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: 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).