Abstract: A biodegradable composite comprising a polymeric matrix including but not limited to poly lactide (PLA), poly (butylene succinate) 20 (PBS), poly(butylene succinate adipate) (PBSA), including bio-based PBSA (BioPBSA), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA(s)), poly(3-hydroxy)butyrate (PHB), poly(3-hydroxy-butyrate-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), copolyester of the monomers 1.4-butanediol, adipic acid and terephthalic acid (Ecoflex™) and polypropylene carbonate (PPC), and biocarbon, a.k.a. biochar or pyrolyzed biomass as a sustainable filler. The biodegradable composite achieves high oxygen barrier with balanced water barrier. Also, a method of manufacturing the biodegradable composite and articles of manufacturing comprising the biodegradable composite. The articles of manufacturing have application in limiting gas permeation into a package and extending shelf life of a material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing sub-micron biocarbon materials using biomass that is chemically modified with organic or inorganic agents including but not limited to acrylamide, glycine, urea, glycerol, bio-glycerol, corn syrup, succinic acid, and sodium bicarbonate. The use of foaming and heating methodologies which could be either pre or post carbonization and subsequent particle size reduction methodologies for the creation of cost-competitive sub-micron biocarbon particles and fibers for a variety of applications.

Abstract: A highly compatibilized biodegradable composite with high impact strength including: (a) a polymeric matrix having one or more biodegradable polymers; (b) one or more fillers; and (c) free radical initiators are fabricated via one-step reactive extrusion method. An in-situ free radical reaction method of manufacturing the biodegradable composite, including the step of (a) (1) mixing one or more biodegradable polymers and a free radical initiator; (2) melting step (1) thereby manufacturing the highly compatibilized biodegradable matrix. (b) Mixing the composites of step (a) and fillers or second biodegradable polymers, thereby manufacturing the biodegradable composite. Also, nano-blends are successfully prepared in this invention ascribe to the improved compatibility of the different components.

Abstract: A biocomposite formulation comprising a polyamide, an engineering polyester and biocarbon. The biocomposite can be reinforced with various additives, including reactive compatibilizers, bio-sourced carbons, nanofillers and recycled carbon fibers.

Abstract: A highly compatibilized biodegradable composite with high impact strength including: (a) a polymeric matrix having one or more biodegradable polymers; (b) one or more fillers; and (c) free radical initiators are fabricated via one-step reactive extrusion method. An in-situ free radical reaction method of manufacturing the biodegradable composite, including the step of (a) (1) mixing one or more biodegradable polymers and a free radical initiator; (2) melting step (1) thereby manufacturing the highly compatibilized biodegradable matrix. (b) Mixing the composites of step (a) and fillers or second biodegradable polymers, thereby manufacturing the biodegradable composite. Also, nano-blends are successfully prepared in this invention ascribe to the improved compatibility of the different components.

Abstract: A polymer blend comprising polyamide, polypropylene (PP) and at least one of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and a multi-phase compatibilizer comprising PA11-co-PP-maleic anhydride (MA). The polymer blend can be reinforced with hybrid fillers including biocarbon, glass fiber, carbon fiber and nano-clay to create composites useful in the creation of products of manufacture such as auto parts.

Abstract: Biocarbon is presented as an alternative to synthetic carbon black. Master batches having biocarbon for usage in raw plastics and/or the production of composites. Biocarbon is mainly derived from plant biomass, but other sources can be used. A method of producing the master batch: (a) pyrolyzing processed biomass in an oxygen-starved environment to produced biocarbon; (b) comminuting the biocarbon in a reduced oxygen atmosphere; (c) cooling the comminuted biocarbon; (d) mixing the cooled comminuted biocarbon with a carrier resin, thereby producing the master batch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing sub-micron biocarbon materials using biomass that is chemically modified with organic or inorganic agents including but not limited to acrylamide, glycine, urea, glycerol, bio-glycerol, corn syrup, succinic acid, and sodium bicarbonate. The use of foaming and heating methodologies which could be either pre or post carbonization and subsequent particle size reduction methodologies for the creation of cost-competitive sub-micron biocarbon particles and fibers for a variety of applications.

Abstract: A biodegradable composite including: (a) a polymeric matrix having a biodegradable polymer; (b) a filler; and (c) an anhydride grafted compatibilizer including one or more biodegradable polymers modified with an anhydride group. The composite may also include (d) polymer additives such as polymer chain extenders or plasticizers. An in situ method of manufacturing the biodegradable composite of the present invention, including the steps of: (a) melting one or more biodegradable polymers in the presence of a functional monomer and a free radical initiator to form a mixture; and (b) adding a filler and polymer additives to the mixture thereby manufacturing the biodegradable composite.

Abstract: A polycarbonate (PC) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blend comprising (a) Bisphenol A PC, (b) PLA, (c) a chain extender, and (d) a glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) functionalized polyolefin copolymer/terpolymer and method of manufacturing the PC and PLA blend, including blending (i) Bisphenol A PC, (ii) PLA, (iii) a chain extender, and (iv) a glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) functionalized polyolefin copolymer/terpolymer at an elevated temperature, wherein the elevated temperature is between about 250 and 300° C.

Abstract: A polymer blend comprising polyamide, polypropylene (PP) and at least one of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and a multi-phase compatibilizer comprising PA11-co-PP-maleic anhydride (MA). The polymer blend can be reinforced with hybrid fillers including biocarbon, glass fiber, carbon fiber and nano-clay to create composites useful in the creation of products of manufacture such as auto parts.

Abstract: A high performance acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer blend comprising ABS, polylactic acid (PLA), an acrylic copolymer based lubricant and a polymeric chain extender.

Abstract: A polycarbonate (PC) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blend comprising (a) Bisphenol A PC, (b) PLA, (c) a chain extender, and (d) a glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) functionalized polyolefin copolymer/terpolymer and method of manufacturing the PC and PLA blend, including blending (i) Bisphenol A PC, (ii) PLA, (iii) a chain extender, and (iv) a glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) functionalized polyolefin copolymer/terpolymer at an elevated temperature, wherein the elevated temperature is between about 250 and 300° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plastic materials comprising lignin and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) to methods of manufacturing those plastic materials and to articles obtained by molding the plastic materials of the invention. Since PBS can be obtained from renewable sources, the present invention also provides for bioplastic materials comprising lignin and PBS. The present invention also provides for plastic materials comprising lignin and PBS and at least one fiber and to articles obtained from those plastic materials that are degradable, compostable and recyclable.

Abstract: A high performance acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer blend comprising ABS, polylactic acid (PLA), an acrylic copolymer based lubricant and a polymeric chain extender.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plastic materials comprising lignin and poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) to methods of manufacturing those plastic materials and to articles obtained by molding the plastic materials of the invention. Since PBS can be obtained from renewable sources, the present invention also provides for bioplastic materials comprising lignin and PBS. The present invention also provides for plastic materials comprising lignin and PBS and at least one fiber and to articles obtained from those plastic materials that are degradable, compostable and recyclable.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer composition reinforced with fibers such as cellulose or other fillers, particularly from natural sources, and a process for manufacturing the composition are disclosed. The polymer is extruded with a salt which reduces the melting point and pelletized. The pellets are then extruded again with the filler. The composition with the filler can then be melted at the reduced melting temperature to manufacture an article.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of natural fiber and polymer composites is described. Thermoplastically processed plasticized soy flour based plastics are used with thermoplastic polymers. Polymers of soy flour and an in situ polymerized polyvinyl polymer which links proteins and carbohydrates in the flour to form the polymer are used. The composites are useful in engineering materials.

Abstract: Polymeric materials and products, including sheet flooring materials prepared from the polymeric materials, and processes for preparing the polymeric materials, are disclosed. The polymeric materials include a polylactic acid-based polymer in combination with plasticizer and a compatibilizer, and optionally include a filler. The polymeric material can include between about 30 to about 50 percent by weight polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene glycol, polyglycolide, ethylene vinyl acetate, polycarbonate, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoates, or polyolefins modified with polar groups, for example, ionomers. The plasticizer is typically an epoxidized vegetable oil or esterified and epoxidized vegetable oil and is typically present in an amount of between about 10 and about 50% by weight. In some embodiments, the compatibilizer is a polyolefin modified with one or more polar functional groups, and is typically present in an amount of between about 5 and about 10% by weight.

Abstract: A composite composition which comprises a synthetic polymer, and corncob granules which have been modified, such as with a chemical reacted with the hydroxyl groups on the granules is described. The corncob granules are modified so as to be compatible with the polymer.