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: The present invention is a water-responsive film. More particularly, the present invention is a film comprising a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol and a polylactide and a method of making such films. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a film comprising a blend of polyvinyl alcohol and modified polylactide and a method of making such films. The films are useful as a component in flushable and degradable articles.

Abstract: The present invention describes a polyoxaester copolymers containing amines and/or amido groups and blends thereof with other polymers that may be used to produce surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, and the like. The polyoxaesters copolymer of the present invention is formed from a first divalent repeating unit of formula IA:[--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)-- ]Iand a third repeating unit of the formula:[--O--R.sub.12 --].sub.U, XVIand optionally a fourth repeating unit with a formula selected from the group 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 wherein R.sub.12 contains an internal amine or internal amide group.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polyester resin represented by general formula (1) or (2) which has a melt index of from 1 to 50. The polyester resin is excellent in flexibility, flame retardancy, and thermal aging resistance. The electric wire, insulated cable, and heat-shrinkable tube obtained with the resin are excellent also in abrasion resistance: ##STR1## whereinRa1 is an aromatic and/or aliphatic hydrocarbon group;Ra2 is a hydrocarbon group;Ra3 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having a C.dbd.C bond;Rb is a hydrocarbon group; andl, m, n, p and q each is a positive integer.

Abstract: Acrolein polymer from acrolein and one or more polyhydric alcohols, characterized by release of monomeric acrolein in aqueous systems and hence by a prolonged effect on microorganisms, is prepared by adding acrolein to a reaction medium containing catalyst in dissolved form, and not allowing the temperature of the reaction medium to rise about 50.degree. C. The acrolein polymer may be used in aqueous systems as a biocide.

Abstract: Hydrogels of polymerized and crosslinked macromers comprising hydrophilic oligomers having biodegradable monomeric or oligomeric extensions, which biodegradable extensions are terminated on free ends with end cap monomers or oligomers capable of polymerization and cross linking are described. The hydrophilic core itself may be degradable, thus combining the core and extension functions. Macromers are polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light, visible light excitation or thermal energy. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. Preferred applications for the hydrogels include prevention of adhesion formation after surgical procedures, controlled release of drugs and other bioactive species, temporary protection or separation of tissue surfaces, adhering of sealing tissues together, and preventing the attachment of cells to tissue surfaces.

Abstract: A polymer system having repeating units of the formula: ##STR1## wherein A is --H or --OH, x has a value of 0.5 to 1.0 and y has a value of 1.0-x, exhibits a high glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) and a low dielectric constant. The polymer system is useful in the area of microelectronic packaging.

Abstract: Polymers based ona) lactic acid or its C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl esters or mixtures thereof,b) at least one aliphatic C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 dicarboxylic acid andc) at least one C.sub.3 -C.sub.10 alkanol containing from three to five hydroxyl groups.

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: It is provided a polyester cyclic compound represented by formula (1). It is also provided a complex of a polyester cyclic compound represented by formula (1), (3) or (4) and a compound containing an OH group(s). It is still further provided a bonded body of an ester compound and the cyclic compound represented by the formula (1), (3) or (4), or the complex. The above-described compounds demonstrate various pharmacological effects, such as carcinostatic effect and immunological regulation, specifically to a living body. (In the formulae, each "R" is independently H, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group, or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group wherein one or more H is replaced by F, and "n" is an integer of 2 to 9).

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polyester is extracted from biomass by dissolving the PHA in a non-halogenated solvent which comprises a PHA-good solvent or a mixture thereof. Suitable PHA-good solvents can be selected from the disclosed alcohols, esters, amides and ketones. The PHA can be recovered, for example, by cooling, by solvent evaporation, or by addition of a PHA-poor solvent, wherein the PHA-poor solvent preferably dissolves less than about 1% (w/v) of the PHA at a temperature below the solvent boiling point. Preferred PHA types for use in the invention are poly (hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate), and polymers/copolymers of hydroxyterminated polyhydroxybutyrate.

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 resorbable polymer suitable for producing a medical product, comprising a triblock terpolymer with a structure ABA formed from a biodegradable hard segment A and a biodegradable soft segment B, has as the soft segment a statistical terpolymer with a completely amorphous structure. A process for its production comprises chemically reacting the hard segment monomer with hydroxy terminal groups of the soft segment B. The resorbable medical product produced from the triblock terpolymer can be a textile fabric, produced from multifilaments, a film, membrane or an injection molding.

Abstract: Crosslinked compositions formed from a water-insoluble copolymer are disclosed. These compositions are copolymers having a bioresorbable region, a hydrophilic region and at least two crosslinkable functional groups per polymer chain. These compositions are able to form hydrogels in aqueous environments when crosslinked. These hydrogels are good sealants for implantable prostheses when in contact with an aqueous environment. In addition, such hydrogels can be used as delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) are used as binders for drying paint systems, wherein the poly (3-hydroxyalkanoate) component comprises poly (3-hydroxyalkanoate) containing mono- and/or poly-unsaturated side groups. Medium chain length PHAs based on unsaturated vegetable fatty acids are preferred. PHAs are used in the form of a solution in organic solvents and in the form of a dispersion in water. The PHA binders are used for the formulation of solvent-based PHA paint systems and for the formulations of PHA latexes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene from a feed stream that contains hydrocarbons which contain dimethylnaphthalene isomers. The method includes the following steps:I. distillation and concentration of the dimethylnaphthalene isomers from the feed stream, to form a dimethylnaphthalene fraction,II. isomerization of the dimethylnaphthalene fraction to enrich the dimethylnaphthalene fraction in 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene, to form a 2,6-enriched dimethylnaphthalene fraction,III. purification of 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene from the 2,6-enriched dimethylnaphthalene fraction,wherein step II is conducted in the presence of a catalyst composition containing a synthetic zeolite characterized by an X-ray diffraction pattern including interplanar d-spacing (.ANG.)12.36.+-.10.411.03.+-.0.28.83.+-.10.146.18.+-.0.126.00.+-.0.104.06.+-.0.073.91.+-.0.013.42.+-.0.06,wherein the purification includes crystallization under pressure.

Abstract: A composite surgical material comprising a collagen matrix reinforced by a layer of a synthetic bioabsorbable material such as polylactide/polyglycolide or oxidised regenerated cellulose, and wherein oil droplets are dispersed in the collagen matrix. The oil droplets comprise 1% to 75% of the weight of the composite and result in improved leak-proofing of the composite. The composite, in the form of a sheet or a tube, is especially useful as a temporary, fully bioabsorbable prosthesis, for membranes or blood vessels where a highly leak-proof prosthesis is required. The invention also provides a method of making a composite surgical material comprising the steps of: providing a layer of a synthetic bioabsorbable material; providing a dispersion of collagen in an oil-in-water emulsion; coating at least one face of the layer of synthetic bioabsorbable material with the said dispersion; and drying the composite material thus obtained.

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 previous 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 process for the continuous production of polylactide polymers from lactic acid which incorporates removal of water or a solvent carrier to concentrate the lactic acid feed followed by polymerization to a low-molecular-weight prepolymer. This prepolymer is fed to a reactor in which a catalyst is added to facilitate generation of lactide, the depolymerization product of polylactic acid. The lactide generated is continuously fed to a distillation system as a liquid or vapor wherein water and other impurities are removed. The resultant purified liquid lactide is fed directly to a polymerization process.

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: Polysuccinimide of varying molecular weight has been prepared in a solvent system by heat polymerization of aspartic acid. The solvent system includes a sulfur oxygen acid and a sulfur oxygen acid salt. In a preferred embodiment, aspartic acid is polymerized in a liquid solvent reaction mixture at a temperature in the range of about 110.degree. C. to about 320.degree. C.

Abstract: A composite surgical material comprising a collagen matrix reinforced by a layer of a synthetic bioabsorbable material such as polylactide/polyglycolide or oxidized regenerated cellulose, and wherein oil droplets are dispersed in the collagen matrix. The oil droplets comprise 1% to 75% of the weight of the composite and result in improved leak-proofing of the composite. The composite, in the form of a sheet or a tube, is especially useful as a temporary, fully bioabsorbable prosthesis, for membranes or blood vessels where a highly leak-proof prosthesis is required. The invention also provides a method of making a composite surgical material comprising the steps of: providing a layer of a synthetic bioabsorbable material; providing a dispersion of collagen in an oil-in-water emulsion; coating at least one face of the layer of synthetic bioabsorbable material with the said dispersion; and drying the composite material thus obtained.

Abstract: A remoistenable hot melt adhesive composition comprising (i) 25 to 80% by weight of a sulfonated polyester;(ii) 3 to 40% by weight of an anionic or cationic plasticizer;(iii) 0 to 40% by weight of a polar tackifier;(iv) 0 to 3% by weight of an antioxidant; and(v) 10 to 35% by weight of a polar wax; and(vi) optionally 0 to 30% nonionic plasticizer, wherein the total of (i)-(vi) to equal 100% by weight.

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: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a film 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 film, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: Degradable polyesters useful in packaging, packing, agricultural, biomedical, and other applications are made by reacting amine-protected glutamic acid with diols or epoxy compounds. The polyesters include a thermoplastic main chain aliphatic polyester, a thermoset heterochain polyester and a thermoset heterochain aromatic polyester. Each of these polyesters can be hydrolyzed into monomers using a biological catalyst such as the enzyme lipase. The thermoplastic main chain aliphatic polyester and the thermoset heterochain polyester can be degraded to respiratory gases and biomass with a mixed culture of Rhizopus, chinesis, Rhizopus delemar, Penecillium pinophilum, Aspergillus niger and Pseudomonas aeruginosa microorganisms. This mixed culture of microorganisms can also be used to degrade other polyesters containing hydrolyzable backbone polyesters.

Abstract: Hydrogels of polymerized and crosslinked macromers comprising hydrophilic oligomers having biodegradable monomeric or oligomeric extensions, which biodegradable extensions are terminated on free ends with end cap monomers or oligomers capable of polymerization and cross linking are described. The hydrophilic core itself may be degradable, thus combining the core and extension functions. Macromers are polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light, visible light excitation or thermal energy. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. Preferred applications for the hydrogels include prevention of adhesion formation after surgical procedures, controlled release of drugs and other bioactive species, temporary protection or separation of tissue surfaces, adhering of sealing tissues together, and preventing the attachment of cells to tissue surfaces.

Abstract: A chiral (R) stereospecific polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in aqueous latex form having virgin disperse phase particles of very low or undetectable crystallinity is useful in making a water-sensitive structure water-resistant. It may be used as a mixture with a latex of a synthetic polymer. Processes for making the PHA latex are disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds containing two cyclic hydrocarbon moieties which are substituted to provide crosslinking functionality and which are linked to each other by secondary or tertiary oxycarbonyl containing moiety are basis for compositions which are cured to provide cured thermosets for encapsulation and underfill for electronic components that are thermally decomposable to allow repair, replacement, recovery or recycling of operative electronic components from assemblies that are inoperative.

Abstract: The current invention relates to an alkyd resin particularly useful in high-solids coating compositions. The alkyd resin comprises the reaction product of an unsaturated fatty acid, a polyol, and the adduct of an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated dicarboxylic acid to an unsaturated fatty acid wherein the resin containsa) about 5 to about 40 weight % of the adduct of an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated dicarboxylic acid to an unsaturated fatty acid,b) about 50 to about 90 weight % of an unsaturated fatty acid which is not part of an adduct,c) about 8 to about 18 weight % of a polyol free from carboxylic groups,d) about 1 to about 30 weight % of an at least two hydroxyl groups-containing monocarboxylic acid,e) optionally, up to about 10 weight % of a dicarboxylic and/or a tricarboxylic acid, andf) optionally, up to 15 weight % of one or more monomers other than the monomers (a) through (e).Also disclosed is their use in coating compositions, particularly high-solids coating compositions having a VOC of less than 170.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing polyhydroxycarboxylic acids which have a weight-average molecular weight of 50,000 or above and which are excellent as biodegradable plastics by polycondensing hydroxycarboxylic acids or oligomers thereof in the presence of an inorganic solid acid catalyst in combination with an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: A process of recovering PHA from a suspension which comprises particles of PHA in a liquid which comprises maintaining the suspension at a temperature at which the PHA melts and substantial coalescence of PHA particles occurs thereby at least partly forming a layer of molten PHA and separating the layer of PHA optionally after it cooling to form a solid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating polyhydroxyalkanoate from a biomass, the process comprising extracting the polyhydroxyalkanoate with at least one PHA solvent selected from the group consisting of acetone, acetonitrile, benzene, butyl acetate, butyl propionate, .beta.-butyrolactone, .gamma.-butyrolactone, diethyl carbonate, diethylformamide, dimethyl carbonate, dimethyl succinate, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide, ethyl acetate, ethylene glycol diacetate, methyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, 1,4-dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, toluene, xylene, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Synthtic fibers can be effectively lubricated by applying a lubricant containing polyether polyester block copolymer shown as follows: ##STR1## where X, Z, A.sup.1, Y.sup.1, and R.sup.1 are each of a specified structure and integers a, b, c, p and q satisfy certain conditions.

Abstract: A description is given of water-soluble or water-dispersible polyaspartic acid derivatives, their preparation and their use in cosmetology, especially in hair cosmetology.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward melt-processable lactide polymer compositions, processes for manufacturing these compositions, and articles made from these compositions. The compositions include a first phase, which contains a polylactide-based polymer, and a second phase which includes elastomer. The elastomer is present in an amount sufficient to provide a polymer composition having an impact resistance of at least about 0.7 ft-lb/in. after the melt-processable polymer composition has been injection molded into bars and tested according to ASTM D256 (1993) method C. Preferably, the compositions also include a reactive compatibilizing agent. Methods of making these compositions and articles made from these compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Degradable polyesteramide suitable for use in biomedical applications is obtained by reacting diamino alkyl ester with alpha hydroxy acid to form diamide-diol which is reacted with acyl halide or dicarboxylic acid to yield polyesteramide.

Abstract: A thermal resistant resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of polyester (A) having 25-75% by weight of a lactic acid component consisting of 25-75% by weight of a lactic acid-based polymer (a1) and 25-75% by weight of other aliphatic polyester (a2) having a melting point of 100-250.degree. C., and 0.1-70 parts by weight of a crystalline inorganic filler (B) containing 10% by weight or more of SiO.sub.2. The thermal resistant resin composition of the invention performs following function:1) injection molding can be carried out at a mold temperature of Tg or less or around room temperature with a short molding-cycle,2) quick crystallization velocity and satisfactory crystallinity can be attained in the molding step, and3) the molded articles have, as a result, excellent thermal resistance and generate properties of low deterioration of a high polymer component and slow embrittlement in use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation process of aliphatic polyester, comprising using an ion exchange resin as a drying agent and after the dehydration polycondensation reaction, regenerating and drying the used ion exchange resin and repeatedly using said ion exchange resin in the next dehydration polycondensation reaction, in a process for preparing aliphatic polyester from one or more aliphatic compound (A) by heating in an organic solvent in the presence of a catalyst, distilling a generated water containing organic solvent out of the reaction system, treating the distilled organic solvent with a drying agent, and returning the treated solvent to the reaction system to progress a dehydration polycondensation reaction. The process of the invention enables one to steadily and efficiently prepare in industry an aliphatic polyester having an excellent color tone, high molecular weight and high quality.

Abstract: Phosphoric esters obtained bya) reacting a mono-, oligo- or polyamine with an alkylene oxide or alkylene carbonate to give an amino alcohol or amino mono-, oligo-, or polyether alcohol, from 50 to 100% of the alkoxylatable NH groups of the amine being alkoxylated,b) reacting the resulting amino (ether) alcohol with a hydroxycarboxylic acid or a dicarboxylic acid and a diol to give a mono-, oligo- or polyester, or reacting it with a diisocyanate and a diol to give a di-, oligo- or polyurethane, from 50 to 100% of the terminal hydroxyl groups in the amino (ether) alcohol being esterified or converted into urethane groups, andc) reacting the resulting amino (ether) ester or urethane with a phosphorus compound which forms phosphoric esters, from 5 to 100% of the terminal hydroxyl groups in the amino (ether) ester or urethane being converted into phosphoric ester groups, and the phosphorus atoms being mono- and/or di- and, if appropriate, tri-esterified,preparation of the phosphoric esters, and their use as disper

Abstract: Polyesteramides having amino acid-derived groups alternating with hydroxy acid-derived groups are useful in making shaped articles, particularly, shaped articles suitable for use as surgical devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic composition comprising an unreacted mixture of a poly(lactic acid) polymer; a polybutylene succinate polymer or a polybutylene succinate adipate polymer, or a mixture of such polymers; and a wetting agent. The thermoplastic composition exhibits substantial biodegradable properties yet is easily processed. The thermoplastic composition is useful in making multicomponent fibers or nonwoven structures that may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to degradable blends containing polylactide, a degradable impact modifier, and a degradable plasticizer for use in packaging films. The degradable impact modifier can be a degradable, non-toxic elastomer or a degradable, non-toxic, non-elastomeric polymer having a low glass transition temperature, such as polycaprolactone and poly(ethylene glycol). The degradable plasticizer can be any plasticizer having a relatively low molecular weight, a high degree of miscibility with polylactide, and non-toxicity. The film has excellent flexibility and impact strength for packaging applications.

Abstract: A polyesteramide suitable for use in the fabrication of absorbable surgical devices such as monofilament and multifilament sutures, films, sheets, plates, clips, staples, pins, screws, and the like, is obtained by reacting a monoalkanolamine such as ethanolamine with a diacid halide such as succinic acidchloride to provide a diamidediol and thereafter reacting the diamidediol with the same or different diacid halide under polymerization conditions to form the polyesteramide.

Abstract: Cyclic monomers prepared by novel methods are useful in making polyesteramides which can be made into shaped articles, particularly, shaped articles suitable for use as surgical devices.

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: A hydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA)is recovered from matter derived from living organisms by dissolving the PHA in a solvent which is a lower ketone, dialkyl ether or a lower alcohol or a monocarboxylic acid ester thereof, separating the solution from such matter and recovering PHA from the solution.

Abstract: A process of making a polyhydroxyalkanoate PHA latex comprises making a liquid-form solution of such PHA in a water soluble liquid and contacting that solution with water under shear. Suitably the solution is prepared at a temperature between the boiling point of water and 10.degree. C. below the melting point of the PHA as measured by DSC for example by melt separating PHA from a microbiological suspension thereof, dissolving it in the water soluble liquid, and then contacting the solution at over 100.degree. C. with water at 50.degree.-95.degree. C. The water-soluble liquid may be for example 1,2-propandiol or a liquid more volatile than water such as ethanol, propanol or tertiary butanol. A surfactant may be present or added after contacting, for example one providing steric stabilisation such as an acrylic graft copolymer emulsifier.

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## wherein R.sup.2 is a C.sub.4 -C.sub.19 alkyl or alkenyl; 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.