Abstract: An extrudable PVA-containing composition is disclosed, which enables PVA articles to be manufactured on conventional extrusion apparatus. The compositions includes a lubricant, such as a fatty acid amide, most preferably octodecanamide and is most preferably formed into pellets by cold pressing.,The compositions are suitable for manufacturing a variety of products.

Abstract: Devices formed of or including biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoates are provided with controlled degradation rates, preferably less than one year under physiological conditions. Preferred devices include sutures, suture fasteners, meniscus repair devices, rivets, tacks, staples, screws (including interference screws), bone plates and bone plating systems, surgical mesh, repair patches, slings, cardiovascular patches, orthopedic pins (including bone filling augmentation material), adhesion barriers, stents, guided tissue repair/regeneration devices, articular cartilage repair devices, nerve guides, tendon repair devices, atrial septal defect repair devices, pericardial patches, bulking and filling agents, vein valves, bone marrow scaffolds, meniscus regeneration devices, ligament and tendon grafts, ocular cell implants, spinal fusion cages, skin substitutes, dural substitutes, bone graft substitutes, bone dowels, wound dressings, and hemostats.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a polishing pad for use in chemical-mechanical polishing comprising a biodegradable polymer. The biodegradable polymer comprises a repeat unit selected from the group consisting of glycolic acid, lactic acid, hydroxyalkanoic acids, hydroxybutyric acid, hydroxyvaleric acid, caprolactone, p-dioxanone, trimethylene carbonate, butylene succinate, butylene adipate, monosaccharides, dicarboxylic acid anhydrides, enantiomers thereof, and combinations thereof. The invention is further directed to methods of its use.

Abstract: Polymeric materials and products, including sheet flooring materials prepared from the polymeric materials, and processes for preparing the polymeric materials, are disclosed. The polymeric materials include a polylactic acid-based polymer in combination with plasticizer and a compatibilizer, and optionally include a filler. The polymeric material can include between about 30 to about 50 percent by weight polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene glycol, polyglycolide, ethylene vinyl acetate, polycarbonate, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoates, or polyolefins modified with polar groups, for example, ionomers. The plasticizer is typically an epoxidized vegetable oil or esterified and epoxidized vegetable oil and is typically present in an amount of between about 10 and about 50% by weight. In some embodiments, the compatibilizer is a polyolefin modified with one or more polar functional groups, and is typically present in an amount of between about 5 and about 10% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable plastic composition comprising rice powder and/or corn powder, which can be characterized in comprising 100 parts by weight of polyolefin matrix resin; 5 to 400 parts by weight of grain powder selected from the group consisting of rice powder, corn powder and mixture thereof. The biodegradable plastic composition according to the present invention can be manufactured in various forms such as injection molding product, sheet molding and blow molding product, which have excellent physical properties and product stability. The efficiency of waste disposable of the product manufactured with the composition can be remarkably improved since the rive powder or the corn powder contained in the composition can be degraded by microbes in the nature after a certain period. Therefore, the problems of soil, air, and sea pollution caused by burial or incineration of the wastes of conventional plastic molding product can be minimized.

Abstract: The present invention is a biodegradable resin composition having excellent physical properties such as strength, water-resistance, molding workability, thermal-resistance, and suitable for a molded article for various electric products. The biodegradable resin composition of the present invention contains a biodegradable resin and filler coated with a biodegradable coating resin in which the filler coated with the biodegradable coating resin is contained within the biodegradable resin. Preferable aspects are such as an aspect that the filler is at least one of mica, talc and montmorillonite, an aspect that a filler content of the biodegradable resin is in the range of 5 mass % to 50 mass %, an aspect that an average diameter of the filler is in the range of 0.01 ?m to 200 ?m, and an aspect that the biodegradable resin is polylactic acid.

Abstract: Devices formed of or including biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoates are provided with controlled degradation rates, preferably less than one year under physiological conditions. Preferred devices include sutures, suture fasteners, meniscus repair devices, rivets, tacks, staples, screws (including interference screws), bone plates and bone plating systems, surgical mesh, repair patches, slings, cardiovascular patches, orthopedic pins (including bone filling augmentation material), adhesion barriers, stents, guided tissue repair/regeneration devices, articular cartilage repair devices, nerve guides, tendon repair devices, atrial septal defect repair devices, pericardial patches, bulking and filling agents, vein valves, bone marrow scaffolds, meniscus regeneration devices, ligament and tendon grafts, ocular cell implants, spinal fusion cages, skin substitutes, dural substitutes, bone graft substitutes, bone dowels, wound dressings, and hemostats.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biaxially oriented film of a polylactic acid resin that is suitable for films for bags and packaging films for various windows, particularly films for outlook window envelopes. The film is biodegradable and, as films for outlook window envelopes, is superior in the coating adaptability for an antistatic agent, a lubricant and an antiblocking agent or the like and in the high-speed cutting property. The present invention discloses a biaxially oriented film of a polylactic acid resin comprising not less than 50% by weight of a polylactic acid resin, which has a storage modulus E?at 80° C. within the range from 10 MPa to 3,000 MPa, as determined by the test method for temperature dependency of dynamic viscoelasticity, in accordance with JIS K7198 (method A); a heat shrinkage of not higher than 10%, upon heating at 80° C. for 10 seconds; and a tear strength in the width direction (TD direction) of the film of 10 to 200 mN, as determined in accordance with JIS K7128 (method B).

Abstract: A biodegradable resin composition and an object molded or formed from the composition. The resin composition comprises: 100 parts by weight of a biodegradable polyester resin comprising not smaller than 50% by weight of polylactic acid having a melting point of not lower than 160° C., the biodegradable polyester resin having a melt flow rate of 0.1 to 50 g/10 min as measured under a load of 21.2 N at 190° C.; and 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of a phyllosilicate containing a primary, secondary or tertiary amine salt, a quaternary ammonium salt or a phosphonium salt ionically bonded between layers thereof.

Abstract: An ester compound represented by formula (1) R1OOC—(CH2)m—COOR2 ??(1) wherein R1 and R2 are different from each other and each represents a group of formula (2) —(R3O)nR4 ??(2) wherein R3 is a C1-6 alkylene group; R4 is a C1-10 straight- or branched-chain alkyl group, a C6-12 aryl group, C7-15 arylalkyl group or a C7-15 alkylaryl group; m is an integer from 0 to 8, and n is an integer from 0 to 6. This compound is suitable as a plasticizer for biodegradable aliphatic polyester resins.

Abstract: The present invention includes photocurable, liquid polymers incorporating coumarin ester endgroups into their molecular structure, which polymers are crosslinked upon irradiation with ultraviolet light by photochemically allowed [2+2] cycloaddition reactions among the chain ends, and which crosslinked polymers are useful in the preparation of medical devices, tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems and, in particular, in vivo preparation of implants in an open surgical procedure or laproscopically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable polymer compositions comprising poly(lactic acid) and co-polyester polymer with adipic acid mixed with organic peroxide and mineral particles. In addition, the present invention relates to products made on the basis of such compositions, such as molded and extruded articles.

Abstract: The biodegradable composition of the present invention comprising a matrix of a fibrous powder coated with an acrylate copolymer and a natural polymer dispersed in the matrix, can be advantageously used in manufacturing disposable containers for fast food, e.g., cup noodles.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions including hot melt adhesive compositions, biodegradable wax compositions, and protective coating compositions are provided and include a low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate, a terminally-modified polyhydroxyalkanoate, or both. The compositions are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Methods of protecting an article, such as a food product like cheese, are also provided and include coating or encapsulating the article with a composition containing a low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate, a terminally-modified polyhydroxyalkanoate, or both.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to biodegradable compositions containing starch, especially in combination with a polymer containing pendant carboxylic acid groups, a polyolefin homopolymer or copolymer, water, an oil component, and other optional components, including (co)polymers, additives, and/or fillers. These biodegradable compositions may preferably be used in footwear articles and smoking-related filters.

Abstract: An extrudable PVA-containing composition is disclosed, which enables PVA articles to be manufactured on conventional extrusion apparatus. The compositions includes a lubricant, such as a fatty acid amide, most preferably octodecanamide and is most preferably formed into pellets by cold pressing. The compositions are suitable for manufacturing a variety of products.

Abstract: The invention provides a decomposable resin composition, which is stable at the time of use and which quickly decomposes when discarded. According to the present invention, there is provided a resin composition comprising an agent generating an acid or a base upon response to light or heat together with a hydrolyzable and biodegradable resin. The decomposable resin composition can promote decomposition of the polymer by generating an acid or a base in the resin by carrying out light irradiation and/or a heat treatment at a desired time and can control the decomposition speed of the polymer by controlling the generation amount of an acid or a base.

Abstract: A golf tee device, an associated method of making the device and an associated method of using the device are disclosed. The golf tee device includes a water soluble nitrogen component, a water insoluble nitrogen component, a phosphate component, a potash component, and a support component. The method of making the device comprises the steps of coating, compressing, mixing, placing, and removing. The method of using the device comprises the steps of balancing, getting, hitting, holding, inserting, leaving, obtaining, positioning, returning, and swinging.

Abstract: The invention provides an aliphatic polyester resin composition that contains 100 parts by weight of an aliphatic polyester resin and from 10 to 60 parts by weight of at least one compound of a formula (1): wherein n indicates an integer of from 1 to 9, R1 to R4 each independently represent an alkyl group having from 1 to 17 carbon atoms, and when n is 2 or more, R3 may differ in different units, a film formed of the composition, and packages with the film. The aliphatic polyester film of the invention keeps the degradability in the natural environment that is intrinsic to lactic acid-based polymer, and has good heat resistance, flexibility, transparency and adhesiveness, and, in addition, the plasticizer does not migrate to the surface of the film.

Abstract: Biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions with controlled degradation rates have been developed. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates contain additives to alter the degradation rates. In another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are formed of mixtures of monomers or include pendant groups or modifications in their backbones to alter their degradation rates. In still another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are chemically modified. Methods for manufacturing the devices which increase porosity or exposed surface area can be used to alter degradability. For example, as demonstrated by the examples, porous polyhydroxyalkanoates can be made using methods that creates pores, voids, or interstitial spacing, such as an emulsion or spray drying technique, or which incorporate leachable or lyophilizable particles within the polymer. Examples describe poly(4HB) compositions including foams, coatings, meshes, and microparticles.

Abstract: Polymeric materials and products, including sheet flooring materials prepared from the polymeric materials, and processes for preparing the polymeric materials, are disclosed. The polymeric materials include a polylactic acid-based polymer in combination with plasticizer and a compatibilizer, and optionally include a filler. The polymeric material can include between about 30 to about 50 percent by weight polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene glycol, polyglycolide, ethylene vinyl acetate, polycarbonate, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoates, or polyolefins modified with polar groups, for example, ionomers. The plasticizer is typically an epoxidized vegetable oil or esterified and epoxidized vegetable oil and is typically present in an amount of between about 10 and about 50% by weight. In some embodiments, the compatibilizer is a polyolefin modified with one or more polar functional groups, and is typically present in an amount of between about 5 and about 10% by weight.

Abstract: Biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions with controlled degradation rates have been developed. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates contain additives to alter the degradation rates. In another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are formed of mixtures of monomers or include pendant groups or modifications in their backbones to alter their degradation rates. In still another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are chemically modified. Methods for manufacturing the devices which increase porosity or exposed surface area can be used to alter degradability. For example, as demonstrated by the examples, porous polyhydroxyalkanoates can be made using methods that creates pores, voids, or interstitial spacing, such as an emulsion or spray drying technique, or which incorporate leachable or lyophilizable particles within the polymer. Examples describe poly(4HB) compositions including foams, coatings, meshes, and microparticles.

Abstract: Devices formed of or including biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoates are provided with controlled degradation rates, preferably less than one year under physiological conditions. Preferred devices include sutures, suture fasteners, meniscus repair devices, rivets, tacks, staples, screws (including interference screws), bone plates and bone plating systems, surgical mesh, repair patches, slings, cardiovascular patches, orthopedic pins (including bone filling augmentation material), adhesion barriers, stents, guided tissue repair/regeneration devices, articular cartilage repair devices, nerve guides, tendon repair devices, atrial septal defect repair devices, pericardial patches, bulking and filling agents, vein valves, bone marrow scaffolds, meniscus regeneration devices, ligament and tendon grafts, ocular cell implants, spinal fusion cages, skin substitutes, dural substitutes, bone graft substitutes, bone dowels, wound dressings, and hemostats.

Abstract: Devices formed of or including biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoates are provided with controlled degradation rates, preferably less than one year under physiological conditions. Preferred devices include sutures, suture fasteners, meniscus repair devices, rivets, tacks, staples, screws (including interference screws), bone plates and bone plating systems, surgical mesh, repair patches, slings, cardiovascular patches, orthopedic pins (including bone filling augmentation material), adhesion barriers, stents, guided tissue repair/regeneration devices, articular cartilage repair devices, nerve guides, tendon repair devices, atrial septal defect repair devices, pericardial patches, bulking and filling agents, vein valves, bone marrow scaffolds, meniscus regeneration devices, ligament and tendon grafts, ocular cell implants, spinal fusion cages, skin substitutes, dural substitutes, bone graft substitutes, bone dowels, wound dressings, and hemostats.

Abstract: A polymer composition for making products having a controlled lifetime in an outdoor environment before degrading in a controlled way, comprises a hydrocarbon polymer that can biodegrade by an oxidative mechanism, and an antioxidant and a prooxidant that are soluble in the polymer. The antioxidant comprises a zinc, calcium or magnesium complex of a liquid containing one or more sulphur compounds attached to the metal ion, such as complexes of mercaptobenzothiazoles, mercaptobenzimidazoles, dithiophosphates and dithiocarbamates acid. The proxidant comprises a transition metal compound that is a carboxylate or an oxygen or nitrogen coordinated complex. The polymer compositions are particularly useful for making films, for example for agricultural or outdoor packaging purposes.

Abstract: Biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions with controlled degradation rates have been developed. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates contain additives to alter the degradation rates. In another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are formed of mixtures of monomers or include pendant groups or modifications in their backbones to alter their degradation rates. In still another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are chemically modified. Methods for manufacturing the devices which increase porosity or exposed surface area can be used to alter degradability. For example, as demonstrated by the examples, porous polyhydroxyalkanoates can be made using methods that creates pores, voids, or interstitial spacing, such as an emulsion or spray drying technique, or which incorporate leachable or lyophilizable particles within the polymer. Examples describe poly(4HB) compositions including foams, coatings, meshes, and microparticles.

Abstract: A biodegradable, injectable oligomer-polymer composition is described, which consists of a combination of at least two biologically degradable inert materials and at least one biologically active ingredient. The inventive, oligomer-polymer composition coagulates when injected into the body of a mammal and forms an implant, from which the biologically active ingredient is released. The rate of release can be adjusted by controlling the type and amount of the ingredients of the oligomer-polymer composition.

Abstract: Biodegradable, flowable or flexible polymer compositions are described comprising a polymer having the recurring monomeric units shown in formula I: wherein: each of R and R′ is independently straight or branched alkylene, either unsubstituted or substituted with one or more non-interfering substituents; L is a divalent cycloaliphatic group; R″ is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heterocyclic or heterocycloxy; and n is 5 to 1,000, wherein said biodegradable polymer is biocompatible before and upon biodegradation. In one embodiment, one or more of R, R′ or R″ is a biologically active substance. Amorphous compositions containing a biologically active substance, in addition to the polymer, and methods for controllably releasing biologically active substances using the compositions, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable plastic composition comprising rice powder and/or corn powder, which can be characterized in comprising 100 parts by weight of polyolefin matrix resin; 5 to 400 parts by weight of grain powder selected from the group consisting of rice powder, corn powder and mixture thereof. The biodegradable plastic composition according to the present invention can be manufactured in various forms such as injection molding product, sheet molding and blow molding product, which have excellent physical properties and product stability. The efficiency of waste disposale of the product manufactured with the composition can be remarkably improved since the rive powder or the corn powder contained in the composition can be degraded by microbes in the nature after a certain period. Therefore, the problems of soil, air, and sea pollution caused by burial or incineration of the wastes of conventional plastic molding product can be minimized.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer composition that can be readily and quickly processed into extruded and molded articles and film-based products. More specifically, the invention pertains to melt processing of polyhydroxyalkanoates which contain a novel combination of nucleant and plasticizer for enhancing crystallization rates thus causing improved processibility.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a biodegradable polymer in the form of uniform powder or spherical particles by dispersion polymerization without a grinding step. The method for preparing a biodegradable polyester includes dispersing a monomer in the presence of a catalyst in a dispersion solvent to form a solid or liquid phase for dispersion polymerization and thereby to yield a biodegradable aliphatic polyester in the form of spherical particles or powder, the monomer comprising a mixture of a first compound (e.g., lactide or glycolide) and a second compound being selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols (e.g., glycerin, erythritol, penterythritol or dipentaerythritol) and carprolactone. The present invention readily prepares a biodegradable polymer having a high molecular weight in the form of uniform powder or spherical particles.

Abstract: A biodegradable plastic composition which can be stably adjusted in biodegradation rate, and has greatly improved resistance to hydrolysis and weather, in particular the former, and durability resulting from the improved resistances; a molded article thereof; and a method for controlling biodegradation rate using the same composition. The biodegradable plastic composition comprising (A) 100 parts by weight of biodegradable plastic, (B) 0.01 to 10 parts by weight of a carbodiimide compound and (C) 0.01 to 10 parts by weight of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of benzotriazole-, triazine- and hydroxylamine-based compounds; the molded article thereof; and the method for controlling biodegradation rate using the same composition.

Abstract: A member used for a photographic sensitive material that is formed from a degradable polymer having a water absorption of 8% or less and a flexural modulus of 1,000 kg/cm2 or more. The member exhibits satisfactory performance as a formed member used for a photographic sensitive material, has no adverse effects on a photographic sensitive material, does not hurt an incinerator upon incineration for scrapping it, and, in the nature, is decomposed or decreased in strength by microbes, light or heat and hence is free from the danger of causing environmental problems.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for reducing waste accumulation by using an environmentally degradable disposable material. The disposable material, which includes a hydroxycarboxylic acid-containing polymer, degrades hydrolytically during operative and disposal stages in a controlled manner such that the disposal degradation rate of the material is accelerated relative to the operative degradation rate of the material.

Abstract: The biodegradable heterophase compositions comprise partially or completely destructurised and/or complexed starch, a polysaccharide ester and a plasticizer for the polysaccharide ester. In these compositions, the polysaccharide ester constitutes the matrix and the starch the dispersed phase in the form of particles or domains of numeric mean dimension lower than 1 &mgr;m and preferably than 0.5 &mgr;m for at least 80% of the particles. The compositions also comprise an additive which can increase and maintain at values of 4 or more the pH of a solution obtained by placing the compositions in pellet form in contact with water at ambient temperature for 1 hour, with the use of a pellet:water ratio of 1:10 by weight.

Abstract: To provide a plastic material suitable for preservation of the environment and a method for producing the same by adding organic or inorganic sludge to a resin derived from waste plastics to form a flame-retarded resin, an antistatic resin, or a biodegradable resin so that the electrical and physical properties of the resin are improved and sludge and waste plastics are effectively utilized.

Abstract: The polylactic acid composite material of the present invention comprises a polylactic acid, a low molecular weight compound which has an amide group, and a layered clay mineral that is organically modified by means of an organic onium salt. As a result, a polylactic acid composite material that has a sufficiently rapid crystallization rate, and that is superior in terms of heat resistance, moldability and mold release characteristics can be obtained.

Abstract: A thickener for textile printing which is a polymer dispersion and includes at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of (A) at least one polymer derived from monomers having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond, (B) at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid ester, (C) at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride, and (D) at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid amide; and a synthetic carrier medium comprised of at least one biodegradable component which may have varying respective biodegradabilities and which is selected from the group consisting of at least one ester which is at least one of an ester of synthetic origin and an ester of natural origin and which is liquid at room temperature and below.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a biodegradable resin composition having excellent physical properties such as strength, water-resistance, molding workability, thermal-resistance, and suitable for a molded article for various electric products. The biodegradable resin composition of the present invention contains a biodegradable resin and filler coated with a biodegradable coating resin in which the filler coated with the biodegradable coating resin is contained within the biodegradable resin. Preferable aspects are such as an aspect that the filler is at least one of mica, talc and montmorillonite, an aspect that a filler content of the biodegradable resin is in the range of 5 mass % to 50 mass %, an aspect that an average diameter of the filler is in the range of 0.01 &mgr;m to 200 &mgr;m, and an aspect that the biodegradable resin is polylactic acid.

Abstract: A railway wheel/rail squeal suppression, wheel/rail noise reduction and wear reduction arrangement includes a separate structure (14) carried by a rail. The separate structure has a saddle-like profile including a web portion (15) defining a running surface for supporting the wheel, and two flange portions (16a, 16b). The saddle-like profile is shaped substantially in conformity with the shape of the railhead, is located on top it and is mechanically de-coupled therefrom. Resilient means (17) is interposed between the web portion and the railhead (13). The web portion (15) has a thickness not less than about twice the thickness of the flange portions so as to resist detrimental compression of the resilient means (17) and transfer only a portion of wheel load to the rail, and the flange portions (16a, 16b) are connected to the rail so as to transfer a remaining wheel load thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides an aliphatic polyester resin composition that contains 100 parts by weight of an aliphatic polyester resin and from 10 to 60 parts by weight of at least one compound of a formula (1): 1

Abstract: Biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions with controlled degradation rates have been developed. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates contain additives to alter the degradation rates. In another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are formed of mixtures of monomers or include pendant groups or modifications in their backbones to alter their degradation rates. In still another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are chemically modified. Methods for manufacturing the devices which increase porosity or exposed surface area can be used to alter degradability. For example, as demonstrated by the examples, porous polyhydroxyalkanoates can be made using methods that creates pores, voids, or interstitial spacing, such as an emulsion or spray drying technique, or which incorporate leachable or lyophilizable particles within the polymer. Examples describe poly(4HB) compositions including foams, coatings, meshes, and microparticles.

Abstract: Biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions with controlled degradation rates have been developed. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates contain additives to alter the degradation rates. In another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are formed of mixtures of monomers or include pendant groups or modifications in their backbones to alter their degradation rates. In still another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are chemically modified. Methods for manufacturing the devices which increase porosity or exposed surface area can be used to alter degradability. For example, as demonstrated by the examples, porous polyhydroxyalkanoates can be made using methods that creates pores, voids, or interstitial spacing, such as an emulsion or spray drying technique, or which incorporate leachable or lyophilizable particles within the polymer. Examples describe poly(4HB) compositions including foams, coatings, meshes, and microparticles.

Abstract: A microbe-inhibiting (MI) compound is incorporated into a biodegradable polymer composition, most preferably, a starch-based polymer, to inhibit microbial growth and to attenuate the biodegradation of the polymer composition. Such a composition is used to manufacture any of a number of articles, particularly those that come in contact with foods such as foam containers and fruit shock absorber nets as well as packing materials such as loose fill pellets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biodegradable composition characterized by compounding yeast (A) and biodegradable plastic (B) at a particular proportion. The purpose is to provide a biodegradable composition having very good biodegradability and additional fertilizer effect, making good use of the characteristics of yeast.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparation of biodegradable resin. The process comprises dehydrating a starch in a dehydrating kettle to a moisture less than 0.5%; finely granulating the dehydrated starch slurry to an average granule size below 10 &mgr;m; centrifuging the starch slurry to obtain a filter cake; adding to the centrifuged starch 0.5-5 wt % of a coupling agent and 0.5-7.5 wt % of a lubricant, based on the weight of dehydrated starch for modification; feeding the modified starch, 25-80 wt % of a thermoplastic resin, 1-10 wt % of a plasticizing agent, 0.5-7.5 wt % of a lubricant and 1-15 wt % of a degradation promoter, based on the weight of dehydrated starch, into a mixer and mixing them for 10-30 minutes under stirring, and then discharging them; extrusion-pelletizing the discharged material via a twin-screw extruder, the screws of which have length to diameter ratio of 40-48:1 and are of degassing function, at a temperature of 100-290° C.

Abstract: Devices formed of or including biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoates are provided with controlled degradation rates, preferably less than one year under physiological conditions. Preferred devices include sutures, suture fasteners, meniscus repair devices, rivets, tacks, staples, screws (including interference screws), bone plates and bone plating systems, surgical mesh, repair patches, slings, cardiovascular patches, orthopedic pins (including bone filling augmentation material), adhesion barriers, stents, guided tissue repair/regeneration devices, articular cartilage repair devices, nerve guides, tendon repair devices, atrial septal defect repair devices, pericardial patches, bulking and filling agents, vein valves, bone marrow scaffolds, meniscus regeneration devices, ligament and tendon grafts, ocular cell implants, spinal fusion cages, skin substitutes, dural substitutes, bone graft substitutes, bone dowels, wound dressings, and hemostats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wood-filled thermoplastic resin composition comprising wood meal, thermoplastic resin particles and a binder solution, and a process for producing the same.

Abstract: By molding a biodegradable plastic material which is treated with a compound reactive to the active hydrogen in the biodegradable plastic material, a biodegradable plastic material and molding having long-term reliability are obtained.

Abstract: A novel class of instantly degradable synthetic polymeric plastics having the characteristics and properties of conventional forms of plastics is developed by providing the disulfide and sulfenyl derivatives of the plastic compounds with latent nucleophilic properties. These novel plastic products are made from a variety of compositions of polymers and their compatible nontoxic modifiers. The resulting novel instant degradable plastic products retain latent solubility properties that are triggered upon mild chemical reaction, thus enabling cost effective and facile recycling of plastic refuge.