Kimberly-clark Worldwide, Inc.

JaeHong Lee

James Hongxue Wang

Vasily Aramovich Topolkaraev

Neil T Scholl

YoungSook Kim

David William Koenig

Gregory James Wideman

Bo Shi

Dianna L Ambrose

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.

Melt processed antimicrobial composition

The present invention relates to a wipe suitable for multiple re-use comprising a biopolymer matrix composition, said biopolymer matrix comprising from about 0.1% to about 40% of an essential oil, about 30% to about 95% of a biopolymer, and about 1% to about 50% of a carrier fluid wherein a limited amount of said essential oil can be released from said matrix composition when exposed to a liquid solution; and wherein an additional limited amount of said essential oil can be re-released repetitiously thereafter upon re-use with an additional exposure of a liquid solution to said wipe.

Natural, multiple use and re-use, user saturated wipes

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.

Wipe coated with a botanical emulsion having antimicrobial properties

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.

Biodegradable blends and films having nano-structural features

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.

Melt-processed films of thermoplastic cellulose and microbial aliphatic polyester

A method for forming an antimicrobial composition that includes mixing an antimicrobially active botanical oil (e.g., thymol, carvacrol, etc.) and protein within a melt blending device (e.g., extruder) is provided. Despite the problems normally associated with melt processing proteins, the present inventors have discovered that the processing conditions and components may be selectively controlled to allow for the formation of a stable, melt-processed composition that is able to exhibit good mechanical properties. For example, the extrusion temperature(s) and shear rate employed during melt blending are relatively low to help limit polypeptide dissociation, thereby minimizing the impact of aggregation and embrittlement. While the use of such low temperature/shear conditions often tend to reduce mixing efficiency, the present inventors have discovered that a carrier fluid may be employed to enhance the ability of the botanical oil to flow into the internal structure of the protein where it can be retained in a stable manner. The composition is also typically anhydrous and generally free of solvents. In this manner, the protein will not generally disperse before use and prematurely release the botanical oil.

Growing community of inventors

Yongin-si, South Korea

JaeHong Lee