Abstract: Compositions having improved crystallization properties and physical properties including a continuous phase of a first biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate comprising a copolymer, or a blend thereof, of at least two randomly repeating monomer units and having a melting point Tm1, and a second crystallizable biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate homopolymer or copolymer, which comprises at least one randomly repeating monomer unit and has a melting point Tm2, where Tm2 is at least about 20□C. greater than Tm1. The compositions are formed by solution or melt blending of the components and may be formed into shaped articles.

Abstract: Soft and elastic polymer products are obtained by stretching a composition comprising a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer comprising at least two randomly repeating monomer units. The first randomly repeating monomer unit has structure (I), wherein R1 is H, or C1 or C2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2. The second randomly repeating monomer unit is different from the first randomly repeating monomer unit and has structure (II), wherein m is 2 to about 9. At least about 70 mole % of the copolymer comprises randomly repeating monomer units having the structure of the first randomly repeating monomer unit (I). The products exhibit advantageous combinations of softness and elasticity while maintaining strength.

Abstract: Environmentally degradable molded or extruded articles comprising a blend of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer and an environmentally degradable thermoplastic polymer or copolymer are disclosed. Such compositions provide annealing cycle times to form molded or extruded articles that are less than annealing cycle times to form a molded or extruded article lacking the environmentally degradable thermoplastic polymer or copolymer.

Abstract: Environmentally degradable films comprising a blend of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer and a polylactic acid polymer or copolymer are disclosed. Laminates having a first layer comprising a PHA copolymer and a second layer comprising a PLA polymer or copolymer are also disclosed. Disposable articles comprising the environmentally degradable films or laminates are also disclosed.

Abstract: Soft and elastic polymer products arc obtained by stretching a composition comprising a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanrate copolymer comprising at least two randomly repeating monomer units. The first randomly repeating monomer unit has the structure (I), wherein R1 is H, or C1 or C2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2. The second randomly repeating monomer unit has the structure (II), wherein R2 is a C3-C19 alkyl or C3-C19 alkenyl. At least about 70 mole % of the copolymer comprises randomly repeating monomer units having the structure of the first randomly repeating monomer unit (I). The products exhibit advantageous combinations of softness and elasticity while maintaining strength.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the rate of a first biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate having a copolymer, or a blend thereof, of at least two randomly repeating monomer units, and has a melting point Tm1, by solution blending or melt blending the first biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate with a second crystallizable biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate homopolymer or copolymer, which has at least one randomly repeating monomer unit and a melting point Tm2, wherein Tm2 is at least about 20□C. greater than Tm1. Methods for forming shaped articles from the blending of the two polyhydroxyalkanoates.

Abstract: Environmentally degradable molded or extruded articles comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate C4C6 copolymer composition having short annealing cycle times are provided. Such short annealing cycle times are achieved by compositions having a percentage of C6 units of 2-8%. Desirable annealing cycle times are obtained for molded or extruded articles, particularly for tampon applicators.

Abstract: Compositions having improved crystallization properties and physical properties including a continuous phase of a first biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate comprising a copolymer, or a blend thereof, of at least two randomly repeating monomer units and having a melting point Tm1, and a second crystallizable biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate homopolymer or copolymer, which comprises at least one randomly repeating monomer unit and has a melting point Tm2, where Tm2 is at least about 20□C. greater than Tm1. The compositions are formed by solution or melt blending of the components and may be formed into shaped articles.

Abstract: Low denier, high extensible fibers, soft extensible nonwoven webs comprising such fibers, and disposable articles comprising such nonwoven webs are obtained by spinning a polymer composition through small diameter holes.

Abstract: Environmentally degradable films comprising a blend of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer and a polylactic acid polymer or copolymer are disclosed. Laminates having a first layer comprising a PHA copolymer and a second layer comprising a PLA polymer or copolymer are also disclosed. Disposable articles comprising the environmentally degradable films or laminates are also disclosed.

Abstract: Environmentally degradable melt spun fibers comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer and a polylactic acid polymer or copolymer are disclosed. A preferred configuration of the present invention is directed to environmentally degradable fibers comprising a sheath/core structure where the core comprises a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer and the sheath comprises a polymer or copolymer of polylactic acid. Nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the environmentally degradable fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric compositions that are biodegradable and that can be melt processed into various forms, including films, fibers, and nonwovens. The compositions include compatible or semicompatible blends of biodegradable polymers and have physical and thermomechanical integrity. Films formed from preferred polymeric compositions are suitable for use as backsheets in disposable absorbent articles. In a preferred embodiment, the polymeric composition includes a polyhydroxyalkanoate and at least one other biodegradable polymer selected from aliphatic polyester-based polyurethanes, a polylactide, polycaprolactone, or a mixture of two or more of these polymers. Where the second polymer is polycaprolactone, the composition preferably also includes a third polymer for enhancing the melt processability of the composition.

Abstract: Biodegradable articles such as diaper topsheets, diaper backsheets, garbage bags, tampon applicators, disposable syringes and the like that are made from trans-1,4-polyisoprene and like trans-polymers. These articles can also be made from blends of these trans-polymers with other biodegradable components such as starch.