than 0.1 mm. The composite material further comprises regions of elasticity formed by incisions which upon stretching will yield open pores. The incised regions will also provide for flexibility or semi-rigidity in at least one dimension. The material can be used in comfortable splints and circumferential casts.

Abstract: A composite material in the form of a linear structure having a width, a length and a thickness, comprising a composite material with a first component formed by a polymer and a second component formed by a reinforcing material, wherein the first component comprises a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group of biodegradable polymers and mixtures thereof, and the second component comprises a woody material derived from platy or granular wood particles. The composite material being formable at a temperature of about 50 to 70° C. and it can be used as a blank for an orthopedic splint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making light-weight dimensionally stable wood-thermoplastic composite material composed of wood chips and a thermoplastic polycaprolactone. The manufacturing process of composite material comprising the steps of compounding virgin materials with single-screw extruder and production of uniform homogeneous plate-like composite with calendering apparatus. The calendering process comprises of several cycles, folding, cooling and reheating steps. During the gentle manufacturing process fragile wood chips maintain their 3-D structural properties in polymer matrix resulting light, mechanically strong wood-plastic composite.

Abstract: A composite material in the form of a linear structure having a width, a length and a thickness, comprising a composite material with a first component formed by a polymer and a second component formed by a reinforcing material, wherein the first component comprises a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group of biodegradable polymers and mixtures thereof, and the second component comprises a woody material derived from platy or granular wood particles. The composite material being formable at a temperature of about 50 to 70° C. and it can be used as a blank for an orthopedic splint.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel low-temperature thermoplastic wood-biopolymer composite comprised of small wood particles and a polycaprolactone (PCL) homopolymer for use in medical procedures including orthopedic casting or splinting. The material is made from a thermoplastic composite that softens when heated to approximately 60° C., after which it can be formed directly on the patient. The composite then retains its shape as it cools down. The material is composed of epsilon caprolactone homopolymer reinforced with discontinuous short length wood particles.

Abstract: A mouldable, biodegradable medical material, comprising an epsilon caprolactone homopolymer. The material is useful as an implant and in particular for filling irregularly shaped cavities in biological tissue in vivo. The epsilon caprolactone homopolymer can be produced by polymerizing epsilon caprolactone monomers in the presence of a titanium alkoxide catalyst.