Abstract: The invention relates to a blend of one or more biodegradable polymers with one or more acrylic copolymers, for the purpose of improving the properties of the biodegradable polymer(s). The biodegradable polymer contains at least 10 weight percent of a biopolymer that is in less than ideal condition for processing. The “compromised” biopolymer may be undried biopolymer, may have a heat history (be “reprocessed”, “regrind” or “recycled”), or both. The acrylic copolymer(s) are present in the blend at a level of 0.1 to 15 weight percent, based on the weight of the total blend.

Abstract: The invention relates to a impact-modified bio-degradable polymer composition having large particle size impact modifiers dispersed in a continuous biodegradable polymer phase. The impact modifiers have a core-shell morphology and have average sizes of greater than 250 nm. The impact-modified composition has good impact properties and low haze. The biodegradable polymer is preferably a polylactide or polyhydroxy butyrate. The composition comprises 30-99.9 weight percent of degradable polymer and 0.1 to 15 weight percent of one or more impact modifiers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blend of one or more biodegradable polymers with one or more impact modifiers, for the purpose of improving the impact properties of the biodegradable polymer(s). The biodegradable polymer is preferably a polylactide or polyhydroxy butyrate. The composition comprises 30-99.9 weight percent of degradable polymer and 0.1 to 15 weight percent of one or more impact modifiers. Haze levels can be controlled by the composition and percentage of impact modifier (or modifiers) selected, to produce a polymer composition having an appearance ranging from translucent to opaque.

Abstract: The invention relates to a impact-modified bio-degradable polymer composition having large particle size impact modifiers dispersed in a continuous biodegradable polymer phase. The impact modifiers have a core-shell morphology and have average sizes of greater than 250 nm. The impact-modified composition has good impact properties and low haze. The biodegradable polymer is preferably a polylactide or polyhydroxy butyrate. The composition comprises 30-99.9 weight percent of degradable polymer and 0.1 to 15 weight percent of one or more impact modifiers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blend of one or more biodegradable polymers with one or more acrylic copolymers, for the purpose of improving the properties of the biodegradable polymer(s). The biodegradable polymer contains at least 10 weight percent of a biopolymer that is in less than ideal condition for processing. The “compromised” biopolymer may be undried biopolymer, may have a heat history (be “reprocessed”, “regrind” or “recycled”), or both. The acrylic copolymer(s) are present in the blend at a level of 0.1 to 15 weight percent, based on the weight of the total blend.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic/natural cellulosic fiber composite, and more specifically to a high molecular weight compatibilizer within that composite resulting in both a high flex strength and high modulus and significant reduction in water absorption. The compatibilizer is preferably a terpolymer comprising: a) 0.5-20 percent by weight of monomer units selected from the group consisting of maleic anhydride, substituted maleic anhydride, mono-ester of maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride, maleic acid, fumaric acid, crotonic acid, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid; b) 0 to 40 percent by weight of monomer units selected from styrene and functionalized styrene; and c) 40 to 98.5 percent by weight of monomer units selected from the group consisting of C1-8 alkyl acrylates and methacrylates, and vinyl acetate.