Abstract: Ultra-fine fibers, having an average diameter typically in the range of 0.1 to 5 micrometers, are provided which are capable of being dispersed in a liquid medium, such as a freeze dry liquid, to form a free-flowing, non-agglomerating slurry which may be employed to coat a substrate, as to provide an intimal lining for a circulatory assist device. Such ultra-fine fibers are prepared by immobilizing longer fibers in a medium, such as ice, and thereafter shearing the medium with the longer fibers embedded therein at a rate and for a time sufficient to comminute the fibers into appropriately short lengths.

Abstract: Novel blends comprising biodegradable thermoplastic dialkanoyl polymer, e.g., poly(alkylene adipate), and additional material such as naturally occurring biodegradable product, e.g., tree bark; and to the novel shaped articles therefrom. In one aspect, the invention is directed to novel shaped containers fabricated from material comprising biodegradable thermoplastic dialkanoyl polymer, said containers possessing a germination medium, and optionally, a seed or seedling in such medium.

Abstract: Blends comprising biodegradable thermoplastic oxyalkanoyl polymer, e.g., epsilon-caprolactone polymer, and naturally occurring biodegradable product, e.g., tree bark. These novel blends are useful in the production of shaped articles such as mulch film, transplanter containers, package containers, and the like.