Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090054548 | BIODEGRADABLE WATER-SENSITIVE FILMS - A film that is biodegradable and water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water is provided. The film contains a biodegradable polyester, starch, water-soluble polymer, and plasticizer. The desired water-sensitive attributes of film may be achieved in the present invention by selectively controlling a variety of aspects of the film construction, such as the nature of the components employed, the relative amount of each component, the manner in which the film is formed, and so forth. | 02-26-2009 |
20090157020 | Film Formed from a Blend of Biodegradable Aliphatic-Aromatic Copolyesters - A film that is formed from a biodegradable polymer blend of different aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters is provided. More specifically, the blend contains a first copolyester formed from a terephthalic acid monomer. The use of a terephthalic acid monomer results in a polymer chain containing 1,4-(para-) terephthalate units linked in a generally linear configuration (e.g., ˜180°). The blend also contains a second aliphatic-aromatic copolyester formed from a phthalic acid and/or isophthalic acid monomer. The use of such a monomer results in a polymer chain containing 1,2-(ortho-) and/or 1,3-(meta-) linked units. The inclusion of 1,2-(ortho-) and/or 1,3-(meta-) linked units into the polymer backbone of the second copolyester introduces an angle or “kink” (e.g., ˜120° kink for a 1,3-linkage) into the otherwise linear polymer chain. The “kinks” in the second copolyester backbone reduce its melting point and degree of crystallinity, which have an influence on its physical properties (e.g., toughness, tensile strength, and crystallization rate). Thus, the physical properties of the second copolyester may differ substantially from those of the first copolyester. In this regard, the “kinked” second copolyester can provide flexibility for forming films with a wide range of properties that is superior to that which may be achieved using either of copolyesters alone. | 06-18-2009 |
20090203281 | BIODEGRADABLE ALIPHATIC-POLYESTER FOR USE IN NONWOVEN WEBS - A method for forming a biodegradable aliphatic polyester suitable for use in fibers is provided. In one embodiment, for example, an aliphatic polyester is melt blended with an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a polyester having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and polymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified aliphatic polyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting aliphatic polyester Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in a wide variety of fiber forming applications, such as in the meltblowing of nonwoven webs. | 08-13-2009 |
20090247036 | Thermoplastic Starch for Use in Melt-Extruded Substrates - A melt-extruded substrate (e.g., film, nonwoven web, etc.) that contains a thermoplastic starch formed from a starch and plasticizer is provided. The starch and plasticizer are melt blended together in the presence of a weak organic acid (e.g., lactic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, etc.). By selectively controlling certain parameters of the melt blending process (e.g., extrusion temperature, content of the components, etc.), the present inventors have discovered that the starch may be hydrolyzed in a highly efficient manner to form compositions having a comparably lower weight average molecular weight, polydispersity index, and viscosity, which are particularly suitable for use in the formation of melt-extruded substrates. | 10-01-2009 |
20090286031 | Water-Sensitive Film Containing Thermoplastic Polyurethane - A film that contains a thermoplastic polyurethane and water-soluble polymer is provided. The film is both elastic and water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water. The dual attributes of elasticity and water-sensitivity may be achieved by reducing the tendency of the thermoplastic polyurethane and water-soluble polymer to form separate phases. Namely, phase separation may cause the elastomer to act as a barrier and limit the ability of the water-soluble polymer to contact water and thereby disperse. To minimize such phase separation, a variety of aspects of the film construction may be selectively controlled, such as the nature of the thermoplastic polyurethane and water-soluble polymer, the relative amount of each component, and so forth. For example, thermoplastic polyurethanes are polar in nature and thus may be generally compatible with water-soluble polymers (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol), which are also polar in nature. Further, water-soluble polymers having a relatively low molecular weight and viscosity typically possess better melt compatibility with polar thermoplastic polyurethanes. By carefully controlling the nature of the polymers used to form the film, the present inventors have discovered that a film may be formed that is generally free of distinct phases. | 11-19-2009 |
20090286906 | Water-Sensitive Film Containing an Olefinic Elastomer - A film that is both elastic and water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water is provided. To achieve these dual attributes, the film contains an olefinic elastomer and a water-soluble polymer. Although these polymers are normally chemically incompatible due to their different polarities, the present inventors have discovered that phase separation may be minimized by selectively controlling certain aspects of the film, such as the nature of the polyolefin, water-soluble polymer, and other film components, the relative amount of the film components, and so forth. For example, certain water-soluble polymers may be selected that have a low molecular weight and viscosity to enhance their melt compatibility with nonpolar polyolefins. This, in turn, may result in a film that is generally free of separate phases, which would otherwise limit the ability of the water-soluble polymer to contact water and disperse. | 11-19-2009 |
20090291607 | BIODEGRADABLE ALIPHATIC-AROMATIC COPOLYESTER FOR USE IN NONWOVEN WEBS - A method for forming a biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic copolyester suitable for use in fibers is provided. In one embodiment, for example, an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is melt blended with an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a copolyester having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting aliphatic-aromatic polymer. Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in a wide variety of fiber forming applications, such as in the meltblowing of nonwoven webs. | 11-26-2009 |
20090305592 | Fibers Formed from a Blend of a Modified Aliphatic-Aromatic Copolyester and Thermoplastic Starch - A fiber formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a thermoplastic starch and an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is provided. The copolyester enhances the strength of the starch-containing fibers and also facilitates the ability of the starch to be melt processed. Due to its relatively low melting point, the aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may also be extruded with the thermoplastic starch at a temperature that is low enough to avoid substantial removal of the moisture found in the starch. Furthermore, the aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is also modified with an alcohol so that it contains one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the conditions of the alcoholysis reaction (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, temperature, etc.), the resulting modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may have a molecular weight that is relatively low. Such low molecular weight polymers have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in a wide variety of fiber forming applications, such as in the meltblowing of nonwoven webs. | 12-10-2009 |
20090311937 | BIODEGRADABLE POLYLACTIC ACID FOR USE IN NONWOVEN WEBS - A method for forming a biodegradable polylactic acid suitable for use in fibers is provided. In one embodiment, for example, a polylactic acid is melt blended with an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a polylactic acid having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and polymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified polylactic acid may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting polylactic acid. Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in a wide variety of fiber forming applications, such as in the meltblowing of nonwoven webs. | 12-17-2009 |
20090324917 | Biodegradable Packaging Film - A biodegradable packaging film is provided. The film is formed from a blend that contains a thermoplastic starch and polylactic acid. Starch is a relatively inexpensive natural polymer that is also renewable and biodegradable. Polylactic acid is likewise an inexpensive synthetic polymer that is biodegradable and renewable, yet also capable of providing increased tensile strength to the film. Although providing a good combination of biodegradability/renewability and increased tensile strength, the polylactic acid is also relatively rigid and can result in films having a relatively high stiffness (e.g., high modulus of elasticity) and low ductility. While more ductile than polylactic acid, the thermoplastic starch is often difficult to melt process in film forming processes and very sensitive to moisture and water vapor, reducing its ability to be used as a stand alone packaging film. In an effort to counteract the effect of such polymers, an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is also employed in the blend of the present invention. While such copolyesters are biodegradable, they also possess the melt properties and ductility that lend them well to the formation of films. Although the combination of these polymers may achieve a good balance between biodegradability/renewability, high tensile strength, and good ductility (e.g., high peak elongation), it is still often difficult to achieve a precise set of mechanical properties as desired for packaging films. In this regard, the blend also contains a filler. Due to its rigid nature, the amount of the filler may be readily adjusted to fine tune the blend to the desired degree of ductility (e.g., peak elongation) and stiffness (e.g., modulus of elasticity). | 12-31-2009 |
20090325854 | Fragranced Biodegradable Film - A film formed from a biodegradable polymer matrix within which is contained at least one fragrance is provided. The ability to incorporate a fragrance into the polymer matrix is achieved in the present invention by controlling a variety of aspects of the film construction, including the nature of the fragrance, the nature of the biodegradable polymer, the manner in which the polymer matrix and fragrance are melt processed, etc. For example, the fragrance may be injected directly into the extruder and melt blended with the biodegradable polymer. In this manner, the costly and time-consuming steps of pre-encapsulation or pre-compounding of the fragrance into a masterbatch are not required. Furthermore, to obtain a balance between the ability of the fragrance to release the desired odor during use and likewise to minimize the premature exhaustion of the odor during melt processing, the fragrance is selected to have a boiling point (at atmospheric pressure) within a certain range, such as from about 125° C. to about 350° C. | 12-31-2009 |
20090326093 | Fragranced Water-Sensitive Film - A film formed from a water-soluble polymer matrix within which is contained at least one fragrance is provided. The film is water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) so that upon contact with a sufficient amount of water, the polymer matrix loses its integrity over time to increasingly expose the fragrance to the ambient environment for releasing its odor. The ability to incorporate a fragrance into the polymer matrix is achieved in the present invention by controlling a variety of aspects of the film construction, including the nature of the fragrance, the nature of the water-soluble polymer, the manner in which the polymer matrix and fragrance are melt processed, etc. For example, the fragrance may be injected directly into the extruder and melt blended with the water-soluble polymer. In this manner, the costly and time-consuming steps of pre-encapsulation or pre-compounding of the fragrance into a masterbatch are not required. Furthermore, to obtain a balance between the ability of the fragrance to release the desired odor during use and likewise to minimize the premature exhaustion of the odor during melt processing, the fragrance is selected to have a boiling point (at atmospheric pressure) within a certain range, such as from about 125° C. to about 350° C. | 12-31-2009 |
20100155004 | Water-Soluble Creping Materials - Fibrous articles are disclosed containing an additive composition. The additive composition, for instance, may include a water-soluble film forming component and water-soluble modifying components that is deposited at least at the surface of a fibrous web. In some aspects, the additive composition includes polymers that demonstrate a certain LCST and melting temperature. In another aspect, the additive composition is applied to the fibrous web during the heated drying phase, such as with a Yankee dryer. The fibrous web with additive composition is then creped. The additive composition may improve the perceived softness of the web without substantially affecting the absorbency of the web in an adverse manner. | 06-24-2010 |
20100159170 | Injection Molding Material Containing Starch and Plant Protein - An injection molding material that includes a renewable resin containing a combination of renewable polymers (e.g., starch and plant protein) and a plasticizer is provided. Although such compounds are normally difficult to process into thermoplastics, the present inventors have discovered that injection molding materials may nevertheless be formed by melt blending the renewable resin with a synthetic resin (e.g., polyolefin) while selectively controlling the nature of the resins and their relative concentrations. In this manner, a morphology may be achieved in which the renewable resin is present as a discontinuous phase that is dispersed within a continuous phase of the synthetic resin (e.g., “island-in-the-sea” morphology). The discontinuous and continuous phases may each constitute from about 30 vol. % to about 70 vol. %, and in some embodiments, from about 40 vol. % to about 60 vol. %. With such a morphology, the continuity of the synthetic resin can minimize the aggregate properties of the renewable resin such that the molding material possesses melt properties similar to that of the synthetic resin. Further, this morphology may also minimize the need to use different molding tools as the shrinkage properties of the overall composition may be substantially similar to that of the synthetic resin. | 06-24-2010 |
20100159203 | Biodegradable and Renewable Film - A biodegradable and renewable film that may be employed in a wide variety of applications is provided. The film is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains at least one starch and at least one plant protein. Even at a high renewable material content, the present inventors have discovered that films may be readily formed from plant proteins and starches by selectively controlling the individual amount of the starch and plant proteins, the nature of the starch and plant proteins, and other components used in the film. Balancing the amount of starches and plant proteins within a certain range, for instance, can reduce the likelihood of plant protein aggregation and enhance the ability of the composition to be melt processed. The composition also contains at least one plasticizer that improves the thermoplastic nature of the protein and starch components. The selection of the plasticizer may also help reduce the tendency of the plant protein to aggregate during melt processing. For example, a relatively acidic plasticizer (e.g., carboxylic acid) may be employed in certain embodiments to minimize the formation of disulfide bonds in a gluten protein, and thereby decrease its tendency to aggregate. | 06-24-2010 |
20100159777 | Thermoplastic Starch Formed from an Enzymatically Debranched Starch - A thermoplastic starch for use in a melt-processed composition (e.g., fiber, nonwoven web, etc.) is provided. The thermoplastic starch contains an enzymatically debranched starch and a plasticizer. By selectively controlling certain parameters of the enzymatic modification process (e.g., temperature, enzyme and starch concentrations, reaction time, isolation method, etc.), the present inventors have discovered that a native starch may be hydrolyzed in a highly efficient manner to form compositions having a comparably lower weight average molecular weight and viscosity, which are particularly suitable for use in the formation of thermoplastic starches for use in melt processing applications. | 06-24-2010 |
20100272940 | ALGAE-BLENDED COMPOSITIONS FOR THERMOPLASTIC ARTICLES - A thermoplastic material composition containing certain biodegradable and renewable components is described. The thermoplastic composition that includes a least one kind of algae or a blend of at least one kind of algae and a plant polymer a blend of algae and/or plant-based polymers, such as proteins and starches, as relatively low cost feedstock. The algae or blend may be plasticized. Additionally, a method adapted for large scale fabrication of fibers, films, or extruded articles is also described. | 10-28-2010 |
20110059669 | MULTICOMPONENT BIODEGRADABLE FILAMENTS AND NONWOVEN WEBS FORMED THEREFROM - A biodegradable, substantially continuous filament is provided. The filament contains a first component formed from at least one high melting polyester and a second component formed from at least one low melting polyester. The low melting point polyester is an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester formed by melt blending a polymer and an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a copolyester having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting aliphatic-aromatic polymer. Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in the formation of substantially continuous filaments. | 03-10-2011 |
20110152815 | Biodegradable And Breathable Film - Breathable and biodegradable polymeric film materials of the invention are highly suitable for use in personal care absorbent articles and other articles. The film includes a biodegradable polymer resin, a thermoplastic starch, a filler and optionally, a protein. The breathable film has a renewable natural polymer component. | 06-23-2011 |
20110152818 | Melt-Processed Films of Thermoplastic Cellulose And Microbial Aliphatic Polyester - Films made from a thermoplastic cellulose and microbially-derived, renewable and biodegradable aliphatic polyester such as polyhydroxyalkanoates are disclosed. The films, made from two relatively brittle materials exhibit more ductility and strength than the materials from which the film is made. The film may be incorporated into absorbent personal care product including but not limited to training pants, diaper, bandages, and bed pads. | 06-23-2011 |
20120009387 | FLEXIBLE THERMOPLASTIC FILMS AND ARTICLES - A biodegradable, polyolefin-based material composition having incorporated therein thermoplastic starch particles is described. The material includes from about 5% to about 45% of a thermoplastic starch (TPS), from about 55% to about 95% of a polyolefin or mixtures of polyolefins, and from about 0.5% to about 8% of a compatibilizer, which has a non-polar backbone and a polar functional monomer or a block copolymer of both the non-polar block and a polar block. A method of forming a film and packaging assemblies made with the polymeric material are also described. | 01-12-2012 |
20120015142 | BIODEGRADABLE BLENDS AND FILMS HAVING NANO-STRUCTURAL FEATURES - A thermoplastic polymer composition with a tertiary blend of a carbon dioxide-derived polymer, a thermoplastic cellulose derivative, and a thermoplastic compatibilizer is described. The composition can be melt-processed into flexible, thin films that have fine nano-scale structural features in both the cross-directional and machine-directional orientations, for use in various products. The films, which are made from relatively brittle materials, exhibit a greater degree of ductility, elongation capacity, and strength than the primary, original component materials as binary-blends from which the film is made. | 01-19-2012 |
20120016328 | BIODEGRADABLE FILMS - A film that is biodegradable in that it loses its integrity over time is provided. The biodegradable film includes from about 1 wt. % to about 49 wt. % by weight of the film of a matrix phase including at least one biodegradable polyester, and from about 46 wt. % to about 75 wt. % by weight of the film of a dispersed phase comprising at least one oxidized starch and at least one plasticizer, wherein the dispersed phase is dispersed in the matrix phase, and further wherein the wt. % by weight of the film of the matrix phase is less than the wt. % by weight of the film of the dispersed phase. The desired attributes of film may be achieved in the present invention by selectively controlling a variety of aspects of the film construction, such as the nature of the components employed, the relative amount of each component, the manner in which the film is formed, and so forth. | 01-19-2012 |
20120130331 | Biodegradable and Flushable Multi-Layered Film - A film that is both biodegradable and flushable, and yet can still act as a barrier to water or other fluids during use, is provided. More particularly, the film contains a water-dispersible core layer that helps the film to lose its integrity after being flushed, as well as a water-barrier skin layer that helps maintain the integrity of the film during use. The nature and relative concentration of the components in the water-barrier layer are selectively controlled to achieve a combination of different functions. That is, the majority of the polymers employed in the water-barrier layer are biodegradable polymers that can be degraded by microorganisms while in an aqueous environment (e.g., septic tank, water treatment facility, etc.). To even further enhance the overall renewability of the layer, a relatively high amount of the biodegradable polymers are starch polymers, which are also renewable. The starch polymers can also minimize the degree of stickiness in the film, which can sometimes result from certain types of synthetic polymers. Even at a high starch content, the present inventors have discovered that films may still be readily formed by using synthetic biodegradable polyesters in combination with the starch to facilitate melt processing. | 05-24-2012 |
20120141567 | Melt Processed Antimicrobial Composition - A method for forming a composition that includes mixing an antimicrobially active botanical oil (e.g., thymol, carvacrol, etc.) and a modified starch polymer within a melt blending device (e.g., extruder) is provided. Unlike the problems associated with proteins, the use of starch polymers allows for a greater degree of flexibility in the processing conditions and is still able to achieve good properties in the resulting composition. The present inventors have also discovered that a plasticizer may be employed to facilitate melt processing of the starch, as well as to enhance the ability of the botanical oil to flow into the internal structure of the starch where it can be retained in a stable manner. The composition is also typically generally free of solvents. In this manner, the starch will not generally disperse before use and prematurely release the botanical oil. Due to the water sensitivity of the modified starch, however, it may be subsequently dispersed by moisture when it is desired to release the botanical oil. | 06-07-2012 |
20120141569 | Wipe Coated with a Botanical Composition having Antimicrobial Properties - A wipe that contains a fibrous web on which is coated an antimicrobial composition is provided. The composition includes a botanical oil derived from a plant (e.g., thymol, carvacrol, etc.). Because the botanical oil is volatile and tends to evaporate and lose efficacy during storage and prior to use, a protein is also employed in the composition to enhance long term stability of the oil and, in turn, its antimicrobial efficacy. The protein is “film-forming” in the sense that it tends to form a substantially continuous film when coated onto a surface of the fibrous web. Because such proteins are typically stiff and brittle in nature, a continuous film would restrict the ability of the fibers to move and bend, thereby reducing web flexibility and drape. Thus, it is typically desired that the antimicrobial composition form a discontinuous coating on the fibrous web. In this regard, the present inventors have surprisingly discovered that the addition of an organopolysiloxane can help achieve such a discontinuous coating without adversely impacting the ability of the protein to stabilize the botanical oil. The organopolysiloxane may also enhance the softness and overall handfeel of the wipe. | 06-07-2012 |
20120141571 | Wipe Coated with a Botanical Emulsion having Antimicrobial Properties - An oil-in-water emulsion that is environmentally friendly and also exhibits antimicrobial activity is provided. More specifically, the oil phase of the emulsion includes a botanical oil derived from a plant (e.g., thymol, carvacrol, etc.). Because the botanical oil tends to leach out of the emulsion during storage and before it is used in the desired application, a water-dispersible polymer is also employed in the aqueous phase of the emulsion to enhance long term stability of the oil and, in turn, antimicrobial efficacy. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the water-dispersible polymer can effectively encapsulate the botanical oil within the emulsion and inhibit its premature release. Once the emulsion is formed, water can then be removed so that it becomes a substantially anhydrous concentrate. In this manner, the water-dispersible polymer will not generally disperse before use and prematurely release the botanical oil. When it is desired, moisture may simply be re-applied to the concentrate to disperse the polymer and activate the release of the botanical oil. Of course, to provide the optimum degree of biocompatibility, the water-dispersible polymer is also a “biopolymer” that is biodegradable and/or renewable. | 06-07-2012 |
20120150137 | Elastic Film Containing a Renewable Starch Polymer - A film that contains a thermoplastic composition having a substantial portion of a renewable, natural starch polymer, and yet is elastic and exhibits good strength properties, is provided. Although starch is normally chemically incompatible with most elastomeric polymers due to their different polarities, the present inventors have discovered that phase separation may be minimized by selectively controlling certain aspects of the film, such as the nature of the elastomeric polymer and the starch polymer, and other film components, the relative amount of the film components, and the process for making the film. | 06-14-2012 |
20120202936 | Water-Sensitive Film Containing Thermoplastic Polyurethanes - A film that contains a thermoplastic polyurethane and water-soluble polymer is provided. The film is both elastic and water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water. The dual attributes of elasticity and water-sensitivity may be achieved by reducing the tendency of the thermoplastic polyurethane and water-soluble polymer to form separate phases. Namely, phase separation may cause the elastomer to act as a barrier and limit the ability of the water-soluble polymer to contact water and thereby disperse. To minimize such phase separation, a variety of aspects of the film construction may be selectively controlled, such as the nature of the thermoplastic polyurethane and water-soluble polymer, the relative amount of each component, and so forth. | 08-09-2012 |
20120225966 | Film Formed from a Blend of Biodegradable Aliphatic-Aromatic Copolyesters - A film that is formed from a biodegradable polymer blend of different aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters is provided. More specifically, the blend contains a first copolyester formed from a terephthalic acid monomer. The use of a terephthalic acid monomer results in a polymer chain containing 1,4-(para-)terephthalate units linked in a generally linear configuration (e.g., ˜180°). The blend also contains a second aliphatic-aromatic copolyester formed from a phthalic acid and/or isophthalic acid monomer. | 09-06-2012 |
20120315454 | NATURAL BIOPOLYMER THERMOPLASTIC FILMS - A thermoplastic film composition that includes a polymer blend of multiple inherently incompatible polymer components is described. The composition includes a polymer blend having about 5 wt. % to about 45 wt. % of a plasticized natural polymer, about 5 wt. % to about 40 wt % of a polyolefin, a biodegradable polymer, and a compatibilizer with both a polar and a non-polar moiety on the same polymer molecule. The total plasticized natural and biodegradable polymers constitute a majority or predominant phase (≧51 wt. %), while petroleum-based olefinic polymers form the minority phase. The composition can be made into a film containing at least one renewable, natural polymer component. Also described are the articles of manufacture that may use such films. | 12-13-2012 |
20130011593 | Biodegradable Water-Sensitive Films - A film that is biodegradable and water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water is provided. The film contains a biodegradable polyester, starch, water-soluble polymer, and plasticizer. The desired water-sensitive attributes of film may be achieved in the present invention by selectively controlling a variety of aspects of the film construction, such as the nature of the components employed, the relative amount of each component, the manner in which the film is formed, and so forth. | 01-10-2013 |
20130046262 | RENEWABLE THERMOPLASTIC STARCH-BASED MULTI-LAYER FILMS AND ARTICLES - The present invention relates to a multiple layer polymeric film comprising at least three layers wherein at least two layers comprise at least one polyolefin and a third layer comprises from about 5% to about 45% of a thermoplastic starch, from about 55% to about 95% of at least one polyolefin, and from about 0.5% to about 10% of a compatibilizer, wherein said compatibilizer is selected from the group consisting of a graft copolymer, a block copolymer, and a random copolymer of non-polar monomers and polar monomers. Also presented is a packaging material or a consumer product comprising a portion made of the multiple layer polymeric film that may be used to create an absorbent article such as diapers, pantiliners, feminine pads, adult incontinence products, wipes, tissues, and the like. | 02-21-2013 |
20130154151 | Method for Forming a Thermoplastic Composition that Contains a Renewable Biopolymer - A method for forming a thermoplastic composition that contains a combination of a renewable biopolymer with a polyolefin is provided. The biopolymer and polyolefin are supplied to the extruder at a feed section. The plasticizer is directly injected into the extruder in the form of a liquid so that it forms a thermoplastic biopolymer in situ within the extruder and then a homogeneous blend. The in situ addition of the plasticizer is facilitated by the use of a compatibilizer that has a polar component with an affinity for the biopolymer and a non-polar component with an affinity for the polyolefin. | 06-20-2013 |
20130157031 | Method for Forming a Thermoplastic Composition that Contains a Plasticized Starch Polymer - A method and system for melt processing a thermoplastic composition that contains a starch and plasticizer is provided. The composition is melt blended and extruded through a die to form an extrudate, which is thereafter cooled using a multi-stage system of the present invention that includes at least one water-cooling stage and at least one air-cooling stage. More particularly, the extrudate is initially contacted with water for a certain period time so that it becomes partially cooled and solidified on its surface. After the water-cooling stage(s), the extrudate is also subjected to at least one air-cooling stage in which a stream of air is placed into contact with the extrudate. | 06-20-2013 |
20130157032 | Multi-Layered Film Containing a Biopolymer - A film that contains a core layer positioned adjacent to an outer layer is provided. The core layer contains a relatively high percentage of thermoplastic biopolymers that are both biodegradable and renewable. Despite being biodegradable and renewable, many biopolymers tend to be relatively stiff in nature. The present inventors have discovered, however, that through selective control over the components in the core and outer layers, a film can be readily formed having good mechanical properties. Among other things, this is accomplished by blending the biopolymer in the core layer with a polyolefin. A polyolefin is also employed in the outer layer. In addition to providing functionality to the film (e.g., heat sealing, printing, etc.), the polyolefin-containing outer layer also helps counteract the stiffness of the biopolymer in the core layer, and helps improve processability, stiffness, and ductility. | 06-20-2013 |
20130209715 | Molded Parts Containing a Polylactic Acid Composition - A molded part that is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a polylactic acid, propylene/α-olefin copolymer, and a polyolefin compatibilizer is provided. The propylene/α-olefin copolymer can be dispersed as discrete physical domains within a continuous matrix of the polylactic acid. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the discrete domains can help resist the expansion of the composition during a molding operation, which minimizes the degree of expansion experienced by the composition during molding in comparison to conventional polylactic acid compositions. | 08-15-2013 |
20130309932 | Multicomponent Biodegradable Filaments and Nonwoven Webs Formed Therefrom - A biodegradable, substantially continuous filament is provided. The filament contains a first component formed from at least one high melting polyester and a second component formed from at least one low melting polyester. The low melting point polyester is an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester formed by melt blending a polymer and an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a copolyester having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting aliphatic-aromatic polymer. Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in the formation of substantially continuous filaments. | 11-21-2013 |
20130344764 | Biodegradable Aliphatic Polyester for Use in Nonwoven Webs - A method for forming a biodegradable aliphatic polyester suitable for use in fibers is provided. In one embodiment, for example, an aliphatic polyester is melt blended with an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a polyester having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and polymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified aliphatic polyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting aliphatic polyester. Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in a wide variety of fiber forming applications, such as in the meltblowing of nonwoven webs. | 12-26-2013 |
20140023806 | Water-Sensitive Biodegradable Film - A film that is biodegradable and water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water is provided. More specifically, the film contains a combination of a biodegradable polyester and a water-sensitive thermoplastic starch. The desired water-sensitive attributes of film may be achieved in the present invention by selectively controlling a variety of aspects of the film construction, such as the nature of the components employed, the relative amount of each component, the manner in which the film is formed, and so forth. | 01-23-2014 |
20140039435 | Melt-Processed Films of Thermoplastic Cellulose and Microbial Aliphatic Polyester - Films made from a thermoplastic cellulose and microbially-derived, renewable and biodegradable aliphatic polyester such as polyhydroxyalkanoates are disclosed. The films, made from two relatively brittle materials exhibit more ductility and strength than the materials from which the film is made. The film may be incorporated into absorbent personal care product including but not limited to training pants, diaper, bandages, and bed pads. | 02-06-2014 |
20140065914 | Biodegradable Aliphatic-Aromatic Copolyester for Use in Nonwoven Webs - A method for forming a biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic copolyester suitable for use in fibers is provided. In one embodiment, for example, an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is melt blended with an alcohol to initiate an alcoholysis reaction that results in a copolyester having one or more hydroxyalkyl or alkyl terminal groups. By selectively controlling the alcoholysis conditions (e.g., alcohol and copolymer concentrations, catalysts, temperature, etc.), a modified aliphatic-aromatic copolyester may be achieved that has a molecular weight lower than the starting aliphatic-aromatic polymer. Such lower molecular weight polymers also have the combination of a higher melt flow index and lower apparent viscosity, which is useful in a wide variety of fiber forming applications, such as in the meltblowing of nonwoven webs. | 03-06-2014 |