Abstract: The invention provides a water degradable modified polyolefin-modified poly(ethylene oxide-containing film having greater than about 55 weight percent of a modified polyolefin and less than about 45 weight percent of a modified poly(ethylene oxide). The polyolefin and poly(ethylene oxide) polymers are modified by having grafted thereto from about 0.1 weight percent to about 30 weight percent of a monomer selected from 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or polyethylene glycol ethyl ether methacrylate. The modified polyolefin-modified poly(etheylene oxide)-containing film of the invention, when immersed in water for about 30 seconds, loses at least 10% in two or more of the tensile properties: percent strain-to-break, peak stress, energy-to-break and modulus when compared to the dry or pre-immersion values.

Abstract: The present invention is a water-responsive film. More particularly, the present invention is a film comprising a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol and a polylactide and a method of making such films. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a film comprising a blend of polyvinyl alcohol and modified polylactide and a method of making such films. The films are useful as a component in flushable and degradable articles.

Abstract: This invention relates, in general, to thermoplastic film and fiber structures and methods of making the same. More specifically, this invention relates to substantially water-free films and fibers comprising unmodified polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process of making N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) polymers based upon the reaction of poly(acrylic acid) and N-isopropylamine. The disclosed method of the present invention uses polyacrylic acid as a starting material to synthesize NiPAm polymers. In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a condensation reaction of an intermediate salt to form homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NiPAm) with acrylic acid and/or alkyl acrylates in a molten state, which is adaptable to a continuous reactive extrusion process. Binder compositions, water-dispersible products and thermoformable articles containing the NiPAm polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a hydrolytically modified, biodegradable polymer and a method of hydrolytically modifying a biodegradable polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a method of grafting polar groups onto polylactides and modified polylactide compositions produced by the method. The polymer compositions are useful as components in flushable and degradable articles.

Abstract: The present invention is a water-responsive fiber. More particularly, the present invention is a fiber comprising a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol and a polylactide and a method of making such fibers. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a fiber comprising a blend of polyvinyl alcohol and modified polylactide and a method of making such fibers. The fibers are useful as a component in flushable and degradable articles.

Abstract: A water-responsive, thermoplastic article is formed from a composition of matter comprising a blend of polyolefins and poly(ethylene oxide). A water-dispersible article can be made from a blend having from about 1 weight percent to about 35 weight percent polyolefin and from about 99 weight percent to about 65 weight percent of poly(ethylene oxide). The water responsiveness of the article can be varied by modifying the polyolefin and increasing the content of polyolefin in the blend upwards to about 55 weight percent. The compositional blends can be made into a flushable barrier film for use in a disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper or feminine pad, or can be used to make a water responsive tampon tube. A method of making the article comprises blending together the polyolefin and poly(ethylene oxide) under melt conditions and forming the article.

Abstract: A thermoplastic film comprises a polyolefin, such as polyethylene, as a major constituent, poly(ethylene oxide) as a minor constituent and has a total of from about 0.1 weight percent to about 30 weight percent of monomer grafted to the polyolefin and the poly(ethylene oxide). The film exhibits an inverse phase morphology so that the poly(ethylene oxide) forms a continuous phase and the polyolefin forms a dispersed or discontinuous phase in the film. Desirably, the film can be used in disposable personal hygiene articles.

Abstract: A compositional blend having from about 1 weight percent to about 85 weight percent of a modified polyolefin and from about 99 weight percent to about 15 weight percent of modified poly(ethylene oxide). The modified polyolefin and modified poly(ethylene oxide) have a total of from about 1 weight percent to about 30 weight percent of a monomer grafted thereto. Included is a method for making the blend comprising using a single pass extruder to perform the steps of melt blending the polyolefin, poly(ethylene oxide), the monomer and a sufficient amount free radical initiator to graft from about 1 percent to 100 percent of the monomer onto the polyolefin and poly(ethylene oxide).

Abstract: A compositional blend having from about 1 weight percent to about 85 weight percent of a modified polyolefin and from about 99 weight percent to about 15 weight percent of modified poly(ethylene oxide). The modified polyolefin and modified poly(ethylene oxide) have a total of from about 1 weight percent to about 30 weight percent of a monomer grafted thereto. Included is a method for making the blend comprising using a single pass extruder to perform the steps of melt blending the polyolefin, poly(ethylene oxide), the monomer and a sufficient amount free radical initiator to graft from about 1 percent to 100 percent of the monomer onto the polyolefin and poly(ethylene oxide).