Abstract: A biodegradable polymer is disclosed having the composition g) from 8 to 80% by weight of a starch modified to include an hydroxyalkyl C2-6 group or modified by reaction with an anhydride of a dicarboxylic acid, preferably hydroxypropylated high amylose starch, a) from 0 to 87.9% of starch, b) from 4 to 11% by weight of a water soluble polymer selected from polyvinylacetate, polyvinyl alcohol and copolymers of ethylene and vinylalcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten stat of the starch components, c) from 0 to 20% by weight of a polyol plasticiser, preferably glycerol, d) from 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of a C12-22 fatty acid or salt, preferably stearic acid and, e) 0 to 12% added water. The polymers are suitable as biodegradable rigid sheet or flexible film materials for use in packaging foodstuffs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrophilic, water soluble polymer concentrate for addition to aqueous liquids to enhance the properties thereof, particularly to increase the viscosity or decrease the fluid loss of well drilling and servicing fluids, the concentrate comprising a hydrophobic, water insoluble liquid, an organophilic clay suspension agent, the water soluble polymer, and a stabilizing agent comprising one or more acids in an amount from about 0.001% to about 1.5%, one or more anionic surfactants in an amount from about 0.001% to about 1.0%, one or more nonionic surfactants in an amount from 0.001% to about 0.625% and, from about 0% to about 0.75% of one or more water soluble organic liquids, wherein the total concentration of the stabilizing agent is from about 0.1% to about 2.5%, these percentages being based on the weight of the concentrate.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a corrugating adhesive comprising a starch, which may be cooked, hydrocolloid and polyvinyl alcohol complex. The corrugating adhesive is made by combining the hydrocolloid, starch and polyvinyl alcohol in the presence of a cross-linking agent and mixing to form a complex. The hydrocolloid may comprise hemicellulose.

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: 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: 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: A method of making a biodegradable polymer composition including the steps of providing a first component being either one of a thermoplastic poly(hydroxy ester ether) or a synthetic, hydroxy-functional polymer and providing a second component being a natural polymer. The method includes the steps of mixing the first component and second component together to form a mixture, compounding the mixture, and pelletizing the compounded mixture to form pellets of a biodegradable polymer composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a starch ester having short- and long-chain acyl groups wherein hydrogens in reactive hydroxyl groups in the same starch molecule have been replaced by C2-4 short-chain acyl groups and C6-18 long-chain acyl groups. The degree of substitution by the short- and long-chain acyl groups are regulated so as to make the starch ester thermo-plasticized and moldable even in the absence of a plasticizer. Accordingly, the starch ester of the present invention can be used as a biodegradable thermoplastic plastic material which can be thermo-plasticized in the absence of a plasticizer.

Abstract: A copolyester carbonate especially suitable for the preparation of machine readable data carriers is disclosed.

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 relates to the preparation of a rubber composition containing starch/plasticizer composite reinforcement, together with at least one additional reinforcing filler, through the utilization of a combination of an organosilane disulfide compound mixed with a rubber composition in a preparatory, non-productive, mixing stage(s) followed by adding an organosilane polysulfide compound in a subsequent, productive, mixing stage. The invention further relates to the resulting rubber composition and use thereof in rubber products, including tires.

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: The invention relates to the preparation of a rubber composition containing starch/plasticizer composite reinforcement, together with at least one additional reinforcing filler, through the utilization of a combination of an organosilane disulfide compound mixed with a rubber composition in a preparatory, non-productive, mixing stage(s) followed by adding an organosilane polysulfide compound in a subsequent, productive, mixing stage. The invention further relates to the resulting rubber composition and use thereof in rubber products, including tires.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of a rubber composition containing starch/plasticizer composite reinforcement, together with at least one additional reinforcing filler, through the utilization of a combination of an organosilane disulfide compound mixed with a rubber composition in a preparatory, non-productive, mixing stage(s) followed by adding an organosilane polysulfide compound in a subsequent, productive, mixing stage. The invention further relates to the resulting rubber composition and use thereof in rubber products, including tires.

Abstract: An inkjet printing coating compositions and recording sheets having printable coating compositions on substrates which are suitable for photographic quality prints by inkjet printing technology, such as thermal and piezo. The recording sheet which comprises a substrate and a dried coating composition on the substrate, which coating composition comprises either (i) a hydrophilic or amphiphilic polyether polyurethane plus one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of cellulose ester polymers, cellulose ether polymers and vinyl polymers or (ii) cellulose acetate trimellitate plus optionally one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of cellulose ester polymers, cellulose ether polymers and vinyl polymers; a quaternary ammonium compound; a metal salt chelating agent; and a microcrystalline filler drying agent.

Abstract: A polymer composition uncludes 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: Disclosed is a surface treatment agent for aqueous ink receiving media such as ink jet recording paper, printing sheets, coating materials and so on. The surface treatment agent according to the invention comprises a water-based resin and a carboxylic acid-containing hydrophilic sulfopolyester which provides superior adhesion and water resistance. With the superior adhesion properties, the surface treatment agent can be directly coated on substrates without the inconvenience of primer coating. The surface treatment agent of the invention is suitable for aqueous ink jet printing, coating, or recording media, particularly those of ink jet printers and ink jet plotters.

Abstract: A process for preparing moisture vapor barrier coating composition comprising:a) a starch ester having 2 to 8 carbon atoms in the ester component and a degree of substitution (DS) of from 1.1 to 2.2;b) a hydrophobic plasticizer; andc) water.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention include a hydroxy-functional polyester and a natural polymer. Articles can be made from such a composition so as to have sufficiently strong tensile strengths as to form disposable utensils or to have sufficient stretchability so as to form thin wrap films. However, the compositions are more environmentally friendly than commodity plastics such as polyethylene or polystyrene. Granular starches derived from a grain, a root, a legume, or mixtures thereof, are particularly preferred as the natural polymers for inclusion in the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container for retort packaging comprising a laminated film having an outermost layer comprising a layer formed of a cross-linked structure containing ester bonds between poly(meth)acrylic acid (A) and polyalcoholic polymer (B); a resin composition having at least the chemical structures (X) [poly(meth)acrylic acid (A) residue], (Y) [poly(meth)acrylic acid (A)-polyalcoholic polymer (B) residue] and (Z) [metal cross-linked ionic residues], wherein the degree of esterification defined by the equation: degree of esterification=c/(b+c+d) is from 0.01 to 0.5 and the degree of ionization defined by the equation: degree of ionization=c/(b+c+d) is from 0.01 to 0.9 (wherein b, c and d represent the molar ratios of the carbon-oxygen double bond in the chemical structure of the resin composition; and a gas barrier film comprising the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for thermoplasticizing starch, a melt-processible polymer composition, which contains a starch-based component and a thermoplastisized polymer component, and a method for preparating such a composition. According to the invention the starch component, which contains hydroxyl groups capable of reacting with isocyanate groups, is modified so that it can be dissolved or gelatinized/plastisized in the melt of a hydroxy acid polymer. The starch component is then reacted with a thermoplastic component formed by a hydroxy acid polymer, in particular a lactic acid polymer, in order to produce a melt-processible, biologically degradable starch-based polymer, which can be used as an adhesive and for coating of paper and cardboard products and for preparation of injection moulded and thermoformed articles.

Abstract: Moisture vapor barrier coating composition comprising:a) a starch ester having 2 to 8 carbon atoms in the ester component and a degree of substitution (DS) of from 1.1 to 2.2;b) a hydrophobic plasticizer; andc) water.

Abstract: A thermally-decomposable, biodegradable resin composition is dispersed and stabilized in water optionally along with additives to give an aqueous dispersion of the resin composition. In the dispersion, the base polymer consists substantially of a water-insoluble starch-type, biodegradable resin. The dispersion is usable in various fields of papermaking, non-woven fabric production, film and sheet production and woven fabric production, in those of dispersed adhesive production, and in those of metal processing, plastic processing, wood processing and stone processing.

Abstract: Water-borne paints containing reduced molecular weight polysaccharide derivatives that are resistant to enzyme hydrolysis. The water-borne paints are biostable, retaining at least about 80% of their initial viscosity 24 hours after they are inoculated with polysaccharide hydrolysis enzyme.

Abstract: Release coating compositions comprising:a) a starch ester release agent having an ester component of 2 to 8 carbon atoms and a degree of substitution (DS) of from 1.0 to 2.2;b) a hydrophobic plasticizer; andc) water.

Abstract: Biodegradable thermoplastic materials made of blends of starch esters and polyalkylene glycols with additions of polybasic aliphatic carboxylic acids and oxycarboxylic acids are improved with respect to water stability and mechanical characteristics and barrier properties by admixing to the blends aliphatic polycarbonates at levels of from 5:95 to 95:5 with the optional addition of ecologically compatible plasticizers and fillers.These materials can be used for all goods which are to be packaged in films, in particular tobacco products, but also soap, paper tissues, toilet articles, and the like. In addition to biodegradability, said materials are characterized in that they may be fed to a special recycling process, but also to conventional recycling processes without adversely affecting them.

Abstract: Water-borne paints containing reduced molecular weight polysaccharide derivatives that are resistant to enzyme hydrolysis. The water-borne paints are biostable, retaining at least about 80% of their initial viscosity 24 hours after they are inoculated with polysaccharide hydrolysis enzyme. A process for making the biostable water-borne paints has the steps: a) treating precursor polysaccharide derivative with polysaccharide hydrolysis enzyme in aqueous medium for a time sufficient to obtain reduced molecular weight polysaccharide derivative; and b) mixing the reduced molecular weight polysaccharide derivative with an effective amount of at least one other water-borne paint ingredient to obtain a water-borne paint.

Abstract: A polymeric composition comprises a matrix including a starch component and at least one synthetic thermoplastics polymeric component in which a filler is dispersed, characterised in that the matrix includes a fluidising agent selected from the group consisting of C.sub.12 -C.sub.22 fatty acids, C.sub.12 -C.sub.22 fatty alcohols, esters and amides of the said fatty acids, poly and polyglycol ethers of alditols or polyglycerols esterified with the said fatty acids and their mixtures and the said filler comprises natural fillers of an organic nature dispersed in the matrix in quantities of from 5% to 70% by weight with reference to the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: Hydroxyl-containing ester or acid waxes useful in hot melt adhesives to provide compatible compositions with good thermal stability and color retention are disclosed and have the formula:R(OH).sub.n COOR.sup.1where R is a hydrocarbon group of 12 to 30 carbons, n is 2 to 6 and R is H, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl group or (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.x H where x is 1 to 4.

Abstract: A polyester-grafted starch-polymer alloy is capable of imparting practical flexibility and toughness to moldings with no or only a little plasticizer. The polyester-grafted starch-polymer alloy comprises a blend of a polyester-grafted starch (a starch which has polyester graft chains on the starch molecule, with the terminal hydroxyl groups of the polyester graft chains and the hydroxyl groups connected directly to the starch entirely or partly blocked with the ester group) and an independent polyester (a polyester which is constructed of the same unit as said polyester graft chain, with its terminal hydroxyl groups entirely or partly blocked with the ester group) which are uniformly mixed together. A method of preparing the alloy and thermoplastic resin compositions containing the alloy also are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns the waste liquor from the chemical-thermal pulping of fibre boards and particle boards containing bonding agents. The waste liquor is produced through a procedure in which fibre boards and wood particle boards are first chopped into shreds and, in a subsequent step, pulped according to a chemical-thermal procedure which dissolves the wood structure. The liquid remaining after the separation of the cellulose is retained as waste liquor and used as extender for wood adhesives.

Abstract: Expanded articles have a compressible and resilient body including two biodegradable components. One component preferably is starch or a modified starch. Another component is a water insoluble, synthetic polymer, preferably a hydroxy-functional polyester. The article may be thermoformed, and has exterior surfaces with substantial resistance to moisture.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a composition as obtained from a melt comprising a starch ester and a cellulose ester. The starch ester and cellulose ester may be of the kind obtained by reaction of a mixed acid anhydride with the polysaccharides. The invention further provides the composition when shaped into articles, and the melt from which the composition is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a degradable starch resin composition, a process for preparing the same and the use thereof. Said composition comprises starch, synthetic resin, mixing promoter, plasticizer, degradation accelerator and other additives. Said process comprising: (a) selecting a biodegradation accelerator; (b) preparing modified starch concentrate; (c) extruding the modified starch, EAA and the synthetic resin in a double-screw extruder and pelleting to obtain the degradable starch resin. The composition of the present invention contains a biodegradation accelerator and its starch content can be up to 80%. Having excellent biodegradability and good physico-mechanical property, the composition is particularly suitable to be used to prepare various light or heavy packaging films and agricultural films, etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to binary blends of cellulose esters and aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters, cellulose esters and aliphatic polyesters as well as ternary blends of cellulose esters and/or aliphatic polyesters and/or aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters and/or polymeric compounds as well as fibers, molded objects, and films prepared therefrom.

Abstract: A dried film reinforced with coalescable water insoluble polymer particles which are substantially noncoalesced is disclosed. Also disclosed are dried films reinforced with noncoalesced water insoluble polymer particles which are readily water dispersible. Also disclosed are stable aqueous dispersions for formation of such films which comprise (a) a water insoluble component comprising coalescable polymer particles which have a T.sub.g less than 55.degree. C. and a majority of which have a particle size of less than 1 micron; and (b) a water soluble component which comprises a water soluble polymer capable of inhibiting coalescence of the polymer particles, or a water soluble polymer and a component capable of inhibiting coalescence of the polymer particles.

Abstract: This invention relates to binary blends of cellulose esters and aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters, cellulose esters and aliphatic polyesters as well as ternary blends of cellulose esters and/or aliphatic polyesters and/or aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters and/or polymeric compounds as well as fibers, molded objects, and films prepared therefrom.

Abstract: An expanded foamed starch product with improved water/humidity resistance comprising the combination of a starch or flour modified with alkylene oxide and a starch ester having an intermediate DS of from about 1.0 to 1.8 or a flour ester having a DS of 0.3 to 1.1.

Abstract: Board coating compositions are provided comprising a cationic starch and a vinyl acetate polymerization product as protein binder substitutes.

Abstract: A specific class of water-borne, water redispersible laminating adhesives is disclosed which is desirable for bonding nonwoven substrates to themselves or to other substrates. The adhesives provide improved bond strength and improved water redispersibility when compared to laminating adhesives currently used for the same purpose. Furthermore, the novel adhesives are much less sensitive to the presence of significant levels of plasticizer than are laminating adhesives currently used, which exhibit reduced water redispersibility when such plasticizers are present in significant amounts. The novel laminating adhesives contain an aqueous styrene/acrylic polymer dispersion prepared by radical-initiated emulsion polymerization of unsaturated monomers in the presence of starch degradation products having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 2500 to 25000 and which are obtainable by hydrolysis in the aqueous phase.

Abstract: A curing composition for concrete that is an effective water barrier and that is relatively easily removed contains an acrylic or a styrene polymer latex and a polysaccharide. The polysaccharide makes the coating composition susceptible to enzyme action and thus easily removable by flooding the surface of the coated concrete with a dilute solution of enzyme reactive with the polysaccharide.

Abstract: A starch composition including destructurized starch, an acrylate copolymer having a molecular weight of more than 400,000, water, and additives such as plasticizers, lubricants, fillers, reinforcing agents, stabilizers, impact modifiers, and flame retardants. Also disclosed are a method of preparation thereof and articles produced therefrom. The compositions are readily usable on existing devices and can be thermoplastically processed substantially in accordance with methods currently in use.

Abstract: Biodegradable moldable products and films prepared from a compatible blend containing a biodegradable, hydrophobic, starch ester and a biodegradable polyester, and optionally a biodegradable and miscible plasticizer and/or a compatible filler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable film prepared by chemical bonding of starch and polyethylene chains using polyethylene, which is polyolefin having the most widest general application, coupling agent such as maleic anhydride, methacrylic anhydride or maleimide which bonds with starch and polyethylene, and acid catalytic comonomer like acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid and to a process for preparing thereof.The present invention was accomplished varying coupling agent such as maleic anhydride, methacrylic anhydride or maleimide at an amount of 0.01-10 weight %, acid catalytic comonomer such as acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid at an amount of 0.01-10 weight % and radical initiator at an amount of 0.01 1.0 weight % based on the amount of polyethylene, and the reactive extrusion was appelied to lower the production cost by process simplification.There was no difference in tensile strength and tensile elongation of the prepared biodegradable films comprising up to 20 wt.

Abstract: In the present invention, the lowering of physical properties is minimized by bonding matrix resin and starch chemically using a coupling agent in the presence of an organic acid catalyst, at the same time lowering of the production cost is achieved by simplyfing the process. In the prior arts, the problems associated with low physical properties caused by starch incorporation were approached only in terms of enhanced physical interacting strength between matrix resin and starch.The purposes of the present invention are to provide a biodegradable polyethylene composition chemically bonded with starch comprising 100 parts by weight of matrix resin, 5-400 parts by weight of biodegradable incorporating material, 0.01-10 parts by weight of coupling agent, 0.01-1.0 parts by weight of radical initiator, 0.01-5 parts by weight of Lewis acid catalyst, 0.01-10 parts by weight of autoxidizing agent and 0.01-10 parts by weight of plasticizer and to provide a process for preparing thereof.

Abstract: A highly transparent, single-phase biodegradable starch mixture comprising 90 to 1 parts of at least one polyamide and 10 to 99 parts of a starch molding composition, which composition comprises 96 to 46 parts of at least one chemically modified starch and 4 to 40 parts of at least one plasticizer. Preferably, up to 4 parts by weight of at least one additive such as urea, urea derivatives, and emulsifiers are also included; in addition, the starch mixture may contain up to 20 parts by weight of known additives. The invention also relates to a process for producing the highly transparent starch mixture and, in particular, to the use of the starch mixture in thermoplastically shaped parts.

Abstract: A method of preparing a hot melt adhesive composition comprising a starch ester having a DS (degree of substitution) of 0.3 to 3.0 and a selected non-volatile, organic diluent wherein the starch ester is a wetcake having 40% or more by weight of moisture.

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

Abstract: A size for yarn which minimizes thread break is described. The size comprises an aqueous solution of (I) a polyvinyl alcohol resin, (II) a modified starch, and a water-soluble cellulose compound (III), wherein the components are related by the following equations:(I)/(II)+(III))=85/15 to 95/5, and(II)/(III)=20/80 to 80/20,while simultaneously satisfying the expressions0.27X-0.7.ltoreq.log.sub.10 Y.ltoreq.0.27X+0.6; and (1)20.ltoreq.Y.ltoreq.300; (2)(A)/(B).ltoreq.0.5 (3)where X is the solid concentration in % by weight, Y is viscosity in centipoise at 90.degree. C. and a shear rate of 10 sec.sup.-1, (A) is viscosity at 60.degree. C. and a shear rate of 10,000 sec.sup.-1 of an adjusted aqueous solution resulting from the adjustment of the viscosity to 100 centipoise at 60.degree. C. and a shear rate of 10 sec.sup.-1 with said compound ratio of each of the components kept constant, and (B) is viscosity of 100 centipoise at 60.degree. C. and a shear rate of 10 sec.sup.-1 of said adjusted aqueous solution.

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