Abstract: Compounds comprising one or more functionalized fatty acid esters, which may be derived from bio-based oils, are used as a low-VOC coalescent agent (i.e., a coalescent agent having a low content of volatile organic compounds) in waterborne coating compositions. The functional group can be epoxide, vicinal diol, hydroxy phosphotriester, hydroxy ester, hydroxyl alkyl ester, hydroxyl benzyl ester, hydroxy ether, hydroxy amino, hydroxy sulfide, hydroxy nitrile, hydroxy amine, terminal alcohol, thiiran, ketone, or cyclic carbonate. The present disclosure also relates to waterborne coating compositions comprising these functionalized fatty acid esters.

Abstract: A method for making foamed thermoplastic materials includes processing a composition that contains (a) at least one thermoplastic material selected from one or more polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), or combinations thereof; and (b) at least one organic peroxide under conditions effective to permit the composition to foam. The foamed thermoplastic materials provide a low density and lightness in weight, can be used in a variety of useful articles spanning many industries, and can have, depending on the choice of thermoplastic materials, excellent biodegradability compared to foamed polymers derived from non-renewable resources.

Abstract: A composition containing (a) at least one biodegradable/biorenewable thermoplastic material that includes poly(lactic acid) (PLA); and (b) at least one plasticizer that includes an epoxidized fatty acid alkyl ester is provided. In some embodiments, the epoxidized fatty acid alkyl ester is methyl epoxy soyate. It was found that epoxidized fatty acid alkyl esters impart a reduction in tensile modulus in compositions containing PLA. The compositions may be formed into films, such as those used in food packaging. A method that includes extruding a composition comprising PLA and at least one epoxidized fatty acid alkyl ester is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an epoxidized composition and a process for producing the same. The epoxidized composition is useful as a plasticizer for thermoplastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other polymers. The process includes forming a blend containing one or more fatty acid esters and one or more bio-based oils; and epoxidizing the blend to form the epoxidized composition. This process has several advantages over a process of forming a blend of already epoxidized fatty acid esters and epoxidized bio-based oils.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition exhibiting improved impact resistance at low levels of impact modifier. The composition comprises a polyhydroxyalkanoic acid and: (A) an elastomeric compound of core-shell type wherein the amount of (A) is from 0.1 to 6% by mass of the composition; and (B) and an olefinic copolymer comprising an ethylenic monomer bearing an epoxy function; wherein the amount of (B) is from 0.01 to 0.6% by mass of the composition and the mass ratio of (A)/(B) is from 85/15 to 99.5/0.5.

Abstract: A method for making foamed thermoplastic materials includes processing a composition that contains (a) at least one thermoplastic material selected from one or more polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), or combinations thereof; and (b) at least one organic peroxide under conditions effective to permit the composition to foam. The foamed thermoplastic materials provide a low density and lightness in weight, can be used in a variety of useful articles spanning many industries, and can have, depending on the choice of thermoplastic materials, excellent biodegradability compared to foamed polymers derived from non-renewable resources.

Abstract: The invention relates to an 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 may 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: A composition containing (a) at least one biodegradable/biorenewable thermoplastic material that includes poly(lactic acid) (PLA); and (b) at least one plasticizer that includes an epoxidized fatty acid alkyl ester is provided. In some embodiments, the epoxidized fatty acid alkyl ester is methyl epoxy soyate. It was found that epoxidized fatty acid alkyl esters impart a reduction in tensile modulus in compositions containing PLA. The compositions may be formed into films, such as those used in food packaging. A method that includes extruding a composition comprising PLA and at least one epoxidized fatty acid alkyl ester is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an epoxidized composition and a process for producing the same. The epoxidized composition is useful as a plasticizer for thermoplastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other polymers. The process includes forming a blend containing one or more fatty acid esters and one or more bio-based oils; and epoxidizing the blend to form the epoxidized composition. This process has several advantages over a process of forming a blend of already epoxidized fatty acid esters and epoxidized bio-based oils.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition exhibiting improved impact resistance at low levels of impact modifier. The composition comprises a polyhydroxyalkanoic acid and: (A) an elastomeric compound of core-shell type wherein the amount of (A) is from 0.1 to 6% by mass of the composition; and (B) and an olefinic copolymer comprising an ethylenic monomer bearing an epoxy function; wherein the amount of (B) is from 0.01 to 0.6% by mass of the composition and the mass ratio of (A)/(B) is from 85/15 to 99.5/0.5.

Abstract: The invention relates to blends of polyolefins and a biodegradable polymer, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxy butyrate, which are compatabilized by a functionalized olefin (meth)acrylic copolymer. Since PLA and polyolefins are not miscible, the use of the compatibilzer improves the compatibility, thereby improving the processability, and particularly the melt strength and melt elasticity. Useful compatibilizers include Lotader® and Lotryl® copolymers from Arkema, Inc. The blend composition may optionally contain one or more acrylic copolymers as impact modifiers or process aids.