Abstract: A biodegradable resin molded article molded from a kneaded material obtained by kneading, melting or mixing a biodegradable resin raw material and at least one of a biodegradable additive and an additive made of a substance existing in the nature, an injection molded article of a biodegradable resin containing a biodegradable resin and an anti-biotic substance, a molded article of a resin composition including a polymer material having an ester bond in the polymer main chain thereof and an alkali or acid component in an amount effective for neutralizing an acidic or alkaline component contained in the polymer material, and a resin molded article having a layer of a biodegradable resin, and a layer of a photolytic resin covering the resin layer and containing an antibiotic.

Abstract: Novel fibers have been made from reactor grade isotactic poly-alpha-olefin wherein polypropylene is produced by single-site catalysis and has a melt flow rate of greater than zero to about 5,000, MWD in the range of about 1.0 to about 3.5.

Abstract: The present invention provides polylactic compositions effecting an excellent mold releasability upon processing and significantly improved elongation at break and impact strength without affecting the transparency. Also provided is a shrink film which decomposes under the natural environment and has excellent transparency, flexibility, shrinkability and mold releasability upon processing by applying the polylactic acid composition to a shrink film. There is provided a biodegradable polymer composition comprising 100 parts by weight of polylactic acid and 5 to 70 parts by weight of EVA. Further, a biodegradable polymer composition is provided comprising the polymer composition with one or more additives selected from the group consisting of 0.05 to 5 parts by weight of a lubricant, 1 to 50 parts by weight of plasticizer, 0.5 to 5 parts by weight of thermal stabilizer and 0.05 to 5 parts by weight of mold releasing agent. These biodegradable polymer compositions are applied to shrink films.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive composition can be made using a polyester derived from 2-propanoic acid (lactic acid). A thermoplastic resin grade polyester can be formulated into a functional adhesive using adhesive components. A lower molecular weight material can be used as a tackifying resin with a biodegradable/compostable resin in a formulated hot melt adhesive. The adhesive material can be made pressure sensitive and can be made entirely by a degradable by combining the polyester polymer with other biodegradable/compostable ingredients. The resulting adhesive composition that can be used in a variety of applications. The biodegradable/compostable adhesive material can be used as a substitute for non-biodegradable materials made from commercial polymers that resist attack by bacteria, fungi and other microbial populations. The hot melt adhesives can be used in (e.g.) packaging and the manufacture of disposable articles which are made from degradable materials.

Abstract: A composition comprising polylactic acid and 0.05 to 5 parts by weight of silicone oil per 100 parts by weight polylactic acid, having improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: A polyolefin composition which is photolyzable, includes polyolefin; and an effective amount of a photolytic agent which is an alkoxydimethylsilylferrocene having a general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R represents C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 in which n ranges from 4 to 10, and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 represent H or SICH.sub.3).sub.2 OR and may be the same or different. The polyolefin is preferably selected from the group consisting essentially of a low density polyethylene, a high density polyethylene, a polypropylene, an ethylene-propylene copolymer, an ethylene-butene copolymer, an ethylene-hexene copolymer, an ethylene-octene copolymer, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and mixtures thereof. The alkoxydimethylsilylferrocene is preferably present in an amount ranging from 0.001 weight % to 0.5 weight %, most preferably, in an amount ranging from 0.005 weight % to 0.2% weight %.

Abstract: A starch-based composition for preparing an environment degradable .alpha.-olefinic polymer molding material, which includes 95-99 wt % of starch, 0.2-0.8 wt % of a titanate coupling agent having the following formula (I), 0-2 wt % of paraffin and 0-2 wt % of fatty acid: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are hydrogen, or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together are .dbd.O.

Abstract: Polymer compositions are provided which comprise a first polyhydroxyalkanoate component and optionally a second polymer component, the composition have enhanced properties by using an inorganic oxygen containing compound in the composition. The inorganic oxygen containing compound may be acting as a transesterification catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to an alloy composition possessing improved properties of mechanical resistance. The composition contains a starch, which is preferably plasticized, and a polymer which acts as coupling agent which is chosen from the group consisting of polyolefins modified by chemical functional groups which are active toward the hydroxyl functional groups of starch. Generally, the composition also contains a thermoplastic polymer. The invention also relates to the process for preparing this composition and the use of these compositions for the manufacture of films intended for the paper market and for packages made from biodegradable plastic.

Abstract: Moisture-shrinkable films can be extrusion blown from flour-poly(methyl acrylate) graft copolymers. The films shrink when exposed at room temperature to relative humidities approaching 100%. The films have potential application in shrink-wrapping irregularly shaped articles without application of heat. Easy removal of the films by water washing is another feature suitable for this use. This invention allows the use of unmodified cereal flour in lieu of gelatinized starch as the substrate for graft polymerization. This substitution greatly simplifies the preparation and isolation of the graft copolymers and reduces the expense of the process by lowering raw material costs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable PHA copolymers comprising at least two randomly repeating monomer units. The present invention further relates to a plastic article comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the biodegradable copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU has the structure ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H, or C.sub.1 or C.sub.2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## wherein R.sup.2 is a C.sub.4 -C.sub.19 alkyl or alkenyl; and wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet comprising a film comprising a PHA of the present invention and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to melt blown polyolefin film which is produced cheaply by melt blowing polyolefin resins which contain 25 to 60 wt % fillers selected from the fillers including an inorganic carbonate, synthetic carbonates, nepheline syenite, talc, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum trihydrate, diatomaceous earth, mica, natural or synthetic silicas and calcined clays or mixtures thereof, having a particle size less than 150 mesh.A further aspect of the present invention is directed to polyolefin resins, especially polyethylene, which are chemically degradable by the incorporation of the combination of the above group of fillers and a metal carboxylate. The metal carboxylates of the present invention are inclusive of a large number of metals, such as cerium, cobalt, iron, and magnesium.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising at least one structural polymer and at least one oligomer of at least one polymer selected from the group; polyhydroxyalkanoates, polylactide, polycaprolactone and co-polymers thereof.

Abstract: A degradable agricultural ground cover which is composed of high density polyethylene polymer fiber and cellulose pulp which is 100% photo and biodegradable for use in weed control and moisture retention in soil. The unique agricultural mat or cover lasts 8-12 weeks before serious photo and biodegradability occurs, while allowing crop plants sufficient time to mature and produce. The sheet totally disappears with plowing and tilling, becoming a soil extender until complete degradation occurs.

Abstract: A rubber composition or a rubber composite which is biodegradable in soil and is used to hold pot soil to the roots of plants to facilitate transplanting, said rubber composition containing a natural or synthetic rubber component and a water-soluble additive which does not bind to the rubber component and thus can elute into the soil.

Abstract: A biodegradable air drying screen printing ink. The ink includes a base made of water and a colloidal gum, preferably sodium alginate. A naturally-occurring binder is added to the base, preferably natural latex. The ink also includes one or more pigments made from natural ingredients, preferably plants or insects.

Abstract: A starch fiber produced by a spinning process and comprising:A A first amount of 1 to 100 parts of a starch melt-spinnable composition comprising1. a second amount of 56 to 96 parts of at least one modified and/or unmodified starch,2. a third amount of 4 to 40 parts of at least one destructuring agent,3. a fourth amount of 0 to 4 parts of at least one additive, selected from urea, urea derivatives, emulsifiers, lubricants, and proteins and their alkali salts,components 1, 2 and 3 totaling 100 parts; andB a fifth amount of 99 to 0 parts of at least one melt-spinnable polymer,ingredients A and B totaling 100 parts.In addition, there may also be included 0 to 20 parts of conventional additives for melt spinning compositions.The invention further relates to a process for the production of these starch fibers from this melt spinning composition, and to uses for fibers which, by modification with the starch melt-spinnable composition, have special properties.

Abstract: Disclosed are degradable materials which include a nontoxic hydrolytically degradable polymer and nontoxic modifier, wherein the modifier is compatible with the polymer and the modifier is nonvolatile and nonfugitive. Also disclosed are processes for forming the various degradable materials, which include films, molded products, laminates, foams, powders, nonwovens, adhesives and coatings. The disclosed materials and processes are particularly useful for the production of commercial and consumer products in high volumes which are suitable for recycling after use or which are discarded into the environment in large volumes.

Abstract: Compatibilized blends of a biodegradable hydrophobic polyester, unmodified starch or other similar polysaccharide containing less than 1% water by weight, other biodegradable polymers that may be hydrophobic, plasticizer, and other additives. The blends are produced in the absence of water. The preferred polyester polymer is poly(.epsilon.-caprolactone) and the preferred starch is from corn. A small amount of a unique stretching agent is incorporated to provide high elongations at break, especially in film forming compositions containing a significant amount of starch. The starch is a discontinuous phase that may be completely or partially plasticized and the polyester polymer is the continuous phase. The preferred polymers have unique film forming properties and are resistant to water and moisture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable PHA copolymers comprising at least two randomly repeating monomer units. The present invention further relates to a plastic article comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the biodegradable copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU has the structure ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H, or C.sub.1 or C.sub.2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## wherein R.sup.2 is a C.sub.4 --C.sub.19 alkyl or alkenyl; and wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet comprising a film comprising a PHA of the present invention and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: This invention provides hydrolytically labile polyamide compositions and articles containing an ester derived moiety in the polymer backbone which will degrade after exposure to water over long periods of time.

Abstract: A latex comprises a colloidal suspension in water of essentially non-crystalline particles of a polymer or copolymer or .beta.-hydroxyalkanoates, for example .beta.-hydroxybutyrate and .beta.-hydroxyvalerate; the latex may be employed to produce self-supporting filfms or papers which are biodegradable and also readily recyclable.

Abstract: A biodegradable interpolymer and composition is prepared by the reactive blending of a synthetic polymer having functional groups with a naturally occurring biodegradable polymer such as a carbohydrate or protein compound. During reactive blending, the synthetic polymer can undergo a chemical reaction with the biodegradable natural polymer which results in covalent and physical bonding between the two polymers, thereby forming an interpolymer. By this process, a biodegradable interpolymer composition is produced that is suitable for molding various articles.

Abstract: Disclosed are products made of degradable materials which include a hydrolytically degradable polymer. The degradable materials can be internally or externally modified. The internally modified polymer composition has polymers modified by the use of comonomers having a relatively high molecular weight. The externally modified polymer composition includes a modifier, wherein the modifier is compatible with the polymer and the modifier is nontoxic, nonvolatile and nonfugitive. The various degradable materials include films, fibers, extruded and molded products, laminates, foams, powders, nonwovens, adhesives and coatings. The disclosed materials are particularly useful for the production of a variety of products in high volumes which are suitable for recycling after use or which are discarded into the environment in large volumes.

Abstract: A degradable polymer composition essentially consisting of a mixture of a thermoplastic polymer composition primarily comprising polylactic acid or lactic acid-hydroxycarboxylic acid copolymer and one or more substance selected from starch and modified starch, and is a degradable polymer which does not cause problems such as environmental pollution and can be used for films, filaments and packaging materials, food packaging materials in particular.

Abstract: Liquid impervious, biodegradable films are disclosed. In particular, the films comprise a blend of an interpenetrated network of destructurized starch with ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers or ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymers, and an aliphatic polyester such as polycaprolactone. Diapers, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and the like, containing backsheets prepared from the foregoing materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: Liquid impervious, biodegradable films are disclosed. In particular, the films comprise a blend of an interpenetrated network of destructurized starch with ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers or ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymers, and an aliphatic polyester such as polycaprolactone. Diapers, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and the like, containing backsheets prepared from the foregoing materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: For the purpose of improving the quality and especially the mechanical properties of single- or multi-ply sheets with at least one ply, consisting at least in part of thermoplastically processable starch, the sheets are stretched monoaxially or biaxially after they have been produced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to melt blown polyolefin film which is produced cheaply by melt blowing polyolefin resins which contain 25 to 60 wt% fillers selected from the fillers including an inorganic carbonate, synthetic carbonates, nepheline syenite, talc, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum trihydrate, diatomaceous earth, mica, natural or synthetic silicas and calcined clays or mixtures thereof, having a particle size less than 150 mesh.A further aspect of the present invention is directed to polyolefin resins, especially polyethylene, which are chemically degradable by the incorporation of the combination of the above group of fillers and a metal carboxylate. The metal carboxylates of the present invention are inclusive of a large number of metals, such as cerium, cobalt, iron, and magnesium.

Abstract: A biodegradable thermoplastic film is disclosed comprising an alkanoyl polymer, a destructured starch and an ethylene copolymer. The film can be stretched providing breathability and enhancing its biodegradability.

Abstract: A biodegradable plastic composition for forming biodegradable shaped bodies which includes a poly-.beta.-hydroxybutyrate having a viscosity of n.sub.A at 185.degree. C. and a polycaprolactone having a viscosity of n.sub.B at 185.degree. C., wherein the poly-.beta.-hydroxybutyrate is present in an amount C.sub.A of 10-45 or 55-85% by weight based on the total weight of the poly-.beta.-hydroxybutyrate and the polycaprolactone, and wherein n.sub.A, n.sub.B and C.sub.A satisfy the following condition:4.times.10.sup.-3 .times.C.sub.A -1.7.ltoreq.log (n.sub.A /n.sub.B).ltoreq.4.times.10.sup.-3 .times.C.sub.A -1.3.

Abstract: There is provided a biodegradable composition as obtained from a melt comprising converted starch, a plasticizer and at least one member selected from alkenol homopolymers and/or alkenol copolymers which are combined under conditions sufficient to ensure uniform melt formation, in which the at least one member is present in the composition at a concentration of from 10 to 200 parts per 100 parts of dry converted starch.The invention further relates to methods of making the composition, and to articles made from said composition.

Abstract: A method and composition of packaging an adhesive composition, especially a thermoplastic or thermosetting hot melt adhesive. The method comprises the steps of providing one substantially uniform separate portion of the adhesive composition; sufficiently solidifying said portion for packaging; and substantially completely surrounding said sufficiently solidified portion with a biodegradable polymeric packaging material. The packaging material being meltable together with the adhesive composition and blendable into said molten adhesive composition, the kind and amount of said biodegradable packaging material being chosen so as not to disadvantageously affect the properties of the adhesive composition when blended into the molten adhesive and applied to a substrate.

Abstract: A biodegradable plastic added at an amount of a hydrophilic property imparting-substance providing wettability such that the contact angle of plastic surface to water is 70.degree. or less whereby the decomposability thereof with Basidiomycetes, the cultured products thereof and/or the processed products thereof is improved. A method for decomposing plastic under the conditions with limitation to nitrogen and/or carbon in decomposing such biodegradable plastic. In accordance with the present invention, the plastic which has conventionally been decomposed with difficulty can be decomposed efficiently.

Abstract: Environmentally friendly, disposable, degradable and/or recyclable plastic articles are made from water soluble, miscible, high molecular weight, thermoplastic, polymeric resin blends that are comprised by weight of about 65% to 95% high molecular weight water soluble thermoplastic resin having an inverse solubility characteristic and about 35% to 5% of at least one of certain high molecular weight thermoplastic polymers that are functionally compatible (miscible) with the inversely soluble resin. The articles are insoluble when used for their intended purposes, but become soluble when exposed to tepid or cool water and degradable when buried in a land fill or compost. The inversely soluble resin comprises high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide). The compatible polymer is selected from the group consisting of Nylon 11, Nylon 12, polycaprolactone, polycaprolactone, polyethylene-co-acrylic acid, polyethylene-co-methacrylic acid, polyethylene-co-vinylacetate and polyethylene-co-vinylalcohol.

Abstract: A packaging material composed of cellulosic fiber, a softener, water, and, optionally, a water soluble binder. The biodegradable packaging material is prepared by a process of admixing cellulosic fiber, a softener, water and, optionally, a water soluble binder to form a slurry, and admixing a blowing agent with the slurry to form a pulp. The pulp is formed into a shaped material and dried.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polymer product of a thermoplastic material including a thermoplastic polymer and polymeric composting promoting agent selected from the group consisting of nonmetallic metal complexing agents, nonoxidizing-metal metal complexing agents, and mixtures thereof, in a composting effective amount to convert in the presence of oxidizing metal compounds to an active oxidant to thermally degrade the thermoplastic polymer of the thermoplastic material under composting conditions to a low molecular weight material with enhanced biodegradability, the nonmetallic metal complexing agents and the nonoxidizing-metal metal complexing agents being neither photoactivators nor prooxidants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable plastic made from a combination of at least one synthetic plastic polymer, at least one natural polymer and a natural polymer attacking agent and articles made therefrom.

Abstract: Process for controlling the photodegradation of a film of polypropylene or propylene copolymers having a thickness of about 1.25 mils or less, by forming a composition comprising carbon black as the sole UV light absorbing staiblizer and comprising about 0.5% to about 2.4% by weight of the film, hindered amine light stabilizer for interrupting the free radical chain degradation mechanism and comprising about 0.02% to about 0.4% by weight of the film; and an impact modifier for enhancing the photodegradability of the film and comprising about 1% to 40% by weight of the film.

Abstract: A degradable plastic film comprising film forming ethylene copolymers and lignin incorporated in the form of pulverulent powder having a grain diameter of about 1 to 5 microns. The films are homogeneous and possess a thickness of about 15 to 25 microns. The films may be made doubly decomposable by adding photoactive or oxidizing agents.

Abstract: An extrudable elastomeric composition including an elastomeric A-B-A' block copolymer where A and A' are each a thermoplastic polymer endblock and where B is a conjugated diene monomer unit having a low degree of residual ethylenic unsaturation; a polyolefin; and an effective amount of a transition metal compound which is substantially uniformly distributed in the blend containing the polyolefin and block copolymer so that the extrudable elastomeric composition is adapted form an elastic sheet that is degraded after less than about 30 days continuous exposure to a thermally oxidative environment. The transition metal compound may be a salt or complex of cobalt and/or manganese and is added in an amount that will provide at least about 0.01 percent, by weight, of the transition metal in the extrudable composition.

Abstract: The invention provides biodegradable crosslinked polymers, which have a chelating effect and a dispersing effect to disperse an oily substance and an inorganic substance hardly soluble in water and are excellent in dispersion into water. The crosslinked polymers comprise; an ingredient of molecular weight 5,000 or less in 50% by weight, a bond having at least one of a group (II) represented by the chemical formula --CO--O-- and a group (III) represented by the chemical formula --CO--NH-- as a composition unit between main chains having a water-soluble oligomer structure having the functional group (I) represented by the general formula --COOM (here, M denotes anyone of a hydrogen atom, monovalent metal, divalent metal, trivalent metal, an ammonium group and organic amine group.), and showing a viscosity of 1,000 cP or less at 20.degree. C. by a 20% by weight aqueous solution of the crosslinked polymer.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprises a minor amount of a pro-degradant selected from essentially carboxycylic .beta.-diketones and metal complexes thereof, e.g. 2,2'-methylene(1,3-cyclohexanedione) or its Mn(II) or Zn complex. A film of the composition may be used for the protection of seeds or seedlings at an agricultural or horticultural locus.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the coating weight, uniformity, defects or markings present in a coating of a composition applied to a substrate comprises the steps:a) providing a substrate with a functional coating of a composition comprising an effective amount of uvescer that absorbs radiant energy, i.e., has an excitation energy, of wavelength .lambda..sub.1 and emits radiant energy of wavelength .lambda..sub.2 ;b) scanning the coating with radiant energy having a wavelength within wavelength .lambda..sub.1 ;c) detecting the radiant energy of wavelength .lambda..sub.2 emitted by the coating; andd) optionally, correlating the emitted radiant energy to independently measured standard coating weights or thicknesses, of the coating so as to measure coating weight, thickness, uniformity, defects, or markings.

Abstract: A degradable article comprising a polyurethane polymer gel or foam whose polymer structure contains hydrolytically unstable ester linkages and various additives. The article can be constructed so that some of the additives are released from the article at a sustained rate. In a preferred embodiment the additives are sensory stimulants for marine or aquatic organisms and the article is used as bait for those organisms. Such sensory stimulants can include high molecular weight thickeners, to impart a slippery texture.

Abstract: A degradable article comprising a polyurethane polymer gel or foam whose polymer structure contains hydrolytically unstable ester linkages and various additives. The article can be constructed so that some of the additives are released from the article at a sustained rate. In a preferred embodiment the additives are sensory stimulants for marine or aquatic organisms and the article is used as bait for those organisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compostable and biodegradable thermoplastic compositions comprising a thermoplastic polymer, a hydrolytically unstable antioxidant, a pro-oxidant, an accelerator, and a property modifier. The hydrolytically unstable antioxidants effectively prevent the thermoplastic polymer from breakdown by oxidative or thermal degradation under dry conditions. Under wet conditions, the hydrolytically unstable antioxidant becomes ineffective and the thermoplastic polymers breakdown to low molecular weight materials.

Abstract: A biodegradable plastic composition, which may be in the form of a molded dy, includes gelatinized starch and a biodegradable, aliphatic polyester resin having a melting point of 45.degree.-130 .degree. C. The plastic is produced by kneading a blend containing a starchy substance selected from non-gelatinized, granular starch and gelatinized starch and the aliphatic polyester resin at a temperature higher than the melting point of the aliphatic polyester in the presence of water in an amount of 1-45 % based on the weight of the starchy substance.

Abstract: The problem of the potential for creation of a reactive noncompressible crust in a fluid adhesive mixture comprising a deposit of an uncured curable fluid curable resin composition and a deposit of a fluid curing agent wherein the deposits are separated by a thin flexible barrier film formed from the interaction of the cured resin as reacted by the curing agent, is overcome by including with the fluid curing agent a thickener in an amount sufficient to render the fluid curing agent non-free-flowing at room temperature and preventing the formation of any substantial amount of noncompressible crust in the mixture.

Abstract: A biodegradable thermoplastic film is disclosed comprising a blend of an alkanoyl polymer and polyvinyl alcohol. The film can be stretched providing opacity and enhancing its biodegradability.