Abstract: A molding apparatus comprises a first extruder and a second extruder and conduit fluidically connecting the extruders with a common mold wherein the at least one conduit has a conduit axis. The longitudinal axis of the first and second extruders extend at an angle of about 90° to a direction of flow in the conduit.

Abstract: A method for preparing a composite material that includes the steps of: (i) heat treating natural lignocellulosic fibers at a temperature of 130 to 320° C. for 2 minutes to 24 hours in an atmosphere oxygen-deficient in and in the presence of water vapor, and (ii) mixing the heat treated natural lignocellulosic fibers with at least one thermoplastic polymer in the molten state and whose melting point is less than or equal to 230° C. The method is useful for producing vehicle parts from a composite material having natural lignocellulosic fibers with reduced volatile organic compound odor emissions.

Abstract: The present invention may provide a composition containing a biologically degradable resin from which a molded article having suppressed deterioration of the tensile strength and the elongation at the breaking point thereof can be obtained. The present invention may provide a resin composition including a biologically degradable resin, a heavy calcium carbonate, and acetyl tributyl citrate, in which a mass ratio of the biologically degradable rein to the heavy calcium carbonate is 10:90 to 70:30, the biologically degradable resin includes at least polybutylene adipate terephthalate or polybutylene succinate adipate, a content of the polybutylene adipate terephthalate or the polybutylene succinate adipate relative to the biologically degradable resin is 70% or more by mass, and a content of the acetyl tributyl citrate relative to the resin composition is 5.0% or more and 20.0% or less by mass.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a screw of an injection molding machine in which a heating cylinder is formed with a first compression section, a starvation section, and a second compression section, and in which an inert gas is to be introduced into the starvation section. At a portion of the screw corresponding to the first compression section, a barrier flight as a double flight including a combination of a main flight and a sub-flight having a lead angle larger than that of the main flight is formed, and a dam flight having a predetermined-width ring shape is formed, downstream of, i.e., in front of the barrier flight. A seal structure to prevent backflow of the resin may be provided between the dam flight and the starvation section.

Abstract: A medical implant comprising a plurality of layers, each layer comprising a polymer and a plurality of uni-directionally aligned continuous reinforcement fibers.

Abstract: A process for injection molded microcellular foaming various flexible foam compositions from biodegradable and industrially compostable bio-derived thermoplastic resins for use in, for example, footwear components, seating components, protective gear components, and watersport accessories wherein a process of manufacturing includes the steps of: producing a suitable thermoplastic biopolymer or biopolymer blend; injection molding the thermoplastic biopolymer or biopolymer blend into a suitable mold shape with inert nitrogen gas; controlling the polymer melt, pressure, temperature, and time such that a desirable flexible foam is formed; and utilizing gas counterpressure in the injection molding process to ensure the optimal foam structure with the least amount of cosmetic defects and little to no plastic skin on the outside of the foamed structure.

Abstract: Provided is an injection molding method for resin that contains reinforcing fiber, the method being capable of easily eliminating uneven distribution of added components. The injection molding method is provided with: a plasticizing step for supplying resin pellets P and added components to a cylinder equipped with a screw 10, which has a rotating axis as the center is capable of rotating normally and in reverse, and generating molten resin by rotating the screw 10 in the normal direction; and an injecting step for injecting the molten resin M comprising the added components into a cavity. In the plasticizing step, a reverse rotation operation for reversing the rotation of the screw 10 is performed or a screw-stopping operation of stopping the normal rotation of the screw 10 is performed with a prescribed timing and for a prescribed period.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an injection molding machine comprising, an injection nozzle (2) having a melt channel (6), an injection opening (5), and a filter (9) for filtering the molten resin within the injection nozzle (2). According to the invention, the melt filter (9) cooperates with the 5 melt channel (6) or a means (7) provided within the melt channel (6) in such a way, that during an injection phase of the injection molding machine, the molten resin is caused to pass through the filter (9), and during a decompression phase of the injection molding machine the molten resin is caused to bypass the filter (9).

Abstract: Decorative composite body containing a plate-like carrier body made of plastics material, and at least one decorative element fixed in the carrier body, wherein the carrier body consists at least regionally of a fibre-reinforced plastics material, and wherein the decorative element is cohesively bonded to melted or at least partially liquefied and resolidified plastics material of the plate-like carrier body, and wherein that side of the carrier body on which the at least one decorative element is arranged, is additionally provided with a film, preferably made of PMMA, and/or with a cover plate, preferably made of PMMA.

Abstract: A composition comprises a highly filled polymeric concentrate produced by melt processing a filler with a liquid polymeric dispersion.

Abstract: A plasticizing unit of an injection molding machine for micro-injection molding includes a plasticizing cylinder and a screw, which conveys material to be plasticized from a feed opening in the direction of an outlet opening. At least one longitudinal section of the plasticizing cylinder between the feed opening and the outlet opening is formed as a transition region in which the inner diameter of the plasticizing cylinder tapers in the direction of the outlet opening to the outer diameter of the screw. The transition region is formed by a sleeve-shaped transition element which is removably and replaceably mounted within the plasticizing cylinder. The plasticizing cylinder is designed as at least two parts for removing and replacing the sleeve-shaped transition element.

Abstract: Disclosed therein are wood plastic composites and a manufacturing method thereof, which can provide a high discoloration resistance by removing lignin from wood flour which is a main material of the wood plastic composites. The method of manufacturing wood plastic composites includes the steps of: removing lignin contained in wood chips through a cooking process of high temperature and pressure; crushing the wood chip from which lignin was removed in order to produce wood flour; putting and mixing polymer resins and additives into the wood flour so as to manufacture mixture of a gel phase; and extrusion-molding, injection-molding or compression-molding the mixture to manufacture wood plastic composites. The wood plastic composites and the manufacturing method thereof can prevent decoloration and after-yellowing even though the wood plastic composites are exposed to UV or moisture for a long time to thereby enhance long-term weather resistance.

Abstract: A system for making PET objects including a means for reacting a first PET precursor and a second PET precursor to produce a PET melt; a means for flowing the PET melt to a valve having at least two outlets; a means for flowing the PET melt from at least one of the at least two outlets to at least one die forming line and one pelletizing (cutter) line. A means for controlling individually the mass flow of the PET melt in each of the at least two system lines independently of the other and a means for forming the PET objects from the PET melt. The control scheme is a combination of a feed forward system as well as a feedback loop. The entire control scheme is part of the overall system PLC. The fine tuning of the pressure at the outlet of the die forming loop is controllers to less than +/?1 bar to obtain maximum control of formed part.

Abstract: Provided are composite material comprising hollow glass microspheres and a microcellular thermoplastic resin, articles molded from such materials, and methods of making such materials.

Abstract: A liquid crystal polyester composition contains: a liquid crystal polyester in an amount of 100 parts by mass as well as a fibrous filler and a plate-like filler in an amount of not less than 65 parts by mass and not more than 100 parts by mass in total. The fibrous filler in the composition has a number average fiber diameter of not less than 5 ?m and not more than 15 ?m and a number average fiber length of more than 200 ?m and less than 400 ?m. The mass ratio of the fibrous filler to the plate-like filler in the composition is not less than 3 and not more than 15. The flow starting temperature of the composition is not lower than 250° C. and lower than 314° C.

Abstract: Plasticizers comprising monoesters and/or diesters of poly(trimethylene ether)glycol are provided. The plasticizers can be used in plasticizing a variety of base polymers.

Abstract: To provide a polymer composition, for example, a polymer composition which contains an alloy resin of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene or acrylonitrile-styrene and in which the impact resistance strength of a degraded thermoplastic resin is improved. A polymer composition contains polycarbonate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene or acrylonitrile-styrene, and further contains a polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer having an ester bond and a compatibilizing agent having compatibility with the polycarbonate and the acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene or the acrylonitrile-styrene, in which the compatibilizing agent is a compound having an epoxy group in the main chain in the compound.

Abstract: A sustainable thermoplastic composition made by forming a mixture of virgin polypropylene and post-industrial-recycled material (PIR). The PIR may include a thermoplastic, elastomeric-polymer and a spunbond component. The mixture is melt-blended in an extruder. Extruded materials made from the mixture demonstrate little variance in the results of the IZOD Impact Test of materials containing 30 to 70 percent PIR, and a material containing 100 percent virgin polypropylene. In addition, the extruded materials containing 30 to 70 percent PIR demonstrate a substantially constant strain at yield, that strain at yield being substantially equal to that demonstrated by a material containing 100 percent virgin polypropylene.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetocaloric element including the following steps: a powder of a magnetocaloric alloy with composition: La1-x(Ce,Pr)x((Fe1-z-vMnzCov)1-ySiy)wXn is prepared, wherein: X is one or several elements selected from H, C, N and B; x=0 to 0.5; y=0.05 to 0.2; z=0 to 0.15; v=0 to 0.15; w=12 to 16; n=0 to 3.5; the remainder being impurities, with a maximum content of 4% by weight, preferably a maximum content of 2% by weight, of rare earths other than La, Ce and Pr, and a maximum content of 2% by weight, for the other impurities, the preparation of the powder including the following steps: a liquid alloy (4) is elaborated; it is solidified in the form of a powder of substantially spherical particles (14) with an average diameter comprised between 10 and 100 ?m by atomization of a jet (8) by means of an inert gas; said powder (14) is heat-treated in order to give it at least 70% by weight of a structure of the NaZn13 type by heating up to a temperature from 900 to 1,200° C.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are provided for a fishing lure made with sugar. The system includes a mixing vat, a mixing mechanism, a mold, and a pump. The vat contains a mixture that includes resin, plasticizer, stabilizer, oil, and sugar. The mixing mechanism mixes the mixture in the vat. The mold forms a fishing lure of a desired shape. The pump pumps the mixture from the vat into the mold.

Abstract: A high-density polyethylene (HDPE) can be adapted for the manufacture of caps and closures. The caps and closures can be used as screw-on caps for carbonated or still drinks. The high-density polyethylene can have a density of at least 940 kg/m3 and of at most 970 kg/m3, and a high load melt index HLMI of at least 35 dg/min and of at most 180 dg/min. The high-density polyethylene can include a first polyethylene fraction and a second polyethylene fraction. The first polyethylene fraction can have a density of at least 920 kg/m3 and of at most 945 kg/m3, and a melt index HL275 of at least 3 dg/min and of at most 12 dg/min. The second polyethylene fraction can have a density of at least 960 kg/m3 and of at most 980 kg/m3.

Abstract: A method comprising injection molding a plastic part from a polymer formulation comprising an injection moldable thermoplastic and an additive, wherein the additive has a decomposition temperature that establishes a maximum processing temperature for the polymer formulation. The additive will thermally decompose to generate gaseous products causing visible bubble formation in the surface of the plastic part in response to exposure to a processing temperature that exceeds the decomposition temperature of the additive. A suitable additive may be, for example, selected from oxalates, carbamic acids, carbonic acids, diazocarbonyl compounds, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recycling artificial grass containing fibrous material, and comprises: a supplying step for supplying the artificial grass comprising a base material, and a yarn; a separation step for separating the filler from the artificial grass yarn and the base material; and a crushing step for crushing the yarn and the base material of the artificial grass from which the filler is separated; and a reconstruction step for forming the artificial grass yarn and the base material that are crushed into recycled material. As a result, provided is the method for recycling the artificial grass containing the fibrous material, which can completely separate the filler and foreign material from the base material and the yarn that comprise the artificial grass and recycle the artificial grass yarn, base material, and the filler, thereby preventing environmental pollution.

Abstract: A golf ball that includes (a) a core comprising a center; (b) an outer cover layer; and (c) one or more intermediate layers; wherein at least one of the core, the outer cover layer, or the intermediate layer comprises a composition that includes (i) at least one polyalkenamer and at least one polyamide or (ii) at least one polyalkenamer. A method for making a golf ball comprising a core, one or more intermediate layers and an outer cover layer is also disclosed, wherein the method includes forming a blend comprising at least one polyalkenamer rubber and at least one polyamide; and injection molding the blend into a spherical mold to form the intermediate or outer cover layer. Also disclosed is a polymer composition that includes at least one polyalkenamer and at least one thermoplastic copolyamide elastomer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injectable composite material comprising: (a) 28 to 95% by weight of a polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer; (b) 0 to 10% by weight of a flow enhancer; (c) 1 to 20% by weight of an impact modifier; (d) 1 to 20% by weight of a compatibilizing agent; and (e) 3 to 70% by weight of natural fibers, wherein the polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer forms a matrix. It also relates to a method for preparing this composite material as well as to a method for its use for manufacturing parts by injection or by overmolding.

Abstract: A method comprising injection molding a plastic part from a polymer formulation comprising an injection moldable thermoplastic and a fluorescent compound, wherein the fluorescent compound has a decomposition temperature that establishes a maximum processing temperature for the polymer formulation. The fluorescent compound will thermally decompose to generate gaseous products causing visible bubble formation in the surface of the plastic part in response to exposure to a processing temperature that exceeds the decomposition temperature of the fluorescent compound. If the plastic part was processed without exposure to a processing temperature that exceeds the decomposition temperature of the fluorescent compound, then any fluorescent compound within the plastic part will cause the plastic part to fluoresce in response to exposure to black light. A suitable fluorescent compound may be, for example, selected from oxalates, carbamic acids, carbonic acids, diazocarbonyl compounds, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A process for the additivation of synthetic fibers, artificial fibers and polymers conferring special properties to them, the process comprising the following steps: the encapsulation of an additive in the pores of a porous material; the incorporation of particles of the porous material (capsules) into the polymer matrix of the fiber; and spinning of the fiber; the capsule withstanding the temperatures and other conditions of the different manufacturing processes which the fibers might undergo and the introduction of the additive into the polymer matrix thereof, characterised in that the porous material is a metal oxide, a zeolite, an aluminophosphate, clay, a carbon material, a hybrid organic-inorganic material or a porous polymer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method for removing residual BPA from a residual BPA-containing substance and a method for making a container with residual BPA removed. The method may consist of preparing a stabilization reagent, wherein water is removed from the stabilization reagent. The method may also include preparing the residual BPA-containing substance. The method may also include reacting the residual BPA-containing substance in a melt condensation process with the stabilization reagent, wherein the stabilization reagent is non-toxic.

Abstract: A process for making a polyurethane, comprising reacting a multifunctional isocyanate, a polyol and, optionally, a chain extender, wherein at least two reagents selected from the isocyanate, the polyol, the chain extender, any mixture thereof and any pre-polymer formed therefrom, are intensively mixed prior to being reactively extruded, to form a polyurethane having a predetermined stoichiometry and thermal history. The polyurethanes obtained by such a process are of highly consistent composition and are, thus, especially suitable for use in the medical device industry.

Abstract: A composition comprising a blend of: a) one or more polycarbonates; b) one or more polyesters; c) one or more core shell rubbers having glycidyl groups on the surface of the core; and d) one or more halogenated fire retardant agent; wherein the polycarbonates and polyesters form separate phases and the core shell rubber is located in the polyester phase. The compositions may further comprise a fluoropolymer capable of functioning as an anti-drip agent. The compositions exhibit a flame retardant rating according to UL-94 at V-0 of 3.0 mm or less; a notched Izod impact strength of about 8 foot pounds per inch or greater (0.90 joules) and chemical resistance to one or more of the common cleaning compositions selected from bleach, polyethylene glycol, a mixture of aryl substituted phenols and aryl substituted chlorophenols, a mixture of an alkanol and a monoalkyl ether of ethylene glycol, and one or more ammonium chlorides.

Abstract: A modeling apparatus includes a first set and a second set. The first set includes a body and a first mold structure, the first mold structure is disposed on a surface of the body. The second mold includes a movable portion, a first pushing mechanism, a valve and a second pushing mechanism. A second mold structure of the movable portion is combined with the first mold structure to form an accommodating space. The first pushing mechanism is connected to the movable portion for moving the movable portion, so as to combine the second mold structure with the first mold structure. The valve is disposed on the second mold structure for injecting plastic into the accommodating space. The second pushing mechanism is connected to the pushing component. The second pushing mechanism drives the pushing component to pierce through the movable portion, to move the modeled plastic out of the accommodating space.

Abstract: Provided are an acrylic resin composition, an acrylic resin sheet, and an acrylic resin laminate that exhibit superior transparency and impact resistance. The acrylic resin composition contains 100 parts by mass of an acrylic polymer (A) having 50 to 100% by mass of a methyl methacrylate unit and 0.002 to 0.7 parts by mass of an olefin-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer (B). The copolymer (B) is preferably an ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymer (B-2). The acrylic resin sheet contains this acrylic resin composition. The acrylic resin sheet has a haze value of 0.5% or less based on JIS K 7136, a 50% impact-puncture height of at least 350 mm or more in a falling ball test based on JIS K 7211 under the described conditions, and a sheet thickness of 2 mm or less. The acrylic resin laminate has a cured layer laminated on at least one surface of the acrylic resin sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a polypropylene with narrow molecular weight distribution and a process for preparing the same in a reactor using a Ziegler-Natta catalyst.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced part is formed from a compression molded thermoplastic resin reinforced with individual fibers of differing lengths randomly oriented substantially throughout the part.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced part is formed from a compression molded thermoplastic resin reinforced with individual fibers of differing lengths randomly oriented substantially throughout the part.

Abstract: To improve the flow symmetry and the molding quality, it is presented a valve pin bushing for the hot runner of an injection mold, including two input channels, each having a geometric axis and through which the material to be injected can enter through an outlet into, and an output channel, which extends along a longitudinal axis up to an output from which the material can exit the valve pin bushing. The portions of the geometric axes, which extend at the outlet are arranged so that on any imaginary plane passing through the longitudinal axis there lies at most one portion.

Abstract: In a method of microcellular injection molding, a polymer and a supercritical fluid are processed. A condition of processing the polymer and/or the supercritical fluid is adjusted to control a weight of a plastic part and/or a surface characteristic of a plastic part produced. In another method of producing a plastic part using microcellular injection molding, a polymer is heated and melted and a supercritical fluid is added thereto. The resulting mix is a single-phase polymer-gas solution comprising the polymer and the supercritical fluid. The polymer and/or the supercritical fluid are adjusted to control the weight of the plastic part and/or a surface characteristic of the plastic part. Once adjusted, the melted polymer with the supercritical fluid is injected into a mold. Upon injecting the melted polymer and supercritical fluid, a pressure drop causes the supercritical fluid to nucleate in the melted polymer, thereby causing nucleation of bubbles.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a foamed, injection-molded component is provided. The method includes the step of introducing a liquid, a nucleating agent and a polymer into an injection barrel of an injection molding machine. The liquid, the nucleating agent and the polymer are injected into a mold corresponding in shape to the component and the component is released from the mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to antimicrobial plastics products which comprise, as the antimicrobially active component, silver orthophosphate or particles of partly reduced silver orthophosphate. The plastics products have a very good antimicrobial efficacy. The production process achieves the effect that the plastics products, in spite of their content of silver orthophosphate or partly reduced silver orthophosphate, are not discolored under the action of light.

Abstract: A steering wheel cover that includes an outer cover layer and an inner core layer coupled to the outer cover layer is disclosed herein. The inner core layer includes an inner surface shaped to form and self-maintain an annular channel sized to receiving an automobile steering wheel therein. The inner core layer has a composition that includes ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and on or more hardening agents. The composition of the inner core layer may also include a flexibility agent, a de-molding agent, a flowing agent, an emollient, an oxidizing agent, a cross-linking agent, a coloring agent, a curing agent, and a foaming agent. The inner core layer may also include one or more ribs extending from an inner surface of the inner core layer.

Abstract: Injection stretch blow molded (ISBM) articles containing a bio-based polymers and methods of forming the same are described herein. The method generally includes providing a propylene-based polymer; contacting the propylene-based polymer with polylactic acid to form a polymeric blend; injection molding the blend into a preform; and stretch-blowing the preform into an article.

Abstract: There is provided an injection unit.

Abstract: This invention discloses caps and closures produced by injection moulding with a bimodal high density polyethylene (HDPE) resin comprising a low molecular weight, high density polyethylene fraction substantially free of comonomer and a high molecular weight, low density polyethylene fraction, having a molecular weight distribution of at least 3.5, preferably greater than 4.0, prepared in two reactors connected in series in the presence of a metallocene-containing catalyst system, wherein the metallocene comprises a bisindenyl or a bis-tetrahydrogenated-indenyl component.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin composition of which the molding efficiency can be improved by a high flowability and a high crystallization temperature while ensuring desired physical properties (e.g., strength) in a molded product, and a molded product of the composition are provided. The thermoplastic resin composition comprises a plurality of thermoplastic resins having a melt viscosity different from each other and containing a unit which comprises an arylene group and an ether group and/or a carbonyl group; when the thermoplastic resin composition at least comprises a first thermoplastic resin having a melt viscosity of 150 to 1500 Pa·s at a temperature of 400° C. and a shear rate of 1216 s?1, and a second thermoplastic resin, and the melt viscosity ratio of the first thermoplastic resin relative to the second thermoplastic resin at a temperature of 400° C. and a shear rate of 1216 s?1 [the former/the latter] is 1.5/1 to 10/1.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer composition, containing a) 5 to 99 wt % of a block copolymer, which is constructed of hard blocks (A) made of vinyl aromatic monomers and one or more random soft blocks (B) of non-hydrogenated or hydrogenated block copolymer materials made of dienes and vinyl aromatic monomers, b) 1 to 95 wt % of a plasticizer having a higher polarity than white oil and a lower polarity than dinonyl adipate, c) 0 to 50 wt % of a polyolefin, and d) 0 to 60 wt % of additives, has advantageous properties in regard to processability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing frame elements for a frame for holding and arranging electrochemical cells in an electrochemical energy-storage unit. The present invention also relates to the use of certain plastics mixtures for producing said frame elements. The frame elements or frames of the invention are particularly preferably used in electrochemical energy-storage units with high power density. Electrochemical energy-storage units of this type with high power density are more particularly used for the operation of motor vehicles with electrical drive, for example in vehicles which are driven on the “hybrid” principle (electrical drive and internal combustion engine), and are also preferably used for exclusively or primarily electrically operated vehicles. It is preferable here to use, as electrochemical energy-storage units with high power density, lithium-ion batteries or lithium-polymer batteries.

Abstract: Injection molded articles and process of forming the same are described herein. The processes generally include providing a polyolefin including one or more propylene heterophasic copolymers, the polyolefin having an ethylene content of at least 10 wt. % based on the total weight of the polyolefin; contacting the polyolefin with a polylactic acid and a reactive modifier to form a compatiblized polymeric blend, wherein the reactive modifier is produced by contacting a polypropylene, a multifunctional acrylate comonomer, and an initiator under conditions suitable for the formation of a glycidyl methacrylate grafted polypropylene (PP-g-GMA) having a grafting yield in a range from 1 wt. % to 15 wt. %; and injection molding the compatibilized polymeric blend into an article.

Abstract: A ski boot with an element in shell form at least partially contains a plastic compound material. The compound material contains a mixture of caprolactam polyamide and ionomers, such that cations and anions of the ionomers form ion bonds. Elastic components of the compound material form a physical network that is soluble between 60° C. and 100° C., and therefore the element in shell form of the ski boot at least partially containing the compound material can undergo thermoforming below 100° C.

Abstract: The master batch for molding includes at least one inorganic powder, advantageously ceramic or metallic; an organic mixture, advantageously polymer, comprising: a stable polymer having good ductility features, from 30 to 90% by mass of the mixture; a lubricant, from 5 to 50% by mass of the mixture; a plasticizing polymer, from 5 to 30% by mass of the mixture; with a [% by mass of the lubricant]/[% by mass of the stable polymer] ratio smaller than or equal to 1, advantageously strictly smaller than 1.

Abstract: A biodegradable thermoplastic composition includes about 10 to about 80 wt. % of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate); about 10 to about 80 wt. % of a copolymer, wherein the copolymer comprises polypropylene units and poly(3-hydroxibutyrate) units; about 0.5 to about 10 wt. % of a compatibilizer; and about 0.2 to about 10 wt. % of a pro-degradation additive, wherein the pro-degradation additive comprises a transition metal stearate; and wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of the biodegradable thermoplastic composition. These compositions comply with global standards regarding biodegradable materials and can be used in a wide array of applications, such as cosmetic containers, cell phones, laptops and packaging applications.