Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, kits and methods for growing more vigorous, larger, and healthier plants, including from clone cuttings.

Abstract: A degradable polymer composition comprising: (a) a polyolefin; (b) two or more transition metal compounds in a total amount of from 0.15 to 0.6 wt %, (c) a mono- or poly-unsaturated C14-C24 carboxylic acid, or an ester, anhydride or amide thereof, in an amount of from 0.04 to 0.08 wt %; (d) a synthetic rubber in an amount of from 0.04 to 0.2 wt %; and, optionally: (e) dry starch in an amount of from 0 to 20 wt %; and/or (f) calcium oxide in an amount of from 0 to 1 wt %; and/or (g) a phenolic antioxidant stabilizer in an amount of from 0 to 0.2 wt %; wherein the two or more transition metal compounds are selected from iron, manganese, copper, cobalt and cerium compounds and wherein the transition metals in the two or more transition metal compounds are different.

Abstract: A radiation-sensitive resin composition includes a compound represented by a formula (1), and a polymer that includes a structural unit having an acid-labile group. R1 and R4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, or the like. R2 and R3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or the like. X1 and X2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, or the like, or X1 and X2 taken together represent —S—, —O—, —SO2—, or the like. A represents an ethanediyl group, wherein at least one hydrogen atom included in X1, X2 and A is substituted by —Y—SO3?M+. Y represents an alkanediyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or the like. M+ represents a monovalent onium cation. In the case where —Y—SO3?M+ is present in a plurality of number, a plurality of Ys are each identical or different and a plurality of M+s are each identical or different.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for increasing the biodegradation rate of the biodegradable resin molded body in nature by promoting degradation of a biodegradable resin molded body containing an oxidative degradation agent. The degradation rate of the biodegradable resin molded body containing an oxidative degradation agent can be significantly increased by allowing both the biodegradable resin molded body and a chloride salt to be present at the time of disposal of the resin molded body.

Abstract: A thermoplastic fiber is formed of a blend including a degradable polymer and a material that generates an agent upon exposure to stimulus that accelerates degradation of the degradable polymer. The degradable polymer can include a biodegradable polymer, such as poly(lactic acid) polymer, and the material that generates an agent upon exposure to stimulus can include a soy-based material.

Abstract: A polyester resin composition comprising: 100 parts by mass of a polyester resin having at least 50% by mass of a glycolic acid resin; and from 0.5 to 50 parts by mass of a carboxylic acid anhydride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a polymer/biological entities alloy, comprising a step of mixing a polymer and biological entities that degrade it, during a heat treatment, said heat treatment being performed at a temperature T above room temperature and said biological entities being resistant to said temperature T, characterized in that said biological entities are chosen from enzymes that degrade said polymer and microorganisms that degrade said polymer.

Abstract: Disposable items made from bioplastic resins include a biodegradable resin; and a plasticizer; wherein the resin and plasticizer are intermixed to provide a generally homogenous bioplastic that is formed to provide the device. A disposable device includes a multidose syringe, a specimen tube, a scalpel, a lancet, a sharps container, or a suction canister. A method of disposing of an item includes providing an item made from a biodegradable resin and a plasticizer that are intermixed to provide a generally homogenous bioplastic; sterilizing the item utilizing radiation or ethylene oxide gas; shredding the item; and composting the item into a compost end product, thereby disposing of the item.

Abstract: A thermally decomposable binder resin containing, as an active ingredient, a rosin derivative (A) that is obtained by subjecting a rosin (a) to distillation and a disproportionation treatment and/or hydrogenation treatment, wherein the rosin derivative (A) has a 99 wt % weight loss temperature of 500° C. or lower in thermogravimetric measurement, under an air atmosphere at a heating rate of 5° C./min, a binder resin composition containing the resin, and a use of the binder resin composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to relates to a stone-made green energy paper and a method for making the same, wherein the stone-made green energy paper is made of some non-toxic materials consisting of a stone powder, a pure-white silica powder and a non-toxic resin. This stone-made green energy paper can be used as a base paper for further machining to a green energy writing paper or a green energy art-using paper. The stone-made green energy paper includes the advantages of good ink absorption, high waterproof, high strength, high folding performance, and free-pollution. Moreover, the most important is that the stone-made green energy paper has no CaCo3 ingredient, so that the stone-made green energy paper can be incinerated through an incinerator, without producing any acid gas.

Abstract: A radiation curable biobased coating, such as a UV/EB curable biobased coating, for flooring applications includes a biobased component comprising renewable and/or biobased materials. The biobased component is selected from the group consisting of a biobased resin, a biobased polyol acrylate, or a biobased polyol. The biobased component is blended with a coating formula. The coating formula includes at least one initiator. The radiation curable biobased coating contains at least about 5% weight of renewable materials or biobased content.

Abstract: The present invention provides an easily thermally decomposable binder resin containing, as an active ingredient, a rosin derivative (A) that is obtained by subjecting a rosin (a) to distillation and a disproportionation treatment and/or hydrogenation treatment and that has a 99 wt % weight loss temperature in thermogravimetric measurement under an air atmosphere at a heating rate of 5° C./min of 500° C. or lower, a binder resin composition containing the resin, and a use of the binder resin composition.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention encompass polymer compositions that act as both a tack agent and a fluxing agent for the assembly of microelectronic components onto a variety of substrate materials. Such polymer compositions embodiments encompass a sacrificial polymer, a carrier solvent, a thermal acid generator and, optionally, formic acid.

Abstract: A system comprising using at least one recycled plastic to create a polymer film, infusing the film with at least one color additive, infusing the film with at least one scent additive, infusing the film with at least one dormant microbe, cutting and folding the film to create at least one bag, using the bag as a shopping bag, using the bag as a trash bag, and activating the microbe to decompose the bag. The system wherein the bag further comprise at least one handle adapted to receive at least one tongue, at least one polymer film is selected from the group consisting of low density polyethylene and equivalents, and the dormant microbe is infused onto the film by a method selected from the group consisting of spraying, and equivalents. Wherein the dormant microbe is selected from the group consisting of Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A biodegradable thermoplastic polymer masterbatch composition comprising a blend of at least one biodegradable thermoplastic polymer containing high loading of a particulate filler uniformly dispersed therein. The amount of the biodegradable thermoplastic polymer is generally from about 25% to about 50% by weight and the amount of the filler is from about 75% to about 50% by weight, based upon the total amount of one biodegradable polymer and the at least one filler. The uniform dispersion of the fillers is desirably obtained by adding small particles of the filler to a melt of the biodegradable polymer and blending using high shear equipment with special screw geometry. The masterbatch composition is then physically blended with additional biodegradable thermoplastic polymer and extrusion processed into final articles such as blown and cast films, molded products, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting member, especially to a cutting filament, for a plant-cutting device such as a scrub cutter or edge trimmer wherein at least one portion of the cutting member is a mixture of at least a polyamide, at least one thermoplastic polyolefin and at least one prodegradant agent. Another object of the invention relates to a composition for use in the manufacture of a cutting member by extrusion/drawing or by injection, made from a mixture of at least a polyamide, at least one thermoplastic polyolefin and at least one prodegradant agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for increasing the rate of oxo-biodegradation of a carbon-containing polymer which process at least comprises the step of adding a component containing at least one 1,2-oxo-hydroxy-moiety as an oxidation catalyst to the carbon-containing polymer. The invention further relates to a composition with an increased rate of oxo-biodegradability that is obtained by the process of the invention and to the product with increased rate of oxo-biodegradability made from the composition.

Abstract: Poly(propylene fumarate) is copolymerized with poly(caprolactone) diol to produce a block copolymer of poly(propylene fumarate) and poly(caprolactone). The biocompatible and bioresorbable block copolymer of poly(propylene fumarate) and poly(caprolactone) is useful in the fabrication of injectable and in-situ hardening scaffolds for tissue and/or skeletal reconstruction. The block copolymer can be crosslinked by redox or photo-initiation, with or without an additional crosslinker. Thus, the copolymer is both self-crosslinkable (without the use of any crosslinkers) and photocrosslinkable (in the presence of photons such as UV light).

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for improving the degradation of natural and/or synthetic polymers or a polymer article made from such polymer(s) by light and/or heat and/or humidity, comprising the incorporation of a compound of formula (I) into said natural and/or synthetic polymers: Formula (I); wherein m is 1 or 2, n is 1 to 100, X is selected from certain benzophenone-derived moieties and R, R1; R2 are each selected from list of certain residues; novel compounds of said formula (I) and polymeric articles of improved degradability in the presence of light and/or heat and/or humidity being made of a composition comprising: A) a natural and/or a synthetic polymer and B) a degradation accelerator being a compound of said formula (I).

Abstract: A polymer article having accelerated degradability triggered by light and/or heat and/or humidity and made of a composition containing (A) a natural and/or a synthetic polymer and (B) a degradation accelerator of the formula (I), wherein n is 1, 2 or 4; X is >C=0, >S(O)2 or >C(X1)(X2); X1 and X2 independently of one another are hydrogen, C1-C20alkyl, C3-C12cycloalkyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1, 2 or 3 C1-C4alkyl; or phenyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1, 2 or 3 C1-C4alkyl; Y is C1-C30alkyl, C2-C30alkenyl, C3-C12cycloalkyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1, 2 or 3 C1C4alkyl; C5-C12cycloalkenyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1, 2 or 3 C1C4alkyl; a bicyclic or tricyclic hydrocarbyl having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, C7-C4phenylalkyl unsubstituted or substituted on the phenyl by 1, 2 or 3 C1-C4alkyl; diphenylmethyl unsubstituted or substituted on the phenyl by 1, 2 or 3 C1-C4alkyl; triphenylmethyl unsubstituted or substituted on the phenyl by 1, 2 or 3 C1-C4alkyl; C2-C30acyl, —COOY0, C1-C30sulfonyl,

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biaxially oriented, heat-set, at least two-layer coextruded film formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene 2,6-naphthalate (PEN) that optionally includes additional comonomer-derived units. The film includes a base layer and at least one outer layer. The base layer includes a white pigment and a laser absorber which has been coated with a carbonizing polymer.

Abstract: Climbing products containing rails decorated using veil products colored, patterned, painted or in combination with marking methods such as company names and logos and resin formulation designed to withstand exposure to UV radiation with minimal change in appearance which create specific appearances for applications, enhance weathering performance, and facilitate processing efficiency. A combination of a filler free resin and coated veil systems to create a synergistic weather resistance surface with self contained color, pattern, picture, logo or combination of said same for climbing products. A system for producing components. Various methods, system, a ladder rail.

Abstract: The present invention provides a degradable extruded netting. The netting comprises a plurality of interconnected strands with at least some of the strands comprising a degradable composition comprising a polyolefin, a metal carboxylate, and an aliphatic poly hydroxy-carboxyl acid. In at least one embodiment, at least 10% of the strands are made of the degradable composition. The present invention also relates to a method for making degradable extruded netting. The method comprises extruding strands of polymeric material to form a netting wherein at least some of the strands are formed of the degradable composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable extruded netting. The netting comprises a plurality of interconnected strands with at least some of the strands comprising a biodegradable composition comprising polylactic acid polymer and biodegradable plasticizer. In at least one embodiment, at least 10% of the strands are made of the biodegradable composition. The present invention also relates to a method for making biodegradable extruded netting. The method comprises extruding strands of polymeric material to form a netting wherein at least some of the strands are formed of the biodegradable composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a formulation for a reactive dye layer for a limited-play optical storage medium, the reactive formulation including at least one carrier material or curable acrylate monomer, at least one reactive material disposed within the carrier material or acrylate monomer, and at least one photo-bleaching retarder material disposed within the at least one adhesive material. The at least one photo-bleaching retarder material includes at least one polymeric polyhydroxy compound selected from the group consisting of polyhydroxystyrenes, cellulose, and functionalized cellulose derivatives.

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: 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: 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 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: This invention relates to a radiation-resistant acrylic adhesive composition with less reduction in the adhesion thereof upon irradiation with radiations, which composition comprises an acrylic polymer and a radiation-resistant agent, and a radiation-resistant adhesive product comprising the composition.

Abstract: An acid decomposable compound of the present invention is a compound having acid decomposable groups and thermally-bond-formable groups in one molecule in a certain order. The acid decomposable compound contains at least a core structure, acid decomposable groups which are binding to the core structure and thermally-bond-formable groups which are binding to the acid decomposable groups, wherein the thermally-bond-formable groups undergo Diels-Alder Reactions, metathesis reactions or other thermal-addition reactions.

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: A process for manufacturing polymers containing a degradant component that increases the rate of polymer degradation. The process involves adding a degradant component to a fluid polymer immediately after the polymer is synthesized and while the polymer is still fluid to form a blend of the fluid polymer component and degradant component and mixing the blend of the fluid polymer component and degradant component to distribute the degradant component substantially homogeneously throughout the fluid polymer component.

Abstract: A method for degrading a polymer by bringing same into contact with a solid phase composed of a carrier, a microorganism and an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution contains nutrients required for the growth of the microorganism and water. The carrier has a maximum water retention of at least 40 wt. % but at most 4,000 wt. %, the aqueous solution is retained in the carrier in an amount of at least 10% but at most 100% of the maximum water retention of the carrier, and the solid phase has a percentage of interstices of 25% or greater but smaller than 100%.

Abstract: A photocatalytic powder for environmental clarification, comprising finely divided titanium dioxide particles having a coating of porous calcium phosphate formed on at least part of the surface of each titanium dioxide particle, wherein an anionic surface active agent is present at least on the interface between said coating of porous calcium phosphate and the titanium dioxide particle. This photocatalytic powder is produced by dispersing finely divided titanium dioxide particles in an aqueous slurry containing an anionic surface active agent, and then forming a coating of porous calcium phosphate on at least part of the surface of each titanium dioxide particle. This photocatalytic powder is used, for example, by supporting it in an organic polymer shaped article.

Abstract: A photocatalytic powder for environmental clarification, comprising finely divided titanium dioxide particles having a coating of porous calcium phosphate formed on at least part of the surface of each titanium dioxide particle, wherein an anionic surface active agent is present at least on the interface between said coating of porous calcium phosphate and the titanium dioxide particle. This photocatalytic powder is produced by dispersing finely divided titanium dioxide particles in an aqueous slurry containing an anionic surface active agent, and then forming a coating of porous calcium phosphate on at least part of the surface of each titanium dioxide particle. This photocatalytic powder is used, for example, by supporting it in an organic polymer shaped article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable plastic composition obtained by adding a carbodiimide compound to a biodegradable plastic, and a method for control of biodegradation rate of biodegradable plastic, which comprises adding a carbodiimide compound to a biodegradable plastic. According to the present invention, the biodegradation rate of biodegradable plastic can be controlled stably.

Abstract: A non-toxic, antifouling coating composition is provided which comprises zinc oxide which has ben surface coated by photosensitizer(s) which increase the capability of zinc oxide to absorb visible light.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an additive degradable/compostable package, the combination of a metal carboxylate and an aliphatic poly hydroxy-carboxyl acids, which is added to polyolefin resins in the production of specific products. The addition of the additive degradable/compostable package produces a packaging product which is degradable/compostable. The additive package may include calcium oxide (CaO) to make the modified polyolefin resin more processable. Further, stabilizers or oxidizers may be added to the additive package. The additive package is specifically modified or tailored to the application of the packaging product, e.g. trash bag, compost bag, merchant bag, diaper liner, wrapping film, agricultural film, landfill cover or foamed planks. The present invention further includes the method or process of producing the degradable/compostable concentrates and the improvement of the process of making the degradable/compostable packaging products by the addition of calcium oxide (CaO).

Abstract: A photo-degradable, molded, high strength plastic shotshell component having a degradation composition comprising as its combination of active ingredients linear polyethylene having a melt index of 0.1 to 5.0 and an ethylene-vinyl acetate-carbon monoxide terpolymer, the ratios by weight of which to said linear polyethylene is approximately 0.115:1 to 0.261:1 The ethylene-vinyl acetate-carbon monoxide terpolymer in its preferred composition has about 65% by weight of ethylene, 25% by weight of vinyl acetate, and 10% by weight of carbon monoxide.

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 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: 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 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: 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 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: This invention relates to a solar heat-shielding coating composition which consists mainly of two kinds or more of pigments selected from red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple pigments in such a manner as to yield a color of low lightness, particularly achromatic black, by additive mixture and a weather-resistant vehicle and a structure covered with said coating composition, with the composition capable of covering the outside of said structure exposed directly to the sun and suppressing a rise in the inside temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides a compostable thermoplastic polymer composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer, a transition metal salt selected from cobalt, manganese, copper, cerium, vanadium and iron, and a fatty acid or ester having 10 to 22 carbon atoms providing unsaturated species and free acid. The composition will oxidatively degrade to an embrittled state within at least 14 days at 60.degree. C. and a relative humidity of at least eighty percent. The invention also provides degradable multilayered polyolefin structures incorporating a transition metal in the form of a salt, degradable and compostable multilayered barrier films, degradable, radiation-resistant compositions and articles, and methods of forming and using such compositions, structures and articles.

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.