Abstract: A process for making a starch-based resin from a starch-based plant feed stock generally comprising the steps of extracting starch content from prepared feed stock, preparing a dried starch from the extracted starch content that may be polymerized in a reactor with a catalytic material, a petroleum-based plastic resin, a quantity of glycerol, and an oil which is high in free hydrogen, and partially cross-linking the polymerized starch with a petroleum-based plastic resin to form a starch-based resin that may be used to produce starch-based film and bag products and other articles of manufacture that have unique degradation properties is disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polarizer protective film comprising a cured resin and exhibiting high hardness and excellent properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resin composition for a polarizer protective film, and, more specifically, to a resin composition for a polarizer protective film exhibiting high hardness and excellent properties.

Abstract: Fiber-containing composites are described that include woven or non-woven fibers, and a binder that holds the fibers together. The binder may include the reaction product of a starch and a polycarboxylic acid. The starch has a weight average molecular weight that ranges from 1×106 Daltons to 1×107 Daltons. The fiber-containing composite has an unaged tensile strength of greater than 4.0 and an aged tensile strength greater than 3.0. Also described are methods of making the fiber-containing composites. The methods may include applying a binder composition to fibers to form coated fibers, measuring a moisture content of the coated fibers, and curing the coated fibers in a curing oven to form the fiber-containing composite. The binder composition may include a starch having a weight average molecular weight that ranges from 1×106 Daltons to 1×107 Daltons, and a polycarboxylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention is a resin composition characterized by being able to undergo elastic deformation, having little residual strain rate and exhibiting stress relaxation properties. More specifically, the present invention relates to a resin composition wherein the stress relaxation rate (R) and the residual strain rate (?), as measured in a prescribed extension-restoration test, are as follows: 20%?R?95% and 0%???3%.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resin composition including a thermoplastic resin (A) and a polyrotaxane (B) whose cyclic molecule is modified with a graft chain having a reactive functional group at the end, which are mixed together, the resin composition containing a fibrous filler (C) in the amount of 1 to 200 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the thermoplastic resin (A) and the polyrotaxane (B). To provide a resin composition capable of affording a molded article having excellent balance between rigidity and toughness.

Abstract: Synthesis and characterization of starch based pH-responsive nanoparticles for controlled drug delivery are described. Polymethacrylic acid grafted starch (PMAA-g-St) nanoparticles with various molar ratio of starch to MAA were synthesized by a new one-pot method that enabled simultaneous grafting of PMAA and nanoparticle formation in an aqueous medium. NMR data showed that polysorbate 80 was polymerized into the graft polymer. Nanoparticles were relatively spherical with narrow size distribution and porous surface morphology and exhibited pH-dependent swelling in physiological pH range. The particle size and magnitude of volume phase transition were dependent on PMAA content and formulation parameters such as surfactant levels, cross-linker amount, and total monomer concentration. The results showed that the new pH-responsive nanoparticles possessed useful properties for controlled drug delivery.

Abstract: Fibrous elements, for example filaments, containing an acrylamide-based copolymer, fibrous structures employing such fibrous elements, and methods for making same are provided.

Abstract: An anion adsorbent of an embodiment includes a support and a triazine hydrochloride structure that is bound to the support.

Abstract: An aqueous binder composition is provided that includes a carbohydrate and a crosslinking agent. In exemplary embodiments, the carbohydrate-based binder composition may also include a catalyst, a coupling agent, a process aid, a crosslinking density enhancer, an extender, a moisture resistant agent, a dedusting oil, a colorant, a corrosion inhibitor, a surfactant, a pH adjuster, and combinations thereof. The carbohydrate may be natural in origin and derived from renewable resources. Additionally, the carbohydrate polymer may have a dextrose equivalent (DE) number from 2 to 20. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the carbohydrate is a water-soluble polysaccharide such as dextrin or maltodextrin and the crosslinking agent is citric acid. Advantageously, the carbohydrates have a low viscosity and cure at moderate temperatures. The environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free binder may be used in the formation of insulation materials and non-woven chopped strand mats.

Abstract: Hybrid dendrite copolymer compositions include a hybrid dendrite copolymer including at least one ethylenically unsaturated first monomer, at least one second ethylenically unsaturated second monomer and a naturally derived hydroxyl containing chain transfer agent as an end group. The at least one first and second ethylenically unsaturated monomers are on separate side chains of the naturally derived hydroxyl containing chain transfer agent. Methods of preparing a hybrid dendrite copolymer are also included.

Abstract: An absorbable resin, for which a large amount of a plant-derived raw material can be used, and which has an excellent capability of absorbing an aqueous liquid, and has a good gel modulus and therefore can exhibit an excellent absorbing capability under pressurized conditions; and an absorbable composition. An absorbable resin produced by binding an oxidized polysaccharide (A1) having a carboxyl group which may be neutralized with a neutralizing agent and/or a crosslinked product thereof (A2) to a poly(meth)acrylic acid (B1) in which at least one carboxyl group may be neutralized with a neutralizing agent and/or a crosslinked product thereof (B2); or an absorbable composition produced by mixing the component (A1) and/or the component (A2) with the component (B1) and/or the component (B2). The component (A1) has a weight average molecular weight of 2,000-10,000,000. The component (A1) has an acid value of 65-850 mgKOH/g.

Abstract: Vinylamine-containing polymers are disclosed where the amine groups are substituted with (1) cationic functional groups, (2) anionic functional groups, (3) hydrophobic functional groups, (4) hydrophilic functional groups, (5) functional groups that impart amphoteric characteristics to the polymers, or (6) combinations thereof. Also disclosed are processes for preparing such polymers, as well as compositions comprising such polymers. Among other applications, these polymers can be used in papermaking applications as dry strength additives, wet strength additives, retention aids, drainage aids, and pitch and stickies control agents.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer material containing starch is shown and described, which can be obtained by homogenizing a mixture containing 40 to 85 wt.-% starch and/or starch derivative, 15 to 55 wt.-% softener, and 0.01 to 7 wt.-% of a polymer which contains an epoxy group, while supplying thermal and/or mechanical energy and setting the water content of the mixture to less than approximately 12 wt.-%. The polymer material according to the invention is characterized by outstanding mechanical properties.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer material containing starch is shown and described, which can be obtained by homogenizing a mixture containing 40 to 85 wt.-% starch and/or starch derivative, 15 to 55 wt.-% softener, and 0.01 to 7 wt.-% of a polymer which contains an epoxy group, while supplying thermal and/or mechanical energy and setting the water content of the mixture to less than approximately 12 wt.-%. The polymer material according to the invention is characterized by outstanding mechanical properties.

Abstract: A process is provided by which a polyrotaxane including cyclic molecules having a relatively long graft chain is easily obtained. Also provided is a polyrotaxane which includes cyclic molecules having a radical polymerization initiation site and is for use as a raw material in the process. The polyrotaxane comprises: a pseudo-polyrotaxane comprising cyclic molecules clathrated with a linear molecule, the cavities of the cyclic molecules having been pierced by the linear molecule; and blocking groups disposed respectively at both ends of the pseudo-polyrotaxane so as not to release the cyclic molecules. The cyclic molecules in the polyrotaxane have a radical polymerization initiation site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions of therapeutic cyclodextrin containing polymeric compounds designed as a carrier for small molecule therapeutics delivery and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. These cyclodextrin-containing polymers improve drug stability and solubility, and reduce toxicity of the small molecule therapeutic when used in vivo. Furthermore, by selecting from a variety of linker groups and targeting ligands the polymers present methods for controlled delivery of the therapeutic agents. The invention also relates to methods of treating subjects with the therapeutic compositions described herein. The invention further relates to methods for conducting pharmaceutical business comprising manufacturing, licensing, or distributing kits containing or relating to the polymeric compounds described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers, nanomaterials, and methods of making the same. Various embodiments provide an amphiphilic multi-arm copolymer. The copolymer includes a core unit and a plurality of amphiphilic block copolymer arms. Each block copolymer arm is substituted on the core unit. Each block copolymer arm includes at least one hydrophilic homopolymer subunit and at least one hydrophobic homopolymer subunit. In some examples, the copolymer can include a star-like or bottlebrush-like block copolymer, and can include a Janus copolymer. Various embodiments provide a nanomaterial. In some examples, the nanomaterial can include Janus nanomaterials, and can include nanoparticles, nanorods, or nanotubes. The nanomaterial includes the amphiphilic multi-arm copolymer and at least one inorganic precursor. The inorganic precursor can be coordinated to at least one homopolymer subunit of one of the amphiphilic block copolymer arms to form the nanomaterial.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers, nanomaterials, and methods of making the same. Various embodiments provide an amphiphilic multi-arm copolymer. The copolymer includes a core unit and a plurality of amphiphilic block copolymer arms. Each block copolymer arm is substituted on the core unit. Each block copolymer arm includes at least one hydrophilic homopolymer subunit and at least one hydrophobic homopolymer subunit. In some examples, the copolymer can include a star-like or bottlebrush-like block copolymer, and can include a Janus copolymer. Various embodiments provide a nanomaterial. In some examples, the nanomaterial can include Janus nanomaterials, and can include nanoparticles, nanorods, or nanotubes. The nanomaterial includes the amphiphilic multi-arm copolymer and at least one inorganic precursor. The inorganic precursor can be coordinated to at least one homopolymer subunit of one of the amphiphilic block copolymer arms to form the nanomaterial.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polymer compositions, films, continues, closures, laminates can comprise a modified vinyl polymer said modified polymer having a moiety comprising a cyclodextrin compound. The cyclodextrin compound, locked into the polymer structure, can absorb impurities, permeants, or other undesirable volatile materials. The cooperation between the cyclodextrin grafted onto the thermoplastic polymer and the polymer structure can provide barrier properties to a film, web or other polymer structure. A permeant or a contaminant can be complexed or trapped within the polymer and held within the film or Web preventing the permeant or contaminant from passing into the interior of a container or enclosure.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a starch-based thermoplastic composite is provided. The starch-based thermoplastic composite includes thermoplastic starch (TPS), polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), wherein the polycarbonate has a weight ratio of 15-60% in the starch-based thermoplastic composite. The starch-based thermoplastic composite further includes an impact modifier and a compatibilizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oral composition comprising a polymer, preferably a copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride, attached to a sweetening agent via a cleavable linker, comprising a covalent bond, preferably an ester bond or an amide bond wherein the polymer is capable of attaching to a surface in an oral cavity, and the cleavable linker is cleavable in the oral cavity to release the sweetening agent.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a composition of matter comprising a solid form of chlorine dioxide complexed with a cyclodextrin. The concentration of chlorine dioxide in said solid form is greater than approximately 5.8 percent by weight. Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method comprising forming a solid complex comprising chlorine dioxide and cyclodextrin, wherein a concentration of chlorine dioxide in the solid complex is greater than 5.8 percent by weight.

Abstract: The present invention provides a starch-(meth)acrylate graft copolymer and the preparation process thereof. The starch-(meth)acrylate graft copolymer is prepared by copolymerizing (meth)acrylate monomer and starch in a weight ratio of (0.4˜8):1, the graft copolymer having a skeleton of large starch molecule is grafted with one or more (meth)acrylate monomer with a grafting ratio of no less than 70%. The present invention further provides an oil swellable material, which comprises the starch-(meth)acrylate graft copolymer above as the swelling agent; and also an oil- and water-swellable material, which comprises the starch-(meth)acrylate graft copolymer above, water absorbing agent, reactive monomer, surfactant and material matrix. Further, sealing articles and packers prepared from the above oil swellable material and oil- and water-swellable material are also provided.

Abstract: A compound or material having safety, namely, biocompatibility that exhibits such a nongel-gel transition that the state of being nongel is presented on the side of low temperature while the state of being crosslinked, for example, gel is presented on the side of high temperature. There is provided a crosslinked polyrotaxane at least two molecules of polyrotaxane consisting of cyclodextrin molecules having a linear molecule included in a skewed manner in cavities thereof and having capping groups at each end of the linear molecule so as to prevent detachment of the cyclodextrin molecules, the above at least two molecules of polyrotaxane crosslinked with each other via physical bonds, characterized in that the hydroxyls (—OH) of the cyclodextrin molecules are partially or wholly substituted with non-ionic groups.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adhesive composition comprising at least partly gelatinized starch and one or more polymers (P) containing an amine group or an amide group. It also relates to a method of gluing pieces of wood based materials and to a wood based product.

Abstract: A process is provided by which a polyrotaxane including cyclic molecules having a relatively long graft chain is easily obtained. Also provided is a polyrotaxane which includes cyclic molecules having a radical polymerization initiation site and is for use as a raw material in the process. The polyrotaxane comprises: a pseudo-polyrotaxane comprising cyclic molecules clathrated with a linear molecule, the cavities of the cyclic molecules having been pierced by the linear molecule; and blocking groups disposed respectively at both ends of the pseudo-polyrotaxane so as not to release the cyclic molecules. The cyclic molecules in the polyrotaxane have a radical polymerization initiation site.

Abstract: An aqueous binder composition is provided that includes a carbohydrate and a crosslinking agent. In exemplary embodiments, the carbohydrate-based binder composition may also include a catalyst, a coupling agent, a process aid, a crosslinking density enhancer, an extender, a moisture resistant agent, a dedusting oil, a colorant, a corrosion inhibitor, a surfactant, a pH adjuster, and combinations thereof. The carbohydrate may be natural in origin and derived from renewable resources. Additionally, the carbohydrate polymer may have a dextrose equivalent (DE) number from 2 to 20. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the carbohydrate is a water-soluble polysaccharide such as dextrin or maltodextrin and the crosslinking agent is citric acid. Advantageously, the carbohydrates have a low viscosity and cure at moderate temperatures. The environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free binder may be used in the formation of insulation materials and non-woven chopped strand mats.

Abstract: A novel starch-based composition includes: (a) at least 45% by weight of at least one soluble starch, (b) at most 55% by weight of at least one non-biodegradable, non-amylaceous polymer, and (c) a bonding agent carrying at least two functional groups capable of reacting with molecules carrying functions including an active hydrogen, these amounts being expressed with respect to solids and relative to the sum of (a) and (b). A method for preparing such a starch-based composition and a thermoplastic composition prepared by heating such a composition are also described.

Abstract: There is provided a starch-based coating composition with excellent storage stability as a one-pack type paint, which can form coating films with excellent drying property, finished appearances, pencil hardness, mar resistance, adhesion, alkali resistance, solvent resistance and weather resistance, as well as coated articles that have been coated with the starch-based coating composition. The starch-based coating composition comprises as the binder a resin composition obtained by reacting (A) starch and/or modified starch with (B) an isocyanate group-containing compound obtained by reacting a polyisocyanate compound (b1) and a polyhydric alcohol (b2), or by reaction of these components with a resin obtained by radical polymerization of a mixture comprising an aromatic-based radical polymerizing unsaturated monomer, a hydroxyl group-containing radical polymerizing unsaturated monomer and optionally another radical polymerizing unsaturated monomer.

Abstract: Glass mats for use in building construction are provided. The mats include chopped glass fibers and a formaldehyde-free-curable binder disposed on the glass fibers. The binder includes a binder selected from polyorganic acid-polyol, starch grafted acrylic styrene and acrylic modified polyvinyl acetate, for example, containing a sufficient amount of a hydrophobic additive to improve the hot wet retention of the mat after five minutes of exposure to 80° C. water by at least about 5%.

Abstract: A compound or material having safety, namely, biocompatibility that exhibits such a nongel-gel transition that the state of being nongel is presented on the side of low temperature while the state of being crosslinked, for example, gel is presented on the side of high temperature. There is provided a crosslinked polyrotaxane at least two molecules of polyrotaxane consisting of cyclodextrin molecules having a linear molecule included in a skewed manner in cavities thereof and having capping groups at each end of the linear molecule so as to prevent detachment of the cyclodextrin molecules, the above at least two molecules of polyrotaxane crosslinked with each other via physical bonds, characterized in that the hydroxyls (—OH) of the cyclodextrin molecules are partially or wholly substituted with non-ionic groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition, which can be referred to as a biopolymer, including fermentation solid and thermoactive material. The present invention also includes methods of making the biopolymer, which can include compounding fermentation solid and thermoactive material. The present biopolymer can be formed into an article of manufacture.

Abstract: Binder compositions are described that include a carboxyl-containing polymer, a cross-linking agent, and a starch compound having a molecular weight greater than about 10,000 g/mol. In addition, fiber products are described that include mineral or polymeric fibers and a binder prepared from an aqueous composition that includes a carboxyl-containing polymer, a cross-linking agent, and a starch having a molecular weight greater than 10,000 g/mol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a starch-(meth)acrylate graft copolymer and the preparation process thereof. The starch-(meth)acrylate graft copolymer is prepared by copolymerizing (meth)acrylate monomer and starch in a weight ratio of (0.4˜8):1, the graft copolymer having a skeleton of large starch molecule is grafted with one or more (meth)acrylate monomer with a grafting ratio of no less than 70%. The present invention further provides an oil swellable material, which comprises the starch-(meth)acrylate graft copolymer above as the swelling agent; and also an oil- and water-swellable material, which comprises the starch-(meth)acrylate graft copolymer above, water absorbing agent, reactive monomer, surfactant and material matrix. Further, sealing articles and packers prepared from the above oil swellable material and oil- and water-swellable material are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a novel water-absorbing agent, which exhibits an excellent absorption capacity under a load (AAP), gel layer liquid permeation rate under a load (FRUP), saline flow conductivity (SFC), and shape-maintaining property and ball burst strength (BBS) of a swollen water-absorbing agent aggregate, and excellent persistency of these effects for a long time. The water-absorbing agent, which comprises a polymer obtained by a process including the steps of polymerizing and then crosslinking a monomer including acrylic acid and/or a salt thereof, with the water-absorbing agent being characterized by: (1) exhibiting a free swelling capacity of not less than 23 g/g (GV), a gel deformation of not more than 12.5 cm under a short-time load (0.5 hrPT), and a gel deformation deterioration of not more than 3.

Abstract: A starch-based coating composition that utilizes naturally derived biodegradable starch and exhibits excellent storage stability as an one-pack lacquer, and that can form coated films with superiority in terms of finished appearance, hardness, adhesion, chemical resistance and alkali resistance. The binder used is a resin (A) obtained by bonding a vinyl polymer onto starch and/or modified starch by graft polymerization, or a resin (C) obtained by reacting the resin (A) with an isocyanate group-containing product (B) obtained by reacting a polyisocyanate compound (b1) with a polyhydric alcohol (b2).

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of polysaccharide grafted latex particles wherein the polysaccharide has ?-1,4 linkages, wherein the process comprises core/shell emulsion polymerisation. Preferably, the process comprises a single step of preparing the latex particles by emulsion polymerisation of latex monomers with the simultaneous grafting of the polysaccharide.

Abstract: A process for modifying starch by heating starch in an aqueous medium to temperatures above the gelatinization temperature of said starch comprises effecting said modifying of said starch in the presence of (a) a polymeric cationizer selected from the group consisting of the polymers containing vinylamine units and having molar masses of up to 1 million, the polyethyleneimines, the polydiallyldimethylammonium chlorides, the condensates of dimethylamine with epichlorohydrin or dichloroalkanes, the condensates of dichloroethane and ammonia, and the mixtures thereof, and (b) polymeric papermaking drainage aids selected from the group consisting of the water-soluble crosslinked polyamidoamines with or without an ethyleneimine graft, the polymers containing acrylamide and/or methacrylamide units and having molar masses of more than 1 million, the polymers containing vinylamine units and having molar masses of more then 1 million, and the mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides cross-linkable polymer powder compositions containing a) at least one water-soluble polyhydroxy compound; b) at least one boric acid complex compound which is of limited solubility in water that is, it has a water solubility of less than 10 g per liter at normal conditions; and optionally c) a water-soluble film-forming polymer consisting of one or more free-radical polymerizable, ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The compositions are useful as a constituent in adhesives, plaster, jointing mortars, paints and binders for coating compositions, textiles, paper and the like.

Abstract: The present inventors provides polyol-containing resin compositions for coatings which can give cured coating films having high hardness and at the same time high solid compositions to meet the recent resources saving and/or environmental protection requirements, and curable coating compositions having high reactivity at curing, giving the coating film with good appearance and the coatings with prolonged pot life. The invention is directed to a resin composition for coatings comprising a polyol (A1) or (A2), a polyether polyol (B) and a solvent (C), wherein the polyol (A1) comprises a hydroxyl-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer and a ring structure-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer as essential components and the polyol (A2) comprises a hydroxyl-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer and a linear branched structure-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer as essential components.

Abstract: A hydrophilic, highly swellable hydrogel based on (co)polymerized monomers or based on graft (co)polymers and prepared by a) free-radically (co)polymerizing one-or more hydrophilic monomers or graft (co)polymerizing one or more hydrophilic monomers onto a grafting base, the average degree of neutralization of the acid-functional monomers being from 0 to 40 mol %, b) comminuting the acidic hydrogel, c) neutralizing the acidic hydrogel to an ultimate degree of neutralization of 50-85 mol % by adding a neutralizing agent, d) drying, grinding and sieving the hydrogel particles characterized by a centrifuge retention and a vertical absorption swell height, each having a specified minimum.value, coupled with an extractables content having a specified maximum value or a centrifuge retention and a vertical absorption swell height, each having a specified minimum value and an extractables content having a specified maximum value.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optionally foamed sealing composition for preformed seals which can swell when treated with water. The invention also relates to a method for the production thereof out of natural rubber and/or elastomers with a matrix comprised of natural rubber/elastomer components and particle-shaped water absorbing material stored therein. The water absorbing material is a combination of (A) polysaccharide(s) selected from cellulose, starch, starch derivatives removed from grafted starch, amylose, amylopectin, dextran, pectin, inulin, chitin, xanthan, alginic acid, alginates, carrageenan, pustulan, callose, laminarin, guluronic acid, pullulan, lichenin or mixtures of the same with (B) a highly water absorbent synthetic polymer selected from polymers based on (meth)acrylate, poly(meth)acrylic acid and the salts thereof, polyacrylamide, polyalcohols or copolymers of said synthetic polymers.

Abstract: Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), a highly biocompatible hydrophilic polyether, is tethered to poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF), a biodegradable polyester. To avoid change in molecular weight distribution of PPF, end hydroxyl groups of PPF are reacted with bis-carboxymethyl PEG after being treated with thionyl chloride. New end carboxyl groups of the PEG-tethered PPF are further reacted with N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) to couple bioactive molecules. Glutamine and glycine-arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (GRGD) are attached to the PEG-tethered PPF in 50 mM phosphate buffer of pH of 7.4. The method is valuable for the preparation of a triblock copolymer with PEG end blocks and the coupling of biologically active molecules.

Abstract: Starch is modified with at least one cationic polymer P) and the modified starch is prepared by a process in which a) an anionically modified starch A) is reacted with a cationic polymer P) or b) a natural starch B) or a starch C) which has not been anionically modified is reacted with the cationic polymer P) in the presence of an anionic modifier M) and the polymer-modified starch is used.

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.