Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable polymer composition having an elongation-at-break of at least 200 percent comprising a polylactic acid-based polymer and a mechanical performance modifier, wherein addition of the mechanical performance modifier to the biodegradable polymer increases the elongation-at-break to at least 200 percent while retaining at least 75 percent of the tensile strength of unmodified polylactic acid polymer and wherein the melting temperature of the biodegradable polymer is within 5 degrees Celsius of the melting temperature of unmodified polylactic acid polymer. In one embodiment, the mechanical performance modifier is poly(ethylene glycol) sorbitol hexaoleate. In another embodiment, the mechanical performance modifier is polycaprolactone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a germ-repellent elastomer comprising: a base polymer selected from latex, synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, or copolymers or mixtures thereof; and at least one germ-repelling modifier selected from one or more polyethoxylated non-ionic surfactants such that a highly hydrophilic moiety is imparted from the at least one germ-repelling modifier to the base polymer either by physical or reaction extrusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a germ-repellent polymer composition comprising: a base polymer selected from one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(lactic acid), polyhydroxylalkanoates, or copolymers or mixtures thereof; a germ-repelling modifier selected from a glycerol ester; and a nucleating agent.