Ecosynthetix Inc.

Edward Van Egdom

Steven Bloembergen

Robert H Wildi

A process for producing a biopolymer nanoparticles product is disclosed. In this process, biopolymer feedstock and a plasticizer are fed to a feed zone of an extruder having a screw configuration in which the feedstock is process using shear forces in the extruder, and a crosslinking agent is added to the extruder downstream of the feed zone. The biopolymer feedstock and plasticizer are preferably added separately to the feed zone. The screw configuration may include two or more steam seal sections. Shear forces in a first section of the extruder may be greater than shear forces in an adjacent second section of the extruder downstream of the first section. In a post reaction section located after a point in which the crosslinking reaction has been completed, water may be added to improve die performance.

Process for producing biopolymer nanoparticles

In a process for producing a biopolymer nanoparticles, biopolymer feedstock and a plasticizer are fed to a feed zone of an extruder and the biopolymer feedstock is processed using shear forces. A crosslinking agent is added to the extruder downstream of the feed zone. The process has a production rate of at least 1.0 metric tons per hour. The feedstock and the plasticizer are preferably added separately to the feed zone. The extruder may have single flight elements in the feed zone. The temperatures in the intermediate section of the extruder are preferably kept above 100 C. The screw configuration may include two or more steam seal sections. Shear forces in a first section of the extruder may be greater than shear forces in an adjacent downstream section of the first section. In a post reaction section, water may be added to improve die performance.

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Dunday, Canada

Edward Van Egdom