Abstract: A polymeric composition is disclosed which includes from about 40 to about 99 weight percent of a first polymer and from about 1 to about 60 weight percent of polybutylene(succinate-co-adipate) (“PBSA”). Preferably the first polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polylactic acid, polyhydroxy alkanoates, and mixtures thereof. A method for making the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to marking compositions that are derived from environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and sustainable resources. Such compositions may be formulated in to writing and/or drawing instruments such as crayons. In various embodiments, the marking compositions include one or more of a structural component, a stiffening and/or laydown component, and a colorant. For instance, the structural component may be an ester wax composed of a diol and diacid, such as where the diols and diacids contain about 2 to about 14 carbon atoms each, such as where the structural component is present in an amount of from about 10% by weight to about 90% by weight, such as about 20% to about 80%, including about 60% of the composition. Additionally, the stiffening and/or lay down component may be a bifunctional fatty acid, such as stearic acid, which may be included in the composition, such as a stiffening agent as well as to enhance smoothness of laydown.

Abstract: Predominately bio-sourced polymer compositions that may be used as hot-melt adhesives are disclosed herein. The polymer compositions may contain a polymer that has the following structure: G1 and G2 are independently (CH2)x. Variable x is an integer ranging between 1 and 10. Variable y is an integer ranging between about 50 and about 500. Variable z is an integer ranging between about 100 and about 600. Variable n is an integer ranging between about 5 and about 10,000. X is H, a functionalized alkylene polymer block containing alcohol functional groups, or a mixture thereof. Y is H, an acyl group, a functionalized alkylene polymer containing carboxylic acid functional groups, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A polymeric composition is disclosed which includes from about 40 to about 99 weight percent of a first polymer and from about 1 to about 60 weight percent of polybutylene(succinate-co-adipate) (“PBSA”). Preferably the first polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polylactic acid, polyhydroxy alkanoates, and mixtures thereof. A method for making the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymeric composition is disclosed which includes from about 40 to about 99 weight percent of a first polymer and from about 1 to about 60 weight percent of polybutylene(succinate-co-adipate) (“PBSA”). Preferably the first polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polylactic acid, polyhydroxy alkanoates, and mixtures thereof. A method for making the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for increasing the crystallization rate and/or processing speed of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers. PHA polymers are notorious for slow crystallization rates, reducing the practicality for using PHA for consumer products. Compounds that have similar crystal structures to PHA and have a melting point higher than that of the PHA, such as pentaerythritol, as well as compounds that undergo a crystal structure change at or below the melting point of the polymer, such as sulfur or selenium, act as good crystal nucleators for PHA.

Abstract: Predominately bio-sourced polymer compositions that may be used as hot-melt adhesives are disclosed herein. The polymer compositions may contain a polymer that has the following structure: G1 and G2 are independently (CH2)x.Variable x is an integer ranging between 1 and 10. Variable y is an integer ranging between about 50 and about 500. Variable z is an integer ranging between about 100 and about 600. Variable n is an integer ranging between about 5 and about 10,000. X is H, a functionalized alkylene polymer block containing alcohol functional groups, or a mixture thereof. Y is H, an acyl group, a functionalized alkylene polymer containing carboxylic acid functional groups, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hot melt adhesive which includes at least the following components: (1) from about 10 to about 20 weight percent of a lactic acid oligomer or polymer having a weight average molecular weight from about 1500 to about 3000; (2) from about 40 to about 75 weight percent of polylactide having a weight average molecular weight from about 10,000 to about 18,000; (3) from about 20 to about 35 weight percent of a polyester formed from the copolymerization of one or more diols and one or more dicarboxylic acids; and (4) from about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent of a copolymer of vinyl acetate and a mono-unsaturated short chain fatty acid, the fatty acid having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms. All of the aforementioned weight percentages are based on the overall weight of the hot melt adhesive. An adhesive-coated substrate and a method for applying a hot melt adhesive to a substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymeric composition is disclosed which includes from about 40 to about 99 weight percent of a first polymer and from about 1 to about 60 weight percent of polybutylene(succinate-co-adipate) (“PBSA”). Preferably the first polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polylactic acid, polyhydroxy alkanoates, and mixtures thereof. A method for making the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to marking compositions that are derived from environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and sustainable resources. Such compositions may be formulated in to writing and/or drawing instruments such as crayons. In various embodiments, the marking compositions include one or more of a structural component, a stiffening and/or laydown component, and a colorant. For instance, the structural component may be an ester wax composed of a diol and diacid, such as where the diols and diacids contain about 2 to about 14 carbon atoms each, such as where the structural component is present in an amount of from about 10% by weight to about 90% by weight, such as about 20% to about 80%, including about 60% of the composition. Additionally, the stiffening and/or lay down component may be a bifunctional fatty acid, such as stearic acid, which may be included in the composition, such as a stiffening agent as well as to enhance smoothness of laydown.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for increasing the crystallization rate and/or processing speed of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers. PHA polymers are notorious for slow crystallization rates, reducing the practicality for using PHA for consumer products. Compounds that have similar crystal structures to PHA and have a melting point higher than that of the PHA, such as pentaerythritol, as well as compounds that undergo a crystal structure change at or below the melting point of the polymer, such as sulfur or selenium, act as good crystal nucleators for PHA.