Abstract: Blends of starch with acrylic polymers containing at least one of copolymerized acid or amide groups may be melt-processed into useful thermoplastic articles.

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).cm/m.sup.2.h. 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 to a water-resistant, aqueous base-dispersible article which comprises a pulp-filled binder, one of which is an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylated (e.g. acrylic) polymer soluble in base, the other of which is water-resistant. Accordingly, the pulp can be water-resistant while the binder is base-dispersible or the converse can be true. Cellulosic and polymeric pulp are ideally suited for filling an base-soluble acrylic polymer. Water-soluble resins can be incorporated into the article for controlling the properties for special purposes. The method for forming such an article comprises yet another aspect of the present invention.

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: Fiber or film of water-absorbent water-insoluble fibrous material has a matrix of a crosslinked copolymer formed from 50 to 95% by weight of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic monomer and 5 to 50% by weight of copolymerisable ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The matrix contains regions of a dispersed polymeric material, the matrix copolymer and the dispersed polymeric material being mutually immiscible and chemically substantially nonreactive under ambient conditions. The fiber or film can be produced by extruding a solution or dispersion of the polymeric material in a solution of the matrix copolymer in its non-crosslinked state into a gaseous environment.

Abstract: The method of producing plasticized polyvinyl alcohol by mixing polyvinyl alcohol in the presence of an organic plasticizer and water in a quantity which is insufficient to dissolve the polyvinyl alcohol under normal conditions, includes the steps of:i) pre-plasticizing the polyvinyl alcohol at a maximum temperature no higher than its softening point so as to produce a pre-plasticized polyvinyl alcohol having a melting point below the softening point of the polyvinyl alcohol used, andii) further processing the pre-plasticized polyvinyl alcohol thus produced at a temperature above its melting point, under shear-stress conditions and for a period of time to produce a substantially homogeneous melt.

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: 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: Blends of starch with acrylic polymers containing at least one of copolymerized acid or amide groups may be melt-processed into useful thermoplastic articles.

Abstract: Disclosed are materials and/or shaped articles based on a starch which has been thermomechanically digested at elevated pressures and temperatures and with the addition of water and/or lower molecular weight plasticizing agents, said starch containing thermoplastic synthetic polymer compounds in an at least largely homogeneous mixture. The materials and/or shaped articles according to the invention are characterized in that their contents of synthetic thermoplastic polymer compounds is derived from aqueous polymer dispersions comprising a disperse polymer phase in an aqueous phase and that the synthetic thermoplastic polymer compounds have been incorporated in the starch in combination with the aqueous phase in such a manner that the starch digestion has been effected by the concomitant use of the aqueous phase of the polymer dispersions.

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.

Abstract: For the purpose of improving the quality and especially the mechanical properties of single- or multi-ply sheets with at least one ply, consisting at least in part of thermoplastically processable starch, the sheets are stretched monoaxially or biaxially after they have been produced.

Abstract: The biodegradable polymeric compositions comprise a starch based component and a polymeric component comprising polymers of hydroxyacids or mixtures thereof with polymers deriving from ethylenically unsaturated monomers, particularly polymers of ethylene-vinylalcohol or polyvinylalcohol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a powdery, water-insoluble, cross-linked resin which absorbs aqueous or serous liquids as well as blood and is composed of a) 55 to 99.9%-wt. polymerized, unsaturated, polymerizable, acid-groups-containing monomers which are neutralized to the extent of at least 25 mol-%, b) 0 to 40%-wt. polymerized, unsaturated monomers copolymerizable with a), c) 0.1 to 5.0%-wt. of a cross-linking agent, and d) 0 to 30%-wt. of a water-soluble polymer, whereby the weight amounts a) to d) relate to anhydrous polymer. The polymer is characterized by the fact that the resin powder has been coated with 0.1 to 5%-wt. of an alkylene carbonate, relative to resin powder, and heated to a temperature of 150.degree. to 300.degree. C. The present invention further relates to a method of producing said polymer and to the use thereof in sanitary articles, such as diapers and the like, and in absorbent constructions consisting of hydrophilic fibers and absorbing resin.

Abstract: Biodegradable compositions comprising destructured starch and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer are prepared by mixing the starch and the copolymer in an extruder heated to a temperature of between 80.degree. and 180.degree. C. and bringing the water content to below 6% and any ammonia content to below 0.2% by weight. The composition fed to the extruder may optionally include up to 40% by weight of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol polymer, as well as a starch destructuring agent and a high boiling plasticizer.

Abstract: A biodegradable thermoplastic film is disclosed comprising an alkanoyl polymer, a destructured starch and an ethylene copolymer. The film can be stretched providing breathability and enhancing its biodegradability.

Abstract: Blends of starch with acrylic polymers containing at least one of copolymerized acid or amide groups may be melt-processed into useful thermoplastic articles.

Abstract: There is provided a biodegradable composition as obtained from a melt comprising converted starch, a plasticizer and at least one member selected from alkenol homopolymers and/or alkenol copolymers which are combined under conditions sufficient to ensure uniform melt formation, in which the at least one member is present in the composition at a concentration of from 10 to 200 parts per 100 parts of dry converted starch.The invention further relates to methods of making the composition, and to articles made from said composition.

Abstract: A laminated film including at least one first layer of a polymeric material which has a starchy matrix and is insoluble in water or at most expands in water, constituted by destructured starch and an olefinic copolymer and a second layer of a hydrophobic material adhering to the first. Applications are for the packaging of food products and for colostomy containers, for which a very effective barrier against gases and vapours is needed.

Abstract: A destructurized native starch material is described which has a water content in the range of about 10 to 25% by weight and that its mass average molar mass is reduced by a factor of 2 to 5000 compared to its original mass average molar mass. The destructurized starch is produced by heating a chemically non-modified starch material having a water content in the range of about 5 to 25% by weight of the total weight of the composition in the presence of a chain scission catalyst in a closed volume to an elevated temperature sufficient to form a thermoplastic melt and until the mass average molar mass is reduced by a factor of 2 to 5000.

Abstract: A method of blending a hydrophilic polymer into an elastomer matrix, and products made thereby, are provided. In the illustrated method, a hydrophilic polymer is mixed with an elastomeric base polymer. In one embodiment, the hydrophilic polymer forms fibers in a resulting elastomeric matrix. An elastomeric matrix interspersed with hydrophilic polymer made according to the invention can be used in reinforced elastomeric products such as tires.

Abstract: In order to produce thermoplastically processable starch, an additive or plasticizer respectively is mixed with native or natural starch and the mixture is caused to melt by the application of heat and mechanical energy. The additive is a substance which lowers the melting point of the starch so that the melting point of the starch together with this additive lies below the decomposition temperature of the starch and the additive furthermore has a solubility parameter of over 15 cal.sup.1/2 cm.sup.-3/2. After the mixture of starch and additive is molten, the melt is mixed until it is at least almost homogeneous. The vapor pressure of the additive within the melting range of the mixture of starch and additive should be less than one bar. Preferably the mixing process is executed without the presence of water.

Abstract: Hot melt adhesive compositions comprising selected modified starch esters as the main or base adhesive material wherein the starch ester has an ester component of about 2 to 18 carbon atoms and a DS of from about 0.3 to 3.0 and a sufficient amount of a non-volatile, polar organic diluent to allow the composition to melt and have a viscosity of less than 50,000 cP at an application temperature of 400.degree. F. or less.

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

Abstract: A biodegradable, single-phase starch/polymer mixture comprising(a) 10 to 99 parts of a starch molding composition comprising(i) 95 to 45 parts of at least one chemically modified starch, and(ii) 5 to 55 parts of at least one emulsifier, plasticizer or destructurizing agent, the parts of (i) and (ii) adding up to 100; and(b) 90 to 1 parts of at least one linear polymer, the parts by weight of components (a) and (b) adding up to 100. In addition, 0 to 20 parts of additives which are customary in this area are included. A method of preparation, and the use thereof for thermoplastically molded parts, in particular films, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable plastic made from a combination of at least one synthetic plastic polymer, at least one natural polymer and a natural polymer attacking agent and articles made therefrom.

Abstract: An aqueous starch oil sizing composition is provided which produces improved processibility in woven and non-woven applications. The sizing combines a high amylose corn starch which has been derivatized with propylene oxide, with a low amylose highly crosslinked corn starch. The sizing also includes lubricants which may be oils or waxes and a lubricant which is the salt of a polyamino functional polyamide resin. Other emusifiers, humectants, lubricants, defoamers, and biocides may be present. The size also includes a silane coupling agent such as gamma glycidoxy propyl trimethoxy silane which can be hydrolyzed. Strands of glass fiber which have been treated with this size have shown a reduced tendency to shed the size from the strands, a reduction in the buildup of broken filaments or "fuzz" on processing equipment and reduced strand breakage.

Abstract: A polymer composition usable for the production of articles of biodegradable plastics material includes an ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer and destructured starch. Preferably, the composition is obtainable by mixing the ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer, in a heated extruder, with a starch component constituted by a destructured starch composition produced beforehand by mixing starch with a high-boiling plasticizer, such as glycerine and a destructuring agent, preferably constituted by urea, in an extruder. Alternatively, the composition can be obtained by mixing the ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer with starch and a plasticizer in an extruder, with water added as appropriate and possibly with a suitable destructuring agent.The composition is particularly useful for the production of films with good resistance to perforation and tearing and molded articles with improved mechanical strength. The products made from this composition are also good oxygen and carbon dioxide barriers.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method of preparing and extruding biodegradable starch blends into biodegradable products in such a way that preprocessing steps, such as gelatinizing or destructurizing of the starch, are not required. Unprocessed raw starch is combined with biodegradable copolymers such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), a nucleating agent, and a plasticizer. The combination may be processed using a twin-screw mixer, and blown into a film. The method described in this invention alleviates pre-preparation steps, reduces the cost and time required to prepare and extrude starch-based biodegradable materials, eliminates the need to use expensive pre-processed starch, and results in a substantially completely biodegradable product.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymeric composition including starch, at least one synthetic thermoplastic polymer and a plasticiser in which the plasticiser is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of:a) polyols formed by from 1 to 20 repeating hydroxylated units each including from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, provided that when the polyol is formed by only one repeating unit it has at least 4 carbon atoms, with the exclusion of sorbitol,b) ethers, thioethers, inorganic and organic esters, acetals and amino-derivatives of polyols formed by from 1 to 20 repeating hydroxylated units each including from 2 to 6 carbon atoms with the exclusion of acetic esters of glycerine, triethyl citrate and tributyl citrate,c) polyol reaction products having from 1 to 20 repeating hydroxylated units each including from 2 to 6 carbon atoms with chain extenders;d) polyol oxidation products having from 1 to 20 repeating hydroxylated units each including from 2 to 6 carbon atoms including at least one aldehydic or carboxylic functi

Abstract: Expanded articles of biodegradable plastics are produced by the extrusion of a composition including starch, a polymer compatible with starch, in particular, an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer and/or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, and an expanding agent. Preferably use is made of sodium bicarbonate as expanding agent in the presence of a polymeric acid.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as diapers and the like, comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined with said topsheet and an absorbent core positioned between said topsheet and said backsheet, said backsheet comprising a flexible starch based film comprising starch, a synthetic thermoplastic polymer of at least one ethylenically insaturated monomer, said polymer having repeating units provided with at least a polar group, wherein the starch and the polymer form an at least partially interpenetrated network, and moisture.

Abstract: A light weight coated paper is provided by a process wherein paper stock having a weight ranging from about 22 to 26 pounds per ream is coated with from about 4 to 8 pounds per ream of an aqueous coating formulation comprising:a) a pigment composition comprising:i) from about 60 to 80 parts by weight of delaminated clay;ii) from about 15 to 30 parts by weight of calcined clay; andiii) from about 5 to 15 parts by weight of a whitening pigment;b) from about 15 to 30 parts by weight of a starch binder;c) from about 3 to 7 parts by weight of a starch cross-linking agent per 100 parts by weight starch;d) from about 0.5 to 1.5 parts of a lubricant per 100 parts by weight pigment;e) water in an amount sufficient to provide a coating formulation having from about 45 to 50% by weight solids; andf) sufficient basic buffer to raise the pH to about 8 to 8.5.

Abstract: Formed articles comprising destructurized starch, an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer and a product of the interaction of starch and ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer wherein the starch not bound to the copolymer is in the form of particles having sizes below 1 micron. The water content of such articles is lower than the one usually present in the starch. Said formed articles can also contain urea in an amount no higher than 30% by weight and/or ammonia in an amount not higher than 0.5% by weight. The process for obtaining such articles comprises the steps of extruding starch, an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer and optionally water, urea and/or ammonia at a temperature ranging from 90.degree. to 150.degree. C., reducing the water content to values lower than 6% by weight and injection molding or extrusion blowing the resulting composition.

Abstract: Polymer compositions useful for the production of articles of biodegradable plastics material with improved biodegradability include destructed starch and a polymer selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol and mixtures thereof wherein at least a portion of the said polymer is modified by the substitution of from 0.1 to 5 molar % of the functional alcohol groups in the polymer chain by X groups in which X is an oxo or an alkyl carbonyl group in which the alkyl group contains from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

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 two phase adhesive matrix for use in an electrically powered iontophoretic delivery device is provided. The adhesive matrix comprises an adhesive hydrophobic polymer phase and about 15 to 60 wt % on a dry weight basis of a hydrophilic polymer phase distributed through the hydrophobic polymer phase. The hydrophilic phase forms upon hydration an interconnecting network of aqueous pathways for passage of the agent through the adhesive. The adhesive can be used to adhere an electrode assembly of an iontophoretic delivery device to a body surface such as skin or a mucosal membrane. Alternatively, the adhesive can be used to adhere together two or more elements of an iontophoretic delivery device.

Abstract: An adhesive composition suitable for use as an in-line contact adhesive for electrotransport drug delivery systems.

Abstract: A composition comprising a polymer of an unsaturated hydrocarbon, a C.sub.1-4 alkyl or hydroxyalkylether of starch having a degree of substitution of at least 0.25, and a polyhydric aliphatic alcohol having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and 2 to 6 hydroxyl groups wherein the compatibilizing agent can be a vinyl copolymer, acrylic copolymer and mixtures thereof. The composition can be used in the preparation of biodegradable plastics.

Abstract: The material, which is usable for the production of biodegradable articles in film, sheet or fiber form, can be produced by extrusion from a molten mass including a synthetic thermoplastic polymer and a destructured starch to which a boron containing compound, such as boric acid, metaboric acid, borax and derivatives thereof has been added. Articles made of this material have improved transparency, Young's modulus and tear strength.

Abstract: A high speed corrugating adhesive having a carrier phase comprised of starch, modified starch or dextrin and polyvinyl alcohol in an aqueous emulsion wherein a cold water soluble, partially hydrolyzed, polyvinyl alcohol is used as a starting material. The polyvinyl alcohol is further hydrolyzed in situ to a degree of hydrolysis of more than about 95% by heating it in the presence of water, caustic, and starch, modified starch or dextrin. The carrier phase is admixed with a boron containing compound and a suspension of water and starch to prepare the corrugating adhesive for use in a corrugating machine.

Abstract: An injection moldable biodegradable plastic formed of corn starch and low-density polyethylene. Ethylene acrylic acid co-polymer can be included in proportions ranging from 0-10%, by weight, and sodium hydroxide can be utilized to neutralize the acidic portions of the ethylene acrylic acid co-polymer. When no ethylene acrylic acid co-polymer is utilized, glycerol is added. To improve injection molding characteristics, the ethylene acrylic acid co-polymer and polyethylene are premixed before the addition of corn starch.

Abstract: A melt-molded article such as water soluble fibers, a laminate and a container for waste matter, the article having biodegradability. The melt molded article is produced by melt-molding a composition comprising an oxyalkylene group-containing vinyl alcohol copolymer and starch or a starch-derived macromolecular substance.

Abstract: A water-dispersible, self-crosslinking non-formaldehyde latex is prepared by reacting a starch-polymer graft with a glyoxal compound at temperatures of at least 70.degree. C. to produce a stable emulsion with low viscosity and which upon drying and curing provides a film having good tensile, elongation, water resistance and anti-wicking properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to multilayer degradable thermoplastic articles. In one embodiment the novel multilayer thermoplastic article comprises a first outer layer, a core layer and second outer layer, wherein the first outer layer and second outer layer are degradable by photo, thermal or chemical means and contain an effective amount of a prodegradant and the core layer is a water-soluble and/or biodegradable core layer, preferably both water-soluble and biodegradable. Bags formed from the multilayer thermoplastic article are useful for use in the composting of organic material.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer composition comprising:(a) a destructurized starch, and either(b) an effective amount of at least one compound selected from the following: (1) a polymer which contains at least two different types of functional groups, one of said types of these groups being hydroxyl groups; (2) at least one polymer which does not contain hydroxyl groups and is selected from the group consisting of polymers which contain at least two types of functional groups bound to the same molecule one type of these groups being carboxylate groups; (3) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polymers which contain tertiary amino groups and/or salts thereof and/or quaternary ammonium groups; (4) at least one polymer selected from the group of polysaccharides which have been chemically modified to contain added hydroxyalkyl groups and/or contain alkyl ether groups, and/or contain ester groups; (5) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone; (6) at

Abstract: A starch-based corrugating adhesive providing a controlled rate of viscosity increase and green bond formation comprising water, starch, caustic alkali, an active boron source, and polyvinyl alcohol having an intermediate degree of hydrolysis (about 92% to 98%), wherein the polyvinyl alcohol constituent imparts a definite increase in the rate of viscosity building of the adhesive, the rate of viscosity increase being controlled to provide an effective green bond and final adhesive bond on a corrugated board surface.