Abstract: A polyester having repeating units represented by formula (1): wherein R1 represents a divalent hydrocarbon residue which in its structure may contain a heteroatom having no active hydrogen. The polyester has a high refractive index and biodegradability, and is useful as a material for fibers and plastics.

Abstract: Provided are a aromatic liquid crystalline polyester resin having improved low temperature processability, a film having excellent gas barrier property. The aromatic liquid crystalline polyester resin is obtained from an aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid, an aromatic dicarboxylic acid and an aromatic diol, by optimizing formulation ratio of the above-described three components. The aromatic liquid crystalline polyester resin comprises an aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid unit, an aromatic dicarboxylic acid unit and an aromatic diol unit, as repeating units, wherein the repeating unit (A) as an aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid unit, is contained in an amount of 30 mol % or more based on the total amount of repeating units, and the polyester has a logarithmic viscosity of 1.5 dl/g or more, a flow temperature of 300° C. or less, and a melt tension measured at a temperature higher than the flow temperature by 25° C. or more of 1.

Abstract: Copolyesters are prepared using cyclic esters or carbonates as monomers and a metallic salt of the formula Me2+X2 as catalyst. Me2+ represents Ca, Fe(II), Mg, Mn(II) or Zn, and X is an anion of an aminocarboxylic acid, hydroxycarboxylic acid or a halide. Monomer and catalyst are used in a monomer/catalyst ratio of greater than 100.

Abstract: The present invention is a water-responsive blend of a polylactide and a polyvinyl alcohol. The present invention includes films and personal care articles comprising a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol and a polylactide and includes a method of making such films and articles and a method of varying the water responsiveness of such films and articles. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions, films and articles comprise a blend of polyvinyl alcohol and modified polylactide. The compositions and films described herein are useful as a component in flushable and degradable articles.

Abstract: A composition comprising a polylactide polymer with improved extensional viscosity and methods of making the same are disclosed. The polylactide polymer composition is prepared by providing in the composition polylactide polymer molecules which have been modified, relative to linear non-substituted polylactide, to provide increased molecular interaction among polylactide backbone chains in the composition. The preferred polylactide polymer composition has a number average molecular weight of at least about 10,000 (preferably at least 50,000) and a polydispersity of at least about 2.5. In addition, the polylactide polymer composition should have a neck-in ratio of less than about 0.8.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a macromolecular solid electrolyte exhibiting high ion conductivity even at low temperatures and a polymer used therefor.

Abstract: A method of producing a thermotropic liquid crystalline copolyester having an extremely small amount of out-gases comprising the steps of: (1) charging in a reactor 5-100 mol % of aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid, 0-47.5 mol % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid and 0-47.5 mol % of aromatic diol, so that the sum of mol % of each material is 100 mol % and the mol % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid and that of aromatic diol are substantially equal; (2) adding acetic anhydride of an amount which satisfies the formula, (B−C)/A≧1.04, “A” representing the total molar number of the hydroxy group in a reaction system, “B” representing the molar number of acetic anhydride to be added, and “C” representing the molar number of water present in the reaction system prior to addition of acetic anhydride; (3) acetylation; (4) melt polymerization; and (5) solid-phase polymerization.

Abstract: Biodegradable polyether esters P1 obtainable by reacting a mixture essentially comprising: (a1) a mixture essentially comprising: 20-95 mol % of adipic acid or ester-forming derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, 5-80 mol % of terephthalic acid or ester-forming derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, and 0-5 mol % of a compound containing sulfonate groups, where the total of the individual mole percentages is 100 mol %, and (a2) a mixture of dihydroxy compounds essentially comprising (a21) from 15 to 99.8 mol % of a dihydroxy compound selected from the group consisting of C2-C6-alkanediols and C5-C10-cycloalkanediols, (a22) from 85 to 0.2 mol % of a dihydroxy compound containing ether functionalities of the formula I: HO—[(CH2)n—O]m—H  I where n is 2, 3 or 4 and m is an integer from 2 to 250, or mixtures thereof, where the molar ratio of (a1) to (a2) is chosen in the range from 0.4:1 to 1.

Abstract: An aromatic group containing copolyester resin composition which has good biodegradability and physical properties, wherein; (i) 0.1 wt % to 30 wt % of an aliphatic prepolymers having number average molecular weight of from 300 to 30,000; (ii) one or a plurality of aromatic dicarboxylic acid (or an acid anhydride thereof) which containing aromatic group in the molecule; (iii) one or a plurality of aliphatic (including cyclic type) dicarboxylic acid (or an acid anhydride thereof); and (iv) one or a plurality of aliphatic (including cyclic type) glycol, wherein the copolyester resin has number average molecular weight of from 30,000 to 90,000, weight average molecular weight of from 100,000 to 600,000, melting point of from 70° C. to 150° C., and melt index of from 0.1 to 50 g/10 min. (190° C., 2,160 g), and the process for preparing and/or producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lactic acid-based polymer laminated product which is little liable to leakage of lactide during molding or storage of the molded product and can degrade at a raised rate and a molded product made of such a laminated product. Disclosed are a novel lactic acid-based polymer laminated product comprising a degradation accelerator barrier layer (II) made of a lactic acid-based polymer (B) having a lactide content of not more than 0.1% by weight laminated on one or both surfaces of a base layer (I) made of a lactic acid-based polymer (A) comprising a degradation accelerator made of lactide and/or organic acid in an amount of from 0.3 to 7% by weight, wherein the ratio of the barrier layer thickness to the base layer thickness is from 0.02 to 1 based on that of the base layer, and a molded product of the laminated product.

Abstract: Hydroxyterminated PHA is produced by cultivating a PHA-producing microorganism in the presence of an aliphatic diol or an aliphatic polyol. High molecular weight hydroxy-terminated PHA is obtainable by the disclosed process, and is useful in the production of graft, block and random polymers and copolymers with other monomers, oligomers and polymers containing appropriate functionality and end group compatibility. The hydroxyterminated PHAs of the invention display improved thermal stability compared with PHAs not modified to contain increased end-group hydroxyl content. In addition, a branched PHA structure is provided by melt processing polyol terminated PHA.

Abstract: A composite gas barrier film having a layer structure comprises a thermoplastic resin film laminated on at least one side of a film formed from polyglycolic acid containing at least 60 wt. % of a repeating unit represented by the following formula (1): wherein the polyglycolic acid film is a film formed from polyglycolic acid having a melt viscosity, &eegr;* of 500 to 100,000 Pa•s as measured at a temperature of the melting point of the polymer +20° C. and a shear rate of 100/sec, a melting point Tm of at least 150° C., and a melt enthalpy, &Dgr;Hm of at least 20 J/g. An adhesive layer is provided between the polyglycolic acid film and the thermoplastic resin film. The film has excellent oxygen gas barrier property and/or carbon dioxide gas barrier property.

Abstract: The present invention describes a polyoxaester copolymer and blends thereof that may be used to produce hydrogels, surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, drug matrices, adhesives, sealants and the like. The invention also contemplates a process for producing these polyesters. The polyoxaester copolymers of the present invention are formed from a first divalent repeating unit of formula IA: [—O—C(O)—R30—C(O)—]  IA a second divalent repeating unit of the formula IB: [O—C(O)—C(R1)(R2)—O—R3—O—C(R′1)(R′2)—C(O)—]  IB and a third repeating unit selected from the group of formulas consisting of: [—O—R4—]A,  II [—O—R5—C(O)—]B,  III ([—O—R5—C(O)]P—O—)LG  XI and combinations thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymer production and in particular to a novel copolymer and a process for microbiologically producing the same. More specifically this invention provides for a poly-3-hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) that includes medium length 3-hydroxyacyl monomers and a process comprising culturing a microorganism with a medium chain fatty carbon source and a fatty acid oxidation inhibitor. This invention allows the use of microorganisms which normally incorporate only short chain fatty acids to produce PHAs containing short and medium chain 3-hydroxyacyl monomers. The purpose of this invention is to produce a more versatile PHA polymer which includes C6, C7 and/or C8 3-hydroxyacyl monomers.

Abstract: An improved barrier or drug delivery system which is highly adherent to the surface to which it is applied is disclosed, along with methods for making the barrier. In the preferred embodiment, the system is compliant, in that it is capable of conforming to the three dimensional structure of a tissue surface as the tissue bends and deforms during healing processes. The barrier or drug delivery systems is formed as a polymeric coating on tissue surfaces by applied a polymerizable monomer to the surface, and then polymerizing the monomer. The polymerized compliant coating preferably is biodegradable and biocompatible, and can be designed with selected properties of compliancy and elasticity for different surgical and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymers for use in forming high strength, degradable plastics and methods of forming the polymers are provided. Broadly, the methods comprise forming and heating a blended mixture of polylactic acid, a starch, and a linkage group for joining or copolymerizing the polylactic acid and starch. Preferred linkage groups comprise an isocyanate moiety, with diphenylmethylene diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, and isophorone diisocyanate. The reacted mixture can then be formed into the desired final product which has high tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, percent elongation, and thermal stability.

Abstract: An amorphous film comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 2 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing an amorphous film with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Block copolymers wherein one of the blocks is made from hard phase forming monomers and another of the blocks is made from soft phase forming monomers copolymerized with randomly intermingled units of other soft phase forming monomers. The copolymers are useful in forming surgical articles, including both monofilament and multifilament sutures.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymer blend compositions are provided which contain oligomeric esters. The oligoester compounds can compatibilize blends of two or more biodegradable polymers resulting in excellent ductility and reduced tendency to embrittlement of products produced from therefrom. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the blend composition comprises a PHA, polycaprolactone (PCL) and one or more oligomeric esters. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the blend composition comprises a PHA, polybutylenesuccinate-adipate (PBSUA), and one or more oligomeric esters.

Abstract: A dispersant for aqueous mill-bases obtainable by reacting a polyethylene glycol with a molar excess of a hydroxycarboxylic acid containing from 4 to 17 carbon atoms or lactone thereof and/or with a C3-4-alkylene oxide to form a polymeric diol and phosphating the diol. The preferred hydroxycarboxylic acid or lactone is &egr;-caprolactone.

Abstract: A self-water dispersible particle made of a biodegradable polyester and a process for the preparation of an aqueous dispersion of self-water dispersible particles made of a biodegradable polyester containing a hydrophobic core material, which comprises reacting a biodegradable polyester containing hydroxyl group with a polyvalent carboxylic acid or anhydride or chloride thereof, dissolving or dispersing the biodegradable polyester having acid groups thus obtained and a hydrophobic core material in an organic solvent, adding a base to the solution with stirring to neutralize to form the salt of the biodegradable polyester, and then adding water to the solution or dispersion to undergo phase inversion emulsification are disclosed.

Abstract: Linear, carboxylic acid functional polyester resins produced by reaction of: (a) at least one aromatic and/or cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid compound A, comprising two aromatic and/or secondary aliphatic carboxyl groups in the 1,2-position, or anhydride thereof; (b) at least one hydroxyl monocarboxylic acid B1, comprising two aliphatic hydroxyl groups, which groups each independently may be primary or secondary hydroxyl groups and wherein the carboxylic acid group is a tertiary carboxyl group, mixed with a cycloaliphatic diol B2 in an amount of at least 5 wt %, relative to the weight of B1 and B2 together; (c) optionally an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid C, comprising an alkylene group having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms and having two terminal aliphatic carboxyl groups; and (d) optionally an aromatic monocarboxylic acid D, the molar ratio of the compounds A:B1+B2:C:D being X:Y+X+Z1:Y:Z2, wherein X ranges from 1 to 8, Y ranges from 0 to 8, Z1 ranges from −3 to 3 and Z2 ranges from 0 to 2,

Abstract: An aromatic polyester composition excellent in balance between heat resistance and mechanical strength is provided. The aromatic polyester composition constitutes as essential components 100 parts by weight of an aromatic polyester essentially containing a p-oxybenzoyl unit (A) represented by the following formula (I): and a 4′-oxybiphenyl-4-carbonyl unit (B) represented by the following formula (II): and 1 to 400 parts by weight of an inorganic filler.

Abstract: Water-soluble macromers including at least one hydrolysable linkage formed from carbonate or dioxanone groups, at least one water-soluble polymeric block, and at least one polymerizable group, and methods of preparation and use thereof are described. The macromers are preferably polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light or visible light excitation. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. The macromers can be used to encapsulate cells, deliver prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic agents in a controlled manner, plug leaks in tissue, prevent adhesion formation after surgical procedures, temporarily protect or separate tissue surfaces, and adhere or seal tissues together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable PHA copolymers comprising at least two randomly repeating monomer units. The present invention further relates to a plastic article comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the biodegradable copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU has the structure wherein R1 is H, or C1 or C2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; the second RRMU has the structure and wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet comprising a film comprising a PHA of the present invention and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: The invention provide biodegradable copolymers of the copoly(ester-amide) or copoly(ester-urethane) type, which copolymers consist of building blocks with the general structure (I): [CB-VB] wherein CB and VB of different building blocks may be the same or different, and CB represents a block with a constant length and VB represents a block with a variable length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable PHA copolymers comprising at least two randomly repeating monomer units. The present invention further relates to a plastic article comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the biodegradable copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU has the structure ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H, or C.sub.1 or C.sub.2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## and wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet comprising a film comprising a PHA of the present invention and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: Hydroxyterminated PHA is produced by cultivating a PHA-producing microorganism in the presence of an aliphatic diol or an aliphatic polyol. High molecular weight hydroxy-terminated PHA is obtainable by the disclosed process, and is useful in the production of graft, block and random polymers and copolymers with other monomers, oligomers and polymers containing appropriate functionality and end group compatibility. The hydroxyterminated PHAs of the invention display improved thermal stability compared with PHAs not modified to contain increased end-group hydroxyl content. In addition, a branched PHA structure is provided by melt processing polyol terminated PHA.

Abstract: The invention concerns monomers with dilactonic cycle and the corresponding polymers, their preparation, and materials containing these polymers. The monomers are of formula (IIIa) ##STR1## in which R is the residue of an acid derived from an ose such as glyconic, gylcuronic or glycaric acid and X represents in particular a methylene or ethylene group optionally substituted by at least an alkyl, allyl, aryl or aralkyl. The corresponding polymers are in the form of degradable non-toxic products and are used for example for packaging (films) or in medicine (implants).

Abstract: A method for the production of polyglycolic acid polymer useful in the manufacture of sutures, meshes, gauzes, molded clips and like medical articles.

Abstract: The present invention describes a polyoxaester copolymer and blends thereof that may be used to produce hydrogels, surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, drug matrices, adhesives, sealants and the like. The invention also contemplates a process for producing these polyesters. The polyoxaester copolymers of the present invention are formed from a first divalent repeating unit of formula IA:[--O--C(O)--R.sub.30 --C(O)--] IAa second divalent repeating unit of the formula IB:[O--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--R.sub.3 --O--C(R'.sub.1)(R'.sub.2)--C(O)--] IBand a third repeating unit selected from the group of formulas consisting of:[--O--R.sub.4 --].sub.A, II[--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--].sub.B, III([--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)].sub.P --O--).sub.L G XIand combinations thereof. These aliphatic polyoxaesters may be blended with other polymers that are preferably biocompatable.

Abstract: Amphoteric amine based polymers having a net cationic charge, wherein the polymers are obtained by reacting (a) at least one amine with (b) at least one crosslinking agent, in a molar ratio of (a):(b) of from 2:1 to 1:1.5 and (c) reacting the condensation products of (a) and (b), which are free of anionic groups, with an anionic group containing an alkylating agent or oxidizing their tertiary nitrogen atoms to N-oxides in such an amount that the resulting polymers still have a net cationic charge, and a process for the production of amphoteric amine based polymers having anet cationic charge by reacting the compounds of (a), (b) and (c) the amphoteric amine based polymers may be used as additives in detergents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibers, and nonwovens comprising said fibers, comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU monomer unit has the structure ##STR1## and the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a biodegradable liquid impervious backsheet comprising the above fibers and/or nonwovens, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: A lactide polymer composition combining compositional and purity limitations and catalyst optimization or addition of stabilizing agents resulting in a melt-stable polymer is disclosed. The melt-stable lactide polymer comprises a plurality of polylactide polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than 2 percent and water in concentration of less than 1000 parts-per-million. A stabilizing agent in an amount sufficient to reduce depolymerization of the lactide polymer during melt-processing or alternatively, control of catalyst level at a molar ratio of monomer to catalyst greater than 3000:1 is also included in the melt-stable composition. A process for manufacture of a melt-stable lactide polymer composition includes polymerizing a lactide mixture and adding stabilizing agents sufficient to reduce depolymerization of the polylactide during melt-processing, followed by devolatilizing the polylactide to remove monomer and water.

Abstract: A lactic acid polymer composition comprising formulating 100 parts by weight of a mixture consisting of 80-95% by weight of an L-lactic acid polymer having an L-lactic acid proportion of 75% or more and 5-20% by weight of a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of a polyhydric alcohol ester and a hydroxypolycarboxylic acid ester, 0.1-5 parts by weight of an anti-blocking agent having a SiO.sub.2 content of 90% or more and an average particle size of 7-50 nm, and 0.1-2 parts by weight of a slip agent; a molded product and film obtained from the composition; and a preparation process of the same are disclosed. The molded product and film are excellent in processability, transparency, flexibility, anti-blocking property and slip, and can be degraded into harmless water and carbon dioxide under natural environment, when abandoned.

Abstract: A deformable surgical repair device is manufactured from a block or graft copolymer. The copolymer comprises a plurality of first linkages selected from the group consisting of glycolic acid ester and lactic acid ester linkages, and mixtures thereof, and a plurality of second linkages selected from the group consisting of 1,3-dioxan-2-one; 1,4-dioxan-2-one and .epsilon.-caprolactone linkages. The plurality of first linkages comprises at least about 50 up to about 90 mole percent of the copolymer. In an alternative Claim, the deformable surgical repair device is manufactured from a blend of a first and a second absorbable polymer. The first absorbable polymer comprises a plurality of linkages selected from the group consisting of glycolic acid ester and lactic acid ester linkages, and mixtures thereof. The second absorbable polymer comprises a plurality of linkages selected from the group consisting of 1,3-dioxan-2-one; 1,4-dioxan-2-one and .epsilon.-caprolactone linkages.

Abstract: A semi-crystalline film comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 5 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing a semi-crystalline film with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Sodium salt of (poly-(2,5-dihydroxy-phenylene))-4-thiosulfonic acid, being a cyclo-linear polymer, is proposed as the regulator of a cell metabolism. There are provided for the production of the claimed preparation: interaction of para-benzoquinone and sodium thiosulfate at the molar ratio of 10:1 to 2:1, separation of a final product, and purification from admixtures. The interaction of para-bernzoquinone and sodium thiosulfate is made in a water-organic medium, preferably in the water-acetone one, at the temperature of 40 to 70 C.

Abstract: A process for preparing a biodegradable resin composition, comprising: providing a reaction mixture comprising at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid and, as a polymerization catalyst, a monoorganotin derivative; heating and stirring the reaction mixture, wherein the heating and stirring step is carried out under a reduced pressure to cause condensation polymerization or carried out in an organic solvent to cause azeotropic dehydrating polymerization. Also disclosed in a biodegradable resin composition prepared by the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lactic acid residue containing polymer composition and product having improved stability and to methods for the preparation and use thereof. The lactic acid residue containing polymer preferably includes a polylactide polymer having a number average molecular weight of between about 25,000 and about 200,000, lactide, if present at all, present in a concentration of less than 0.5 wt % based on the weight of the composition, and deactivating agents. Articles which can be manufactured from the lactic acid residue containing polymer composition include fibers, coated paper, films, moldings, and foam.

Abstract: A biodegradable polyester prepared from lactic acid, and, optionally, other hydroxy acid or acids. The polyester contains 4-100 carboxyl groups and has an average molecular weight of 1,000 to 200,000 g/mol. Also disclosed are methods of making such polyesters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable expanded material having excellent expandability, moldability, impact resistance, heat resistance and storage stability. The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of the foregoing expanded material. The present invention further provides a laminate of a non-expanded material layer and an expanded material layer prepared from the foregoing expanded material which exhibits excellent impact resistance and heat resistance and an excellent transparency in the non-expanded material even after heat treatment so that a pattern printed on the inner side of the non-expanded material layer can be clearly viewed from the outside.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 2 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Polyethers containing pendant azide groups are cured without a catalyst by yclo-addition with diacetylenes to form triazole cross-linked, energetic binders having improved mechanical properties and stability. The polyethers typically have three hydroxy-terminated chains each of about 5000 to about 50,000 daltons. Ideally, only one azide group per chain reacts by cyclo-addition since the diacetylene is added in a proportion of about one molecule to each two polyether chains. Repeating units of glycidal azide, azidomethylmethyloxetane, bis-azidomethyloxetane/nitratomethylmethyloxetane, and bis-azidomethyloxetane/azidomethylmethyloxetane are believed effective as polyethers when used with the diethynlbenzenes 1,4-bis(ethynl)benzene, 1,4-bis(ethynlcarbonyl)benzene, and 1,3-bis(cyanoethynl)benzene. The polyethers may be further cross-liked at the hydroxyl terminations by urethane bonds.

Abstract: The present invention describes a polyoxaamide copolymer and blends thereof that may be used to produce hydrogels, surgical devices such as catheters, molded devices, and the like. The polyoxaamide copolymers of the present invention are composed of a first divalent repeating unit of formula IA:[--X'--C(O)--R.sub.30 --C(O)--] IAa second divalent repeating unit of the formula IB:[X--C(O)--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--O--R.sub.3 --O--C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)--C(O)--]IBand a third repeating unit selected from the group of formulas consisting of:[--Y--R.sub.17 --].sub.T II[--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--].sub.B, III([--O--R.sub.9 --C(O)].sub.P --O--).sub.L G XIand combinations thereof, wherein R.sub.30 is an alkylene, arylene, arylalkylene, substituted alkylene, substituted arylene and substituted alkylarylene provided that R.sub.30 cannot be --[C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)].sub.1--2 --O--R.sub.3 --O--[C(R'.sub.1)(R'.sub.2)].sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the polymerization or copolymerization of cyclic lactones of hydroxy acids by using as catalysts organometallic iron compounds containing iron salts or iron esters of carboxylic acids having at maximum 18 carbon atoms or some iron complexes. The invention relates preferably to the polymerization of lactide by using an iron acetate catalyst or initiator.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive composition with a pressure-sensitive adhesive property and heat resistance comprises a polyester having a polylactone structure as the main chain. A pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet with a releasing property of a peelable liner and containing no silicone can be obtained by using the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition in combination with a polyolefin film without being subjected to a silicone treatment as a peelable liner. When the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet comprises a base material having formed thereon the layer of the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition and the back side of the base material has a surface composed of a polyolefin, neither a peelable liner nor a silicone treatment is required. The pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet is suitably used for computer instruments etc., because it contains no silicone.

Abstract: A semi-crystalline film comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 5 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing a semi-crystalline film with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for separating polyhydroxyalkanoates ("PHAs") from plants, such as transgenic oil crop plants. The methods advantageously permit both the oil and the PHAs to be recovered from the plant biomass. To isolate the PHAs, in one embodiment, a biomass derived from an oil crop plant is pre-processed, for example by grinding, crushing or rolling. The oil then is extracted from the biomass with a first solvent in which the oil is soluble and in which the PHAs are not highly soluble to remove the oil. The biomass then can be extracted with a second solvent in which the PHA is soluble, to separate the PHA from the biomass. Alternatively, the PHA-containing biomass is treated with a chemical or biochemical agent, such as an enzyme, to chemically transform the PHA into a PHA derivative. The PHA derivative then is separated from the mixture using, for example, a physical separation process such as distillation, extraction or chromatography.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable PHA copolymers comprising at least two randomly repeating monomer units. The present invention further relates to a plastic article comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the biodegradable copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU has the structure ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H, or C.sub.1 or C.sub.2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## and wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet comprising a film comprising a PHA of the present invention and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.