Abstract: A starch-polyester graft copolymer and chemically modified starch-polyester graft copolymer composition comprising a chemically modified starch or chemically modified starch-nanoclay product is described. The composition can be produced continuously in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder. The starch-polyester graft copolymer can be solvent cast, melt cast and blown into clear transparent film particularly for use in single use disposable applications and can be biodegradable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable resin composition containing a resin component comprising polylactic acid and polybutylene terephthalate, and a powdered vegetable fiber component comprising corn starch, and relates to a method for producing the same. The present biodegradable resin composition contains the resin component (A) comprising 20 to 50 parts by weight of polylactic acid and 10 to 40 parts by weight of polybutylene terephthalate, and the powdered vegetable fiber component (B) comprising 10 to 70 parts by weight of corn starch, the total of the resin component (A) and the powdered vegetable fiber component (B) amounting to 100 parts by weight. The present biodegradable resin composition can be suitably used for producing a molded article.

Abstract: Disposable beach friendly accessories, picnic-ware, cutlery, toys and related accoutrements for children formed from a biodegradable material are provided. The disposable beach friendly accessories, picnic-ware, cutlery, toys and related accoutrements for children may include an inner core formed from a biodegradable material, an outer layer covering the inner core, and activation means for exposing the inner core for degradation. The biodegradable material may decompose or disintegrate within about 48 hours from contact with water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a starch based biodegradable material comprising starch, polyvinyl-alcohol-co-vinylacetate copolymer and at least one plasticizer and to articles obtained therefrom particularly suitable to be injection molded.

Abstract: A foamed starch-polyester graft copolymer and chemically modified starch-polyester graft copolymer composition comprising a chemically modified starch or chemically modified starch-nanoclay product is described. The composition can be produced continuously in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder in the presence of a blowing agent. The foams are biodegradable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a biodegradable polymer composition, said method comprising melt mixing a first biodegradable polyester and a masterbatch, wherein said masterbatch has been formed separately by melt mixing in the presence of a transesterification catalyst a polysaccharide, a second biodegradable polyester and a biodegradable polymer having pendant carboxylic acid groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable multiphase compositions comprising a continuous phase composed of a matrix of at least one tough hydrophobic polymer incompatible with the starch and a nanoparticulate dispersed starch phase with mean dimensions of less than 0.25 m. The compositions are characterized by breaking load, Young's Modulus and breaking energy.

Abstract: A starch-polyester graft copolymer and chemically modified starch-polyester graft copolymer composition comprising a chemically modified starch or chemically modified starch-nanoclay product is described. The composition can be produced continuously in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder. The starch-polyester graft copolymer can be solvent cast, melt cast and blown into clear transparent film particularly for use in single use disposable applications and can be biodegradable.

Abstract: A biodegradable plant container made from a cellulosically derived polymer is coated with an enhancer to facilitate biodegradation of the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for use in making a starch-based food or beverage container, the formulation allowing the container to be water resistant for a usable amount of time without the need for coatings or similar. An embodiment of the formulation comprising water, native and pregelatinized starch, an insolubilizing compound, proteins or natural polymeric compounds, fibers, a wax emulsion, and a fiber-sizing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Plasticizer, which is fabricated by mixing monomers of biodegradable polymer with bio-molecules subsequently to deal the mixture with thermal treatment. The Biodegradable material comprising the Plasticizer has high melt index which is contributive for the processing of thermal processing, and the microwave-tolerance and water-resistance of the material makes the material suitable for food packaging.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a composition as obtained from a melt comprising esterified starch, preferably having a degree of substitution of at least about 1.5, and preferably an amylose content of at least about 50% by weight with respect to that of the starch, and a linear polyester. The invention further provides the composition in the form of a melt or when shaped into articles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous dispersion of biodegradable polyester, which has excellent film forming properties and provides a resin coating film which is flexible, has favorable elongation and is strong to folding, when applied in coatings, adhesives, fiber processing, sheet film processing and paper processing. More specifically, the present invention provides an aqueous dispersion of biodegradable polyester comprising a copolymer of 3HB and 3HH, which has a flexural modulus of 100 to 1500 MPa and a weight average molecular weight of 50,000 to 3,000,000, wherein the copolymer within the aqueous dispersion has an average particle size of 0.1 to 50 ?m.

Abstract: Described is a polymeric compound comprising a polyvinyl alcohol, a carbohydrate, and a polyacrylic acid, in which compound the carbohydrate is present as a cross-linking agent which cross-links chains of polyvinyl alcohol and/or chains of polyacrylic acid. The novel compound has interesting properties as an alternative to known plastics materials. It is biologically degradable, has a reduced content of fossil starting material, and exhibits hardness and flexibility properties useful for widespread applications, such as packaging material and coatings. In addition, a method for producing the polymeric compound is disclosed.

Abstract: Biodegradable composites and products, and methods of their manufacture are presented. The composites typically comprise 10 wt % to 80 wt % of a lignocellulosic material derived from an agricultural residue or obtained from a natural source, 20 wt % to 80 wt % of a polymer binder, 5 wt % to 20 wt % of a compatibilizer, and an effective amount of a processing aid. One method of manufacture of a product is by injection molding.

Abstract: The environmentally degradable polymeric composition is obtained from the biodegradable polymers poly (hydroxybutyrate)-PHB and copolymers thereof and poly (lactic acid)-PLA and, optionally, at least one of the additives defined by: plasticizer of natural origin, such as natural fibers; natural fillers; thermal stabilizer; nucleant; compatibilizer; surface treatment agent; and processing aid.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a polymeric composition prepared from a biodegradable polymer defined by poly-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) or copolymers thereof, and at least one other biodegradable polymer, such as polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly (lactic acid) (PLA), so as to alter its structure, and further at least one additive of the type of natural filler and natural fibers, and, optionally, nucleant, thermal stabilizer, processing aid, with the object of preparing an environmentally degradable material. According to the production process described herein, the composition resulting from the mixture of the modified biodegradable polymer and additives can be utilized in the manufacture of injected packages for food products, injected packages for cosmetics, tubes, technical pieces and several injected products.

Abstract: Biodegradable compositions of clay, diphosphates and biodegradable polymers are described. The diphosphates may be resorcinol diphosphate or bisphenol diphosphate. The biodegradable polymer may be a cellulose.

Abstract: A disposable vase comprises biodegradable material. In one embodiment, the wall of the vase is made of a plastic selected from a biodegradable polymer selected from a polyester and a polymer derived from starch or a mixture thereof, wherein the polymer has a thickness that allows the vase to retain its shape. When it becomes street litter, such a vase decomposes relatively fast. The biodegradable plastic can be selected from polylactates and polyhydroxyalkanoates. Preferably the polyhydroxyalkanoate is chosen from polyhydroxybutanoate, polyhydroxyoctanoate, polyhydroxyvalerate and mixtures thereof. The excellent plastic properties of these polyesters also offer possibilities for use at home, since their environment-friendly character permits the owner of the vase to discard, without feeling embarrassed, a vase that he or she considers less beautiful or of which he or she is tired, and to buy another vase.

Abstract: A molded resin object including a molded substrate containing a biodegradable resin and an applied coating formed on a surface of the molded substrate is disclosed, wherein the applied coating contains a proliferation accelerating agent for accelerating proliferation of a microbe. A method of disposing of a molded resin object including a molded substrate containing a biodegradable resin, including a step of applying a coating material on a molded resin object which coating material contains a proliferation accelerating agent for accelerating proliferation of a microbe is also disclosed.

Abstract: The product and method of manufacture of cold water-soluble and biodegradable ammunition for the improved environmental impact and safety of ammunition.

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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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 method for producing biodegradable plastic from natural materials containing polysaccharides and oligosaccharides by treating the polysaccharide-containing or oligosaccharide-containing materials with a basic aqueous solution, subsequently treating the mixture with a modifying material to create an anionic product, and then contacting the anionic product with proteins to produce the biodegradable plastic material. The process provides relatively inexpensive methods for preparing biodegradable plastics that are useful for manufacturing various articles and also to provide an environmental solution that will reduce the amount of natural wastes that could be practically utilized for the benefit of mankind.

Abstract: An agricultural solid waste composition contains 81-90% by weight of a powdered agricultural solid waste, 9-15% by weight of water, and 1-4% by weight of a binder. The binder contains 85-95% by weight of a gel material, 2-7% by weight of a sulfate, 2-7% by weight of a stearate, and 0.5-2% by weight of a skin forming agent. The skin forming agent contains 75-85% by weight of the gel material, 6-10% by weight of calcium chloride, and 9-15% by weight of alum.

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: 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: 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: Biodegradable thermoplastic compositions comprising a starch component, a cellulose ester or ether, a plasticizer for the starchy phase and of the cellulose and derivatives, and a compatibilizer agent selected from polymers compatible with the cellulose and or starchy component, grafted with aliphatic or polyhydroxilated chains; copolymers obtained from hydroxy acids and/or diamines with 2-24C and aliphatic or aromatic diisocyanates; copolymers obtained from aliphatic polyesters, polyureas and polyalkylene glycols and aliphatic or aromatic diisocyanates; copolymers obtained from polymers compatible with cellulose ester or ethers and/or the starchy component by grafting starch soluble polyols; polymer capable of complexing starch; starch compatible polyols.

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 composition for molding a biodegradable plastic comprises 100 parts by weight of (A) a biodegradable component comprising an aliphatic polyester as a main ingredient; and preferably 5 to 55 parts by weight of (B) a biodegradable component comprising a starch material containing a destructured starch as a main ingredient. The composition can be subjected to secondary processings such as cutting and bonding and can be molded into a biodegradable sheet having a desired rigidity.

Abstract: Controlled release compositions of matter are disclosed comprising complexes for treating a population of one or more aquatic organisms in a column of water. The complexes comprise at least one system wherein the system comprises at least one bioactive agent as a component selected for treating a population of aquatic organisms, at least one carrier component, and at least one coating component for regulating the controlled release rate and release profile of the bioactive agent in water or at least one bioactive agent and one joint-function component that can serve as both a carrier and coating to regulate the controlled release rate and release profile of the bioactive agent in water, with or without optional binder components and/or additional formulation materials. The components are selected to sink or float so that the complexes will permeate and/or remain in any planar or volumetric segment of a water column for a period of time that is sufficient to effectively treat a population of aquatic organisms.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrically conductive plastic molded article comprising blending 1 to 40 we. % of content shell fiber powder obtained by dry compressing a fiber contained in the mesocarp of the coconut fruit and processing the resulting fiber mass to 98 to 59 we. % of a biodegradable plastic or a non-biodegradable plastic, and adding 1 to 20 we. % of an electrically conductive additive. A molded article eliminating electrostatic troubles due to electrical chargeability, and improving biodegradable plastic is used, can be obtained.

Abstract: A water-soluble resin composition is provided which comprises (i) 100 parts by weight of a polyvinyl alcohol polymer having a 1,2-glycol linkage content of at least 1.8 mole percent and a degree of hydrolysis of at least 90 mole percent, (ii) 1 to 50 parts by weight of a plasticizer and (iii) 5 to 50 parts by weight of a monosaccharide and/or a polysaccharide, optionally together with (iv) 1 to 20 parts by weight of an inorganic filler. Also provided is a water-soluble resin composition which comprise (i′) 100 parts by weight of a polyvinyl alcohol polymer having a 1,2-glycol linkage content of at least 1.8 mole percent and a degree of hydrolysis of 92 to 99 mole percent, (ii′) 1 to 50 parts by weight of a plasticizer and (iv′) 1 to 20 parts by weight of an inorganic filler, optionally together with (iii′) 5 to 50 parts by weight of a monosaccharide and/or polysaccharide. Further provided are water-soluble films produced by using those water-soluble resin compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic compositions which are degradable and/or compostable, the method of preparation of the degradable and/or compostable compositions and use of the degradable and/or compostable compositions in a monofilament, shaped article or film, or may be used as a coating, e.g., of paper, to achieve a stronger article. These compositions have the advantage over existing biodegradable and compostable compositions by exhibiting a higher dimensional stability and comparatively low cost.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymeric therapeutic substantially nonporous implant materials incorporating bioactive ceramics such as Bioglass® ceramic are provided. These implants provide increased mechanical properties and pH control, enabling the use of these materials to design porous and nonporous therapeutic implants used as cell scaffolds for healing of tissue defects or fixation devices, having desired degradation times, mechanical properties, elasticity and biocompatibility.

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: The present invention provides a naturally disintegratable cushion material and the process for making the material. The cushion material is non-toxic and environmental protective that it can be disintegrated naturally after being discarded. The cushion material is made from main material powder of grain shells, added with fillers (such as calcium carbonate), binders (such as polyvinyl alcohol) in suitable percentages, and further mixed with softeners (such as trimethylolpropane, polyethylene glycol or glycerine), water and other assistances (such as wax and boric acid) to form into a composite which includes moisture. Then the composite is heated and extruded by an extruder to vaporize the moisture in the composite and foamed. The foamed material is finally dried into cushion materials of desired shapes.

Abstract: Shape-memory biodegradable and absorbable materials which make it possible to easily treat vital tissues by suture, anastomosis, ligation, fixation, reconstitution, prosthesis, etc. without causing burn. These materials never induce halation in MRI or CT and never remain in vivo. Such a shape-memory biodegradable and absorbable material is a material made of a molded article of lactic acid-based polymer and can be recovered to the original shape without applying any external force thereto but heating to a definite temperature or above. It is obtained by deforming a molded article (a primary molded article) made of a lactic acid-based polymer and having a definite shape into another molded article (a secondary molded article) having another shape at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature thereof but lower than the crystallization temperature thereof (or 100° C.

Abstract: A polymeric composition comprising a filler melt-dispersed in a matrix comprising, a destructurized starch component; a synthetic thermoplastic polymeric component selected from the group consisting of polyvinylalcohol, polyvinyl acetate, thermoplastic polyesters and graft copolymers of polysaccharides; and a fluidizing agent selected from the group consisting of C12-C22 fatty acids, C12-C22 fatty alcohols, esters and amides of said fatty acids, polyolefin waxes, polyglycol ethers of alditols, polyglycerols esterified with C12-C22 fatty acids, and mixtures thereof, wherein said filler is a mixture of an inorganic filler and a filler of organic nature, wherein the organic filler is present in an amount from 5% to 70% by weight.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a fiber-reinforced, starch-bound cellular matrix. Suitable mixtures used to form the articles are prepared by first preparing a viscous preblended mixture comprising water, a gelatinized starch-based binder, and fibers having an average length greater than about 2 mm. The highly viscous preblended mixture effectively transfers the shearing forces of the mixer to the fibers. The final moldable mixture is then prepared by mixing into the preblended mixture the remaining starch-based binder, water, and other desired admixtures, e.g., mold-releasing agents, inorganic filler rheology-modifying agents, plasticizers, coating materials, and dispersants, in the correct proportions to form an article which has the desired performance criteria.