Abstract: L-Polylactic acid and D-Polylactic acid biodegradable biopolymers are combined with torrefied biomass and a plasticizer to create a biodegradable cardstock composition. The biodegradable cardstock composition provides an alternative to conventional plastic cardstocks, which are manufactured using petroleum-based materials such polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polystyrene (PS). The biodegradable cardstock described herein can be incorporated into a variety of end products such as key cards, driver licenses, security badges, calling cards, and other plastic cards, including those that have a magnetic strip containing stored data such as credit and debit cards.

Abstract: L-Polylactic acid and D-Polylactic acid biodegradable biopolymers are combined with torrefied biomass and a plasticizer to create a biodegradable cardstock composition. The biodegradable cardstock composition provides an alternative to conventional plastic cardstocks, which are manufactured using petroleum-based materials such polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polystyrene (PS). The biodegradable cardstock described herein can be incorporated into a variety of end products such as key cards, driver licenses, security badges, calling cards, and other plastic cards, including those that have a magnetic strip containing stored data such as credit and debit cards.

Abstract: Polymer compositions and methods of making and using the polymer compositions are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising a polymer, a compatibilizer and an algae product.

Abstract: Biodegradable nanopolymer compositions and methods of making the compositions are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a biodegradable nanopolymer composition made from starting material comprising poly(lactic acid), co-polyester polymer with adipic acid compounded and nanoparticles of a mineral material such as silica and magnesium silicate. In addition, the present disclosure provides processes for making the biodegradable nanopolymer compositions as well as biodegradable articles made using the biodegradable nanopolymer compositions such as molded, formed and extruded articles.

Abstract: A support for holding an associated snow blower on an associated vehicle equipped with a receiver of the type customarily used for mounting towing apparatus which includes an elongated stem dimensioned and configured for sliding engagement with the receiver; an elongated crossbar fixed to the stem in substantially perpendicular relationship; and at least a first column having a first end fixed to the crossbar and a second end having an arm for supporting an associated snow blower. In some forms of the invention the support includes a second column having a first end fixed to the crossbar and a second end having an arm for supporting an associated snow blower. The first and second columns are disposed respectively at substantially the axial extremities of the crossbar.

Abstract: High heat resistant polymer compositions having poly(lactic acid) and methods of making the high heat resistant polymer compositions are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a polymer composition including a poly(lactic acid), an aliphatic polyester, and an organically coated calcium carbonate.

Abstract: High heat resistant polymer compositions having poly(lactic acid) and methods of making the high heat resistant polymer compositions are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a polymer composition including a poly(lactic acid), an aliphatic polyester, and an organically coated calcium carbonate.

Abstract: Biodegradable nanopolymer compositions and methods of making the compositions are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a biodegradable nanopolymer composition made from starting material comprising poly(lactic acid), co-polyester polymer with adipic acid compounded and nanoparticles of a mineral material such as silica and magnesium silicate. In addition, the present disclosure provides processes for making the biodegradable nanopolymer compositions as well as biodegradable articles made using the biodegradable nanopolymer compositions such as molded, formed and extruded articles.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for preparing an environmentally degradable polymeric compound as well as to such a compound per se and to its use. A compound of the present invention includes a polycondensated lactic acid containing polymer, having a molecular weight (Mw) of from 500 to 50,000 g/mol, to which a flexibilizing aliphatic polyester having a molecular weight of from 500 to 50,000 g/mol is coupled. The amount of lactic acid including groups in the polymeric compound ranges from 50 to 99% and the amount of flexibilizing polyester groups ranges from 1 to 50%.

Abstract: Polyolefin compositions and methods of making and using the polyolefin compositions are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising a polyolefin, a compatibilizer, a starch and a plasticizer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for preparing an environmentally degradable polymeric compound as well as to such a compound per se and to its use. A compound of the present invention includes a polycondensated lactic acid containing polymer, having a molecular weight (Mw) of from 500 to 50,000 g/mol, to which a flexibilizing aliphatic polyester having a molecular weight of from 500 to 50,000 g/mol is coupled. The amount of lactic acid including groups in the polymeric compound ranges from 50 to 99% and the amount of flexibilizing polyester groups ranges from 1 to 50%.

Abstract: Biodegradable compositions and methods of making the compositions are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a biodegradable composition made from starting material comprising poly(lactic acid), co-polyester polymer with adipic acid compounded and one or more additives such as plasticizers, flow promoters, polymer processing aids, slip agents, viscosity modifiers, chain extenders, spherical glass beads, organic fillers, inorganic fillers, fibers or combinations thereof. In addition, the present disclosure provides processes for making the biodegradable compositions as well as biodegradable articles made using the biodegradable compositions such as molded, formed and extruded articles.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for preparing an environmentally degradable polymeric compound as well as to such a compound per se and to its use. A compound of the present invention includes a polycondensated lactic acid containing polymer, having a molecular weight (Mw) of from 500 to 50,000 g/mol, to which a flexibilizing aliphatic polyester having a molecular weight of from 500 to 50,000 g/mol is coupled. The amount of lactic acid including groups in the polymeric compound ranges from 50 to 99% and the amount of flexibilizing polyester groups ranges from 1 to 50%.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to degradable blends containing polylactide, a degradable impact modifier, and a degradable plasticizer for use in packaging films. The degradable impact modifier can be a degradable, non-toxic elastomer or a degradable, non-toxic, non-elastomeric polymer having a low glass transition temperature, such as polycaprolactone and poly(ethylene glycol). The degradable plasticizer can be any plasticizer having a relatively low molecular weight, a high degree of miscibility with polylactide, and non-toxicity. The film has excellent flexibility and impact strength for packaging applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to degradable blends containing polylactide, a degradable impact modifier, and a degradable plasticizer for use in packaging films. The degradable impact modifier can be a degradable, non-toxic elastomer or a degradable, non-toxic, non-elastomeric polymer having a low glass transition temperature, such as polycaprolactone and poly(ethylene glycol). The degradable plasticizer can be any plasticizer having a relatively low molecular weight, a high degree of miscibility with polylactide, and non-toxicity. The film has excellent flexibility and impact strength for packaging applications.

Abstract: An antibacterial composition and method for use of such composition in packaging of moisture-containing foodstuffs in a manner to extend the shelf life of the foods comprises placing the foodstuff in intimate contact with the composition which comprises 5-40% wt. of a lactic acid-based compound and optionally a liquid organic plasticizer dispersed in a solid matrix of poly(lactic acid) or lactic acid copolymer having a number average molecular weight of 3,000 to 200,000.

Abstract: A poly(lactic acid) composition having improved physical properties comprises a homogeneous solid solution of (a) a polymer having a number average molecular weight of 3,000-200,000 and selected from the group consisting of (1) poly(lactic acid), (2) copolymers of lactic acid containing at least 50 mole % lactic acid units, and (3) mixtures thereof; and (b) a plasticizer comprising an epoxidized oil selected from the group consisting of (1) epoxidized soybean oil; and (2) epoxidized linseed oil.

Abstract: Stabilization of poly(hydroxy acid)s, particularly poly(lactic acid), to thermal processing with selected boron compounds is disclosed. The most preferred stabilizer is boric oxide (B.sub.2 O.sub.3).

Abstract: This invention relates to flame retardant blends of polysulfone, with polyalkylene phthalate. The present blends are flame retardant, even at thin part thickness.