Abstract: Selectively cold-water responsive compositions constructed of combinations of polymers including at least one hydrolytically degradable polymer and at least one cold-water soluble polymer are provided. Additionally, methods of making and using selectively cold-water sensitive compositions are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises combining a polylactide and a cold-water soluble polyvinyl alcohol at a temperature above the melting point of the polymer having the higher melting point, and below the decomposition point of the polymer having the lower decomposition point, to form a homogeneous polymer blend is also provided. The cold-water responsive properties of the compositions of the present invention may be varied include water dispersible, water disintegratable, and water weakenable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrophobic polymer dispersion and a solvent-free process for the preparation thereof. According to the invention, the dispersion contains starch ester together with dispersion admixtures known as such. According to the process, the polymer is first mixed with a plasticizer in order to obtain a plasticized polymer blend. The plasticized polymer blend is then mixed with dispersion admixtures and water at an elevated temperature so as to form a dispersion. The plasticizing of the polymer and the dispersion of the mixture in water can be performed in an extruder. The obtained dispersion is homogenized in order to improve its stability. The dispersion obtained by the invention can be used to coat paper or board, as a primer or a component in paint or labeling adhesives, and it is also suitable for the production of cast films and as a binder in materials based on cellulose fibers, as well as for coating medicinal preparations.

Abstract: The invention provides mixed aromatic vinyl-1,3-diene polymers stabilized by a protective colloid and present in the form of aqueous polymer dispersions or polymer powders redispersible in water as adhesives for porous substrates. The polymer dispersions and the polymer powders are obtained by emulsion polymerization of a mixture containing: a) 20 to 80 percent by weight of one or more vinylaromatics; b) 19.9 to 79.9 percent by weight of one or more 1,3-dienes; c) 0.1 to 15 percent by weight of one or more comonomers from the group consisting of N-methylolacrylamide, N-methylolmethacrylamide and the N-(alkoxymethyl)-acrylamides and N-(alkoxymethyl)-methacrylamides with a C1 to C6-alkyl radical. The sum of the above percentages adds up to 100% by weight. Emulsion polymerization is carried out in the presence of one or more protective colloids and without emulsifiers, optionally followed by drying of the resulting aqueous polymer dispersion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and materials for forming biodegradable containers that can hold food products in dry, damp or wet conditions and provides the biodegradable containers prepared according to the disclosed process. The containers are produced through the use of a pre-gelled starch suspension that is unique in its ability to form hydrated gels and to maintain this gel structure in the presence of many other types of materials and at low temperatures.

Abstract: Corrugating adhesives comprising a starch, an alkali, water and a surfactant allow the user to control the amount of adhesive applied, minimize warpage of the final corrugated board and allows equipment to run faster and in a more efficient manner.

Abstract: A polymer composition includes a first component being a hydroxy-functional polymer, a second component being a natural polymer and a third component being a thermoplastic polyester. The first component, second component and third component are compounded to form a polymer composition.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymer blends suitable for laminate coatings, wraps and other packaging materials are manufactured from at least one “hard” biopolymer and at least one “soft” biopolymer. “Hard” biopolymers tend to be more brittle and rigid and typically have a glass transition temperature greater than about 10° C. “Soft” biopolymers tend to be more flexible and pliable and typically have a glass transition temperature less than about 0° C. While hard and soft polymers each possess certain intrinsic benefits, certain blends of hard and soft polymers have been discovered which possess synergistic properties superior to those of either hard or soft polymers by themselves. Biodegradable polymers include polyesters, polyesteramides, polyesterurethanes, thermoplastic starch, and other natural polymers. The polymer blends may optionally include an inorganic filler.

Abstract: Non-thermoplastic starch fibers having no melting point and having apparent peak wet tensile stress greater than about 0.2 MegaPascals (MPa). The fibers can be manufactured from a composition comprising a modified starch and a cross-linking agent. The composition can have a shear viscosity from about 1 Pascal•Seconds to about 80 Pascal•Seconds and an apparent extensional viscosity in the range of from about 150 Pascal•Seconds to about 13,000 Pascal•Seconds. The composition can comprise from about 50% to about 75% by weight of a modified starch; from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of an aldehyde cross-linking agent; and from about 25% to about 50% by weight of water. Prior to cross-linking, the modified starch can have a weight average molecular weight greater than about 100,000 g/mol.

Abstract: Modified starch encapsulated oil particles, and a process for making said particles and products comprising such particles are disclosed. Such particles provide a simple, efficient and effective delivery system that can be used to deliver oils to compositions.

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: A jointing compound or plaster for construction elements, particularly paper-faced plasterboards. This plaster includes, in percentages by weight with respect to the total weight of plaster 50 to 85% of a mineral filler; 1 to 20% of an organic binder dispersible in an aqueous phase; 1 to 15% of a silicate-based agent other than the mineral filler; 0.2 to 5% of a hydrophobic agent which is a silicone derivative; 0.05 to 5% of polyvinyl alcohol; and water to make up to 100%. A method of producing a work such as a partition, a wall covering or a ceiling is also disclosed.

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: A biocompatible intermolecular polymer complex comprises an anionic component and a non protein cationic component. The anionic component comprises a linear or branched polysaccharide chain wherein at least 5% of the basic structural units are glucuronic acid. The cationic component comprises a linear or branched natural, semi-synthetic or synthetic oligomer or polymer.

Abstract: Waterborne adhesives having improved drying properties are prepared using, for example cross-linked alkyl succinic anhydride.

Abstract: A hardener for use in urea-formaldehyde and urea-melamine-formaldehyde based adhesives comprises a polyvinyl acetate emulsion together with a metal chloride and an ammonium salt. The adhesive composition comprising a urea-formaldehyde or urea-melamine-formaldehyde resin, and the above hardener provides an increased curing rate, an acceptable viscosity, better adhesion and greater tolerance towards substrate type.

Abstract: An water based adhesive useful for bottle labeling applications. The adhesive contains styrene maleic anhydride and rosin, and provides a formulation with alkali sensitivity at moderate temperature together with cold water resistance.

Abstract: A stock size intended to be added as a solution to the pulp stock in connection with the manufacture of paper or board in order to improve the characteristics of the paper or board, e.g. to reduce the absorption of liquids, to increase the dry strength and wet strength. The stock size contains a polymer, which is based on styrene maleic acid and stabilised with a polysaccharide, such as cationic starch. The stock size is advantageousl prepared in a steam jet cooker. The stock size is suitably used as a stock size in the manufacturing of liquid packaging board.

Abstract: A method and composition are disclosed for providing a two-part polymer binder additive for a fibrous sheet for improving both its strength and durability. The two-part polymer binder may be added to augment organic binders to increase board strength and durability or to reduce the amount of organic binder required. The polymers may also be added in place of conventional organic binders or added in addition to organic binders to improve sag resistance and fibrous sheet performance.

Abstract: There is provided a method of preparing a thermoplastic starch and synthetic polymer blend, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a starch suspension comprising starch, water and a plasticizer, preferably glycerol; (b) obtaining a thermoplastic starch from the starch suspension by causing gelatinization and plasticization of said starch suspension by exerting heat and pressure on said starch suspension in a first extrusion unit; (c) evaporating and venting off residual water from said thermoplastic starch to obtain a substantially moisture-free thermoplastic starch; (d) obtaining a melt of a synthetic polymer or polymer blend in a second extrusion unit; and (e) combining the melt obtained from step (d) with the substantially moisture-free thermoplastic starch. Also provided are compositions of matter comprising immiscible blends of thermoplastic starches, polymers, and compatibilizers.

Abstract: Environmentally degradable finely attenuated fibers produced by melt spinning a composition comprising destructurized starch, a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer, and a plasticizer are disclosed. The present invention is also directed to highly attenuated fibers containing thermoplastic polymer microfibrils which are formed within the starch matrix of the finely attenuated fiber. Nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the highly attenuated fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Multi-layer reaction mixtures that includes exothermic generating particles having a water soluble coating encasing a portion of the particles, a volatile component and, optionally, a buffer, an aqueous solution or both. At least two layers of the reaction mixture contain exothermic generating particles and at least one layer of the reaction mixture contains a portion of the exothermic generating particles suspended in a gel that includes the water soluble coating. These multi-layer reaction mixtures are especially suited to generate heat in a controllable manner. In one such controlled reaction, the reaction components are mixed together and the reaction mixture increases in temperature to a Set Temperature within a predetermined time, and the mixture remains at the Set Temperature for a longer period of time. In this manner, volatile components can be controllably released to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A process that can be used for producing a starch product is provided. The process comprises heating a composition, which comprises or consists essentially of a starch, a polyacrylamide, and a multivalent cation. The weight ratio of starch to polyacrylamide is greater than about 2 to 1. The process can also comprise heating a composition, which comprises or consists essentially of a starch and a polyacrylamide to produce a heated composition followed by contacting the heated composition with a multivalent cation. The heating can be carried out at a pH above 7.0 if the polyacrylamide is a cationic polyacrylamide or nonionic polyacrylamide and, if the starch is a cationic starch and the polyacrylamide is an amphoteric polyacrylamide or anionic polyacrylamide, the heating neutralizes less than 75% of the cationic starch.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymer blends suitable for laminate coatings, wraps and other packaging materials manufactured from at least one “hard” biopolymer and at least one “soft” biopolymer. “Hard” biopolymers tend to be more brittle and rigid and typically have a glass transition temperature greater than about 10° C. “Soft” biopolymers tend to be more flexible and pliable and typically have a glass transition temperature less than about 0° C. While hard and soft polymers each possess certain intrinsic benefits, certain blends of hard and soft polymers have been discovered which possess synergistic properties superior to those of either hard or soft polymers by themselves. Biodegradable polymers include polyesters, polyesteramides and thermoplastically processable starch. The polymer blends may optionally include an inorganic filler. Films and sheets made from the polymer blends may be textured so as to increase the bulk hand feel.

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: This invention provides a process for the production of molded particles for enzyme- or microbial cell-immobilization which is characterized in that:

Abstract: The invention provides an adhesive made from a liquid catalyst cross-linked with an amino resin. The liquid catalyst has improved flexibility and adhesive properties, which are imparted on the adhesive. It is comprised of a cross-linkable polyvinyl acetate, an acid, and an ammonium salt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rubber composition comprised of a functionalized elastomer which contains a dispersion of a starch/plasticizer composite and coupling agent and to pneumatic tires having at least one component comprised of such rubber composition. The rubber composition may also contain one or more additional elastomers and may contain at least one particulate reinforcing agent selected from, for example, precipitated silica aggregates, carbon black and carbon black which contains silica domains on its surface. Such tire component can be, for example, its circumferential tread or other component of the tire.

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: A pressure sensitive adhesive composition suitable for medical purposes comprising a rubbery elastomeric base and water soluble or water swellable hydrocolloids, where the adhesive composition includes a substantially homogeneous mixture of 15-60% of one or more rubbery components, 10-60% of a mixture of hydrocolloids that includes a cellulose derivative, amidated pectin, and potato starch, 0-50% of one or more tackifier resins, 0-15% cohesive strengthening agent, 0-10% of a plasticizer and 0-5% pigment. The adhesive shows at least as good properties as state of the art adhesives comprising gelatine with respect to resistance to biological fluids, adhesion to skin, and coherence.

Abstract: A processable poly(hydroxy acid) composition which has been stabilized by adding to the polymer during the melt processing stage 0.05-3% by weight of a peroxy compound the degradation of which produces one or more acid radicals, and which has good melt strength and elasticity. The melt strength is high enough to produce films with conventional methods as the film blowing method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pneumatic rubber tire having a circumferential rubber tread of a lug and groove configuration which extends to a substantial portion an adjacent rubber sidewall and is designed to be ground-contacting. Said lug and groove configured portion of said sidewall is of a rubber composition comprised of a blend of cis 1,4-polyisoprene natural rubber and cis 1,4-polybutadiene rubber which contains reinforcement as carbon black, starch/plasticizer composite and aggregates of participated silica together with a coupling agent. Said circumferential rubber tread is of a rubber composition comprised of at least one diene-based rubber together with carbon black reinforcement and is exclusive of starch and precipitated silica.

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: The invention is directed to an adhesive composition comprising a water based component including a film-forming polymer and a particulate thermoplastic component selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polymers, thermoplastic resins, hot melt adhesive compositions, and mixtures thereof. The thermoplastic component has a mean particle size of from about 10 microns to about 1,500 microns. The adhesive composition is useful as a one-shot bookbinding adhesive, a primer composition as well as a second-shot adhesive for two-shot bookbinding method. The invention is also directed to the bookbinding methods using the adhesive composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising 100 parts by weight of an elastomer; about 5 to about 80 parts by weight of reinforcing filler, per 100 parts of the elastomer, including a starch/emulsion styrene butadiene copolymer; about 1 to about 6 parts by weight of a coupling agent, per 100 parts of the elastomer, said coupling agent having a moiety reactive with the hydroxyl groups of the starch/emulsion styrene butadiene copolymer and a second moiety reactive with said elastomer; about 40 to about 115 parts of an additional reinforcing filler, per 100 parts of the elastomer, wherein said filler is selected from the group consisting of carbon black, silica and mixtures thereof; and about 0.2 to about 5 parts of a curing agent, per 100 parts of the elastomer. A process is also provided for the preparation of a vulcanized elastomer composition according to the present invention.

Abstract: Radiation curable adhesive comprising an epoxidized block copolymer, a saturated block copolymer and/or a rosin derived alcohol, and a photoinitiator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rubber composition which contains starch/plasticizer composite, precipitated silica and carbon black reinforcement together with a coupling agent wherein the coupling agent is an organosilane polysulfide having an average of from about 2 to about 2.6 connecting sulfur atoms in its polysulfidic bridge. The invention provides for a chemical reaction between a coupling agent and silica which is substantially decoupled from a reaction between a coupling agent and starch/plasticizer to form a filler reinforcement network in situ within the elastomer host followed by a subsequent phase mixing of the carbon black therewith. The invention further relates to the resulting rubber composition and articles of manufacture, including tires, having at least one component comprised of said rubber composition.

Abstract: A process for reducing the water-vapor permeability of films or coatings made from polymer compositions (Q) comprising beeswax or comprising montan ester wax or comprising mixtures of these, by preparing a composition (Z) comprising Z1) from 40 to 98.5% by weight of at least one polymer compatible with the polymer (Q1) which is the basis of Q, Z2) from 0.5 to 20% by weight of starch or cellulose or a mixture of these as compatibilizer, Z3) from 1 to 20% by weight of beeswax or montan ester wax or a mixture of these, and Z4) from 0 to 20% by weight of at least one additive, where the percentages by weight are based on the total weight of Z, and in a second step combining the composition Z with the polymer (Q1) which is the basis of Q.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for producing solid, water-soluble or water-dispersible compositions comprising non film-forming materials, such as water-soluble agrochemical electrolytes, supported by film-forming polymers. The water-soluble agrochemical electrolytes can be salts of glyphosate. The processes comprise (i) preparing film-forming aqueous media containing (a) film-forming polymers; (b) water-soluble materials which are non film-forming; (c) water-miscible solvents in which the film-forming polymers are soluble and, optionally, (d) solid fillers, and thereafter (ii) drying the film-forming aqueous media to form the solid compositions. The invention also provides compositions produced by these processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable chemical compositions wherein core substrates, particularly oil well chemicals, are adsorbed onto particulate starch, particularly granular starch, providing a stable, controlled release formulation suitable for use in oil field applications. The invention further relates to the process of preparing obtaining these compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymer blends comprising a polycarboxypolyamide resin with an alkali dispersible resin. This invention also relates to the use of the polymer blends to prepare aqueous dispersions. The aqueous dispersions were obtained by heating polycarboxypolyamide resins with alkali dispersible resins in an aqueous medium. The invention further relates to coating compositions containing the aqueous dispersions. Such coating compositions include inks, floor finishes, overprint varnishes, sizing, paints and adhesives.

Abstract: This invention relates to an inhibited non-solubilized granular starch modified by less than 5% of a carboxylated polymer. In addition, a process is provided wherein a non-solubilized, substantially granular starch is mixed with a carboxylated polymer, dried to form a starch/carboxylated polymer blend and then physically treated to form a starch/carboxylated polymer composite. Further, this invention relates to the improved industrial and food products prepared from these starch/carboxylated polymer composites.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable resin composition and its molded product wherein the biodegradable resin composition exhibits excellent biodegradability and excellent mechanical strength, and further, is inexpensive, easy to process by molding, and usable for a wide range of purposes. The biodegradable resin composition comprises a biodegradable resin, a filler, and an anionic surfactant.

Abstract: Methods of making gel materials are disclosed including mixing a water soluble crosslinkable matrix polymer, a particulate polymer material which has been crosslinked to a gel content of at least 55% and an aqueous solvent, and crosslinking the matrix polymer to form a gel matrix of the matrix polymer in which the particles of particulate polymer material are dispersed, each of the crosslinked matrix polymer and the crosslinked particulate polymer material being capable of absorbing water. Gel materials are also disclosed including particles of a particulate polymer material capable of absorbing water and which is crosslinked so that it has a gel content of at least about 55% dispersed in a matrix of a polymer which has been crosslinked to reduce its solubility in water so that it swells rather than dissolves in water, the size of at least 60% by weight of the particles of particulate polymer material being less than about 100 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A plastic material made from a polymer blend, is characterized in that said material contains at least one lignin-based natural polymer, in particular based on alkali lignin produced during the extraction of cellulose, and at least one other synthetic and/or natural polymer which increases the impact resistance, proteins excluded. The inventive plastic material has excellent characteristics. It is biodegradable due to the natural polymer content and has, to a considerable extent, an ecologically neutral CO2 balance. The polymer blend can be used advantageously in place of wood or wood materials.

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: The invention pertains to aqueous dispersed latex paint comprising film forming polymeric binder with milled cellulose particles less than 100 microns measured by weight volume distribution. The milled cellulose particles are produced by milling together cellulose fibers with mineral extender filler pigment in a size reduction milling operation to produce rather uniform milled cellulose particles preferably having a particle size between 10 and 60 microns. The weight ratio of milled cellulose particles to milled mineral extender pigments (fillers) is between 5/95 to 80/20.

Abstract: A water-soluble interjacent complex that includes a first water-soluble polymer and one or more water-soluble monomers polymerized to form a second water-soluble polymer in the presence of the first water-soluble polymer. The water-soluble interjacent complex forms a solution in water that is free of insoluble polymer particles. The interjacent complexes may be used to treat a waste sludge by adding an effective amount thereof to the waste sludge. The interjacent complexes may also be used in making paper by adding an effective amount thereof to a pulp or a forming sheet at a suitable location on a paper making machine. The interjacent complexes may further be used as a rheology modifier in aqueous systems by adding an effective amount thereof to an aqueous medium to effect a desired viscosity, rheology, or flow curve property.

Abstract: Environmentally degradable finely attenuated fibers produced by melt spinning a composition comprising destructurized starch, a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer, and a plasticizer are disclosed. The present invention is also directed to highly attenuated fibers containing thermoplastic polymer microfibrils which are formed within the starch matrix of the finely attenuated fiber. Nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the highly attenuated fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tackifier utilizing a synthetic polymer of polyacrylamide, polyacrylate, or a co-polymer of acrylamide or acrylate, combined with a natural organic material. A cross-linking agent is also employed to cross-link the synthetic polymer to the natural organic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agglomerate containing at least one of the following water-soluble or water-dispersible materials as a bonding base polymer: carboxylized and/or alkoxylized starch, cellulose ether and fully synthetic vinyl polymers and/or polyacrylates. The agglomerate is characterized in that it contains a blasting agent which produces a high swelling pressure, but, advantageously, does not gel. The agglomerate can have a regular geometric form or not. Its weight should be between 0.5 and 500 g. The agglomerate is used in particular in the production of lump-free paste.