Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition of matter comprising a blend of discontinuous thermoplastic starch domains in a synthetic polymer, said composition of matter being characterized by an average diameter of thermoplastic starch domains of about 0.2 to about 1.5 microns. Also disclosed are compositions of matter comprising a blend of discontinuous thermoplastic starch domains in a synthetic polymer and being characterized by finished articles having key mechanical properties which are essentially maintained or in some cases improved over pure synthetic polymers. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for making the material of the present invention. In a related aspect, the present invention provides the novel materials issued from the method of making the material. In other aspects, the present invention provides novel finished article compositions in the form of films or molded articles.

Abstract: There is provided a polylactic acid resin composition having elevated impact resistance and/or elevated heat deflection temperature, the composition comprising polylactic acid as a major phase. There is also provided an article made of this composition and a masterbatch for producing this composition through dilution with polylactic acid. Finally, there is also provided a process for making such a composition, the process comprising the step of compounding together the following ingredients: polylactic acid, a mineral filler, a chain mobility additive, optionally an impact modifier, and optionally a chain extender, thereby producing the resin composition.