Abstract: The present invention provides polymeric compositions containing thermoplastic starch and a thermoplastic polymer incompatible with starch, in which the starch constitutes the dispersed phase and the thermoplastic polymer constitutes the continuous phase, selected: A) from compositions comprising an agent with an interfacial effect selected from esters of polyols with mono- or polycarboxylic acids with dissociation constants within certain limits, the esters having specific values of the hydrophilic/lipophilic balance index HLB or being amongst the non-ionic surfactants which are soluble in water but cannot significantly be extracted by water from the compositions which contain them; B) from compositions wherein the thermoplastic polymer is an aliphatic or aliphatic-aromatic copolyester wherein the ratio (R) between the average viscometric molecular weight and the melt index is greater than 25,000 and C) from compositions wherein the thermoplastic polymer is selected from aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters, poly

Abstract: A polymer composition and its use for thin film packaging applications including on a dry basis: a) from 45 to 90% by weight of starch; b) from 0.1 to 15% by weight of a water soluble polymer selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylacetate, and copolymers of ethylene and vinyl alcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten state of the starch component; and c) from 5 to 45% by weight of one or more plasticizers having a molecular weight in the range of 50-6000, more preferably 50-2500 and more preferably still 100-400 and desirably selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, glycerol, maltitol, xylitol, mannitol, erythritol, glycerol trioleate, tributyl citrate, acetyl tri-ethyl citrate, glyceryl triacetate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate, polyethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: This invention relates to aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters that can exhibit improved tear strength and improved rate of biodegradation. Particularly to an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester having a dicarboxylic acid component and a glycol component. The invention also relates to articles and blends using the copolyesters.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester characterised in that it has appreciable workability properties even when mixed with other polymers, appreciable toughness and high values for ultimate tensile strength and elastic modulus. This invention also relates to mixtures of the said copolyester with other polymers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a paper coating composition for enhancing the stiffness of paper or paperboard, comprising an alkali soluble polymer prepared by polymerization of at least one monomer A and at least one monomer B, wherein monomer A is selected from the following group: acrylic acid alkyl esters, methacrylic acid alkyl esters styrene, methyl styrene, acrylonitrile, vinyl acetate. 2 hydroxy alkyl acrylate, and monomer B is selected from the following group: acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid (meth)acrylamide.

Abstract: An adhesive composition, includes at least one vegetable starch the amylose content of which is between 30 and 60%. The invention further relates to the method for using the composition, including application thereof to lignocellulose materials, the forming of a panel and the hot pressing thereof. The emissions of formaldehyde vapor during the method are as low as possible. The invention further relates to the panels produced as above and in particular the panels emitting reduced amounts of formaldehyde into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Provided is a composition for preparing plant fiber composite has, by weight based on the whole composition: a plant fiber raw material in an amount ranging from 60% to 80%; a starch auxiliary in an amount ranging from 10% to 30%; and a biological polymer additive in amount ranging from 10% to 20%, wherein the biological polymer additive includes a plant hormone, an enzyme, a vinegar and an ester of lactic acid. Plant fiber composite prepared from the composition is also provided. The plant fiber composite is derived from recycled material for extrusion and modeling, as a non-toxic and harmless raw material with high utilizing rate of recycled material and substitutes for plastic materials. The plant fiber composite is applied to food container, packing materials for electronic device and agricultural products, seedling trays, or substitutes for timber in the field of building, decoration and furniture.

Abstract: Compositions comprising thermoplastic starch, thermoplastic polymers, and oils, waxes, or combinations thereof are disclosed, where the oil, wax, or combination is dispersed throughout the thermoplastic polymer. Also disclosed are methods of making these compositions.

Abstract: An improved adhesive composition having increased bond strength between a celluosic board and plastic film substrate is provided. The adhesive composition having improved adhesion includes a modified starch component, polyethylenimine and water. Articles having improved adhesion and methods of making the articles having improved adhesion are also provided.

Abstract: The present application relates to a biodegradable material comprising opened starch or a mixture of opened starch and destructurised starch. The biodegradable material comprises about 50 to about 100 wt. % of opened starch or of a mixture of opened starch and destructurized starch, based on the total weight of the biodegradable material, said biodegradable material having a bulk density of 1.0 to 1.5 kg/dm. The biodegradable material is used for manufacturing biodegradable shaped articles, wherein said biodegradable shaped articles are suitable for delivery of a biologically or pharmaceutically active component in or to a vertebrate, e.g. a mammal.

Abstract: An extender for flexographic and other ink compositions and inks using such extender where potato starch serves as the ink carrier and an emulsion resin. The use of potato starch provides for a readily available, cost effective, substantial and environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum and soy based resins.

Abstract: A biocompatible, biodegradable, macromolecular water-absorbent hybrid material (WAHM), having a three-dimensional configuration with intermolecular covalent bonds and containing free functional groups, said polymer being formed by polymer-polymer intercoupling reaction between a natural water-soluble polymer A or its derivatives having a molecular weight between 20,000 and 300,000 Da, and a synthetic polymer B in an adequate ratio wherein the natural polymer A is selected from amphoteric reactants, partially denatured or chemically modified natural polymer, that dissociates in water to form both anions and cations, and which can undergo polymer-polymer intercoupling reactions, and wherein synthetic polymer B s a linear or branched reactive synthetic copolymer having a molecular weight of 50,000-500,000 Da derived from a vinyl monomer and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, having a backbone with polymeric subunits covalently bonded to the polymer backbone, the subunits comprising ones with non-reactive and

Abstract: The present invention provides a starch mixture for use in the preparation of coating compositions—and to coating compositions prepared therewith—characterized in that the starch mixture comprises (a) a non-thinned starch; and (b) a thinned starch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sizing composition that, when applied to paper substrate, creates a substrate, preferably suitable for inkjet printing, having increased print density, print sharpness, low HST, and/or image dry time, the substrate preferably having high brightness and reduced color-to-color bleed as well. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of reducing the HST of a paper substrate by applying the sizing composition to at least one surface thereof. Further, the application relates to methods of making and using the sizing composition, as well as methods of making and using the paper containing the sizing composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inkjet-recording element comprising a support and at least one coated ink-receiving layer, wherein the ink-receiving layer comprises silica particles, optional hydrophilic polymeric binder, and a combination of surfactants, including a fluorosurfactant and a non-fluorine-containing non-ionic surfactant. Also disclosed is a coating composition for such an inkjet recording element. The invention can provide improved image quality (reduced coalescence) of the inkjet recording element or increased stability of the coating composition.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising a blend of at least two dye fixatives, at least one of which is a cationic polymer, and at least one of the other dye fixatives is a polyvalent metal salt, to form a water-insoluble complex. The ink recording sheets comprise a composition that is absorbed into the surface of the substrate as a sizing material, or alternatively, forms a continuous layer on the substrate. The present invention also encompasses methods for making the ink jet recording sheets.

Abstract: Crosslinking systems suitable for use in a polymer melt composition wherein the polymer melt composition comprises a hydroxyl polymer; polymeric structures made from such polymer melt compositions; and processes/methods related thereto are provided.

Abstract: Biodegradable compositions containing an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester derived from aromatic polyesters. Methods of making the compositions and articles made from the compositions.

Abstract: Biodegradable compositions containing an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester. Methods of making the compositions and articles made from the compositions.

Abstract: A novel filler treatment comprising the preparation of swollen starch compositions, prepared in the presence or absence of co-additives, and the addition of the said composition to a filler suspension, has been developed. Use of the treated filler during papermaking improves filler retention and produces filled papers where addition of the filler has only a minimal negative effect on strength properties. The swollen starch compositions can be prepared in a batch or jet cooker, or by mixing with hot water under controlled conditions (i.e., temperature, pH, mixing, mixing time) in order to make the starch granules swell sufficiently to improve their properties as a filler additive but avoiding excess swelling leading to their rupture. The swollen starch composition is then rapidly mixed with the filler slurry, preferably in a static mixer, and added to the papermaking furnish at a point prior to the headbox of the paper machine.

Abstract: Provided are biodegradable polylactic acid based film compositions. In one form, the film composition provided includes from 90 to 99 wt. % of one or more polylactic acid resins and from 1 to 10 wt. % of one or more polyterpene resin additives based on the total film structure. The film exhibits a lower water vapor transmission rate. Also provided are methods of making and using such film compositions.

Abstract: A film that is both elastic and water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water is provided. To achieve these dual attributes, the film contains an olefinic elastomer and a water-soluble polymer. Although these polymers are normally chemically incompatible due to their different polarities, the present inventors have discovered that phase separation may be minimized by selectively controlling certain aspects of the film, such as the nature of the polyolefin, water-soluble polymer, and other film components, the relative amount of the film components, and so forth. For example, certain water-soluble polymers may be selected that have a low molecular weight and viscosity to enhance their melt compatibility with nonpolar polyolefins. This, in turn, may result in a film that is generally free of separate phases, which would otherwise limit the ability of the water-soluble polymer to contact water and disperse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mixtures comprising of biodegradable polyesters comprising at least one polymer of natural origin and at least two aliphatic-aromatic polyesters of the diacid-diol type of which at least one with a high content of long chain aliphatic diacids of renewable origin showing excellent mechanical properties, sufficiently high melting temperatures, adequate crystallization rates, improved biodegradability properties as well as stability of physical properties over time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable composition comprising at least one polymer of natural origin and at least one aliphatic-aromatic copolyester obtained starting from mixtures comprising aliphatic diols, polyfunctional aromatic acids, and at least two aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, at least one of which is long chain. Said composition combines improved biodegradability, excellent mechanical properties, a high level of industrial processability, limited environmental impact as well as stability of physical properties under the influence of environmental factors.

Abstract: A film-forming binder polymer for a coating composition such as a paint, varnish or woodstain where the polymer is modified by the presence of bonded moieties derived from plant gum, particularly plant fibre gum obtainable from plant fibre, especially corn fibre gum and more particularly moieties derived from proteo-xylans and/or furanose. The modified binder polymer minimises the need to use coalescing solvents without producing poor dried paint coatings which fail the scrub resistance tests also improves the opacity of the dried coating composition.

Abstract: A curable aqueous binder composition includes a dispersion of biopolymer particles, optionally with and an inter-particle crosslinking agent, for use in the formation of composite materials such as mineral, natural organic, or synthetic fiber products, including mineral fiber insulation, non-woven mats, fiberglass insulation and related glass fiber products, and wood based products, and construction materials. In an application of the curable aqueous composition to making fiberglass insulation, the composition may be blended with a second resin which may be a non-formaldehyde resin. In an application of the composition to making fiberglass roofing shingles, the biopolymer particles may be mixed into a formaldehyde based resin during or after the polymerization of the resin.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polymer compositions comprising starch and articles made therefrom are water stable or may be rendered so. One method of making water stable thermoplastic compositions comprises the steps of mixing destructured starch with polyhydric alcohol and acid, and forming an ester condensation reaction product from at least a portion of the polyhydric alcohol and acid. In some embodiments, a pre-polymer formed from the ester condensation reaction may be provided as a pre-polymer that is mixed with the starch.

Abstract: New polymer blends are provided. These blends comprise a first polymer, a second polymer and thermoplastic starch, the thermoplastic starch being at least partially encapsulated in the second polymer. The polymer blends may be shaped into articles, for example by extrusion or injection molding.

Abstract: An improved composite wood adhesive extender, a method of producing the extender, and an adhesive mixture including the extender are provided, wherein the extender has performance satisfactory to the manufacturing needs of composite and ply wood products, while also extending the adhesive at a reasonable cost. The adhesive mixture may comprise a primary and secondary extender. The primary extender is composed of a wood-based product. The secondary extender of the present invention is composed of an amylaceous material comprising 100% substantially uncooked flour or starch, or an amylaceous material comprising 100% substantially uncooked flour or starch blended with a high fiber by-product. Alternatively, the secondary extender is composed of pre-gelatinized flour or starch and a mixture of pre-gelatinized flour or starch with flour comprising an advantageous quantity of raw starch. The secondary extender may substitute for about 25-40% of the primary extender on about a 1:1 ratio basis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hot melt adhesive, comprising at least one polysaccharide ester gained by a reaction of a polysaccharide with an imidazolide in melted imidazole. The invention relates, further, to a process for producing the hot melt adhesive, in which imidazole is melted, and an acid chloride and/or an acid anhydride and/or a lactone is reacted in and with the melted imidazole to form an imidazolide, whereby at least one polysaccharide is added to the melted imidazole, whereby the polysaccharide is reacted with the imidazolide to form a polysaccharide ester.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for processes for manufacture of a dry strength paper, methods for imparting dry strength to paper using a cationic starch graft polymer, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyester comprising repeat units based on at least one aliphatic dicarboxylic acid or an ester-forming derivative thereof (component A1), at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid or an ester-forming derivative thereof (component A2), at least one diol (component B), optionally at least one sulfo-containing compound (component A3) and optionally at least one trifunctional crosslinking agent as component C1 and/or at least one difunctional chain extender as component C2, component A1 comprising 2-methylsuccinic acid or an ester-forming derivative thereof, to a process for preparing the inventive polyester, to the mixtures comprising the inventive polyester, to the use of the inventive polyesters or of the inventive mixtures for production of moldings, films, adhesives, foams or fibers, and to moldings, films, adhesives, foams or fibers comprising at least one inventive polyester or at least one inventive mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixture of biodegradable polyesters comprising: (A) a polyhydroxy acid of the poly-?-caprolactone type and its copolymers, (B) aliphatic polyester, and (C) a polymer of polylactic acid, in which the concentration of (A) varies with respect to (A+B) in the range between 40 and 70% by weight, and the concentration of (C) with respects to (A+B+C) lies between 2 and 30%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing shrink films comprising: A) from 20 to 90% by weight of a biodegradable, aliphatic-aromatic polyester and B) from 10 to 80% by weight of one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of: polylactic acid, polypropylene carbonate, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoate, chitosan, gluten, and one or more aliphatic/aromatic polyesters, such as polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate adipate, or polybutylene succinate sebacate, or polybutylene terephthalate-co-adipate; and C) from 0 to 2% by weight of a compatibilizer, where a blow-up ratio smaller than or equal to 4:1 is selected.

Abstract: Reactive compositions are formed into melt processable reactive pellets. The reactive compositions include at least one filler such as talc, clay, pulp, etc. and a reactive mixture comprising at least one polyhydric alcohol and a reactant selected from the group consisting of at least one organic polyacid; at least one organic anhydride; and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the reactive compositions comprise at least one filler and a prepolymer formed from the reactive mixture.

Abstract: Water stable fibers and articles made therefrom are formed from a thermoplastic composition comprising destructured starch, polyhydric alcohol, acid, and optionally triglyceride. Processes for making water stable compositions may comprise melt extruding a mixture of destructured starch, polyhydric alcohol, acid, and optionally triglyceride, to form an extrudate, and heating the mixture, extrudate, or both to provide a water stable article.

Abstract: Biodegradable aliphatic/aromatic copolyester comprising: A) an acid component comprising repeating units of: 1) 49 to 63 mol % of an aromatic carboxylic acid; 2) 51 to 37 mol % of an carboxylic acid, at least 50% of which is brassylic acid; B) a diol component; said copolyester being disintegrated according to the Standard ISO 20200 in 90 days.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyesters obtained from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, polyfunctional aromatic acids and diols, wherein the polyfunctional aromatic acids are constituted by mixtures of acids of renewable and synthetic origin.

Abstract: A waterproof-breathable film comprising: a) a copolyether-block-amide and/or a copolyether-block-ester and/or a functionalized polyolefin; b) starch. This film can be used as roof-decking film or wall insulating film for a dwelling.

Abstract: Biodegradable aliphatic/aromatic copolyester comprising 49 to 66 mol % of an aromatic polyfunctional acid; 51 to 34 mol % of an aliphatic acid, at least 70% of which is sebacic acid; and butandiol; and blends containing such copolyester.

Abstract: Starch(es) and starch derivatives are combined together with at least one high-viscosity cellulose as a thickener in dispersion binder-based color systems. The cellulose has a viscosity of >50,000 mPa·s, measured by the Brookfield rotation viscometer as a 2% swollen aqueous solution at 5 rpm and 25° C. A method produces dispersion binder-based color systems and a dispersion color thickener combination and a dispersion color containing the dispersion color thickener combination.

Abstract: Binder compositions for making fiberglass products and methods for making and using same are provided. The binder composition can include a phenol-aldehyde resin or a mixture of Maillard reactants and one or more modifiers selected from the group consisting of a copolymer comprising one or more vinyl aromatic derived units and at least one of maleic anhydride and maleic acid; an adduct of styrene, at least one of maleic anhydride and maleic acid, and at least one of an acrylic acid and an acrylate; and one or more latexes.

Abstract: Aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers which are at least partly coated with a composition comprising at least one water-soluble amphoteric copolymer and at least one latex.

Abstract: Starch plasticized, wholly or in part, with isosorbide, isomannide, isoidide, or a mixture thereof is disclosed. Blends of the plasticized starch and a synthetic polymer, like a polyolefin, also are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paste for surface sizing paper, containing an anionic optical brightener and a mixture comprising a cationic polymer dispersion and a cationic or amphoteric alkyl ketene dimer dispersion or emulsion as the sizing agent, and to the use thereof for surface sizing paper, and to the sizing method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for developing a biodegradable material, produced from polymers and meal, wherein the meal is processed with a plasticizing agent in a double screw extruder having a diameter D, over a length of at least 6 D.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in prevention of discoloration of thermoplastic starch materials and their blends with other thermoplastic materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides composite materials derived from aqueous binder compositions comprising defatted soy flour of no greater than 43 micron mesh particle size, polymer particles of at least one emulsion (co)polymer, one or more amino resin, and, optionally, one or more reducing sugar. Also provided are methods of making and using composite materials containing the binder compositions.

Abstract: A film that contains a thermoplastic composition having a substantial portion of a renewable, natural starch polymer, and yet is elastic and exhibits good strength properties, is provided. Although starch is normally chemically incompatible with most elastomeric polymers due to their different polarities, the present inventors have discovered that phase separation may be minimized by selectively controlling certain aspects of the film, such as the nature of the elastomeric polymer and the starch polymer, and other film components, the relative amount of the film components, and the process for making the film.

Abstract: A process of producing a thermoplastic starch/polymer blend involves introducing dry starch into a twin-screw extruder at a first location along the extruder, introducing a plasticizer into the twin-screw extruder at a second location along the extruder downstream of the first location to form a starch paste and then gelatinizing the starch paste in the extruder to form thermoplastic starch, and, introducing dry polymer at ambient temperature into the twin-screw extruder at a third location along the extruder downstream of the second location to form a blend with the thermoplastic starch in the extruder.