Abstract: Heterophasic compositions comprising starch and a thermoplastic polymer that is incompatible with the starch, in which the starch constitutes the discontinuous phase and the thermoplastic polymer the continuous matrix, having an impact strength greater than 30 KJ/m2 (measured on blown film of 30 microns thick at 10° C. and RH less than 5%), and further characterised by the presence in the X-ray diffraction spectrum of a peak at an angle 2-theta from 13 to 14° the ratio of the intensity of which to that of the peak of the amorphous starch which occurs at 20.5°, is less than 2 and greater than 0.02.

Abstract: Heterophasic compositions comprising starch and a thermoplastic polymer that is incompatible with the starch, in which the starch constitutes the discontinuous phase and the thermoplastic polymer the continuous matrix, having an impact strength greater than 30 KJ/m2 (measured on blown film of 30 microns thick at 10° C. and RH less than 5%), and further characterised by the presence in the X-ray diffraction spectrum of a peak at an angle 2-theta from 13 to 14° the ratio of the intensity of which to that of the peak of the amorphous starch which occurs at 20.5°, is less than 2 and greater than 0.02.

Abstract: Thermoplastic starch compositions formed by converting native starch or starch derivatives into thermoplastic starch by at least one hydrophobic biodegradable polymer that functions as a plasticizer for starch. The hydrophobic biodegradable polymer may be a polymer selected from the following list: an aliphatic polyester, a copolyester with aliphatic and aromatic blocks, a polyester amide, a polyester urethane, a polyethylene oxide polymer and/or a polyglycol, and/or mixtures of these. When the starch, such as in particular native starch or derivatives thereof, is mixed in the melt with the hydrophobic biodegradable polymer as a plasticizer or swelling agent, to homogenize the mixture, the water content is reduced to less than about 5% by weight based on the weight of the mixture.

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: Insolubilizing agents are disclosed for pigment binders and surface sizes containing functional groups capable of reacting with carboxylic acid anhydride moieties to form chemical bonds. The insolubilizing agents are polymers or other compounds containing a plurality of carboxylic acid anhydride moieties per molecular entity. The anhydride moieties do not substantially hydrolyze or otherwise react until the paper coating is applied to the paper and dried and cured, at which time the anhydride moieties react with the functional groups of the pigment binder or surface size and render it water insoluble. A method to improve the water resistance and printability of coated paper using the insolubilizing agents of the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rubber composition containing a combination of starch, modified starch and/or starch/plasticizer composite together with selected methylene donor and/or methylene acceptor compounds. The invention also relates to tires having at least one component comprised of such rubber composition. Such tire component can be, for example, its circumferential tread or other component of the tire.

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 aqueous coating composition having improved block resistance which includes an emulsion polymer, a nonionic or anionic surfactant, the surfactant having an HLB value less than 11.6 or greater than 14.6, and an alkyl polyglycoside is provided. In addition a method for for improving the block resistance of a dried aqueous coating composition including forming the aqueous coating composition having improved block resistance, applying the aqueous coating composition to a substrate, and drying, or allowing to dry, the aqueous coating composition is provided.

Abstract: A biologically degradable polymer mixture is proposed which consists essentially of starch and at least one hydrophobic polymer. The hydrophobic polymer is in this connection at least substantially biologically degradable and thermoplastically processable and the mixture with the starch comprising a polymer phase mediator or a macromolecular dispersing agent so that the starch is present in the mixture as disperse phase with the hydrophobic polymer as continuous phase, and the phase mediator or the dispersing agent is responsible for the molecular coupling of the two phases. As starch there is preferably used thermoplastic starch which has been prepared substantially with the exclusion of water by means of sorbitol or glycerol. The production of the biologically degradable polymer mixture is also carried out substantially with the exclusion of water.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a sidewall rubber insert axially inward of at least one carcass ply. Such insert may, for example, be an apex extending radially outward from the bead core region of the tire into the tire sidewall. Alternatively, it may be positioned higher in the sidewall portion of the tire and away from the bead core. Such insert is a rubber composition containing a dispersion of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and a dispersion of a starch composite.

Abstract: A prepress sealer for use in the process of making wood composition board is provided. The prepress sealer incorporates a crosslinking resin and an aqueous dispersion of acrylic polymer particles. The acrylic polymer particles have a THF gel content of greater than about 70%. Use of the prepress sealer provides improved press release during board manufacture and improved surface toughness and water resistance to the produced board.

Abstract: A non-phenolic tackifier compound which includes starch and asphalt, and is substantially free of cross-linked fatty acids. Preferably, the tackifier compound further includes a hydrocarbon tackifying resin, and a binding resin composed of a styrene copolymer, or an ethylene copolymer.

Abstract: Aqueous polymer dispersions containing polymers obtainable by free-radical polymerization of unsaturated monomers, and sugared starch, and the use thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sizing composition comprising (a) thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic rosins having an acid number less than 50, thermoplastic hydrocarbon resins, thermoplastic polyamides and thermoplastic amide waxes; (b) starch selected from the group consisting of natural, anionic, oxidized, amphoteric and modified starch; and (c) surfactant.

Abstract: Self-lubricating resin compositions including a boric acid additive and a synthetic polymer including those thermoset materials.

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: Disclosed herein is an ink-jet recording process which comprises applying a first liquid at least containing a water-soluble resin having at least one carboxyl group or anhydride thereof, or sulfonic group per molecule to a recording medium and then applying an ink at least comprising water, an organic solvent, a dye, an alkali-soluble resin and an alkali to the portions where the first liquid has adhered, thereby forming an image. An ink set and an instrument for use in such a process are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sizing composition comprising a thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic rosins having an acid number less than 50, thermoplastic hydrocarbon resins, thermoplastic polyamides and thermoplastic amide waxes, its use in sizing paper and paper sized with the sizing agent. The invention also relates to a method of sizing paper comprising use of a composition comprising a thermoplastic rosin, wherein the sizing takes place substantially in the absence of alum, and paper so sized.

Abstract: A non-aqueous slurry comprising(a) one or more water soluble polymers;(b) polyalkylene glycol or thickened polyalkylene glycol; and a(c) a slurry stabilizer comprising an amine phosphate ester salt is provided. The slurry has a number of applications, including oil recovery, and in the paper and textile industries.

Abstract: A laminate having a laminated structure of at least two layers includes a gas barrier film (A) formed from a mixture containing at least one poly(meth)acrylic acid polymer selected from the group consisting of poly(meth)acrylic acid and partially neutralized products thereof and a saccharide in a weight ratio of 95:5 to 20:80, and having an oxygen permeability constant of 5.00.times.10.sup.-3 ml(STP).multidot.cm/m.sup.2 .multidot.h.multidot.atm{Pa} or smaller as measured under conditions of 30.degree. C. and 80% relative humidity, and a layer (B) formed from a thermoplastic resin. The film (A) and the layer (B) are laminated contiguously to each other. A process for the production of a laminate having a laminated structure of at least two layers comprises a step of forming a gas barrier film (A) having an oxygen permeability constant of 5.00.times.10.sup.-3 ml(STP).multidot.cm/m.sup.2 .multidot.h.multidot.atm{Pa} or smaller as measured under conditions of 30.degree. C.

Abstract: A biodegradable composition suitable for the manufacture of low density loose-fill packing by extrusion, which is an aqueous dispersion comprising (1) finely divided particles of a gelatinizable starch product and (2) a water-soluble polymer dispersed in (3) water having dissolved therein (4) a copolymer of vinyl, methyl, ether and maleic anhydride.

Abstract: A plastic composition superior in both biodegradability and physical properties, comprises a matrix resin which is a blend of polyethylene and a biodegradable aliphatic polyester, starch, a coupling agent, a radical initiator, a starch plasticizer, a starch destructurizing agent and an autooxidizing agent, wherein the starch chemically binds to the matrix resin.

Abstract: A method for the surface stabilization of sand and/or soil is provided. The method is comprised of applying an aqueous polymer dispersion to the surface layer of soil. The aqueous polymer dispersion is comprised of triesters of glycerol with lower aliphatic monocarboxylic acids, citric acid triesters with lower aliphatic monohydric alcohols and/or epoxidized triglycerides of at least partly olefinically unsaturated fatty acids as biodegradable plasticizers in aqueous polyvinyl acetate dispersions.

Abstract: A biologically degradable polymer mixture is proposed which consists essentially of starch and at least one hydrophobic polymer. The hydrophobic polymer is in this connection at least substantially biologically degradable and thermoplastically processable and the mixture with the starch comprising a polymer phase mediator or a macromolecular dispersing agent so that the starch is present in the mixture as disperse phase with the hydrophobic polymer as continuous phase, and the phase mediator or the dispersing agent is responsible for the molecular coupling of the two phases. As starch there is preferably used thermoplastic starch which has been prepared substantially with the exclusion of water by means of sorbitol or glycerol. The production of the biologically degradable polymer mixture is also carried out substantially with the exclusion of water.

Abstract: A halogen-free flooring material has been discovered which is not based on polyvinyl chloride and which comprises olefin polymers in combination with organic and inorganic fillers. The flooring material generally comprises a polypropylene copolymer and homopolymer, a crosslinked ethylene polymer, organic and inorganic fillers, a flame retardant and an antistatic agent.

Abstract: Improved thermoplastic pattern-forming compositions for investment casting processes. The compositions comprise a blend of a thermoplastic pattern-forming material and from about 5 to about 70% by weight of an aqueous gel that is substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the thermoplastic pattern-forming composition. The aqueous gel comprises water and a gellant. The thermoplastic composition may also contain another component in the form of a filler material.

Abstract: Polyvinyl acetate emulsion based adhesives can be made effective for bonding melamine formaldehyde resin treated decorative solid color and print paper to particle board. This polyvinyl acetate emulsion based adhesive is formulated with tackified polyvinyl alcohol, starch, a tackifier and a coupling agent. Stress cracking is substantially eliminated. Additionally, wrinkling and edge and corner peel resulting during the movement of sheets of melamine resin treated paper on the top and bottom surfaces of sheets of particle board through a heating and pressing zone is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: Carrier-type corrugating adhesives are prepared using a carrier phase comprising a combination of tapioca fiber and corn fiber or tapioca fiber and spent germ flake as a substitute for modified or unmodified corn starch to provide an adhesive composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of biodegradable graft copolymers producible in the presence of empirically determined quantities of water from polyvinyl alcohols with a degree of saponification of 88 to 99.5 mol. % by an acid catalysed acetalisation and/or transacetylisation reaction with carbohydrates containing carbonyl groups or presumptive carbonyl groups, in which the degree of acetqalisation, expressed in carbonyl equivalents per 100 vinyl alcohol equivalents, is between 0.2 and 20, and preferably between 1 and 10, as a plasticiser for the thermoplaticisation of starch and/or starch mixtures.

Abstract: Prime starch is used in an extruder or injection molding machine to form a shaped article. The prime starch reduces the mechanical energy needed to form the shaped article compared to conventional dried starch. Examples of the resulting shaped article are a foamed sheet, foamed peanut or a container. The shaped article is biodegradable.

Abstract: Aqueous polymer dispersions containing polymers obtainable by free-radical polymerization of unsaturated monomers, and sugared starch, and the use thereof.

Abstract: A new depressant for use in enhanced separation of polymetallic sulphides is described. The depressant agent is used in conjunction with conventional collector agents and frothing agents in the flotation separation of copper, nickel, lead, zinc sulphides by depressing iron sulphides such as pyrrhotite, pyrite and marcasite in the tailing. The depressant consists of a chemically-modified carbohydrate polymer, a polyacrylate and low foaming lignin sulphonate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rubber composition containing a starch/plasticizer composite and to pneumatic tires having at least one component comprised of such rubber composition. Such tire component can be, for example, its circumferential tread or other component of the tire.The starch/plasticizer composite can be a composite of starch and plasticizer such as, for example, poly(ethylenevinyl alcohol) and/or cellulose acetate or any suitable plasticizer which results in such starch/plasticizer composite having a melting point below that of the starch alone, and particularly below about 160.degree. C., and to thereby enable the starch to be more processable with conventional elastomer composition processing equipment.

Abstract: A starch-based composition for preparing an environment degradable .alpha.-olefinic polymer molding material, which includes 95-99 wt % of starch, 0.2-0.8 wt % of a titanate coupling agent having the following formula (I), 0-2 wt % of paraffin and 0-2 wt % of fatty acid: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are hydrogen, or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together are .dbd.O.

Abstract: 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: An aqueous sizing composition for glass fibers particularly useful for the reinforcement of thermoplastic or thermosetting matrix polymers contains film-forming material, fluorescent whitening agent, coupling agent, stabilizing agent and lubricant. The film-forming material is selected to be compatible with thermosetting or thermoplastic matrix polymer used in the ultimate forming process. The fluorescent whitening agent is at least dispersed, emulsified or solubilized in water.The sizing compositions are particularly advantageous for sizing glass fibers to be used in the reinforcement of matrix polymers for forming molded parts. The resultant molded part exhibits exceptional whiteness and and comparable physical properties to materials without the brightening agent.

Abstract: Corrugating adhesives free of incompatibility problems with water soluble partially hydrolized polyvinyl alcohol comprise a major portion of water, starch, strong base, a boric acid compound and a partially hydrolized water soluble polyvinyl alcohol composition.

Abstract: A composition for molding products from unusable tires is disclosed. The composition for molding consists of pulverized tires, one or more resins selected from polypropylene resin, low density polyethylene resin and high density polyethylene resin and one or more chemicals selected from the group of acetone, caustic soda, glass wool, ammonium phosphate, starch and pigments. The composition components are well mixed, melted at 230.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. and molded by injecting, extruding or pressing. Products formed from the composition can be used to form various kinds of industrial construction materials which have high strength and smooth surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a paper sizing composition which comprises a sizing agent selected from cyclic dicarboxylic acid anhydride or alkyl ketene dimer, a stabilizing and/or dispersing agent which is an amphoteric polymer and a polyaluminum compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric compositions comprising at least one polyolefin, at least one thermoplastic starch and at least one ionic compound, the latter being present in a content such that the concentration of anions and of cations in the composition is from 0.002 to 5 mol/kg. It also relates to the master mixture used for the manufacture of these compositions and containing the thermoplastic starch and the ionic compound. The compositions are suitable, in particular, for the production of mono- or multilayer films which can be used, especially, in the paper-making industry.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gas barrier film formed from a mixture containing (A) at least one poly(meth)acrylic acid polymer selected from the group consisting of poly(meth)acrylic acid and partially neutralized products of poly(meth)acrylic acid and (B) a saccharide in a weight ratio of 95:5 to 20:80, and having an oxygen gas permeability coefficient of 5.00.times.10.sup.-3 ml(STP).multidot.cm/m.sup.2 .multidot.h.multidot.atm{Pa} or lower as measured under conditions of 30.degree. C. and 80% relative humidity. A production process of the gas barrier film, in which a film is formed from the mixture, and then subjected to a heat treatment under specific conditions, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a water vapor responsive self sealing thin film which is formed from a blend of at least about 75 weight percent of a water dispersible polymer; from about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent of a xerogellant; and from about 7.5 to about 20 weight percent of a plasticizing agent.

Abstract: In order to prepare a starch-based composition usable for the production of articles of biodegradable plastics material, a starch is mixed in a heated extruder with a high-boiling plasticizer and a destructuring agent for a time sufficient to cause the starch to be destructured, in dependence on the destructuring agent used, at a temperature below the boiling point of the plasticizer used and between 120.degree. and 170.degree. C.The composition thus obtained is particularly suitable for the formulation of polymer mixtures with polymers which have relatively high melting points, since it can be processed at temperatures higher than 120.degree. C. and is suitable for extrusion at low pressure with these polymers.

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: Aqueous ambient temperature pastes and gels of starch and poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) are disclosed containing starch in an amount from about 2.5% to about 10%, by weight, of the paste or gel, and poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) in an amount from about 0.5% to about 20%, by weight, of the starch, the poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) content being sufficient to provide aqueous ambient temperature pastes having higher viscosities than the same ambient temperature pastes without poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) and to provide aqueous ambient temperature gels having different gel strengths from the same ambient temperature gels without poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid). These pastes and gels are prepared by a method in which a starch and poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) mixture in an aqueous medium is cooked, preferably by steam-jet cooking, and the resulting starch-poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) solution/dispersion is cooled to ambient temperature with water retained in the solution/dispersion.

Abstract: By mixing a hydrophilic polymer into an elastomer matrix, elastomers loaded with hydrophilic polymer are prepared which have unique properties. In the illustrated method, a hydrophilic polymer is mixed with an elastomer base polymer. In one embodiment, the hydrophilic polymer forms fibers in a resulting elastomeric matrix. A base elastomer matrix interspersed with hydrophilic polymer made according to the invention can be used in reinforced elastomeric products such as tires.

Abstract: A water-soluble terpolymer for use as a dry strength additive for paper consists essentially of the following units: (a) (meth)acrylamide, (b) an ethylenically unsaturated, aliphatic carboxylic acid or a salt thereof, and (c) a water-soluble, polyvinyl monomer, wherein (c) comprises <0.07 mole % based on total monomers; a 1% solution of the terpolymer is capable of passing through a 200 mesh screen substantially without retention of polymer solids, and the terpolymer has a reduced specific viscosity of about 3.0 deciliters/g or less. The process for preparing the polymer includes the step of continuously adding both components of a redox initiator at a controlled rate to provide better control of polymerization and heat evolution.

Abstract: A polymer powder obtained by drying an aqueous polymer dispersion, wherein the aqueous polymer dispersion is obtained by free-radical polymerization of unsaturated monomers and contains at least one added starch-degradation product which is obtained by hydrolysis in the aqueous phase, is water soluble at room temperature and has a weight average molecular weight M.sub.w of from 2500 to 25000.

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.