Abstract: This invention provides a process for extruding a PLA resin using high levels of CO2. Excellent quality, low density foam is produced easily and reproducibly. The foams arc capable of being heat-annealed to induce significant crystallinity, even when an ordinarily amorphous PLA resin is used.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for extruding a PLA resin using high levels of CO2. Excellent quality, low density foam is produced easily and reproducibly. The foams arc capable of being heat-annealed to induce significant crystallinity, even when an ordinarily amorphous PLA resin is used.

Abstract: A method for preparing a compatible blend of polyolefin and thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol comprising:(a) melting polyolefin in the initial elements of a melt extruder,(b) adding and melt blending an unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride with the melted polyolefin downstream in the extruder,(c) adding peroxide to the melt blend and grafting the unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride onto the polyolefin, and(d) melt blending thermoplastic PVOH into the grafted polyolefin/unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride melt mixture.

Abstract: A multilayer structure, especially a multilayer film, for packaging alkaline, or caustic, compositions. The multilayer structure consists essentially of:(1) a first layer of an acid functional polymer that is soluble in aqueous alkaline medium,(2) a second layer of a partially hydrolyzed, thermoplastic PVOH, and, optionally,(3) a third layer of a fully hydrolyzed, thermoplastic PVOH.

Abstract: An extrudable polyvinyl alcohol composition useful for packaging and molding applications is prepared by melt blending polyvinyl alcohol and thermoplastic modified starch to provide a product which has reduced water sensitivity, improved modulus and reduced elongation at high relative humidity.A method for extruding the polyvinyl alcohol composition comprises:adding sufficient energy to the polyvinyl alcohol composition to both melt it and essentially eliminate the polyvinyl alcohol crystallinity in the melt, andsimultaneously removing energy from the melt at a rate sufficient to avoid decomposition of the polyvinyl alcohol.The thermoplastic modified starch may be added to the polyvinyl alcohol before or during the melting of the polyvinyl alcohol and elimination of its crystallinity, or the starch may be blended with the thus treated polyvinyl alcohol and then melt extruding the polyvinyl alcohol/starch blend.

Abstract: An extrudable polyvinyl alcohol composition useful for packaging and molding applications is prepared by melt blending polyvinyl alcohol and thermoplastic polyethylene oxide to provide a product which has improved pH stability and salt solution solubility. Useful extruded articles prepared from such compositions include films and containers.A method for extruding the polyvinyl alcohol composition comprises:adding sufficient energy to the polyvinyl alcohol composition to both melt it and essentially eliminate the polyvinyl alcohol crystallinity in the melt, andsimultaneously removing energy from the melt at a rate sufficient to avoid decomposition of the polyvinyl alcohol.The thermoplastic polyethylene oxide may be added to the polyvinyl alcohol before the polyvinyl alcohol is melted and its crystallinity eliminated or blended with the thus thermally treated polyvinyl alcohol and then melt extruding the polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene oxide blend.

Abstract: A method for extruding polyvinyl alcohol which comprisesadding sufficient energy to the polyvinyl alcohol to both melt it and essentially eliminate the crystallinity in the melt, andsimultaneously removing energy from the melt at a rate sufficient to avoid decomposition of the polyvinyl alcohol.Rapidly cooling the extruded melt reduces the heat history and improves the resulting color of the extrudable polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: A method for extruding polyvinyl alcohol which includesadding sufficient energy to the polyvinyl alcohol to both melt it and essentially eliminate the crystallinity in the melt, andsimultaneously removing energy from the melt at a rate sufficient to avoid decomposition of the polyvinyl alcohol andrapidly cooling the extruded melt reduces the heat history and improves the resulting color of the extrudable polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: An extruable polyvinyl alcohol composition useful for packaging and molding applications is prepared by melt blending polyvinyl alcohol and thermoplastic polyurethane to provide a product which has low water absorptivity, improved impact resistance, and improved low temperature/low humidity tensile properties. Useful extruded articles prepared from such compositions include films and bottles.A method for extruding the polyvinyl alcohol composition comprises:adding sufficient energy to the polyvinyl alcohol composition to both melt it and essentially eliminate the polyvinyl alcohol crystallinity in the melt, andsimultaneously removing energy from the melt at a rate sufficient to avoid decomposition of the polyvinyl alcohol.The thermoplastic polyurethane may be added to the polyvinyl alcohol before the polyvinyl alcohol is melted and its crystallinity eliminated or blended with the thus treated polyvinyl alcohol and then melt extruding the polyvinyl alcohol/polyurethane blend.