Abstract: Biopolymers that may be used in optical applications are provided. Suitable biopolymers include polylactic acid and polylactic acid blends. The polylactic acid may be used with a photocatalyst such as titonium dioxide in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the polylactic acid may incorporate decorative fused recycled particles. Generally, the biopolymer may be used in applications where optical characteristics and/or fire performance are desired.

Abstract: Biopolymers that may be used in optical applications are provided. Suitable biopolymers include polylactic acid and polylactic acid blends. The polylactic acid may be used with a photocatalyst such as titonium dioxide in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the polylactic acid may incorporate decorative fused recycled particles. Generally, the biopolymer may be used in applications where optical characteristics and/or fire performance are desired.

Abstract: Biopolymers that may be used in optical applications are provided. Suitable biopolymers include polylactic acid and polylactic acid blends. The polylactic acid may be used with a photocatalyst such as titonium dioxide in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the polylactic acid may incorporate decorative fused recycled particles. Generally, the biopolymer may be used in applications where optical characteristics and/or fire performance are desired.

Abstract: A viscoelastic extrusion process (VEEP) for biopolymers such as polylactic acid is provided. The VEEP process removes many processing and performance limitations of PLA as well as creates performance sufficient to produce durable “nonbiodegradable” products as a direct replacement for PVC and other petrochemical profile and sheet extrusion applications. The VEEP process also retains a high degree of crystallinity within the PLA for increasing toughness and to lower its biodegradability. The invention also includes an integral process wherein rheology is highly modified to allow profile extrusion and higher melt strength wherein processing is lower than the melting point of the primary biopolymer and below the browning points of the natural fibers in the biopolymers viscoelastic state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a biolaminate composite assembly, including one or more biolaminate layers, a non-plastic rigid substrate and an adhesive layer in contact with the substrate and the one or more biolaminate layers. The substrate is laminated or formed to the one or more biolaminate layers. Embodiments also relate to methods of making a biolaminate composite assembly.